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8 amazing places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean
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Quick summary
The article highlights eight top Caribbean destinations where travelers can maximize hotel and airline loyalty program rewards for memorable vacations.
Featured locations include South Caicos, Grand Cayman, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Dominica, Cancun, Grenada and the Dominican Republic, each offering standout resorts and unique experiences.
New flight routes and recently opened or upcoming hotels are spotlighted, providing fresh options for both points redemptions and cash bookings.
The guide covers practical tips on booking flights, choosing properties and leveraging loyalty program points for stays at luxury and boutique hotels.
What to consider
Award rates and availability for hotels and flights vary by destination and season, with some properties requiring high points for redemption.
Dynamic pricing and recent devaluations in certain airline loyalty programs can impact the value of points redemptions, so compare cash fares before booking.
Some new hotels and routes are launching in 2024 and 2025, so booking windows and opening dates may affect travel planning.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of the best properties to book with points, new hotel openings and specific travel routes to optimize your Caribbean getaway.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Whether you’re looking for a secluded beach escape, vibrant nightlife or an adventure-packed retreat, there are plenty of destinations where you can maximize your points to enjoy a vacation to a tropical paradise for less.
Fromluxury resorts to boutique hideaways, these eight Caribbean islands and cities offer incredible redemption opportunities through majorhotel andairline loyalty programs. In this guide, we’ll break down where to go, how to get there and the best properties to book — several of which are featured on our list of the most exciting hotel openings of 2025 — so that you can turn your travel rewards into an unforgettable, sun-soaked vacation.
South Caicos, the hidden gem of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, offers a tranquil escape with unspoiled beaches and vibrant marine life. Known for its world-class diving, fishing opportunities and breathtaking coral reefs, this island is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Pro tip: Don’t miss the historic salt ponds or kayaking through crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife (octopus, sharks and sea turtles — oh my!).
Flying there
On March 15, American Airlines added a new route to South Caicos Airport (XSC). It’s the first and only flight that runs directly from the U.S. to South Caicos (or any Turks and Caicos sister island outside of the main island of Providenciales, where the international airport is). It operates twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from American's Caribbean hub at Miami International Airport (MIA). Previously, any visitors going to South Caicos would need to fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and then take another flight to South Caicos.
Where to stay
Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa — featured on our list of the most exciting hotel openings in 2025 — is a newly opened property nestled along 3,000 feet of private white-sand beaches on South Caicos. Expect 100 guest rooms and suites, each featuring refined custom furnishings, expansive ocean-view balconies and a half dozen dining and drink venues.
Rates at Salterra start at around $600 or 94,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Looking for a suites- and villas-only Hilton property? Sailrock South Caicos, part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, offers stunning views of the sea and daily included breakfast. But before you book it, learnhow to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points at SLH properties.
As the largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is famous for its idyllic Seven Mile Beach. Here, the powdery white sand and clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, diving and simply kicking back under the sun. Visitors can also explore Stingray City, indulge in world-class dining and shop duty-free in George Town.
Flying there
Flights to Grand Cayman's Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) tend to be expensive, but thankfully it’s a relatively short flight from several major U.S. gateways. That means you might be able to find some mileage deals using British Airways Avios to fly American Airlines since British Airways' award chart is distance-based. American Airlines offers daily service from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Philadelphia (there are also direct flights on United Airlines out of Houston and Chicago, and on Delta Air Lines out of Atlanta). Don't have BA Avios? You can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards andChase Ultimate Rewards.
Where to stay
Grand Cayman is small, so there aren't too many points hotels, but there are still some fantastic properties to choose from.
Topping the list, The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly once called The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman "easily one of the best points hotels in the Caribbean." Not only are the rooms luxurious but there are two expansive pools, a beautiful beachfront, several restaurants and bars, and a La Prairie Spa.
Of course, all eyes are onGrand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, also featured on our list of exciting hotel openings for 2025. The property is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026, marking Hyatt’s return to the island, and will be located close to the famous Seven Mile Beach. Expect a club lounge, spa, multiple pools and several new restaurants at this beachfront property.
With long, sandy beaches, gentle currents and dreamy weather practically all year round, Aruba is one of the Caribbean's most family-friendly destinations with plenty of points hotels to choose from, including one with its own private island. The Dutch Caribbean gem, known as One Happy Island, is famous for its welcoming culture, vibrant nightlife and adventurous activities like windsurfing and off-roading through Arikok National Park.
Flying there
The major U.S. airlines all fly to Aruba's Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), so how you get there will really just depend on the type of miles you collect. Here are two options, though:
Delta flies to Aruba nonstop from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) — remember, you can transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to your Delta SkyMiles account.
JetBlue also has nonstops from BOS, JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) starting at 9,300 points. JetBlue is a transfer partner of Amex, Chase and Citi.
Where to stay
The newly opened St. Regis Aruba Resort is a luxurious beachfront destination in Palm Beach with 252 rooms, including 52 suites with direct beach access. Guests can enjoy the world-class spa, a casino with traditional games and modern slot machines, and private cabanas by the infinity pool.
Opened in January, the Joia Aruba by Iberostar resort on Eagle Beach features 240 suites with sweeping ocean and island views. There are seven restaurants and bars on-site, and guests have exclusive access to the Tierra del Sol golf course, Aruba’s only 18-hole championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Puerto Rico is always a good idea for obvious reasons — the sun, the sand, the good vibes — but this summer will be hotter than ever thanks to rapper Bad Bunny’s residency from July 11 to Sept. 14. Now is certainly the time to book your flights and hotel stay so you don’t miss out on the fun (concert tickets on the official site are sold out, but resale sites still have ticket options).
Flying there
San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is a major hub for the Caribbean, so choose your favorite airline. We've seen some incredible deals, including flights from the East Coast for as little as $112 round-trip (from Miami) and $130 (from Philadelphia) to around $200 from other parts of the country, like $210 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). With ticket prices as low as this, you might want to forgo traditional award searches and just book paid tickets.
Also, there’s a new flight route starting this spring:Spirit Airlines will fly San Antonio’s first nonstop service to the Caribbean with flights to San Juan.
Where to stay
When it comes tothe best hotels in Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve tops the list every time. It’s on the northern coast of the island on a 2-mile-long beach and boasts 96 beachfront suites.
Adults-only Palacio Provincial San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton is in the heart of the Old San Juan historic district. History buffs will love this boutique property — there are just 43 rooms — located in a landmark 19th-century building with a rich diplomatic history dating back to 1838. Hilton Honors members can maximize their stay by signing up for the Double Your Stay Promotion to earn double bonus points on all stays through April 30 while also enjoying perks like the Points & Money slider for flexible booking, points pooling with friends and a free fifth night on standard room redemptions.
Dominica, known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is a paradise with lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls and natural hot springs — and with an eye onsustainability, it’s no wonder it made our "Where to go in 2025" list. The island offers incredible hiking opportunities, including the challenging trek to Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot spring. Visitors can snorkel or dive at Champagne Reef, where volcanic bubbles rise from the ocean floor, or explore the vibrant marine life in the island’s pristine waters.
Flying there
Travelers to Dominica have traditionally only had one major U.S. airline to book into Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) in Dominica: American Airlines, from its hub in Miami. But in February, United Airlines launched weekly flights from its hub at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). As a reminder, in 2023, United massively devalued theMileagePlus program by increasing award rates by up to 122% without advance notice. MileagePlus also uses dynamic pricing (as opposed to award charts), giving the airline total flexibility to adjust award prices.
Where to stay
The cream of the crop hotelwise here isSecret Bay, Dominica’s exclusive, all-villa Relais & Chateaux rainforest resort. The property recently unveiled its newest amenity and local attraction,Bwa Denn. This immersive cultural experience features food, art, retail, fitness, a kombucha brewery, an art gallery and more. It’s bookable via Mr & Mrs Smith and American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is an ideal choice for those wanting to use IHG One Rewards points. Nestled within Cabrits National Park, this resort offers an immersive nature experience with luxury accommodations, a full-service spa and easy access to Dominica’s best adventure activities.
Cancun is a world-renowned paradise on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, famous for its pristine beaches, iconic turquoise waters and buzzy nightlife scene. Visitors can indulge in all-inclusive luxury resorts, explore ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum, or snorkel in the stunning cenotes and coral reefs of Riviera Maya. The city offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with activities ranging from lounging by infinity pools to adrenaline-pumping excursions like zip lining and jet skiing.
Flying there
It can be fairly easy to find affordable airfare from U.S. gateways to Cancun — we're talking $183 round-trip from Miami, $218 round-trip from Denver and $286 round-trip from New York depending on the season. Before redeeming miles, check cash prices to see if it makes more sense to book your flights that way — here’show to decide.
Where to stay
As you'll find on our list of the best new hotels in 2024,Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort should definitely be on your radar — it even won the 2024 TPG Award for Best New All-Inclusive Points Hotel. It also boasts the first Camp Club at Marriott for kids, making it ideal for multigenerational trips.
The adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an all-inclusive beachfront resort on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast boasting six restaurants, five bars and lounges, and an expansive infinity pool, so there are plenty of ways to relax. Enjoy live entertainment with traditional mariachi bands, an acrobatic circus and the peaceful Zen Spa.
Rates at Hyatt Zilara Cancun start at $759 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Grenada
IHG
Known as the Spice Island, Grenada is a Caribbean gem filled with lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and the intoxicating aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon in the air. Visitors can relax on the powdery white sands of Grand Anse Beach, explore the vibrant underwater sculpture park or hike to breathtaking waterfalls hidden in the island’s interior.
Flying there
Getting to Grenada can be quite pricey ($586 from Miami is the lowest we see, and that fare is in the off-peak summer months), so using points may be a good choice. Travelers can fly directly into Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) from Miami via American Airlines starting at 70,000 miles round-trip in coach plus $83.41.
Another option is to fly JetBlue, with a nonstop from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for as low as 15,100 points or a flight out of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with one connection for 22,800 points.
Where to stay
Set on a scenic headland in southern Grenada,Six Senses La Sagesse, which made our list of the best new hotels to open in 2024, is a luxury ecoresort featuring 56 pool suites and 15 villas, all with large outdoor terraces and private plunge pools. Dining highlights include three restaurants, two bars and a bakery.
The Six Senses Spa blends the island’s fragrant spices with holistic wellness programs, offering high-tech and traditional therapies focused on sleep, movement, yoga and longevity. The resort is surrounded by a natural lagoon that serves as a thriving habitat for a diverse range of species.
Rates at Six Senses La Sagesse start at $630 or 85,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Dominican Republic
MAREMAGNUM/GETTY IMAGES
The Dominican Republic is one of the most diverse destinations in the Caribbean when it comes to the type of vacation you can have. From the luxury resorts of Punta Cana to the charm of Santo Domingo, visitors can experience everything from all-inclusive relaxation to fascinating historical sites. Adventurous travelers can explore lush mountains, hidden waterfalls and world-class surf spots, while food lovers can indulge in flavorful Dominican cuisine.
Flying there
Dominican airline Arajet just announced that it will launch flights to the New York area in June, flying between Santo Domingo's Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Fares on the new route will start at $127 one-way from Newark to Santo Domingo and $135 one-way on the reverse leg.
Additionally,Frontier Airlines has added a new route from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which will operate weekly Saturday-only service beginning May 17.
Beyond that, all three major U.S. carriers fly into Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, as do JetBlue and Spirit.
Where to stay
There aretwo brand-new hotels in the DR that should be on your radar. The first is The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, set to open in spring 2025 with 200 guest rooms and 36 suites (some with swim-out options) and nine food and drink venues. Highly anticipated amenities include The St. Regis Spa with bespoke treatments and The Amber Room cigar bar.
The second is theW Punta Cana, W's first all-inclusive resort. Opening this spring at the northern end of Punta Cana, this adults-only beachfront property will have 340 guest rooms and suites with private balconies, swim-up access and plunge pools. Aside from the Away Spa and a Wet Deck pool club with an oceanfront infinity pool, expect 13 food and beverage venues.
Rates at the W Punta Cana start at $616 or 137,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
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.
