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Possible routings to MLE and costs:

JFK-AUH-MLE (EY) -- 45/67.5/90 AA
JFK-DOH-MLE (QR) -- 45/67.5/90 AA
JFK-FRA-SIN-MLE (SQ) -- East Coast: (Including 15% off booking online) 46,750/91,375/116,875; West Coast: 89,250/144,500/229,500
JFK-DXB-MLE (EK) -- 42.5/82.5/150 AS
JFK-IST-MLE (TK) -- 42.5/70/90 UA (United routing allows a stopover in TLV)
JFK-VIE-MLE (OS) -- 42.5/80 UA
JFK-LGW-MLE (BA) -- 45/90/135 BA
JFK-ICN-CMB-MLE (KE) -- 60/107.5/137.5 KE
JFK-HKG-MLE (CX) -- 57.5/85/112.5 AA
JFK-HKG-MLE (CX) -- 50/70 AS
TLV-IST-MLE (TK)-- 20/35 UA
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It's pretty simple, y'all. No pork, no porn, and no alcohol. Those are the rules. -AJK
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Blah blah blah. -AJK
Quote
Park Hyatt MLE + Diamond Suite Upgrade gets you nothing as all are considered suites. -AJK



Conrad Upgrades:

Upgrade from King Beach Villa to King Water Villa US$ 200 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from King Beach Villa to King Deluxe Beach Villa US$ 210+ 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from King Beach Villa to King Superior Water  Villa US$ 250 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from King Beach Villa to King Retreat Water Villa US$ 400 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from King Beach Villa to King Deluxe Water Villa US$ 480 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night.
Upgrade from King Beach Villa to Family Water Villa US$ 720 + 10% service charge + 12% T GST per night. ( 2 bedrooms)

Airport transfer fee: $560 including tax

PH Upgrades:

Upgrade from Park Villa to Park Pool Villa $USD 252.56++ per villa per night
Upgrade from Park Villa to Park Water Villa $USD 405++ per villa per night ( Villa Number 38-44)
Upgrade from Park Villa to Park Water Sunset Villa $USD 610++ per villa per night ( Villa number 45-51)

Airport transfer fee: $520 RT per person

SR:
Airport transfer fee: $745 RT per person

Author Topic: Maldives Master Thread  (Read 1326827 times)

Offline brytch

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Maldives Master Thread
« on: May 01, 2012, 09:15:36 AM »
Going to the Maldives in June.. I noticed there isn't a thread dedicated to this so I figured worth starting one.

I am going biz with Qatar and returning biz via SIN-ICN-SFO (2 singapore business legs, and ICN-SFO on united biz)

I'm having a hard time deciding on resort.. We're taking our 1yr old there... so I'm probably not interested in Over Water, probably interested in beach villa.

I want a resort which is on the quieter side, where we won't see too many people.. very picturesque and decent house reef.

Another point, I leave MLE at 11:30pm... so I probably want one of the resorts accessible by speed boat, as that way I can stay at resort until late and arrive at airport just before flight.. if I need sea plane they can't guarantee schedule and they can send you at noon or 1pm and you're stuck at the airport..

I am open to considering the Conrad Rangali as they said there's a good chance I can take a late plane out at 5pm or so.. if anyone has been there would love to here how private the villas are...

Lots of great hotel options so very hard to chose. Currently my best options seems to be the Coco Palm Bodu Hithi as all their rooms have private pools and seem very spacious. I may consider a night in the over water, as it's somewhat bigger than others I've seen (and traveling with a baby you need room...)

Once I decide on hotel I'll check what food options I have.. I would have liked bringing wine, but customs are super strict and I hear no chance of getting any alcohol in.

If anyone has any tips or pointers please let me know.

An advantage to taking a place within speed boat distance you save about $250-350 per person on transfer, and you can use that towards your room.

For anyone wondering, the Hyatt is suppose to be a very nice island, it's a schlep however. You need to take a DOMESTIC flight from Male, and only after that a speed boat.. Transfer is about $500.. Also accommodations didn't seem quite as luxurious as other places I've been looking at. The island itself seems very nice..

A note on when I'm going: I've had great luck with off season traveling.. I've been all over SEAsia during off season months and it's really worth it. Places are quiet, weather has been great, and price is normally less than half...
« Last Edit: May 01, 2012, 09:51:40 AM by brytch »

Offline aussiebochur

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Offline brytch

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Re: Maldives trip planning
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2012, 09:31:56 AM »
yeah I've seen these bits and pieces everywhere, but doesn't seem like anything is 100% exclusively dedicated to Maldives..

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Maldives trip planning
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2012, 09:33:21 AM »
yeah I've seen these bits and pieces everywhere, but doesn't seem like anything is 100% exclusively dedicated to Maldives..
Correct. Hence,
(Mods, perhaps make this it?)
As in "Maldives Master Thread", like all the others. Or brytch, can u still change the topic?

But thats just about the amount of first hand experience youll get here.

Btw, I would monitor availability and see if you can get seats on Asiana from ICN. Better then UA...
« Last Edit: May 01, 2012, 09:37:12 AM by aussiebochur »

Offline damaxer91

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Re: Maldives trip planning
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2012, 09:55:39 AM »
Going to the Maldives in June.. I noticed there isn't a thread dedicated to this so I figured worth starting one.

I am going biz with Qatar and returning biz via SIN-ICN-SFO (2 singapore business legs, and ICN-SFO on united biz)

I'm having a hard time deciding on resort.. We're taking our 1yr old there... so I'm probably not interested in Over Water, probably interested in beach villa.

I want a resort which is on the quieter side, where we won't see too many people.. very picturesque and decent house reef.

Another point, I leave MLE at 11:30pm... so I probably want one of the resorts accessible by speed boat, as that way I can stay at resort until late and arrive at airport just before flight.. if I need sea plane they can't guarantee schedule and they can send you at noon or 1pm and you're stuck at the airport..

I am open to considering the Conrad Rangali as they said there's a good chance I can take a late plane out at 5pm or so.. if anyone has been there would love to here how private the villas are...

Lots of great hotel options so very hard to chose. Currently my best options seems to be the Coco Palm Bodu Hithi as all their rooms have private pools and seem very spacious. I may consider a night in the over water, as it's somewhat bigger than others I've seen (and traveling with a baby you need room...)

Once I decide on hotel I'll check what food options I have.. I would have liked bringing wine, but customs are super strict and I hear no chance of getting any alcohol in.

If anyone has any tips or pointers please let me know.

An advantage to taking a place within speed boat distance you save about $250-350 per person on transfer, and you can use that towards your room.

For anyone wondering, the Hyatt is suppose to be a very nice island, it's a schlep however. You need to take a DOMESTIC flight from Male, and only after that a speed boat.. Transfer is about $500.. Also accommodations didn't seem quite as luxurious as other places I've been looking at. The island itself seems very nice..

A note on when I'm going: I've had great luck with off season traveling.. I've been all over SEAsia during off season months and it's really worth it. Places are quiet, weather has been great, and price is normally less than half...


To be 100% honest, I would wait to go the Maldives when you have someone to watch your 1 year old. I went with a 9 month old who didn't even walk and spent the entire time nervous as even the larger islands revolve around water. Transferring onto the boat was even scarier as we had to pass the baby from one another over a plank and had to hold onto her throughout the ride which was one of the scariest of my life. Its also a ton of flying which won't be fun even with a well behaved kid. I've been everywhere with my kids and I can say that the Maldives was the most difficult.

Also, I think that Chuchem made a good point in the other thread. Be prepared to spend a lot of $$$. The costs keep adding up and even soda on the islands can cost $15 a can. If possible, wait until it can be done right. It'll be the trip of a lifetime.

FYI, lots of the nicer resorts will negotiate with you, especially during low season. It pays to get the GM''s email and send a nice letter with an idea of what you want to spend. Of course don't mention the kosher part until later as once they know you aren't buying food, you are a much lower REV guest

Offline brytch

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Re: Maldives trip planning
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2012, 11:08:18 AM »
Btw, I would monitor availability and see if you can get seats on Asiana from ICN. Better then UA...

I was thinking the same.. I was hoping to see the ICN SFO with Asiana but it's never showing as availably.. it does however have availability with the ICN - LAX but I believe it's the old seat configuration which I don't think would be as comfortable (they have two flights a day to LAX one old one new if I'm not mistaken?!)

To be 100% honest, I would wait to go the Maldives when you have someone to watch your 1 year old. I went with a 9 month old who didn't even walk and spent the entire time nervous as even the larger islands revolve around water. Transferring onto the boat was even scarier as we had to pass the baby from one another over a plank and had to hold onto her throughout the ride which was one of the scariest of my life. Its also a ton of flying which won't be fun even with a well behaved kid. I've been everywhere with my kids and I can say that the Maldives was the most difficult.

Also, I think that Chuchem made a good point in the other thread. Be prepared to spend a lot of $$$. The costs keep adding up and even soda on the islands can cost $15 a can. If possible, wait until it can be done right. It'll be the trip of a lifetime.

FYI, lots of the nicer resorts will negotiate with you, especially during low season. It pays to get the GM''s email and send a nice letter with an idea of what you want to spend. Of course don't mention the kosher part until later as once they know you aren't buying food, you are a much lower REV guest

The baby has never been a problem for us.. we've taken our 1 yr old (older ones now) to Thailand, Vietnam and elsewhere... islands as well, and we always had a great time..we fly a lot internationally with our kids no problem so I'm not too worried.

Also I've confirmed with a few hotels that they have babysitting services, so I do plan on getting some quiet time as well.. does it make sense to bring drinks with us to save on the beverage prices?

where did you stay? Any other tips to consider about our trip? Who is this richard that someone mentioned in the other thread as far as getting better rates?

The conrad's regular beach villas are available for $500, I'm debating if I might find a better option for that price.. Also wondering how the island is, is it busy!?

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2012, 11:15:15 AM »
I believe http://www.purelymaldives.co.uk/

Btw, welcome to the forums, just noticed you're new around here.

Hope you can gain as well as share. Seems like you've been around.

Offline Dan

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2012, 11:58:55 AM »
Why fly all the way to MLE for a beach villa ???
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2012, 12:07:35 PM »
Why fly all the way to MLE for a beach villa ???
Thanks for changing the thread topic.

Probably because he doesnt want is kid so close to the water all the time. As Damaxer said, MLE is tough with kids.
Q still stands, why schlep all the way there?

Offline Dan

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #9 on: May 01, 2012, 12:18:51 PM »
Thanks for changing the thread topic.

Probably because he doesnt want is kid so close to the water all the time. As Damaxer said, MLE is tough with kids.
Q still stands, why schlep all the way there?
Well now you have a moh nafshoch.

Personally just stick to HI with kids IMHO. 
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Offline aussiebochur

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2012, 12:20:46 PM »
Well now you have a moh nafshoch.

Personally just stick to HI with kids IMHO. 
Yup.

But seems like hes booked and going so...

Offline brytch

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #11 on: May 01, 2012, 12:23:43 PM »
I've been all over the place, and flown with young kids 15-20 hours no problem.. I don't think a OW is necessarily the best option for everyone...  ow normally means smaller room, in some instances poor privacy (as the case is with Hyatt Maldives)... OWB are often very cramped together.. Private pools are sometimes small.. you can have people snorkel not far from your bungalow and see right in...

I'm going to experience the amazing clear waters, quiet private islands, relax and not be bothered by anyone or anything. Plus get in some scuba and great snorkeling.. All islands have separate villas, which are a big difference to the typical large hotel buildings.. have a clear white sand private beach right in front of your place is also nice.

There's a reason all resorts have beach villas and in some instances cost more then OWB's..

I have taken 2 young kids, and before than one baby, on a 16 hour flight then connected to a second 3 hr flight, then another 2 hour flight, then 2 hour boat ride.. was it hectic? a little but definitely worth the great small island we spent some great time on.. Can't compare to HI.. two worlds.. (not denying that it's a beautiful island, just different vibe, and not what I'm looking for).

Lets be honest, most of us have kids, and will be around young kids for many years to come..  should I let that stop me from going places I want to? I was even contemplating taking my 3 and 5 year olds with us.. they love traveling and I don't mind having them..

Offline AJK

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #12 on: May 01, 2012, 12:24:32 PM »
Why fly all the way to MLE for a beach villa ???

I'd agree, but some (most?) of resorts in MLE do not even allow guests with children below 8 to be in an OWB.

Maybe the DD concierge can help this "unpriveleged" DDF'er with accomodations? :P
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Offline Dan

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2012, 12:31:12 PM »
Can't compare to HI.. two worlds.. (not denying that it's a beautiful island, just different vibe, and not what I'm looking for).
Last time I checked there were at least 8 of them.  Out of curiosity which have you been to?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Ergel

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #14 on: May 01, 2012, 01:45:34 PM »
Last time I checked there were at least 8 of them.  Out of curiosity which have you been to?
Why do I have the feeling you'll be waiting for a long time for an answer?
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #15 on: May 01, 2012, 07:29:22 PM »
Why do I have the feeling you'll be waiting for a long time for an answer?
good prediction there

Offline brytch

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #16 on: May 02, 2012, 04:13:35 PM »
been to more than one HI island... they are beautiful but personally I prefer the culture, service, and vibe of being in some of these far off places..  just my preference.

Vis-a-vis hotel, I just came across some HHonor points.. which means if they post in time (says 3-4 weeks) I might go for the Waldorf Astoria over water which is decent size and wouldn't cost me extras (other than transfer). I don't think it includes breakfast, wondering if it's worth adding so I can get fruit and vegetables plus drinks or if it'll be a waste..

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #17 on: May 02, 2012, 04:14:35 PM »
been to more than one HI island
Specifically?
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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #18 on: May 02, 2012, 04:39:20 PM »
Vis-a-vis hotel, I just came across some HHonor points.. which means if they post in time (says 3-4 weeks) I might go for the Waldorf Astoria

250K?
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Offline brytch

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Re: Maldives Master Thread
« Reply #19 on: May 02, 2012, 05:36:40 PM »
yup.. now I'm debating which of the hilton properties I prefer.. Also wondering when they'll post, and if I should make a refundable reservation and then rebook once points post.

Re HI I was in Maui and Kauai, but it's funny you take it so personal.. different people different tastes..