Sometimes, the best trips are the short and sweet ones. To celebrate our anniversary, we planned a whirlwind 24-hour escape to Miami Beach, packed with relaxation, indulgence, and a touch of luxury. Thanks to our stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, we were able to pull off a fabulous getaway that proved two things: you don’t need weeks of vacation to feel rejuvenated, and travel portals can offer some seriously great deals.
Here’s how we spent 24 blissful hours in Miami Beach:
Morning Arrival and Beachside Bliss
Our adventure kicked off bright and early Wednesday morning. We flew out at 9:30 AM and arrived just in time to soak up some late-morning sunshine. Using only 12,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase Travel Portal, we scored round-trip flights—a steal compared to the typical cash price of over $150 per ticket.
Once in Miami, we headed straight to our home for the night: Nobu Miami Beach, an oasis of sophistication and calm. The best part? We redeemed 26,000 points for our stay, again through the Chase Travel Portal. Sometimes, the portal outshines transfer partners, and this was one of those times. Our ocean view room at Nobu Miami Beach was the perfect retreat for our anniversary. We were thrilled to receive an upgrade, and the moment we stepped in, we were struck by the fresh, inviting scent that filled the space. The sleek, modern bathroom finishes added a touch of luxury, making it a spa-like experience. But the highlight was the stunning view of the beach—soft sands and endless ocean stretched before us, creating a serene and unforgettable backdrop for our getaway.
The first order of business: cocktails on the beach. There’s something magical about sipping a tropical drink with your toes in the sand and the ocean breeze on your face. It was the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. We always make sure to take along our waterproof beach bag to make carrying all our stuff easier.
Afternoon Pampering and Poolside Lounging
After soaking up the sun, we indulged in one of Nobu’s standout features: the complimentary hotel spa access that came with our booking. From the steam room to the relaxation lounge, it was a much-needed reset.
Later, we made our way to the outdoor pools and hot tubs. With a cocktail in hand and the warm Miami air all around, we couldn’t imagine a better way to spend the afternoon. Nobu’s poolside service and tranquil setting made it feel like we were on a longer vacation.
Dinner at Street Kitchen
For dinner, we headed to Street Kitchen, a local gem with an inventive menu that didn’t disappoint. We started with their delicious Hummus Plate and followed it with the smoky, tender Burnt Ends and flavorful Veal Buns. For the main we had the Surprise Steak with fries and a refreshing house salad to round out the meal.
Of course, no anniversary celebration is complete without drinks, and Street Kitchen delivered with a cocktail list as creative as their dishes. The cozy, lively atmosphere was the perfect end to our day.
Heading Home
After an unforgettable evening, we reluctantly packed up and headed to the airport for our 6:00 AM flight home. We've been traveling with this backpack that is surprisingly large on the inside. There's enough room for snacks, headphones, wires, and more. The zipper being on the backside of the backpack, makes this so much more secure for valuables such as cash or identification documents. Though our time in Miami Beach was brief, it was packed with experiences that left us feeling recharged and grateful for the memories we created.
Why Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Made This Trip Possible
This trip is proof that the Chase Travel Portal can offer incredible value, especially when you want to book quickly or prefer not to transfer points to airlines or hotels. By using Ultimate Rewards points, we saved hundreds of dollars on both flights and accommodations.
If you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, your points are worth 1.5 cents each in the portal, giving you a significant boost in value. Plus, the Sapphire Reserve unlocks extra perks at luxury properties like Nobu, including room upgrades, late checkout, and spa access—perfect for a quick luxury escape.
Top Cards to Earn Ultimate Rewards Points
If this trip has you dreaming of your own points-powered getaway, here are some top cards to consider:
The current sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account. When redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, these points are worth at least $900, thanks to the 50% point boost offered by the Sapphire Reserve. But it can be worth much more by transferring the points out to travel portals. Some key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve:
• Earn 3x points on travel and dining.
• Points are worth 1.5x in the Chase Travel Portal.
• Includes perks like travel insurance, Priority Pass lounge access, and Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection benefits.
This card has an annual fee of $550.
The current sign-up bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months. This is worth at least $750 when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, thanks to the card’s 25% point redemption boost. Key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred:
• Earn 2x points on travel and dining.
• Points are worth 1.25x in the portal, a great choice for travelers starting their points journey.
•$50 statement credit when booking a hotel in the travel portal.
The card has a $95 annual fee.
Both of these cards currently offer an attractive welcome bonus: earn a $200 cash back reward (equivalent to 20,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points) after spending just $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Both cards come with no annual fee and offer strong earning potential: 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal, quarterly bonus categories, and more.
Pair these no-annual-fee cards with the Sapphire cards to earn 1.5%-5% cash back on various categories.
Final Thoughts
Our 24-hour anniversary trip to Miami Beach was a perfect reminder that you don’t need weeks of vacation or thousands of points to create an unforgettable experience. With smart use of travel rewards and the Chase Travel Portal, luxury and relaxation are always within reach—even on a tight schedule.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a quick escape, let your points take you there. After all, the best memories are the ones you make when you least expect them.
Total Breakdown:
Item | Points | Cash |
Flight | 12,000 | $ - |
Hotel | 26,000 | $ 49.00 |
Food | $ 413.94 | |
Uber | $ 93.17 | |
Airport Parking | $ 73.33 | |
Total | 38,000 | $ 629.44 |
Happy travels,
Chavy
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