How We Booked a $20,000 Vacation With Points
Key Takeaways
- Chris and Amy successfully booked a last-minute, $20,000 vacation to Bora Bora almost entirely using credit card points and miles.
- By leveraging Marriott award search tricks and mixing two different airlines, they secured business class flights in both directions.
- After experiencing service issues at The Westin Bora Bora just three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal, forfeit the points, and pay cash to switch over to the Four Seasons.
- French Polynesia remains one of the easiest long-haul luxury trips from the West Coast due to favorable flight times and seamless connections.
- The episode breaks down a comprehensive ranking of the major Bora Bora resorts, comparing points value versus cash pricing.
Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/
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Resources Mentioned
Hotels & Resorts
- Hotel Upgrade Program
- The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui
- The Brando
- Le Taha'a
- Nanuku Resort
- Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica
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- #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins
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- Hotel Upgrade Program
- Best Cards Page
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- Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
- Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together
(03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations
(13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji
(14:59) Booking The Westin
(20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines
(26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights
(31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana
(32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin
(34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones
(37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems
(44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early
(52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys
(59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out
(01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again
(01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost
(01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip?
(01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons
(01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts
(01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List
(01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong
(01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations
(01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning
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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Chris and Amy book Bora Bora on points?
They utilized Marriott Bonvoy points to book award nights at The Westin Bora Bora—navigating specific search quirks to find availability—and mixed two different airlines to secure business class seats both ways.
Why did they switch from The Westin to the Four Seasons in Bora Bora?
Although the Westin is a brand-new property with great bones, a series of service failures and small frustrations three nights into the trip led them to check out early, abandon the points deal, and upgrade to the Four Seasons.
Is French Polynesia a good destination for a points-and-miles vacation?
Yes, French Polynesia is considered one of the easiest long-haul luxury destinations for West Coast travelers, offering incredible overwater bungalow resorts that can be heavily subsidized using hotel and airline points.
How do the major Bora Bora resorts rank against each other?
While properties like The Westin, Conrad, and St. Regis offer great value on points, the Four Seasons consistently ranks near the top for its exceptional service, expansive property layout, and standout spa facilities.