Let's play a game: Imagine the most luxurious destinations on Earth. Got a few in mind? Great! Now, let's see if our top reward seat spots match your list.
From the hush of private villas to the bustle of iconic cities, we've curated a list of places you can fly to using your accumulated British Airways Avios and the trusty BA Avios Calculator. A city slicker, or a mountain lover, there's a luxury spot waiting for you. The advice applies to a beach bum. Dive in and see if your dream destinations made the cut.
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The Maldives
If there's a portal to paradise, Male's probably it. With hues of blue that would put the best sapphire to shame, Male welcomes you to the start of what we promise is a 'too-good-to-be-true' escapade. While the Maldives is an intricate weave of over 1,000 coral islands, the journey from Male to your island destination is made scenic thanks to a boat ride that doubles up as an appetiser to the main course that’s your resort.
Stays:
JA Manafaru: Tucked away on Manafaru Island, this isn't just luxury – it's "pinch-me-am-I-dreaming?" levels of plush. If your idea of fun is infinity pools that blend into the azure and personal butlers who somehow always know when you’re craving a mojito, you're in the right place.
Cocoon Maldives: Nestled in Lhaviyani Atoll, this one’s a heady mix of ‘island vibe’ meets ‘chic retreat’. Think overwater villas with glass floors, because who wouldn't want to count fish while sipping morning coffee?
Sun Siyam Iru Veli: Drop anchor at Dhaalu Atoll and step into a wonderland where Maldivian charm flirts shamelessly with modern swank. Pro tip: try dining underwater. Fish are great company, after all.
Activities:
The Maldives offer more than just picturesque vistas. Explore its waters with scuba diving adventures and witness marine life in its full splendour. The overwater bungalows offer a unique stay experience, with the ocean as your front yard. And, indulge in private beach dinners under a canopy of stars for a touch of romance or to celebrate the good life.
Reward Seats: You can get return off-peak Business Class reward seats between London and Male for 180,000 British Airways Avios and £450.
British Airways
Cape Town
Often referred to as the Mother City (she's earned that moniker for being the oldest city in South Africa), Cape Town is where majestic mountains gracefully meet the vast ocean. This city effortlessly combines urban sophistication with the wild beauty of nature. And for those with a penchant for good wine, the surrounding vineyards offer a delightful sip of the region's famed Pinotage.
Stays:
The One and Only Cape Town Resort: Right in the heart of the city, this place is a realm unto itself. Offering views of the iconic Table Mountain, its location is second to none. Step inside and you're enveloped in elegance and comfort.
Ellerman House: Tucked into Bantry Bay, this is where old-world charm meets contemporary flair. With its art-studded interiors and panoramas of the Atlantic, it's not just a stay, it's an experience.
The Mount Nelson: A legend in the Garden District. Painted in a soft pink and surrounded by green gardens, it's like stepping into a colonial-era dream. Spoiler: Their afternoon tea is what legends are made of.
Activities:
Cape Town is an explorer’s dream. Start with a hike or cable car ride up Table Mountain for views that'll make your heart skip a beat. Dive into history at Robben Island or get artsy at the Zeitz MOCAA. For a breather, unwind at the V&A Waterfront with some shopping, dining, or simply people-watching. And, if you're feeling beachy, the penguins at Boulders Beach are quite the sociable lot.
Reward Seats: A BA Business Class trip
British Airways
Barbados
Picture this: You're swaying in a hammock strung between two coconut palms, humming along to a calypso tune that's drifting in the distance. Sun-kissed and sea-breezy, Barbados is every bit the Caribbean dream you'd sketch on a dreary Tuesday morning. Bubbling with energy, from its bustling markets to its rippling reggae beats, this island knows how to put the "tropic" in "entropic.”
Stays:
Sandy Lane Resort, Saint James: Beyond the plush golf courses, this resort is an oasis of luxury that mixes Bajan charm with world-class opulence. Poolside cabanas, gourmet dining, and the kind of pampering that makes you forget what day it is.
Sandals Barbados, Christchurch: This adults-only paradise is the lovechild of relaxation and fun, offering everything from romantic beachfront villas to sizzling fire-pit parties.
The Sandpiper, Holetown: Imagine an old friend's cosy beach house, but if that friend had impeccable taste in luxury. With its intimate and understated elegance, The Sandpiper brings the Barbadian coastline right to your doorstep, cocktail in hand.
Activities:
Sure, you could bronze on those powdery beaches all day, but Barbados also beckons with rum distillery tours (yes, with tastings!), electric nightlife in The Gap, and underwater odysseys featuring wrecks and reefs. Oh, and for the foodies, did we mention the fish fry nights? Fresh catch, seasoned to perfection and cooked right by the beach.
Reward Seats: For those with an eye on the sky and a penchant for the posh, book return off-peak Business Class reward seats between London and Barbados for 180,000 Avios and £450.
British Airways
Mauritius
Think cerulean waters as far as the eye can see, fringed by golden sands and vibrant green sugarcane fields. That's Mauritius, a pearl in the heart of the Indian Ocean. But beyond its postcard-perfect beaches, this island nation dances to the rhythm of sega drums, spicy street foods, and centuries-old traditions. It's a blend of cultures, where every cobbled lane and busy market tells a tale of convergence and unity.
Stays:
The One and Only, Le Saint Geran: This isn't just any tropical getaway; it's an ode to Mauritian splendour. Blending the warmth of local hospitality with plush modern comforts, Le Saint Geran promises sun-kissed mornings and starlit evenings with a dash of panache.
The Oberoi Mauritius: Tucked away amidst verdant tropical gardens, The Oberoi is the epitome of seclusion and luxury. From private pools to thatched-roof villas, it feels like a serene Mauritian village where indulgence is the local dialect.
The Maradiva Resort and Villas: Picture vast expanses of space, each villa an intimate retreat flanked by lush palms. The Maradiva experience is all about privacy, with a side order of beachfront views and an atmosphere that whispers, "Stay a while longer."
Activities:
Mauritius is more than just sunbathing and spa sessions. Dive into its lagoons, home to technicolour marine life. Explore the Black River Gorges National Park with its cascading waterfalls and rare birds. Or trace history's footsteps at the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. And as the day winds down, indulge in a plate of Dholl Puri from a street vendor, a local treat that's as flavourful as the island's rich tapestry.
Reward Seats: According to our BA Avios Calculator, you can book return off-peak Business Class reward seats between London and Mauritius for 200,000 Avios and £550.
British Airways
Cancun
With soft sands that feel like they've been sieved to perfection and waters so blue they could be the source of the term "ocean eyes," Cancun is a sun-soaked haven where the Mayan heart of Mexico flirts with the Caribbean soul, making it a melting pot of historical wonders and beachfront sophistication.
Stays:
TRS Coral Hotel: Perched on the pristine shores of Costa Mujeres, TRS Coral Hotel isn't just about laying your head. It's an adults-only sanctuary that marries the rhythm of the tropics with sleek, modern luxury. It's a subtle mix of the calm of nature and the comforts of contemporary indulgence.
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort: Nestled in a tranquil gated community, this resort embodies the dreamy essence of its name. With a choice of exciting water adventures, epicurean delights, and rejuvenating spa treatments, it's full of lavish relaxation.
British Airways
Secrets The Vine: A modern marvel, Secrets The Vine marries wine-centric touches with panoramic sea views. From the meticulously designed rooms to the sweeping infinity pools, this is Cancun's plush postcard to the world.
Activities:
Dip your toes into Cancun's vibrant mix of adventures. Discover the allure of the Mesoamerican Reef, wander the historic Tulum ruins, or simply catch the rhythm of the city's lively evenings. Unwind on golden beaches and savour the simple delight of a street taco.
Reward Seats: Bag return off-peak BA Business Class reward seats between London and Cancun for 180,000 Avios and £450.
