All-Inclusive 5-Star Desert Safari outside Dubai 🇦🇪🌵🐪🏝️🏜️🐫
One of the best opportunities for an all-inclusive, high-class desert safari is hidden an hour away from Dubai in the UAE. Today's edition explores how to experience it all in First Class and enjoy a five-night stay—all with points and miles.
By redeeming points for both their First-Class flights and Five Star Resort, they’ve unlocked one of the most exclusive travel experiences without the heavy price tag.
Trip Overview
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai |
| Dates | November 26, 2024 - December 1, 2024 |
| Airline | Emirates |
| Flight Class | First Class, A380 |
| Points Used (Airfare) | 603,000 Emirates Skywards Miles + $3,450 in Taxes & Fees |
| Cash Cost (Airfare) | $43,928 (for 2 round-trip First Class tickets) |
| Points Used (Hotel) | 512,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points |
| Cash Cost (Hotel) | $9,240 (5 nights, including 5th night free) |
| Total Estimated Cash Savings | $35,443 |
Emirates First Class Flight to Dubai:
Redeeming Points for a Premium Experience
Flying Emirates First Class on the A380 is a bucket-list experience that combines ultimate comfort with exclusive amenities. Sarah and Mark used 603,000 Emirates Skywards Miles plus $3,450 in taxes and fees for two round-trip tickets from NYC to Dubai on Emirates First.
💸 Cash Fare vs. Points Redemption
| Description | Cash Price | Points Cost | Taxes & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total for 2 Round-Trip Tickets | $43,928 | 603,000 Emirates Skywards Miles | $3,450 |
Using UpNonStop’s valuation of Emirates miles at $0.012 per mile, they get a theoretical value of $7,236 for the miles redeemed.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Miles Value (603,000 Miles): $7,236
- Taxes & Fees Paid: $3,450
- Total Out-of-Pocket with Points: $10,686
- Total Cash Savings: $33,242 (versus the cash fare of $43,928)
💰 Total Savings: By using points instead of cash, they’re saving $33,242 on their flights alone.
🏅 Points Accumulation Strategy (Emirates Airlines)
To accumulate 603,000 Skywards Miles, travelers can leverage a combination of Emirates cobranded credit cards, transfer bonuses, and strategic spending on rewards cards like American Express Membership Rewards. At UpNonStop’s valuation, 603,000 miles are worth approximately $7,236. Assuming an average 1X or 1.5X earn rate, here’s an estimated spend requirement:
| Point Source | Estimated Earn Rate | Spend Required |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Reserve / Venture X / Amex Platinum | 2-5x on Flights, Travel and General spend (averaging all at combined rate of 3.5x) | ~$17,230 |
| Transfer Bonuses from Membership Rewards (periodic offers) | Higher effective earn rate possible | Less required if utilizing offers |
For frequent travelers or credit card enthusiasts, combining travel expenses with these methods makes reaching this target feasible over time, especially if using cards with category bonuses or partner transfers.
A spend of $17,230 for $40,478 tickets value (setting aside Taxes & Fees) means you're able to get a return of 42% on every dollar spent in points for this first class tickets, using this strategy.
Spoiler: UpNonStop has better strategies for an even better stretch for your points earning...
🛫 First Class A380 Experience: Shower, Onboard Bar, and Unmatched Comfort
Emirates’ First Class on the A380 is famous for its incredible service and amenities that elevate the in-flight experience to something truly memorable. Here’s a look at what Sarah and Mark can expect:
🚿 In-Flight Shower and Spa-Like Experience
Emirates is one of the few airlines offering a shower at 35,000 feet. With a dedicated, spacious shower suite, Sarah and Mark will be able to refresh mid-flight, a unique luxury that few airlines offer. Emirates also provides luxury toiletries, plush towels, and even heated floors in the shower suites for a full spa-like experience.
🍸 Onboard Bar and Lounge
The A380 has a spacious onboard lounge exclusively for First and Business Class passengers. Here, Sarah and Mark can socialize, sip cocktails, and sample hors d'oeuvres—perfect for stretching and enjoying the journey in style. The bar also offers a variety of fine wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the sense of exclusivity and leisure.
✨ Personal Suites and Luxury Amenities
Each passenger has a private suite with a fully reclining seat, sliding doors for privacy, and a mini-bar. Passengers are also treated to gourmet à la carte dining and premium wines, creating a restaurant-like experience in the skies.
🏨 Al Maha, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa: An All-Inclusive Desert Retreat
After an indulgent flight experience, Sarah and Mark’s stay at Al Maha promises relaxation and immersion in Dubai’s stunning desert landscape. Known for its exclusivity and breathtaking scenery, Al Maha combines luxury with natural beauty.
The entire property is composed out of 42 rooms / villas. So they can expect intimate and private stay in their own des
💸 Points vs. Cash Rate Comparison for Al Maha Stay
Sarah and Mark booked five nights at Al Maha, using 512,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points and taking advantage of Marriott’s 5th-night-free policy for award stays. Here’s the financial breakdown:
| Description | Cash Rate | Points Rate | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Night Stay | $9,240 | 512,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points | Valued at $4,352 |
With UpNonStop’s valuation of Marriott points at $0.0085 per point, the theoretical value of these points is $4,352. Here’s how the savings stack up:
- Points Value (512,000 Points): $4,352
- Cash Rate for 5 Nights: $9,240
- Total Savings with Points: $4,888
💰 Total Savings for Al Maha Stay: By redeeming points, they saved $4,888 on their stay, making the luxury experience accessible without a hefty cash outlay.
🏅 Points Accumulation Strategy
Earning 512,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points requires dedication and planning. Here are some typical ways to accumulate Marriott points:
| Point Source | Estimated Earn Rate | Spend Required |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards | 2-17-23.5x at Marriott hotels | $30,117 (For a 17 points multiplier) in spend on Marriott Hotels / or $21,787 (for a 23.5 points multiplier) if you got a higher status when spending on Marriott, for this example |
| Transfer from American Express, Chase, etc. | Periodic bonuses available | N/A with periodic transfer bonuses |
For those building points, utilizing Marriott’s cobranded credit cards, transfer partners, or promotional bonuses is key to maximizing the rate at which points are earned.
A spend of $30,117 for $9,240 value means you're able to get a return of 30% on every dollar spent on Marriott properties for this all inclusive 5-night stay, using this strategy.
Spoiler: UpNonStop has better strategies for an even better stretch for your points earning...
The Al Maha Experience: Exclusive Desert Activities and Premium Service
Al Maha is more than just a stay—it’s an immersive desert experience. Here’s what Sarah and Mark can expect during their stay:
🐪 All-Inclusive Activities and Desert Excursions
Al Maha offers unique experiences that allow guests to connect with the desert landscape, including:
- Camel Treks and Sundowners: A scenic ride through the dunes, giving guests a taste of traditional desert travel.
- Falconry Displays: A fascinating exhibition of falcons, a historic pastime in the region.
- Dune Drives and Nature Walks: Guided tours showcasing the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.
- Horse Riding: Arabian horses have been part of the Arabs history for as long back as one can imagine. These horses have been used for transport when crossing deserts and even when fighting wars.
These activities are included in the stay, adding incredible value to the experience.
🍽️ Dining and Culinary Excellence
Dining at Al Maha is a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared from high-quality ingredients. The all-inclusive package means guests can enjoy a range of meals without worrying about additional costs, making the experience both luxurious and convenient. From lavish breakfasts to exquisite dinners, each meal reflects the high standards of Marriott’s Luxury Collection.
🧾 The Bottom Line: Comprehensive Value Breakdown
By strategically using points and miles, Sarah and Mark are on track to save an impressive amount on this luxury getaway. Here’s a summary of their savings:
| Expense | Cash Price | Out-of-Pocket with Points | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates Flights | $43,928 | $10,686 (miles value + fees) | $33,242 |
| Al Maha Hotel | $9,240 | $4,352 (points valuation) | $4,888 |
| Total Savings | $53,172 | $15,038 | $35,443 |
💰 Overall Cash Savings 💰: By utilizing their points wisely, Sarah and Mark will save $35,443, allowing them to experience one of the world’s most exclusive desert resorts and an iconic flight experience for a fraction of the cash price.
🔍 Summary and Key Takeaways
1. Maximizing Points: Strategic use of points and miles can make even the most luxurious travel affordable. Hint: @ UpNonStop we work with you to stretch both the EARN and your BURN.
2. Exclusive Experiences: By choosing Emirates First Class and Al Maha, Sarah and Mark will experience unique amenities and activities only available at premium levels.
3. Effective Planning: Points accumulation strategies make large redemptions possible, whether through credit card rewards, transfer bonuses, or other earn methods.
4. Flexibility Matters: working around dynamic award availability is key for grabbing such deals. The couple will head back to Dubai and stay in a downtown hotel for the last night before heading back to NYC. (That way they are also scheduled to experience floors 124&125 up top Burj Khalifa's observatory - the world's tallest tower)
Hope you enjoyed this case study. Sarah & Mark - Enjoy this wonderful trip and congratulations on an excellent redemption!
P.S. Bonus Content: Al-Maha offers 2 complimentary activities per day for its guests. Here is the video of a typical falconry experience out in the desert...
