Best places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean

Best places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean

Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway? Whether you are wanting for a secluded seaside escape, vibrant nightlife or an adventure-packed retreat, there are many locations the place you may maximize your points to take pleasure in a trip to a tropical paradise for much less.

From luxurious resorts to boutique hideaways, these eight Caribbean islands and cities provide unbelievable redemption alternatives by means of main lodge and airline loyalty applications. In this information, we’ll break down the place to go, how to get there and the finest properties to ebook — a number of of that are featured on our record of the most enjoyable lodge openings of 2025 — as a way to flip your journey rewards into an unforgettable, sun-soaked trip.

Related: The finest secret seashores in the Caribbean

South Caicos

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South Caicos, the hidden gem of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, gives a tranquil escape with unspoiled seashores and vibrant marine life. Known for its world-class diving, fishing alternatives and breathtaking coral reefs, this island is a haven for nature lovers and journey seekers. Pro tip: Don’t miss the historic salt ponds or kayaking by means of 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 solely flight that runs straight from the U.S. to South Caicos (or any Turks and Caicos sister island exterior of the essential island of Providenciales, the place the worldwide airport is). It operates twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays from American’s Caribbean hub at Miami International Airport (MIA). Previously, any guests going to South Caicos would want to fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS) after which take one other flight to South Caicos.

Where to keep

Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa — featured on our record of the most enjoyable lodge openings in 2025 — is a newly opened property nestled alongside 3,000 toes of personal white-sand seashores on South Caicos. Expect 100 visitor rooms and suites, every that includes refined customized furnishings, expansive ocean-view balconies and a half dozen eating and drink venues.

Rates at Salterra begin at round $600 or 94,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

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Looking for a suites- and villas-only Hilton property? Sailrock South Caicos, a part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, gives gorgeous views of the sea and each day included breakfast. But earlier than you ebook it, find out how to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points at SLH properties.

Rates at Sailrock South Caicos begin at $1,294 or 140,000 points per evening.

Grand Cayman

THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN/FACEBOOK

As the largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is legendary for its idyllic Seven Mile Beach. Here, the powdery white sand and clear waters are preferrred for snorkeling, diving and easily kicking again beneath the solar. Visitors can even discover Stingray City, take pleasure in world-class eating and store duty-free in George Town.

Flying there

Flights to Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) have a tendency to be costly, however fortunately it is a comparatively quick flight from a number of main U.S. gateways. That means you may find a way to discover some mileage offers utilizing British Airways Avios to fly American Airlines since British Airways’ award chart is distance-based. American Airlines gives each day service from Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Philadelphia (there are additionally 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 switch points from American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Where to keep

Grand Cayman is small, so there aren’t too many points resorts, however there are nonetheless some unbelievable properties to select from.

Topping the record, The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly as soon as referred to as The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman “easily one of the best points hotels in the Caribbean.” Not solely are the rooms luxurious however there are two expansive swimming pools, a lovely beachfront, a number of eating places and bars, and a La Prairie Spa.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman begin at $835 or 96,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

Of course, all eyes are on Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa, additionally featured on our record of thrilling lodge openings for 2025. The property is predicted to open in late 2025 or early 2026, marking Hyatt’s return to the island, and will probably be situated shut to the well-known Seven Mile Beach. Expect a membership lounge, spa, a number of swimming pools and several other new eating places at this beachfront property.

Cash charges at Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Spa aren’t accessible but, however award charges begin at 21,000-29,000 World of Hyatt points per evening.

Aruba

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With lengthy, sandy seashores, mild currents and dreamy climate virtually all yr spherical, Aruba is one in all the Caribbean’s most family-friendly locations with loads of points resorts to select from, together with one with its personal personal island. The Dutch Caribbean gem, often called One Happy Island, is legendary for its welcoming tradition, vibrant nightlife and adventurous actions like windsurfing and off-roading by means of Arikok National Park.

Flying there

The main U.S. airways all fly to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), so the way you get there’ll actually simply depend upon the kind of miles you acquire. Here are two choices, although:

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) — keep in mind, you may switch Amex Membership Rewards points to your Delta SkyMiles account.

JetBlue additionally has nonstops from BOS, JFK and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) beginning at 9,300 points. JetBlue is a switch companion of Amex, Chase and Citi.

Where to keep

The newly opened St. Regis Aruba Resort is a luxurious beachfront vacation spot in Palm Beach with 252 rooms, together with 52 suites with direct seaside entry. Guests can take pleasure in the world-class spa, a on line casino with conventional video games and fashionable slot machines, and personal cabanas by the infinity pool.

Rates at The St. Regis Aruba Resort begin at $844 or 79,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

Opened in January, the Joia Aruba by Iberostar resort on Eagle Beach options 240 suites with sweeping ocean and island views. There are seven eating places and bars on-site, and friends have unique entry to the Tierra del Sol golf course, Aruba’s solely 18-hole championship course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Rates at Joia Aruba by Iberostar begin at $560 or 137,000 IHG One Rewards points per evening.

Puerto Rico

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Puerto Rico is all the time a good concept for apparent causes — the solar, the sand, the good vibes — however this summer season will probably be hotter than ever thanks to rapper Bad Bunny’s residency from July 11 to Sept. 14. Now is definitely the time to ebook your flights and lodge keep so you do not miss out on the enjoyable (live performance tickets on the official website are bought out, however resale websites nonetheless have ticket choices).

Flying there

San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is a main hub for the Caribbean, so select your favourite airline. We’ve seen some unbelievable offers, together with flights from the East Coast for as little as $112 round-trip (from Miami) and $130 (from Philadelphia) to round $200 from different components of the nation, like $210 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). With ticket costs as little as this, you may want to forgo conventional award searches and simply ebook paid tickets.

Also, there’s a new flight route beginning this spring: Spirit Airlines will fly San Antonio’s first nonstop service to the Caribbean with flights to San Juan.

Where to keep

When it comes to the finest resorts in Puerto Rico, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve tops the record each time. It’s on the northern coast of the island on a 2-mile-long seaside and boasts 96 beachfront suites.

Rates at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve begin at $1,545 or 215,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

Adults-only Palacio Provincial San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton is in the coronary heart of the Old San Juan historic district. History buffs will love this boutique property — there are simply 43 rooms — situated in a landmark Nineteenth-century constructing with a wealthy diplomatic historical past relationship again to 1838. Hilton Honors members can maximize their keep by signing up for the Double Your Stay Promotion to earn double bonus points on all stays by means of April 30 whereas additionally having fun with perks like the Points & Money slider for versatile reserving, points pooling with pals and a free fifth evening on commonplace room redemptions.

Rates at Palacio Provincial San Juan, Curio Collection begin at $254 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per evening.

Dominica

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Dominica, often called the Nature Island of the Caribbean, is a paradise with lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls and pure scorching springs — and with a watch on sustainability, it is no surprise it made our “Where to go in 2025” record. The island gives unbelievable mountain climbing alternatives, together with the difficult trek to Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest scorching spring. Visitors can snorkel or dive at Champagne Reef, the place volcanic bubbles rise from the ocean flooring, or discover the vibrant marine life in the island’s pristine waters.

Flying there

Travelers to Dominica have historically solely had one main U.S. airline to ebook 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 the MileagePlus program by growing award charges by up to 122% with out advance discover. MileagePlus additionally makes use of dynamic pricing (as opposed to award charts), giving the airline complete flexibility to modify award costs.

Where to keep

The cream of the crop hotelwise right here is Secret Bay, Dominica’s unique, all-villa Relais & Chateaux rainforest resort. The property just lately unveiled its latest amenity and native attraction, Bwa Denn. This immersive cultural expertise options meals, artwork, retail, health, a kombucha brewery, an artwork gallery and extra. It’s bookable through Mr & Mrs Smith and American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Rates at Secret Bay begin at $987 per evening.

InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa is a perfect alternative for these wanting to use IHG One Rewards points. Nestled inside Cabrits National Park, this resort gives an immersive nature expertise with luxurious lodging, a full-service spa and easy accessibility to Dominica’s finest journey actions.

Rates at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa begin at $378 or 82,000 IHG One Rewards points per evening.

Cancun

LYNDSEY MATTHEWS/THE POINTS GUY

Cancun is a world-renowned paradise on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, well-known for its pristine seashores, iconic turquoise waters and buzzy nightlife scene. Visitors can take pleasure in all-inclusive luxurious resorts, discover historic Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum, or snorkel in the gorgeous cenotes and coral reefs of Riviera Maya. The metropolis gives a excellent mix of leisure and journey, with actions starting from lounging by infinity swimming pools to adrenaline-pumping excursions like zip lining and jet snowboarding.

Flying there

It may be pretty straightforward to discover reasonably priced airfare from U.S. gateways to Cancun — we’re speaking $183 round-trip from Miami, $218 round-trip from Denver and $286 round-trip from New York relying on the season. Before redeeming miles, verify money costs to see if it makes extra sense to ebook your flights that means — this is how to determine.

Where to keep

As you may discover on our record of the finest new resorts in 2024, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort ought to undoubtedly be in your radar — it even received the 2024 TPG Award for Best New All-Inclusive Points Hotel. It additionally boasts the first Camp Club at Marriott for youngsters, making it preferrred for multigenerational journeys.

Rates at Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort begin at $549 or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

For one other Marriott possibility particularly for those that could also be wanting for a romantic getaway, take into account Almare in Isla Mujeres, the first adults-only Luxury Collection property and one in all the finest all-inclusive wellness resorts on our radar proper now.

Rates at Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort begin at $604 or 78,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

The adults-only Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an all-inclusive beachfront resort on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast boasting six eating places, 5 bars and lounges, and an expansive infinity pool, so there are many methods to loosen up. Enjoy reside leisure with conventional mariachi bands, an acrobatic circus and the peaceable Zen Spa.

Rates at Hyatt Zilara Cancun begin at $759 or 45,000 World of Hyatt points per evening.

Grenada

IHG

Known as the Spice Island, Grenada is a Caribbean gem crammed with lush rainforests, gorgeous seashores, and the intoxicating aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon in the air. Visitors can loosen up on the powdery white sands of Grand Anse Beach, discover the vibrant underwater sculpture park or hike to breathtaking waterfalls hidden in the island’s inside.

Flying there

Getting to Grenada may be fairly expensive ($586 from Miami is the lowest we see, and that fare is in the off-peak summer season months), so utilizing points could also be a sensible choice. Travelers can fly straight into Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) from Miami through American Airlines beginning at 70,000 miles round-trip in coach plus $83.41.

Another possibility is to fly JetBlue, with a nonstop from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for as little as 15,100 points or a flight out of Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with one connection for 22,800 points.

Where to keep

Set on a scenic headland in southern Grenada, Six Senses La Sagesse, which made our record of the finest new resorts to open in 2024, is a luxurious ecoresort that includes 56 pool suites and 15 villas, all with giant outside terraces and personal plunge swimming pools. Dining highlights embody three eating places, two bars and a bakery.

The Six Senses Spa blends the island’s aromatic spices with holistic wellness applications, providing high-tech and conventional therapies centered on sleep, motion, yoga and longevity. The resort is surrounded by a pure lagoon that serves as a thriving habitat for a numerous vary of species.

Rates at Six Senses La Sagesse begin at $630 or 85,000 IHG One Rewards points per evening.

Dominican Republic

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The Dominican Republic is one in all the most numerous locations in the Caribbean when it comes to the kind of trip you may have. From the luxurious resorts of Punta Cana to the appeal of Santo Domingo, guests can expertise every part from all-inclusive leisure to fascinating historic websites. Adventurous vacationers can discover lush mountains, hidden waterfalls and world-class surf spots, whereas meals lovers can take pleasure in flavorful Dominican delicacies.

Flying there

Dominican airline Arajet simply introduced that it’s going to launch flights to the New York space in June, flying between Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Fares on the new route will begin 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 can function weekly Saturday-only service starting May 17.

Beyond that, all three main U.S. carriers fly into Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, as do JetBlue and Spirit.

Where to keep

There are two brand-new resorts in the DR that ought to be in your radar. The first is The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, set to open in spring 2025 with 200 visitor rooms and 36 suites (some with swim-out choices) and 9 foods and drinks venues. Highly anticipated facilities embody The St. Regis Spa with bespoke remedies and The Amber Room cigar bar.

Rates at The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort begin at $881 or 104,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

The second is the W Punta Cana, W’s first all-inclusive resort. Opening this spring at the northern finish of Punta Cana, this adults-only beachfront property could have 340 visitor rooms and suites with personal balconies, swim-up entry and plunge swimming pools. Aside from the Away Spa and a Wet Deck pool membership with an oceanfront infinity pool, count on 13 meals and beverage venues.

Rates at the W Punta Cana begin at $616 or 137,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per evening.

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