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10 private-island resorts you can book with points
Benji Stawski is a former reporter for the site, covering all things points, miles, credit cards, travel and aviation.
May 18, 2021 • 13 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
Private island resorts worldwide can be booked using hotel and airline loyalty points, making exclusive stays more accessible.
Highlighted properties span regions such as the Maldives, Thailand, Italy, the Caribbean and the U.S., each offering unique amenities and experiences.
Award night rates and redemption values vary significantly, with some properties offering all-inclusive packages and others requiring additional charges for transfers or activities.
Some offers and redemption opportunities mentioned may no longer be available, as noted in the article.
What to consider
Award availability and required points can fluctuate based on season, property and loyalty program rules.
Certain properties require substantial point balances or elite status for redemption, and some have extra charges for transfers or premium experiences.
Redemption rates and inclusions, such as meals and activities, differ by resort and may impact overall value.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of top private island resorts bookable with points, including tips on maximizing value and understanding key redemption nuances.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Travel looks a bit different these days, with a bigger emphasis on privacy and exclusivity than ever. In addition to arise in private jet demand, travelers are more inclined to stay a secluded property than before.
"Expensive" and "far-fetched" are typically the first phrases that come to mind when people think of staying on a private island. However, if you're an avid TPG reader, you know that the world's most luxurious travel experiences can often be booked for little out-of-pocket by redeeming points and miles. Fortunately, the same is true with booking stays at private island resorts.
Rather than list out every single points hotel located on a private island, we’ve curated a list of some of the best properties in different regions of the world. So, while the Maldives has aslew of amazing private island points hotels, we've only included one on this list.
For example, the Calala Island resort is located off the coast of Nicaragua and is part of a group of islands known as the Pearl Cays. It's so exclusive that it only has four beach-front suites and can only accommodate eight guests at a time. With room rates regularly topping $2,000 per night, this is an absolute steal with points.
Calala Island brands itself as "ultra-inclusive" because everything from food, drinks and activities to airport transfers is included in the price. When you compare that to resorts in the Maldives, where you canspend $600+ per person on transfers, this easily earns the top spot for private island resorts.
Points per night: 20,000 Hyatt points or 17,000-23,000 points, starting in July 2021.
(Photo courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the World)
The Cape Fahn Hotel is located on a private island just off the northern tip of Koh Samui in Thailand. The resort is made up of 22 villas, each with its own plunge pool and private sun deck.
You can get to the hotel either by boat or, when there's low tide, by walking across the narrow strait from Choeng Mon beach on Koh Samui. The property isn't very large, but it does offer two restaurants and an on-site spa.
At 20,000 points per night, award rates are relatively reasonable here. You can earn enough points for three free nights by picking up the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which is currently offering a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 bonus points: 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within your first three months from account opening, plus up to 30,000 more points by earning 2x bonus points total on purchases that normally earn 1x bonus point, on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening.
The overwater villa deck at The St. Regis Maldives. (Photo by Ethan Steinberg/The Points Guy)
TPG founder and CEO Brian Kelly, along with TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig both consider theSt. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to be one of their favorite hotels in the world andfor good reason. The property is only a few years old, has breathtaking views and offers an endless array of activities that will keep you entertained for as long as you’re there.
While 85,000 points for a standard award night may sound steep, keep in mind that room rates are regularly $1,500+ per night. The lowest-level awards book into overwater villas, so redemptions here can get you serious value for your points.
Runners-up
ThePark Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa comes in a close second for properties in the Maldives and offers better award redemption possibilities at 30,000 points per night. But the St. Regis took the crown in ourhotel face-off.
There’s also the new Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, which some may even prefer over the St. Regis. It’s more expensive overall and finding standard room award availability is much harder. A free night goes for 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is set on a private island called Isola delle Rose (Rose Island) off the coast of — you guessed it — Venice, Italy. The 40-acre island resort boasts 250 rooms, four restaurants, the city’s largest spa and an early 20th-century church.
The highlight of the property is not the century-old park or the on-site Sapori Cooking Academy, butthe rooftop lounge and pool that offers panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see. Guests have easy access to the heart of Venice thanks to a complimentary boat service to St. Mark’s Square.
Points per night: 30,000-40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
(Photo courtesy of the Sheraton Tokoriki Island)
Tokoriki Island is one of the 20 Mamanuca Islands — the closest group of islands to Nadi International Airport (NAN) and arguably the most picture-perfect. Guests visiting the Sheraton Resort & Spa on Tokoriki can expect white sand beaches and clear waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling.
The island's central location makes it easy to go "island-hopping" and explore everything that the Fijian islands have to offer. Since this is just a Category 5 Marriott property, you can use theannual award night from these cards (worth up to 35,000 points) on standard and off-peak dates:
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina
Points per night: 70,000-100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
(Photo courtesy of the Scrub Island Resort)
If you'd rather stay closer to home and use your Marriott points on a private island getaway, consider redeeming them for a stay at the Scrub Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands.
The private island is located just one mile offshore from Tortola Airport (EIS) and provides complimentary boat transportation from the mainland. The resort offers three private beaches, three pools, a full-service spa with ayurvedic treatments and a marina.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
Points per night: 40,000-60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Flamingos on Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Island. (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)
While the Renaissance Aruba isn't located on a private island, the property still gets a spot on this list because guests have exclusive access to the resort's 40-acre private island.
Renaissance Island is divided between an adult-only side and a family area. It features Aruba’s only private beach, along with chaise lounges, huts, hammocks and even flamingos. Couples can book a romantic overnight package on the island for an additional fee.
There are many nonstop options to get you to and from Aruba (AUA) from major cities across the U.S. — includingJetBlue Mint service from Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK).
Points per night: 20,000 Hyatt points or 17,000-23,000 points per night starting July 2021.
(Photo courtesy of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa.)
Located in Bonita Springs, Florida, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is the closest resort on this list to home — and probably the cheapest. Resort guests have access to a private island and beach with hourly boat transportation. But this resort isn't just for beach bumming — the property also features three acres of water attractions that include a lazy river, five waterslides and an adult pool.
To book this hotel, you can use points from your World of Hyatt Credit Card ortransfer Ultimate Rewards points from cards such as theChase Sapphire Preferred Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
The incredible North Island Resort in Seychelles is now available using Marriott points. A lot of them. (Photo courtesy of the resort)
The final property on this listjoined the Marriott Bonvoy program as a Luxury Collection resort in Nov. 2019. However, don't get too excited, as each night will set you back over 360,000 points — and that's not including the 814 Euros you'd need to pay for a helicopter transfer each way.
In exchange for those points, you'll enjoy a two-bedroom villa covering nearly 5,000 square feet. Your stay will also include complimentary breakfast, use of an island buggy, morning yoga and kids activities. With room rates that regularly cross $7,000 per night, this could be considered a great value — as long as you're sitting on a massive stash of Marriott points.
There aremany ways to earn Marriott points towards this stay, though the astronomical award rates likely put it out of reach for the majority of travelers.
This list wouldn't be complete without Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private escape in the British Virgin Islands. It's a 74-acre private island oasis north of Virgin Gorda and east of Puerto Rico. The resort only sleeps up to 40 people across 15 total rooms.
On the island, you’ll find amenities like infinity pools, serene relaxation spaces, several bars, elegant dining spaces, lawn games, tennis courts and a hot tub directly on the beach. There are also endless activities for guest to participate in, such as kitesurfing, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, yoga, tennis, spa treatments and more.
While you typically need to rent the entire island, from time to time, there are “Celebration Weeks” available, during which you can book an individual room (you can view the available 2021 and 2022 weeks here).
You can normally book these weeklong stays with Virgin Atlantic miles for 1.5 million miles, though redemptions have temporarily been suspended while the resort processes a backlog of previous bookings that have been canceled due to the pandemic. Also note that miles bookings are restricted to those who have Virgin Atlantic Silver or Gold status, though may be able to status match to Virgin Atlantic from another airline or hotel program.
Celebration Week packages are all-inclusive, including everything from meals and drinks to transfers, activities and even a DJ for one night. Considering paid rates can be around $8,000 per night, you can get tremendous value from your miles.
The InterContinental Hayman Island Resort is part of the Whitsunday Islands and sits in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. You can book a night there for 70,000 IHG Rewards Club points. Another private island resort that didn't make it onto this list but deserves a mention is Amanpulo in the Philippines, run by the famed luxury brand Aman. But, you'll need tons of fixed-value points (or cash) to book it.
Additional reporting by Summer Hull and Jason Stauffer
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
