Hey {{first name | reader}},

Happy Friday!

Today we need to talk about Qatar Airways, because there are two changes that make the program more annoying to use. Then we'll end on something much more fun: Dan and Oskar's newest hotel review from Bali, featuring one of the most visually impressive resorts they have covered so far.

Here's what's inside today's post:

Qatar Airways appears to have removed the "Flexi" label from reward seats.

That sounds small, but it can make a real difference when you are trying to understand whether you are getting a good deal or badly overpaying.

Qatar has two broad types of award pricing. Saver awards are standard-priced and usually the best-value way to book Qatar business class with Avios. Flexi awards are the more expensive version, often appearing when saver seats are gone, and they cost double the standard Avios price. 

So if you see one Qatar business class flight pricing at 75,000 Avios and another at 150,000 Avios, the expensive one is a Flexi price. The issue is that if Qatar no longer clearly labels those seats, it becomes much easier to accidentally book at double the price without realizing it. Now that you know, you wont have that problem. 

I am not against Flexi seats. Sometimes I am willing to pay more because I want that specific flight, so it is nice to have the choice. I have booked a fair number of Flexi tickets.

A simple rule of thumb: if you see a Qatar business class award that looks unusually expensive, especially anything over 100,000 Avios one-way, pause before booking. Compare other dates, compare other routes, and check whether there are lower-priced saver seats.

The second Qatar update is more frustrating.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club has introduced new restrictions on who you can redeem Avios for. Previously, you could use your miles to book for friends or family without much problem. Now things are more limited.

The new setup works around two groups. My List is for other Privilege Club members, with a maximum of four people. Family and Friends is for non-members, with a maximum of six people. The annoying part: people added to these lists need to stay connected to your account for at least six months before you can book for them.

That makes spontaneous bookings much harder.

If you find rare Qatar business class award space and want to book for a friend or family member who is not already on your list, you may not be able to do it straight away. And award space does not wait around.

The practical takeaway: if you regularly use Qatar Avios to book for other people, set up your lists now. Add the people you are most likely to book for before you urgently need the space.

This is especially important for families, couples, and anyone who helps relatives book award flights.

It is not the end of Qatar Avios, but it is another reminder that loyalty programs can change the rules at any time. Know the rules before you transfer points, and never move points into a program until you are sure the booking is possible.

Now for something much more fun.

Dan and Oskar's newest hotel review is from The Apurva Kempinski Bali, and this one is a proper wow.

The scale, the lobby, the architecture, the terraces, the pools, and the dramatic cliffside design all make this hotel feel different from almost anything else they have reviewed. They checked into a Junior Suite with a private pool, explored the resort, tried the dining, and visited the beach and pool areas.

A few things stood out. The arrival experience was excellent: they checked in through the Cliff Lounge, received a welcome drink, and had a very personal check-in for a resort this size. The room looked beautiful, with dark wood, a large bathroom, double sinks, a Toto toilet, and a private pool. And the resort itself is enormous, with multiple pools, a beach club, restaurants, and one of the most dramatic hotel lobbies Dan has seen anywhere.

The design is the main event. The cliffside setting is used in an almost theatrical way, with long staircases, water features, and terraces overlooking the ocean.

There were some caveats: construction nearby, possible wedding noise on certain dates, and a beach that depends on the tide. The gym also seemed less impressive than the rest of the resort.

But the overall score was 90 out of 100, tying it for their highest-rated hotel so far. That says a lot.

If you want to stay at The Apurva Kempinski Bali or any other luxury hotel around the world, we can help book it with added benefits at no extra cost, including breakfast, hotel credit, upgrade priority, early check-in, late check-out, and welcome amenities.

That's it for today. Enjoy the weekend, and more deals, news, and trip ideas coming your way on Monday.

Catch you in the clouds, 

Tomi from Points Master