Turns out loyalty programs can do more than offer just a free breakfast.
A spontaneous gamble with a single loyalty point can turn a standard Caribbean trip to the Cayman Islands into one of the most memorable travel experiences imaginable.
After flying into Grand Cayman and checking into the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, my trip began with everything you’d expect from a world-class resort: oceanfront views, marble bathrooms, beachside dining, and lazy afternoons along the famous Seven Mile Beach. But the real highlight came through Marriott Bonvoy and its exclusive “Moments” experiences, where members can bid points for curated once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Watch the video to see how you can do it yourself
Marriott Bonvoy members can enter one point into a raffle for a chance to win an experience, including complimentary flights, dining, a luxury stay, and, yes, even a private catamaran adventure with a celebrity like outdoor personality Dylan Efron. The younger brother of actor Zac Efron, Dylan is a celeb in his own right, having appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” and other reality shows, such as “The Traitors.”
My day unfolded surreal and unlike any other, sailing through crystal-clear Caribbean water, snorkeling, learning a cooking lesson from the resort’s chef, and even visiting Stingray City to get up close with the island’s famous stingrays.
What can start out as a casual “why not?” entry into a chance to win an experience is proof that sometimes loyalty points and reward programs can deliver far more than a free breakfast. Instead, they can create stories you’ll be telling for years.