From Sand to Slopes: 5 Best Destination by Hyatt Residences Bookable With Points

Hyatt may not have as many locations as Marriott or Hilton, but it's actively working on growing its portfolio. Building hotels takes years; instead, Hyatt is adding new properties to its collection by partnering with independent hotels and private residences through its Destination by Hyatt brand.

Recently, Hyatt added more of these properties to the World of Hyatt loyalty program. With these additions, 62 Destination by Hyatt properties now stretch across 12 states — plus one property on the isle of Ibiza, Spain. These unique properties are worth a look, especially if you're headed to Hawaii beaches or Colorado ski resorts.

Here are some of the best Destination by Hyatt residences you can book with World of Hyatt points.

Types of Destination by Hyatt properties

There are two types of Destination by Hyatt properties: hotels/resorts and residences.

• Destination by Hyatt hotels and resorts are generally small independent hotels that have partnered with Hyatt.

• Meanwhile, Destination residences include private vacation homes generally found in enticing locations.

World of Hyatt elites should keep in mind that only certain World of Hyatt benefits are available at certain Destination by Hyatt properties. For example, as you're booking an individual unit, Destination residences generally don't include breakfast for Globalist elites.

» Learn more: Complete guide to Hyatt elite status

The best Destination by Hyatt residences for award stays

World of Hyatt members can book dozens of Destination by Hyatt residences. Of course, the best of these residences will ultimately depend on where you want to go. There are some incredible locations that might be worth building a trip around. Let's review some of them.

1. Interlude Condominiums in Snowmass Village

If you're looking for a ski-in/ski-out experience using your World of Hyatt points, check out Interlude Condominiums in Snowmass Village in Colorado. These slope-side condominiums boast "the most breathtaking views in Snowmass Village," according to Hyatt.

To help you feel at home, units include amenities such as:

• Full kitchens.

• Private balconies.

• Brick fireplaces.

• Free on-site parking.

• In-unit laundry facilities.

This luxury doesn't come cheap. Two-bedroom condos at this Category 8 property cost 50,000 World of Hyatt points per night. To book a bigger three-bedroom condo with 1,465 square feet of space, you'll need to pay 61,000 Hyatt points per night.

» Learn more: 10 cool ski hotels you can book with points

2. Lahaina Shores Beach Resort on Maui

Located on the west coast of Maui, Lahaina Shores Beach Resort balances the perks of having your own place — including your own kitchen — with some resort-like perks, such as housekeeping.

As a Category 5 property, award nights in standard rooms cost just 20,000 points per night.

If you want to splurge for a suite, rates start at 29,000 points per night.

3. Lichenhearth Condominiums in Snowmass Village

Located in the heart of Snowmass Village, Lichenhearth Condominiums offers the convenience of a ski resort and the comforts of home.

Condos include:

• Wood-burning fireplaces.

• Views of the mountains from a private deck.

• A fully equipped kitchen.

• Laundry facilities.

• Heated outdoor pool and hot tubs.

• Complimentary covered parking.

• A ride from/to the Aspen airport on the resort's shuttle.

Despite its great location and perks, Lichenhearth is just a World of Hyatt Category 5 property. Award nights in standard studio rooms cost just 20,000 points per night, while an upgrade to a premium room will cost 27,000 points per night.

4. Wailea Grand Champions Villas on Maui

For an active Hawaii vacation, it's hard to beat the Wailea Grand Champions Villas. The resort's villas stretch along the fairways of the Wailea Blue Golf Course, meaning you can continue to take in the course from your private lanai after you call it a day.

As a Category 5 property, you'll pay just 20,000 points per night for a standard villa, or you and your golfing buddies can stretch out in a two-bedroom condo for just 27,000 points per night.

5. Vail Residences at Cascade Village

A ski trip with a large group doesn't have to break the points bank. Vail Residences at Cascade Village in Colorado features up to three-bedroom condos that make it easy for the whole family or a group of friends to stretch out.

Vail Residences at Cascade Village is a Category 8 property, meaning award rates start at 35,000 points per night. That gets you a one-bedroom, 775-square foot, ski-in/ski-out condo at the base of the famed Vail Mountain.

How to get World of Hyatt points

The most-obvious way of earning World of Hyatt points is by staying at Hyatt properties. However, that's far from the only way to earn World of Hyatt points.

• For example, with the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you can earn up to 9 points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, 2 points per dollar spent in a variety of categories and 1 point per dollar on general purchases. Cardholders receive a free night certificate good at any Category 1-4 Hyatt property every cardmember anniversary and a welcome bonus.

• The other way to boost your World of Hyatt balance is by transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio in increments of 1,000 points. The current sign-up bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can get you nearly as many World of Hyatt points. Plus, you can effectively earn 5 Hyatt points per dollar spent on qualifying travel purchases.

» Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now

If you want to book a Destination by Hyatt property with points ...

Travelers are looking to explore the world again and want to do so as safely as possible, which makes the opportunity to book a private Destination by Hyatt residence as appealing as ever. From taking a Colorado ski adventure to escaping to the warm beaches of Hawaii, Hyatt offers dozens of great properties from which to choose. Best of all, you can use your World of Hyatt points to book your stay for little to nothing out-of-pocket.