Private islands and space flights: 9 of the most exclusive travel experiences you can book with points

27.12.2023 - 18:11 / thepointsguy.com / Richard Branson

You don't need me to remind you that points and miles can be used for fancy flights and posh hotel stays.

But did you know that your rewards can land you stays on private islands and potentially even a trip to space?

Points and miles can do wonders. This post will examine the most exclusive travel experiences your rewards can buy. Not only are these uber-cool experiences, but they offer a decent value for your points, too.

Hands down, the most unusual redemption you can make is on a drawing to win a trip to space with Virgin Galactic. The price? A cool 2 million Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. Luckily, the points are only deducted from your account if you win.

Commercial flights launched in June. The trip will be a three-day experience that includes flight preparation and a two-hour space flight with at least five minutes of weightlessness.

Although Flying Club is a transfer partner of all the major transferable points programs— American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards — there's one major restriction. The terms and conditions explicitly state that only points earned on Virgin Atlantic flights qualify for eligibility into the drawing. You also can't transfer points from other members' accounts.

Ticket prices for Virgin Galactic space flights currently start at $450,000, so you'd be getting 22.5 cents in value per point, which is phenomenal. TPG valuations peg Virgin points at 1.5 cents apiece.

Related: You could soon redeem miles for flights to space — here's how

Of course, a trip to space isn't the only option for those swimming in Virgin points. You can also redeem 540,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points plus $5,400 for a four-night stay for two at Richard Branson's Necker Island.

Necker Island is a 74-acre private-island oasis north of Virgin Gorda and east of Puerto Rico, in the British Virgin Islands. The resort sleeps up to 40 people across 15 total rooms. Amenities include infinity pools, serene relaxation spaces, several bars, elegant dining spaces, lawn games, tennis courts, water sports and a hot tub directly on the beach.

Bookings are restricted to those who have Virgin Atlantic Silver or Gold status, though you may be able to status match to Virgin Atlantic from another airline or hotel program.

Related: Private-island resorts you can book with points

The first airline to introduce a single aisle on the A380, Etihad offers first-class "Apartments" with an incredible amount of personal space, allowing you to walk around inside your private space. Each seat in an Apartment consists of a wide armchair and a separate couch that converts into a 6-foot, 10-inch bed.

Nine Apartments alternate