Traci just sent us her reader success story to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Here’s her story:

Recently, my family of four ventured to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas. I’d come across this property a few times in the points and miles world, and the Gatorade-blue waters called to me during the wet and frigid month of January. So, on a particularly cold night, I booked it! Up until the week before, I wasn’t actually sure we could make it happen due to our tight schedule; however, we did and we loved it! 

 

Flights to Nassau

I originally booked our flights from LAX to NAS for 54,000 American Airlines miles + $26 for four people. I earned these miles with a personal Barclays Aviator Red Card (no longer available) when the welcome offer was 70,000 miles after one purchase. After we booked our flight, the departure time was changed to leave LAX earlier than originally scheduled, and since we had to drive about 3-3.5 hours to the airport, I wasn’t thrilled.

Six days before we were set to leave, I looked at alternatives and was able to cancel and rebook our flight from SFO to NAS to a time that worked better for us. SFO is slightly closer and easier to drive to. These flights were 46,000 AA miles + $26 for 4, so I actually saved 6,000 AA miles! Score! 

We opted to rent a car with cash to get to SFO. We left mid-morning and arrived with plenty of time to spare. Once checked in, we used our Priority Pass to enter the Club SFO lounge. The wait was about 15 or 20 mins, but once in, we spent about 3 hours there. It was quiet, and the food and drinks worked for us. 

Our first flight was to DFW, where we had an overnight layover. Getting from the West Coast to the Southeast region of the US, Central America, or the Caribbean is always a challenge time-wise! Our family opted to stay the night at the Grand Hyatt DFW for 21,000 Hyatt points, since it was attached to the terminal and our next-morning flight was at 8:25 am. We ordered breakfast to be delivered at 6 am (free with our Globalist status) and arrived at our gate for our flight to Nassau in time. 

 

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

We landed in Nassau just before 1 pm. After going through immigration and waiting for our checked bags, we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

I booked this property when it was still a Category 6 and paid 141,000 Hyatt points for 5 nights. I transferred these points from Chase to Hyatt. Both my husband and I earned Ultimate Rewards® when we met the requirements to earn elevated offers, so we had more than enough to cover our DFW hotel room and GH Baha Mar room. 

 

 

This property is GINORMOUS. Easily the largest resort I have ever been to. We were upgraded to a two-queen oceanview balcony room, which I thought was spacious and lovely. Thankfully, our room was ready when we arrived. After settling in, we put on our suits and immediately went to the onsite waterpark, Baha Bay. We loved the water park! We went almost every day. It was easily one of the best perks of the property. We mostly stayed on property with a day booked at the Baha Bay Beach Club and an excursion to Rose Island to swim with pigs. We had a great stay. 

 

 

After five nights, we headed back home to California. We flew on United Airlines NAS-DEN-FAT for 122,400 United Miles + $474. I used a combination of Ultimate Rewards® and United miles we earned from my husband opening a United℠ Business Card with a 100,000 elevated offer. We flew into our home airport, Fresno, which I often try to do because I hate driving home after a trip! It doesn’t always work or make sense, but if I can swing it, I will. 

For a trip I wasn’t sure would happen, I certainly was happy it did! We had such a fun time, and I continue to be blown away by what points and miles can provide.

 

 

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