We were happy that we decided to leave the following day after our wedding. It gave us the opportunity to get out of town quickly after the brunch on Sunday morning. We booked a positioning flight from LaGuardia to Toronto and flew from Toronto to Hong Kong in Cathay Pacific first class. This was our first long-haul premium redemption, and now, two days into our marriage, I have spoiled my wife for life.

The wine list wasn’t particularly notable, but I did try the Sauvignon Blanc and it was quite nice. The rest of the meal was an exercise in FL350 fine dining with a salad, appetizer, entree and dessert. The Cathay first class seat is really a dream: it folds fully flat, and the flight attendant will make the bed for you anytime you ask. There is a pad they put on the seat for extra comfort.

The virtues of SPG Cash & Points awards have been detailed numerous times, and the W Hong Kong was a great use for them. As for eating in Hong Kong, it really is one of the best places in the world for food. We stayed two nights in Hong Kong before flying to Bali. After a solid 90-minute drive from the airport, we pulled up to the Four Seasons Ubud, our first stop in paradise.

Our stay at the Four Seasons was simply amazing. Admittedly, we arrived with high expectations and I can say without hesitation, that they were met. The level of service provided by the staff was superb, the location was truly beautiful, and the amenities were top-notch. Wholeheartedly recommended.

The surrounding area, the town of Ubud, is certainly worth exploring. It serves as the cultural capital of Bali compared to the beach areas of Seminyak and Nusa Dua. Many of the shops in town sold locally made goods.

Our last stay was at the aspirational St Regis Bali in Nusa Dua, with all of the amenities one expects.The St. Regis is without a doubt a pure luxury experience.

Name:
Dave
[dkelly1110 on Milepoint]

FFP miles spent:
150,000 BA Executive Club miles (pre-Avios) per person

Hotel points spent:
SPG Cash and Points: 4,800 + $90 per night for two nights (paid cash for other hotels)

Approximate fees:
BA taxes/fees $240 per person

Airline(s) / Routing:
LGA-YYZ-HKG-DPS-HKG-YYZ-EWR

How booked:
Over the phone

Type of award(s):
Cathay Pacific first class

Hotel(s):
W Hong Kong, Four Seasons Ubud, St. Regis Bali

Month/year of trip:
June/July 2011