Update: See here for my review of Calala Island, Nicaragua.
I think we may have just found one of the best new uses of hotel points in the world. World of Hyatt has a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, allowing members to earn and redeem points for stays at SLH properties.
Well, there’s one redemption opportunity that stands out from the rest.
Redeem World of Hyatt Points At Calala Island
Calala Island was added as a World of Hyatt partner (through SLH) in early October 2019. While the property immediately caught my attention, initially it wasn’t possible to redeem points there. I figured that was by design, since this hotel doesn’t have “standard” rooms, and paid rates are $2,000+ per night (seasonally they’re even $3,000+ per night).
As it turns out, that was a glitch, and it in fact possible to redeem points at Calala Island, at the rate of 40,000 points per night.
That’s a lot of Hyatt points, though this is also a property that retails for $2,350++ per night when paying cash.
Note that there seems to be a three day minimum stay (and over some periods an even longer minimum stay), which isn’t too surprising given how secluded the resort is.
If you want to find availability, your best bet is to first search through the Calala website. That’s because they have a calendar with availability. When you see junior suite availability there, then go to Hyatt’s website and redeem points.
Note that when redeeming points there’s a 90 day cancelation policy, so you’ll need to lock in plans way in advance.
What Is Calala Island?
Calala Island is a roughly 11 acre private island in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Nicaragua. The island is a private resort that accommodates at most eight guests, with just four rooms — that includes three junior suites and one master suite.
The island has a staff of 25, so that’s a ratio of over three staff per guest.
Here’s a video about the property:
Calala Island Is All Inclusive
Calala Island advertises themselves as being “ultra all inclusive.” As they describe it, stays here include the following:
Return transfers from Managua International airport (50 minute internal flight and 90-minute boat transfer). Most alcoholic beverages served in a variety of locations throughout the Island. Full use of Island boats and skipper. Non-motorised water sports – including wonderful snorkelling opportunities – Beach party BBQ night – Fine dining tasting menus created by the Executive Chef. Complimentary WiFi throughout the Island.
So your stay includes food and drinks, and even transfers, which include both a flight and a boat ride. I have also confirmed directly with the hotel that points bookings qualify for all the same inclusions.
How To Earn Hyatt Points
World of Hyatt points are pretty easy to come by.
First of all there are lots of credit cards that potentially earn World of Hyatt points. In addition to being able to earn World of Hyatt points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you can also transfer over points from Ultimate Rewards.
- Earn 4x Points at Hyatt Properties
- Free Night Every Year
- Complimentary Discoverist Status
- $95
- Earn 4x Points at Hyatt Properties
- Complimentary Discoverist Status
- Gift Discoverist Status up to 5 Employees
- $199
- 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining
- 2x points on travel purchases
- $95
- 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
- 3x points on Dining
- $300 Annual Travel Credit
- $795
- Earn 3x points on travel with the first $150k in combined purchases
- Earn 3x points on shipping purchases with the first $150k in combined purchases
- Cell Phone Protection
- $95
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business purchases
- Car Rental Coverage
- Extended Warranty Protection
- $0
- Earn 5% Cash Back at office supply stores on the first $25k
- Earn 5% Cash Back on internet, cable TV, mobile phones, and landlines on the first $25k
- Car Rental Coverage
- $0
- Earn 3% Cash Back on Dining
- Earn 3% Cash Back at Drugstores
- Earn 1.5% Cash Back On All Other Purchases
- $0
- Earn 3% Cash Back on Dining, Takeout and Eligible Delivery Services
- Earn 3% Cash Back at Drugstores
- Rotating Quarterly Bonus Categories
- $0
See this post for everything you need to know about earning Hyatt points with credit cards.
On top of that, Hyatt often has bonuses on purchased points. For example, right now you can purchase Hyatt points for ~1.7 cents each thanks to a 40% bonus.
Bottom Line
This looks like an incredible use of World of Hyatt points. Redeeming just 40,000 points per night for a private island property that would cost $2,350+ per night and is all inclusive seems incredible.
It’s my understanding that you can redeem points for two of the three junior suites here, so you could book 50% of the island for yourself with just points.
I don’t remember the last time I’ve been this excited about a points hotel!
Anyone else planning on going to Calala Island?
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