About
Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Hotels & Resorts
Hotel Upgrade Program
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The Brando
Le Taha'a
Nanuku Resort
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica
Products
Monopoly Deal
Health & Sauna Research
Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment)
ATH Podcast
#285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins
#287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett
Hotel Upgrade Program
Best Cards Page
Gift Cards Page
Newsletter
AMA: Submit Questions
Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together
(03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations
(13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji
(14:59) Booking The Westin
(20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines
(26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights
(31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana
(32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin
(34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones
(37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems
(44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early
(52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys
(59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out
(01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again
(01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost
(01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip?
(01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons
(01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts
(01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List
(01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong
(01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations
(01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/
Partner Deals
Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna.
Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth
Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift
Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent
Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Hotels & Resorts
Hotel Upgrade Program
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
The Brando
Le Taha'a
Nanuku Resort
Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica
Products
Monopoly Deal
Health & Sauna Research
Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment)
ATH Podcast
#285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins
#287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett
Hotel Upgrade Program
Best Cards Page
Gift Cards Page
Newsletter
AMA: Submit Questions
Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together
(03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations
(13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji
(14:59) Booking The Westin
(20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines
(26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights
(31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana
(32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin
(34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones
(37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems
(44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early
(52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys
(59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out
(01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again
(01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost
(01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip?
(01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons
(01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts
(01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List
(01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong
(01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations
(01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning
Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn
Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices