The Miles and Points game is meant to bring tremendous value and allow players to make some breathtaking redemptions that could cost absurd amounts of cash. While I’ve have had my share of awesome redemptions I don’t think I’ve really had an aspirational redemption of trip thus far so today I will be putting together a bucket list of my Aspirational Redemptions. I have not stayed or flown on any items on this list. Aspirational Redemptions is what makes the miles and points game worth playing.
Rules:
The redemption must be standard rates and something reasonable. For example, certain Hilton Waldorf properties are unavailable for a standard award night through the end of the year making it a highly unreasonable that I would be able to score a standard award. I will also go into detail about the potential cost in points per redemption and how I plan on acquiring those points.
- 10. ANA(All Nippon Airways) The Room West Coast USA-Japan
- 9. Alila Ventana Big Sur
- 8.Park Hyatt Sydney
- 7.Qatar Airways Q-Suite(Business Class)
- 6.Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- 5. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
- 4. Singapore Airways First Class Suite
- 3.Lufthansa First Class (from Frankfurt)
- 2.Park Hyatt Kyoto
- 1.Emirates First Class
- Final Thoughts
10. ANA(All Nippon Airways) The Room West Coast USA-Japan
Cost: 85,000-105,000 + fees ANA Points(round trip)
ANA’s the room is one of these best if not the top business class product on the market. The product was dropped in a surprised manner and is only featured on a handful of flights from United States. (I’m hoping this changes in the near future).
In addition to being one of the top business class products in the sky, ANA also offers some of the most incredible redemption rates with one caveat, you must book a round trip.
9. Alila Ventana Big Sur
Cost: 35,000-45,000 Hyatt Points per Night(Category 8)
One of the most elusive properties on the West Coast in the Hyatt portfolio, the Alila Ventana is a luxury property located in the scenic Big Sur. Award space has been awfully hard to come by and with the property moving up to category 8, the cost is rising as well. I hope to make a trip to this property and there are plenty of great reviews and it is only a short drive from one of my favorite properties Hyatt Carmel Valley Ranch.
8.Park Hyatt Sydney
Cost: 35,000-45,000 Hyatt Points per Night(Category 8)
The Park Hyatt Sydney is arguably one of the top 3 properties in the Hyatt portfolio. Situated on right on the water near the famed Sydney Opera House, the property boast splendid views and a prime location.
7.Qatar Airways Q-Suite(Business Class)
Cost: 70,000 American Airlines Points (if lucky)
The only other business class redemption on this list, Qatar’s Q-Suite is the number one business class product in the Sky. The ability to have a closed suite with couples seating allows Q-Suite to beat out ANA’s revamped and exciting business class product. Coupled with Qatar is Q-Suite is a remarkable pre-departure experience. If you’re lucky enough to be flying from Qatar
6.Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Cost: 120,000 Hilton Points Per Night(Standard Award)
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the first property in the Maldives on this list. Yes I know the Maldives is way overhyped and over priced, but I still would like to make a visit to the gorgeous archipelagos in the Indian Ocean. This resort provides an unparalleled luxury escape that’s reasonably priced on points. As of 2023, you can book nights with a standard award price of 120,000 points per night. Hilton members who book 4 nights on points get a 5th night free. For about 480,000 Hilton points, you can spend 5 nights at this amazing destination.
5. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Cost: 150,00 Hilton points per night (standard award)
Jen and I have been very luck to have the opportunity to redeem Hilton free night certificates at both the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabo Pedregal. Both properties contrasted each other in terms of style, design, and location. Yet both properties provided an unparalleled and amazing experience. The Waldorf Astoria Maldives is a place we hope to cross off our bucket list in the near future.
4. Singapore Airways First Class Suite
Growing up Singapore Airlines was always at the top of the list. With the introduction of the new suite a few years back, I am eager to fly on Singapore for the first time! The airline is well-known for their excellent hospitality and truly exceptional service. I also look forward to combining a suite in the sky with Jen.
3.Lufthansa First Class (from Frankfurt)
Cost:100,000 Aeroplan Points (if available)
** You can also book through United Mileage Plus, Lifemiles, and many other programs***
Lufthansa is an airline that I have yet to fly. Over the years, I have heard great reviews about the pre-departure experience in Frankfurt. From an over the top pre-flight dining experience, an in lounge bubble bath, and being driven from lounge to the plane by a Porsche this is a one of a kind experience found in Frankfurt. On board, Lufthansa has a small first class cabin with excellent dining options including caviar service.
2.Park Hyatt Kyoto
Cost: 35,000-45,000 Hyatt Points per Night(Category 8)
This hotel might not be on most traveler’s bucket list, but I love going to Japan. Having spent 2 weeks eating my way through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara back in 2018, I have been dreaming of returning. The Park Hyatt Kyoto is eloquently designed with modern design yet a traditional Japanese feel. This property is the number 1 property on my bucket list!
In addition to being a luxurious property set in the heart of Kyoto which is filled with history and magnificent castles, the property also boast some of the best service you can find. The Japanese are truly outliers in their exemplary attention to detail.
1.Emirates First Class
Cost: Variable but most routes start at 110,000 points via Aeroplan(no carrier surcharges)
The true epitome of First Class Luxury, Emirates long been synonymous with excellent service. The best of the best, Emirates has a pre-departure experience for first class passengers in the UAE unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Their suites are not the largest but spell bougie in every single way. Feeling grimy? Emirates passengers in first can shower. Talk about the true meaning of luxury!
Final Thoughts
Whether its a top of the line business class product, world’s best first class product, or a breath taking resort/hotel, building a bucket list is the fun part of miles and points. Remember the best way to stack up miles and points is to use a mix of credit card signup bonuses and manufactured spending. I can’t wait to knock off some of these items!
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