1. Go to South Africa and stay at the Western Cape Hotel and Spa, about 1 and 1/2 hour drive (at most) from Cape Town. Not on the beach, but a truly wonderful property, perhaps the nicest Starwood I've stayed at. Beautiful suites and views across a great lagoon, very well run, maybe an hour from spectacular wine country and 20 minutes from the whale watching coast and other natural wonders. Plus relatively few points to cash in for nice rooms and suites. Perhaps it's changed, but when my wife and I were there a couple of years ago we got a great suite for 11.5 K poins/night. It also has a beautiful golf course, though we don't golf. You could combine that stay with some nights at the Westin Grand Arabella Quays in Cape Town, which is a good hotel in a fine location, though not in the same class as the Western Cape.

2. In Thailand, Le Meridien Khao Lak is a wonderful property on a loooooooong, beautiful beach that has not yet been built up much. We stayed in a great suite on points earlier this year, though the villas (which you might have to pay extra for) are even better. Lots of activities nearby, or you could be a lazy slug like us and simply enjoy the setting and beach for 11 days. If you wanted the trip to feature more than just that stop, there are a number of other nice Starwood properties in the country. Plus with tourism down in Thailand due to the political disturbances, you'd be more likely to bag a suite there on points.

Lots of useful reviews of all three hotels here at FT and at Tripadvisor.com.

Happy trails!