Maldives Master Thread

[damaxer91]

Exactly.

IIRC, Dan paid like $1000-1100 per night in MLE at W.  This stay is about $450/night.

And plus there is no minyan at the W

[Luvtotravel]

now that we've done BOB, MLE doesn't seem to measure up.

I think that's the most forthright stance you've ever issued on the MLE vs. BOB issue

[CZ60]

And plus there is no minyan at the W

[AJK]

I think that's the most forthright stance you've ever issued on the MLE vs. BOB issue

Lol.

I definitely think BOB is prettier than MLE, and, personally, I like the fact that you can go to the mainland and see other people if you get cabin-fever.

That said, the planes to BOB are truly sub-par*, it's harder to find award availability at good hotels, and the diving is outclassed by MLE.

All in all, all else being equal, I'd sooner return to BOB, but for someone who wants max point value, showers on planes, premium lounges, and a great experience, it's tough to beat MLE.

*BOB will get (even) more attractive when TN (and AF) install lie-flat seats in the coming years.

[Luvtotravel]

Lol.

I definitely think BOB is prettier than MLE, and, personally, I like the fact that you can go to the mainland and see other people if you get cabin-fever.

That said, the planes to BOB are truly sub-par*, it's harder to find award availability at good hotels, and the diving is outclassed by MLE.

All in all, all else being equal, I'd sooner return to BOB, but for someone who wants max point value, showers on planes, premium lounges, and a great experience, it's tough to beat MLE.

*BOB will get (even) more attractive when TN (and AF) install lie-flat seats in the coming years.

if I take diving out of the equation, replace with snorkeling, other than premium flights, I think my choice is pretty much clear

[jj1000]

yes but how many points did the W set you back and how much did you have to pay for the OWB? The real reason why everyone is going here is for the good price in the OWB

Agreed. I think the big draw of the St. Regis right now is the price for those who booked on points.

It's much cheaper than anything else in MLE or BOB for an OWB fwiu. The question is if this is the sort of trip people do once in a lifetime does the savings justify a sub-par hotel product.

[benjie1305]

Agreed. I think the big draw of the St. Regis right now is the price for those who booked on points.

It's much cheaper than anything else in MLE or BOB for an OWB fwiu. The question is if this is the sort of trip people do once in a lifetime does the savings justify a sub-par hotel product.

For most people that do this as a once in a lifetime trip or aren't points people, only because you are not in an OWB or not at a PH, STR, 4S etc does not make it a sub-par product or experience.

Boy the standards here are off the chart..

[AJK]

I agree. I don't think the SR can be called "sub par." Some on FT who have been to multiple resorts in MLE call the SR the best of the bunch, with fantastic service, gorgeous rooms, and excellent food. The one downside is the coral, which will hopefully return to its glory (not to mention they will take you to a house reef). The privacy "issue" (if you can call it that) can be worked around.

Dollar for dollar, I'd venture that among MLE hotels, SR MLE cannot be beat.

[damaxer91]

Having been to both (but not a diver) I don't even think its a debate. Especially amazed that more people in LA don't go to BOB

As per the price, there are often $500-$600 rates at the SR and Four Seasons in OWB

[jj1000]

For most people that do this as a once in a lifetime trip or aren't points people, only because you are not in an OWB or not at a PH, STR, 4S etc does not make it a sub-par product or experience.

Boy the standards here are off the chart..

Of course it does. Have you been in a beach villa v OWB with full privacy and sun?

Are the deck pools warmed at the St. Regis?

[Ergel]

Other than the airline product, still see zero reason to go to the Maldives over BOB if you live in the US

No shabbos issues in MLE

[AJK]

Having been to both (but not a diver) I don't even think its a debate. Especially amazed that more people in LA don't go to BOB

As per the price, there are often $500-$600 rates at the SR and Four Seasons in OWB

In off season.

Fact is, it'd be a downright tragedy if you shlepped to either destination in low season and got slammed with rain for 5 days. Likely, no, but possible.

These reservations were four hundred bucks for peak, peak, peak season.

[CZ60]

One thing I haven't really written about yet is the service. The butler service is off the charts. Every other type of service is off the charts. I didn't even rip the foil off of my food. They know that I'm thirsty before I even turn my head to ask for water. The type of service that's hard to describe and puts your trip over the top.

[AJK]

No shabbos issues in MLE

While true, BOB is a place where it wouldn't be as difficult as some others (like AKL) to keep two days. Relax, relax, relax.

[benjie1305]

Of course it does. Have you been in a beach villa v OWB with full privacy and sun?

Are the deck pools warmed at the St. Regis?

It is one thing to call those OWBs and high end resorts phenomenal and other-worldly. I would fully agree that that is the best of the best and will result in the best overall experience. But c'mon, calling anything else sub-par? I look at some non OWBs and some other hotels and they don't strike me as "below average" or "not up to standard".

[Yuey]

One thing I haven't really written about yet is the service. The butler service is off the charts. Every other type of service is off the charts. I didn't even rip the foil off of my food. They know that I'm thirsty before I even turn my head to ask for water. The type of service that's hard to describe and puts your trip over the top.

Nice! Any extra service because your Platinum or same amazing service for everyone?

[CZ60]

Are the deck pools warmed at the St. Regis?

Warmed by the sun only. But how cool can it really get when night time temps are 78 degrees? 

[Dan]

I'll be the contrarian here.

BOB:
-Stunning views
-Premium cabins are awful
-Even though they are awful, they're also ridiculously hard to find
-The OWBs don't have private pools
-The snorkeling/diving isn't as good as MLE

[AJK]

Everyone gets same service (though it depends on which butler you get). And he's not Plat AFAIK.

[CZ60]

Nice! Any extra service because your Platinum or same amazing service for everyone?

I'm not plat. My service was great, not sure if they do more for plats.