Stella Shon has always been a travel enthusiast. She moved to New York City after graduating college in North Carolina to pursue a writing career at a major magazine. Shon, a 26 year old healthy woman, had her life forever changed in August 2022.
Shon was recently diagnosed with a syphilis. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), an uncommon but serious disorder that affects skin and mucous surfaces. After several days of flu-like illness, Shon’s temperature spiked at 107 degrees. Shon suffered severe pain. Her condition became so bad that she was admitted to a burns center in a hospital.
Shon said that when he was in the ICU his world was completely shattered at once. “I was completely blind for two months and my body parts were so badly damaged that it seemed impossible to return to normal life or even get on a flight again.”
Shon miraculously made it through the ordeal. She beat a mortality of 30-50%. Shon is still navigating a seemingly unending list of doctor’s visits, chronic pain, uncertainty and other challenges. However, she began to travel again.
Eight months after her hospitalization, Shon took her first big trip—an epic journey to Hawaii With her best friend. The trip was like reclaiming part of my self. She said that being able “to step back into traveling, something I loved” showed her she could still live a meaningful life even if it was on different terms.
What made her stay at the hotel so special?
The Numbers
- The destination is: Hana, Hawaii is located on Maui
- The hotel: Hana-Maui Resort – a Hyatt Hotel Destination
- Hotel cash cost: Two nights for $2400
- The following points are a breakdown of the information: Three nights at 90 000 World of Hyatt Points
- Total: $0
Stella Shon
How She Booked it
Hawaii was chosen as the destination of Shon’s first major trip following her ICU. In March 2023, Shon jetted off on her first big trip post-ICU, and Hawaii seemed like the perfect destination. Honolulu.
Taylor was one my many amazing friends. She spent days in the hospital with me and helped my entire family as much as they could. Shon remembered that she was there for her when I was at my worst. “I could trust Taylor with all my heart to go slowly, enjoy some beautiful sights and make new memories,” Shon said.
Shon, Hobgood and their family decided to travel to Maui. They stayed at Hyatt’s Hana-Maui Resort. Shon booked her three-night vacation using World of Hyatt points—exactly 30,000 of them—per night. Hyatt assigns categories to its hotels, and each category corresponds with a number of points. Hyatt’s Category 7 hotel, the Hana Maui Resort requires between 25,000-35,000 points per night. (Depending on the season). Hana-Maui, which was then charging more than $800 per night, is a good example.
Hyatt has many hotels that are aspirational, and their loyalty program offers high-value redemptions. Hana-Maui is not the only hotel in Hawaii. Park Hyatt Tokyo The following are some examples of how to get started: Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol Can be booked using points
Conveniently, two of the best loyalty programs in the space—Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Rewards points—transfer to the Hyatt program instantly, at a one-to-one ratio. You can transfer your Bilt or Chase points to other travel partners by logging into your account. Navigate to the travel portal and choose the option to transfer the points to Hyatt. If you are a new user, you will also need to enter information about your World of Hyatt Account.
What was the experience like?
Shon’s trip to Maui was a chance for her to rediscover her love of travel.
It was my very first long trip, and I had to plan carefully, including packing medications to last a considerable time. But I managed to do it. This gave me confidence to continue traveling on my terms.
Shon, who now has to re-evaluate her worldview, says that in Hawaii she did not take a moment for granted. “Before my illness, I had always enjoyed beach vacations. I would spend hours float in the ocean. My condition now means that I cannot swim anymore. But there were many things we did which we still laugh at to this day.
Shon recalled the way the property, which covered 100 acres, was integrated with the town of Hana. Shon stated that the hotel was clearly integrated into the local community. Food trucks are right outside your door, and a red sand hidden beach is nearby.
In addition, with Hyatt Globalist benefits—the highest level of status with the program—Shon was upgraded from a garden view room to a beach bungalow, which not only afforded her and Hobgood more space, but also killer oceanfront views.
The dynamic duo drove from the hotel to the end of the road, and hiked in the area. the Road to HanaThey stopped at each food truck to buy garlic shrimp, poké, acai and banana bread.
Shon explained that, “Most importantly, the trip brought me back to a normality I hadn’t experienced since the beginning of my illness.” “Travel for me is no longer a vacation; I view it as proof of my survival.”
Stella Shon
The Traveler’s Guide to Points and miles
Shon advises: “Don’t be scared to use your points.” Her strategy is to use points whenever possible, not to stockpile and hoard them. The value of points can be far greater than the cash value. Points don’t increase in value like money. Programs from airlines and hotels can lose value without warning.
The most important thing to remember is that life can be unpredictable. If you get the chance, turn your points into memorable moments or moments of healing. Shon said, “If there is a gift to be found in this experience, it’s that I have loved slow travel and exploring a destination at my own pace.”
You can now watch Shon’s TikTok videos. here.
