Luxury Hotels - Which tropical paradise?

For next February/March 10 nights

Either

Maldives - combination of both FS resorts or potentially Taj Exotica and OO Reethi Rah.

or

Amanpulo

Resorts are priced at similar levels. The Maldives are obviously quicker to get to with a direct (albeit expensive) flight on BA. I can get most of the way to Amanpulo on miles via BA and Cathay, but it takes a lot longer. The beaches at Amanpulo do look wonderful, but the casitas are perhaps slightly dated? On the other hand the Maldives could be full of screaming kids and bling.

What would you do?

kids and bling can be at amanpulo too. they allow a single group to book half the casitas.

amanpulo villas have 2-3 staff, buggy, kitchen. casitas dont have private pools.

maldives has overwater, FS explorer, and as you mentioned possibility of combining.

although with amanpulo, you could combine with other asian resorts.

kids and bling can be at amanpulo too.

base accommodations?

amanpulo villas have 2-3 staff, buggy, kitchen. casitas dont have private pools.

maldives has overwater, FS explorer, and as you mentioned possible to combine.

Would definitely want a beach casita at Amanpulo. Not sure in the Maldives. Maybe a split of beach and overwater.

Have you ever been to the Philippines? It's a very friendly, fun, interesting mix of cultures. Basically, it's more of a cultural experience than I feel you get out of the Maldives resorts. Filipinos are mostly Catholic. They are incredibly kind hearted.

Amanpulo does some local food items like adobo/pancit and makes homemade guava jam. And their welcome calamansi (tiny lime) juice is to die for.

Of course, both locations are equally stunning with great beaches and water activities. Tough choice. ;)

Maldives and this is why: Over Water Villa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfPKX...e_gdata_player)

Maldives and this is why: Over Water Villa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfPKX...e_gdata_player)

The youtube link doesn't work. I've heard that snorkelers sometimes swim under your bed, do hotels take pains to avoid this?

Thanks everyone. I have reserved Amanpulo.

Thanks everyone. I have reserved Amanpulo.

Good decision.^

Good decision.^

+1 -- you will not be disappointed!