Hyatt Gold Passport - Abu Dhabi and Maldives DO: 2nd-9th August 2013

Planned Itinerary
August 2nd: arrive at Hyatt Capital Gate
August 3rd: 09:30 breakfast
11:00 private tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
lunch and a tour of Emirates Palace
19:00 cocktail reception, sponsored by Hyatt Capital Gate
August 4th: transfer to Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi either by taxi or group transport
19:00 cocktail reception, sponsored by Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
August 5th: 10:00 visit to Falcon Hospital (coach will leave beforehand)
return to hotel for lunch
15:00 cruise including early dinner (coach transport)
19:00 return to hotel
August 6th: fly to MLE and transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives
19:00 champagne reception, sponsored by Park Hyatt Maldvies
August 7th: dolphin-spotting trip, kindly sponsored by Park Hyatt Maldives
August 8th: farewell BBQ dinner, generously sponsored by Park Hyatt Maldives
prize draw
August 9th: depart at leisure or extend stay


Costs see here (http://www.megado.co.uk/cost.html)
To reserve your place see here (http://www.megado.co.uk/reserve-your-place.html)
Terms and conditions see here (http://www.megado.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.html)

I would like to thank Hyatt Capital Gate, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and Park Hyatt Maldives for negotiating a great rate and providing exclusive benefits for our group. Also, I would like to thank Hyatt Gold Passport for donating some fantastic prizes for the raffle to be held in the Maldives.

You can come to part or all of the event. Only rules: to take part in the prize draw, you must pay for at least 2 nights in AUH and 3 nights in MLE on the group rate. To attend any sponsored receptions or receive discounts offered by the hotel, you must pay the group rate.

There are two of us (a couple) and we'd be interested. Private jet is not necessary to us (as we really like to get mileage and save a few bucks on such things), but is not a stopper. We'd be interested in having a break on the price from some sponsor, but it would have to be from a sponsor we would genuinely want to do business with. (We were thinking a car company, maybe, or something un-travel related but for whom seeking input from such a group would be valuable.)

There are two of us (a couple) and we'd be interested. Private jet is not necessary to us (as we really like to get mileage and save a few bucks on such things), but is not a stopper. We'd be interested in having a break on the price from some sponsor, but it would have to be from a sponsor we would genuinely want to do business with. (We were thinking a car company, maybe, or something un-travel related but for whom seeking input from such a group would be valuable.)

Ok. Thanks for feedback. Sponsors would be travel related or luxury lifestyle. If anyone has any contacts who may be interested please pm me. It would only be net from AUH to MLE as there are few airlines who fly direct (and is about £700 pp in J oneway). Depending on interest, the other option would be a group do at hotels with individual travel in between, but it may be hard to get airline sponsor on this basis.

Me+1 would be interested at this price point.

I myself and my girlfriend Daniella are definitely interested and feel the suggested interinary sound extraordinary.

Verveine and I are certainly interested if the group would be OK with us taking our baby along...

This is absolutely something I would be interested in, for a group of approx 50 the BBJ to Male does seem like the right option.

There are two of us (a couple) and we'd be interested. Private jet is not necessary to us (as we really like to get mileage and save a few bucks on such things), but is not a stopper. We'd be interested in having a break on the price from some sponsor, but it would have to be from a sponsor we would genuinely want to do business with. (We were thinking a car company, maybe, or something un-travel related but for whom seeking input from such a group would be valuable.)

+1. I would rather fly on a *A or whomever I am with next year. Regardless, I'd be interested!

+1. I would rather fly on a *A or whomever I am with next year. Regardless, I'd be interested!

Only star option would be Singapore Air, which is quite a detour from the Middle East and would likely cost more than the jet. Direct, it would have to be Etihad, Emirates, Qatar or Oman Air, depending which Middle Eastern country was chosen. I think Capital Gate provides the best contrast with the PH Maldives, although I love GH Muscat, GH Dubai and PH Dubai (PH Abu Dhabi also looks good). As Etihad partner American, I thought they may be popular, but will see who will give a decent rate and sponsorship offer.

Verveine and I are certainly interested if the group would be OK with us taking our baby along...

How old will baby be (young enough to sit on lap on charter)? I don't have a problem with you bringing a baby, although you may find you can't bring a baby to some activities (not sure what these are yet but eg safety demonstration with airline). If baby will be a toddler, it may be hard work for you, but they will enjoy the beach and swimming pools, and being on such a small island you know you can't lose them if they wander.

Only star option would be Singapore Air, which is quite a detour from the Middle East and would likely cost more than the jet. Direct, it would have to be Etihad, Emirates, Qatar or Oman Air, depending which Middle Eastern country was chosen. I think Capital Gate provides the best contrast with the PH Maldives, although I love GH Muscat, GH Dubai and PH Dubai (PH Abu Dhabi also looks good). As Etihad partner American, I thought they may be popular, but will see who will give a decent rate and sponsorship offer.

Oh I forgot Qatar's is cancelling code-share with UA. I might be with AA/OW anyway ... we shall see though.

Me and my fiancee are interested in this Mega Do. Count US in OP :D!

If the Boeing Business Jet is very cost -effective (due to sponsorship), we are very excited to take it. Otherwise, we will go to Maldives with the hard way :cool:

How old will baby be (young enough to sit on lap on charter)? I don't have a problem with you bringing a baby, although you may find you can't bring a baby to some activities (not sure what these are yet but eg safety demonstration with airline). If baby will be a toddler, it may be hard work for you, but they will enjoy the beach and swimming pools, and being on such a small island you know you can't lose them if they wander.

Baby won't need an own seat and agree re the activities. Have been to the ph Maldives in April and would love to go back next year!

the 2 of us would love to travel to the Maldives again. sounds spectacular!

Keep in mind that Ramadan runs through August 8 in 2013 so will probably want to schedule outside of this time frame since it can be a bit restricting.

Me +1 will be interested in going.
I was thinking about going next year anyway.
A private jet will not be too bad an experience or else you can try to arrange a regular flight with both economy and business seats so people can choose what they want.

Private jet would be a better experience.

I am 50 - 50 on this DO.

The reason why I am not really keen is because I prefer cool city / mountain breezes to hot tropical beaches!

But other than that, I am for this DO because it is Hyatt.

:p

Trying to accumulate enough points and air miles to do a mega binge redemption to the maldives PH one of these days...although I must say..375 a night? Seems like a damn good rate to me. Would be worth it to me if I was not already working on this.

I'm pretty new to this world, but this sounds pretty awesome. Depending on the timing and cost me and the +1 would definitely be interested! ^

Keep in mind that Ramadan runs through August 8 in 2013 so will probably want to schedule outside of this time frame since it can be a bit restricting.

During Ramadan, hotels are less busy. Spoke to GH Dubai about this (as currently staying here) and told restaurants/club are open as usual, just screened off. After Ramadan, it's busy as lots of people take holiday. Before Ramadan pushes the date early and is likely detrimental for Maldives weather. We haven't been to UAE during Ramadan, so if it's likely to be a deal breaker, we can avoid.

I am 50 - 50 on this DO.

The reason why I am not really keen is because I prefer cool city / mountain breezes to hot tropical beaches!

But other than that, I am for this DO because it is Hyatt.

:p

Well, Maldives shouldn't be too hot and there tends to be a breeze, but Middle East will be 40-50C. It has been about 40 this week and we have found it quite comfortable (although burnt out on a boat). You acclimatise quite quickly. London will likely be below 20 if recent summer pattern continues. if you don't like hot weather, this probably isn't the do for you!

Trying to accumulate enough points and air miles to do a mega binge redemption to the maldives PH one of these days...although I must say..375 a night? Seems like a damn good rate to me. Would be worth it to me if I was not already working on this.

You could use your miles to get to LHR/AUH, and points in PH Maldives if you wanted to come (or mix paid nights and points).

Me and +1 are very interested in this mega do.

I heard that TK will lauch a new MLE service. Maybe that is an option for *A flyer.

ME+1, so the PH Maldives rate is confirm is it, but private not sure?

ME+1, so the PH Maldives rate is confirm is it, but private not sure?

PH Maldives rate is confirmed. The private jet costs around £1700 per person, but I am aiming to reduce this to £1000 with sponsorship. Potentially, the rate could go lower. I wanted to gauge interest before spending the hundreds of hours needed to arrange this.

Great rate at the PH Maldives. We want to go back. Please add +2 to the list.

I would LOVE do to this DO, However with a baby on the way, will have to pass :-(

Me+1 would be interested too. Cool idea!

Great that there seems to be quite a lot of interest. We have now started the leg work for getting sponsorship. A couple of questions:

A) any preference between PH Abu Dhabi, GH Dubai or Capital Gate?
B) if we can't get an airline to provide activity, is this a deal breaker?
C) which plane do people prefer for charter from the following links. They cost the same but one only seats 40 so is more luxurious but may cost more.
1:40 seater (http://www.royaljetgroup.com/pages/aircraftDetail.php?id=398)
2:52 seater (http://www.royaljetgroup.com/pages/aircraftDetail.php?id=399)

Great that there seems to be quite a lot of interest. We have now started the leg work for getting sponsorship. A couple of questions:

A) any preference between PH Abu Dhabi, GH Dubai or Capital Gate?
B) if we can't get an airline to provide activity, is this a deal breaker?
C) which plane do people prefer for charter from the following links. They cost the same but one only seats 40 so is more luxurious but may cost more.
1:40 seater (http://www.royaljetgroup.com/pages/aircraftDetail.php?id=398)
2:52 seater (http://www.royaljetgroup.com/pages/aircraftDetail.php?id=399)

Great to see this advancing! Many thanks for your effort and time to make this crazy idea working!
A) Haven't been to the UAE so far, hence no preference in terms of location. Assuming it will boiling hot in August access to a beach and nice pool would be great....
B) no
C) both planes seem to be configured for the royalty sitting/sleeping up front and the servants sitting in standard 3+3 configuration in the back. Not sure how we would work this out or if a less luxurious BBJ with a normal "business class configuration" would make more sense?

C) both planes seem to be configured for the royalty sitting/sleeping up front and the servants sitting in standard 3+3 configuration in the back. Not sure how we would work this out or if a less luxurious BBJ with a normal "business class configuration" would make more sense?

Problem is the plane has to be in UAE already otherwise the cost of flying it there is added. Flight will be day time and about 4.5 h so sleeping not a problem.

For the 52 seater, I would suggest we have 2 meal services served in the VIP seats, so people spend half time in each set type. The standard seats look ok as shown here (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled-(RoyalJet)/Boeing-737-7Z5-BBJ/1302618/&sid=c47a8ee7ce934fbb64bf8f082bd634b1), although this is a different plane reg.

For the 40 seater, I would see it as a more sociable layout due to the lounge area and would expect more movement around the plane so seating only matters for take off and landing. There are a few pics on airliners.net here (http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?regsearch=A6-RJY&distinct_entry=true) of the actual plane.

Put me and my SO down as interested. We are always watching developments at dive destinations and started looking at this property when the PH re-branding was announced. Its not our top choice for the Maldives, but probably in our top ten for that island nation.

So my SO has been to the Maldives, but I have not. Being a "mixed marriage" regarding airline alliances, we could not make a trip work for us (since one or both of us must fly that far and get no status earning credit on our preferred airline) Your timeframe could work, but it would put us in wanting a decent charter (price & departure airport). price123, your original thought of starting in London sounded more interesting. A business class charter from LHR-MLE would have made us very interested in the whole DO. Also the Royal Jet charters look less interesting with their VIP seating rather than some business class charter for all your DO-ers. My gut feel is you need to figure out how the VIP/coach/divan seating assignments would happen. Lol, I would not expect movement if you sold all the 40 or 52 spots, especially for us if we were one of the lucky ones not to be sitting in the "standard seats" at takeoff.

Your timeframe could work, but it would put us in wanting a decent charter (price & departure airport). price123, your original thought of starting in London sounded more interesting. A business class charter from LHR-MLE would have made us very interested in the whole DO. Also the Royal Jet charters look less interesting with their VIP seating rather than some business class charter for all your DO-ers. My gut feel is you need to figure out how the VIP/coach/divan seating assignments would happen. Lol, I would not expect movement if you sold all the 40 or 52 spots, especially for us if we were one of the lucky ones not to be sitting in the "standard seats" at takeoff.

The charter from AUH to MLE is $117,000/£80,000 one way. I am inviting sponsorship from a number of companies at present to bring that down to around £1000 pp. The business charter all the way from London, followed by parking costs for 3 days and continuing to Male would be astronomical, although I can check the price. As I explained above, I can't find an plane in UAE which is only business class seating. I would hope that attendees would embrace the community aspect of Flyertalk, and would split the seating up. I would not foresee the event as each person sitting at their seat on their own throughout the flight, but people exploring the plane and socialising.

The only other way of doing the seating is charging a different price for each area, but I would rather not do that.

ok I'm coming to this DO, sounds interesting enough

I'd be very interested in a Maldives DO. ^

Ok please put me and +1 down as interested. However the cost of the private jet transfer may be prohibitive for us, so I would vote for going the ordinary way with EY or QR or EK. I could use miles to do EY which would make the whole thing significantly more affordable. I would love to participate in the private jet, but even at 1,000 GBP that would be $3,200 for two of us and I can't justify that today for two for a 4.5 hour flight.

Ok please put me and +1 down as interested. However the cost of the private jet transfer may be prohibitive for us, so I would vote for going the ordinary way with EY or QR or EK. I could use miles to do EY which would make the whole thing significantly more affordable. I would love to participate in the private jet, but even at 1,000 GBP that would be $3,200 for two of us and I can't justify that today for two for a 4.5 hour flight.

The amount saved at the PH Maldives on our rate and benefits reclaims the cost of the private jet in a week, without allowing for the cost the flight would normally be. I will put you down as interested, but can't guarantee there will be space available at the PH as part of the DO if you don't use the jet.
I understand that it would be cheaper going the normal way, but difficult for us all to get there. The great thing with the jet is that we can arrive at a time to suit us, in order to have maximum time on Hadahaa.

The amount saved at the PH Maldives on our rate and benefits reclaims the cost of the private jet in a week, without allowing for the cost the flight would normally be. I will put you down as interested, but can't guarantee there will be space available at the PH as part of the DO if you don't use the jet.
I understand that it would be cheaper going the normal way, but difficult for us all to get there. The great thing with the jet is that we can arrive at a time to suit us, in order to have maximum time on Hadahaa.

Understood and thanks. And of course we would not all be able to make it by miles, but that said DOH-MLE runs around $500 each in coach and am sure with some sponsorship Qatar or Etihad could beat that with a large block booking. But I certainly understand the desire of the private jet. Maybe a tiered option - I'd be happy to be the staff at the back? :)

Also I assume this is one way and everyone makes their own way home?

Do you plan on flying into MLE? I wonder if KDM could cope with a small jet? Another option is GAN which I am pretty sure with it's military history would have a good shot of being able to handle and is certainly closer than MLE. Also aren't they building a new airport on that East side of the Atoll?

Do you plan on flying into MLE? I wonder if KDM could cope with a small jet? Another option is GAN which I am pretty sure with it's military history would have a good shot of being able to handle and is certainly closer than MLE. Also aren't they building a new airport on that East side of the Atoll?

You need customs and immigration service. No dice at KDM.

You need customs and immigration service. No dice at KDM.

Ah of course good point. And I re-read and the suggestion is into MLE with private charter on Maldivian to the Hyatt (either to KDM presumably or hopefully the new closer airport)

Understood and thanks. And of course we would not all be able to make it by miles, but that said DOH-MLE runs around $500 each in coach and am sure with some sponsorship Qatar or Etihad could beat that with a large block booking. But I certainly understand the desire of the private jet. Maybe a tiered option - I'd be happy to be the staff at the back? :)

Also I assume this is one way and everyone makes their own way home?

Do you plan on flying into MLE? I wonder if KDM could cope with a small jet? Another option is GAN which I am pretty sure with it's military history would have a good shot of being able to handle and is certainly closer than MLE. Also aren't they building a new airport on that East side of the Atoll?

They are building a new airport but apparently it will have same size runway as KDM. The jet could land but not take off on KDM runway. When I spoke to the charter company they won't go to small islands - maybe because of refueling, safety etc?

Plan is one way so people can extend their stay in PH Maldives if they wish and also some may want to go back via BKK or SIN, others direct to EU or via UAE. We have found good value business class on Etihad, booked on open jaw, so one way charter shouldn't be a problem.

I'm not sure if block bookings actually reduce rate - having a few problems getting through to correct people. The general group bookings people won't give me a rate because I'm not a travel agent. With the fare bucket system, booking a large number probably exceeds the cheapest bucket allocation, increasing the cost.

If enough people wanted to be in the standard class seats at the back of the jet, and if others were willing to pay more for the VIP seats, that would be an option. At £500 for a standard seat, that would make a VIP seat £1600 on the 52 seater and £1300 on 40 seater. This obviously depends on the sponsorship I can secure.

You need customs and immigration service. No dice at KDM.

However it might be possible to clear immigration and customs in MLE and then use the BBJ to hop down to KDM. The runway should be sufficient for an BBJ and the certainly have the facility to deal with luggage for 50 pax. This might come cheaper than chartering one of the Maldivian ATR's.
Price123 - is the plan to fly out form MLE individually or to take the BBJ buck to the UAE? I assumed the later.

Forgot to add, that you need to remember that the charter isn't only a different seat. You depart from a VIP terminal at a time of our choice (can arrive 15 min beforehand) and will be served a good meal with fine wine (unlike in Y).

Forgot to add, that you need to remember that the charter isn't only a different seat. You depart from a VIP terminal at a time of our choice (can arrive 15 min beforehand) and will be served a good meal with fine wine (unlike in Y).

That certainly is nice, but that said for the difference (1000 GBP - 500 USD = around $1,100) I can fund my own first class meal with fine wine too :) Don't mean to be flip about it, and 2-3 years ago I would not have hesitated to say yes to the charter, but for me the catch-phrase "in these economic times" has become something of a reality and I have to watch the budget more carefully than ever, and I am sure that I am not the only one in that bucket. That said I am sure there are plenty of folks doing fine, so if some multi-class alternative could be offered that would be ideal ^

However it might be possible to clear immigration and customs in MLE and then use the BBJ to hop down to KDM. The runway should be sufficient for an BBJ and the certainly have the facility to deal with luggage for 50 pax. This might come cheaper than chartering one of the Maldivian ATR's.
Price123 - is the plan to fly out form MLE individually or to take the BBJ buck to the UAE? I assumed the later.

KDM runway is too short for BBJ takeoff. According to Royal Jets webpage, take off distance is 6135 feet. KDM is 4003 feet long.

The plan was for the official DO to finish at PH Maldives, so people can stay as long as they want and depart whichever route they choose. I think the cost of parking etc makes the return charter impractical, thus people would fly out of MLE indivually.

In answer to a previous question, private charter from Europe to MLE (including stopover in AUH) is £330,000 one way. Now, unless a kind FTer would like to sponsor the event to the tune of £250,000, that seems unrealistic to me.

Count us in too, we are myself, my husband and my little boy who will be 3 yrs (-:
Please add us to the list.

My wife and I would be interested if we can bring two small kids (4/6), and the calendar match

My wife and I would be interested if we can bring two small kids (4/6), and the calendar match

You would be welcome to bring kids (and other people may too), although I'm not sure they would be welcome on all activities. You main problem would be the extra cost of seats on the charter flight. Obviously as it is a lump sum journey there can't be any discounts for children.

I am not sure you can have more than one child in a room at the PH Maldives. Check with the hotel. Not trying to discourage or anything, but just pointing it out. We are going to PH on our own (me and mrs) in October and will be going again in April with kids but with kids we are going to go to the Conrad where rooms allow for two kids and they have a kids club (for when we go diving), kids activities etc. Just something to check on.

How are things shaping up price123? Given the amount of planning involved for all would be good to see things starting to firm up

I am not sure you can have more than one child in a room at the PH Maldives. Check with the hotel. Not trying to discourage or anything, but just pointing it out. We are going to PH on our own (me and mrs) in October and will be going again in April with kids but with kids we are going to go to the Conrad where rooms allow for two kids and they have a kids club (for when we go diving), kids activities etc. Just something to check on.

How are things shaping up price123? Given the amount of planning involved for all would be good to see things starting to firm up

Yep I have no idea about kids to be honest - people can check that themselves.

I have my preferred date on the first page - let me know how this fits. Also, I have started to design a website with info, so will publicise when it's up and running. The do will happen in some form, but without sponsorship I don't know about the private jet. I'm hoping to find out before August about this, to give everyone a year to plan ahead. Trust me, there's a huge amount of planning from this end! I guess I should make it clear that driven2travel and myself both have full time jobs, and don't have any contacts. Nor we do make a profit from organising events (I know most don't on FT but want that to be clear). I have had a few offers of help and some contacts which is great as I think it's all who you know.

I am happy to go ahead with choosing dates, getting contracts with hotels sorted etc, but can't firm up on jet yet. We will visit the AUH Hyatts in August and decide on accommodation in UAE then.

Whilst we are still inviting sponsorship, it would be useful to get a head count of who would be interested at full cost. I have updated the first page to give details on this. Proposed itinerary is here (http://d2tmegado.weebly.com/proposed-itinerary.html) (very basic website) and cost (http://d2tmegado.weebly.com/projected-cost.html) is here. You may register your interest either through the website, by posting on this page or PMing me.

hi Price123,

We are definitely interested WITH sponsorship. 50:50 without as prices are very reasonable but we onlytend to plan 6 months in advance so im going to be a pain and say definitely maybe. DO i still register interest?

The seats towards the back actually work better for us as there are 2 of us plus our little boy so 3 would work out perfect BUT i couldn't find any piccys of the seats at the back, only the premium ones (unsurprisingly):
http://www.royaljetgroup.com/pages/aircraftDetail.php?id=399

If anyone has any links or has experienced the seats at the back of these planes it would be good to know what they are like! i couldn't find leg space etc at first glance on the website..

hi Price123,

We are definitely interested WITH sponsorship. 50:50 without as prices are very reasonable but we onlytend to plan 6 months in advance so im going to be a pain and say definitely maybe. DO i still register interest?

The seats towards the back actually work better for us as there are 2 of us plus our little boy so 3 would work out perfect BUT i couldn't find any piccys of the seats at the back, only the premium ones (unsurprisingly):
http://www.royaljetgroup.com/pages/aircraftDetail.php?id=399

If anyone has any links or has experienced the seats at the back of these planes it would be good to know what they are like! i couldn't find leg space etc at first glance on the website..

I'll put you down as interested. On the royal jet website there is a video show round which gives some idea of the seats. If you can't get it to work, click the Arabic symbol a the top of the page as it often works on the Arabic site.

Just an update - I haven't forgotten about this do. It will go ahead, just not sure whether transport will be BBJ or scheduled airline. Again, if anyone has any contacts in marketing or similar let me know for sponsorship.

Please add me + 1 with standard seat. Would love to get sponsorship :)

So, an update...

We are struggling to attract sponsorship but will keep trying until end of the month. If at that point we have no sponsorship, we can see if we are able to get enough people for BBJ at full cost, but I expect it will be travelling scheduled.

We met with staff from PH Maldives, Hyatt Capital Gate and PH AUH last week and have a few things to follow up but mostly positive meetings. The weather was pleasant so not worried about the heat.

Although we had first been told that PH Maldives could only manage 20 rooms, they are happy for us to book as many as we want - if we get 40 or more rooms, the resort will close for us, so will be a private island :) Diamond members will be upgraded, although if more diamond members attend than upgrades are available, obviously some will not be. There are no bad rooms though.

Although Capital Gate is an iconic building and the rooms are great, the PH is stunning, so will probably swap the stays around to increase time at the PH. Occupancy in both hotels looked around 20% so should be a nice visit. We will post some pictures soon.

As a separate question, does anyone have a problem with me booking the hotels for everyone so I can access bookings? The London do has had some problems with emails being sent from me to Person A to person B back to person A and then to me, whereas this was round I would have straight access. You would still get all HGP points and benefits.

So, an update...

We are struggling to attract sponsorship but will keep trying until end of the month. If at that point we have no sponsorship, we can see if we are able to get enough people for BBJ at full cost, but I expect it will be travelling scheduled.

We met with staff from PH Maldives, Hyatt Capital Gate and PH AUH last week and have a few things to follow up but mostly positive meetings. The weather was pleasant so not worried about the heat.

Although we had first been told that PH Maldives could only manage 20 rooms, they are happy for us to book as many as we want - if we get 40 or more rooms, the resort will close for us, so will be a private island :) Diamond members will be upgraded, although if more diamond members attend than upgrades are available, obviously some will not be. There are no bad rooms though.

Although Capital Gate is an iconic building and the rooms are great, the PH is stunning, so will probably swap the stays around to increase time at the PH. Occupancy in both hotels looked around 20% so should be a nice visit. We will post some pictures soon.

As a separate question, does anyone have a problem with me booking the hotels for everyone so I can access bookings? The London do has had some problems with emails being sent from me to Person A to person B back to person A and then to me, whereas this was round I would have straight access. You would still get all HGP points and benefits.

Thanks for the update.

I have no issues with your suggestion.

Once there is availability, I will be booking an award ticket to the event to protect myself.

Hi Price,

Could you please add two more spots as my parents, and a friend are keen to join on this little journey!

You can also bump 4 of us up to the interested without sponsorship bracket.

Our group will have 2 rooms. :)

Sorry for not providing an update for a while. I have been chasing sponsorship and trying to organise finalities for the London DO (also writing a PhD thesis!)

It looks like we will not be able to get cash sponsorship to reduce the cost of the charter. I will continue to approach companies, but am not expecting a positive response. However, having further researched the options, I have decided to try going ahead with the private jet without sponsorship. When comparing the same trip on publicly available rates, the package we are offering is cheaper in many cases, with better benefits (see here (http://www.megado.co.uk/cost.html)). If sponsorship is agreed, the cost of the jet will go down, but I would not expect this to happen.

I have thus opened up registration (please check terms and conditions (http://www.megado.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.html) prior to booking and contact me if any questions). To reserve your chosen seat on the jet, please pay £100 deposit. When a deposit has been paid for each seat, we will then require full payment of your seat in order to reserve the jet. If we do not sell all seats, you can either have £100 refunded or you can use this as payment for the superyacht charter. The event will go ahead, preferably with the BBJ or alternatively with scheduled flights.

After the problems with bookings for London, I will make bookings (or you can add my travel agent code to your booking). I should point out that most of the rates are non-comissionable. However, if we do make any profit from the event, this will be donated to charity. We will inform you when hotel booking block is open.

So, bookmark www.megado.co.uk for updates and reserve your seat for this trip of a lifetime.

Thanks for your efforts price123. Looking at your cost comparison I'm not sure if this really holds up as I would guess the hotel rates are not tied to the BBJ flight?
1300 USD for an economy seat on the BBJ sounds a bit steep and I guess at this price we would not go ahead.

After talking to a few people at the London DO, it seems people are holding back booking until others have booked. This is self-defeating.

Our plan is to leave booking for the private jet open until end of November/Christmas (current potential sponsors busy with WTM so unlikely to respond for a couple of weeks), then we will have to decide to use a scheduled airline, unless jet is sold.

So, book your seat on the jet if you are planning to come. As mentioned, if the jet doesn't go ahead, you will get your deposit back (either refund or as credit - your choice).

The potential sponsor we had lined up has said they would prefer to sponsor an event in Europe, so it looks like jet is unlikely to be reduced in price. As such, we will close booking for the jet on 24th November.

If you want to come by BBJ, reserve your place online and we'll see if we can get it off the ground. If not, we will invite attendance by scheduled airline. As the first event in the Maldives is a cocktail reception (time tbc but around 19:00), everyone will need to arrive on one of the following flights:
Qatar Airways 382 (departs AUH 05:55, arrives MLE 13:55)
Oman Air 385 (departs AUH 05:50, arrives MLE 15:05)
Emirates 652 (departs DXB 09:45, arrives MLE 15:00)
Etihad 278 (departs AUH 09:20, arrives MLE 14:40)

Depending on cost (waiting to hear back from Maldivian - still), we would then either charter a flight down to Kooddoo, or individuals can arrive on the normal scheduled flights from Maldivian (looks like 16:50 flight).

We have had further details of the offering from the Park Hyatt Maldives. They have generously offered to sponsor the reception on the first night, a lucky dolphin cruise on the second night and the BBQ dinner on the third night. This is a great offer, especially combined with the special rate for our group.

As such, we will close booking for the jet on 24th September.

Assume you mean 24 November?

Assume you mean 24 November?

Correct. That's the third time I've got the month wrong this week - must be going senile.

Correct. That's the third time I've got the month wrong this week - must be going senile.

Probably just any leftover champagne from Hyatt DO:D

Right, so booking is open for all without private jet. See the Driven2travel event website (www.megado.co.uk).

The rates negotiated for this event are fantastic - $375 per night for the Park Hyatt Maldives. This is for the Park Villa and no upgrades will be guaranteed (if only diamonds arrive there aren't enough villas to upgrade everyone). If you want to guarantee a Pool Villa, this will be $525/night or for a Water Villa, $675/night. These are such good value for a great hotel and in addition, the group will receive a champagne reception on the first night, a 'lucky dolphin' cruise on the second night and a BBQ dinner on the final night. Rates will be held for an additional 6 nights after the event until the 15th August.

In addition, the hotels in Abu Dhabi have generously offered to provide cocktails and canapés for us, and have given us a vastly reduced group rate.

Register online (note cancellation policies and terms and conditions) and join us for a great holiday!

To make things a little easier, I thought I'd give you links to book hotels where possible:

Hyatt Capital Gate (http://abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com/groupbooking/abdccx0422013)

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi - email (Reservations.ABUPH@hyatt.com) reservations.ABUPH[at]hyatt.com and quote code E985 (also say what the event is)

Park Hyatt Maldives - email (hasaan.shareef@hyatt.com) hasaan.shareef[at]hyatt.com and ask to book the Flyertalk event next August.

If anyone wants me to facilitate booking, contact me through email or PM.

Please note, you do need to register online so I know you have agreed to t+c

Happy New Year to everyone.

Bookings are being made for the event and I'm sure the next 8 months will pass in a flash. The offer from each hotel is fantastic - you are not going to get a better offer for Park Hyatt Maldives!

We're happy for you to take part in all or part of the do. However, to get group benefits and access to sponsored activities you must pay the group rate. In order to enter the prize draw, you must pay a minimum of 2 nights in Abu Dhabi and 3 in the Maldives on the group rate.

The US Airways 100% bonus on buy/share miles is back until end of January. I found Swiss or Turkish business class availability in 1st/2nd August to Dubai, so an EU-DXB J return costs around $1285.

If people could let me know if they are likely to come and/or have booked that would be useful. I will need to book the cruise for AUH soon but need to know the number of people interested in that (likely to be around £60-100pp for 3h and we'll have a BBQ). If you would like to come on the cruise but not on the rest of the DO, that's ok.

Is there an option to just do the Maldives portion of the Do, and skip AUH?

Thanks.

Is there an option to just do the Maldives portion of the Do, and skip AUH?

Thanks.

Yes - sorry if I haven't made this clear. You can:
- just come on the cruise in Abu Dhabi
- just come to one or both of the hotels in AUH
- just come to the Maldives
- do all of the above.

To take part in anything sponsored you need to stay in the hotel on the group rate. To take part in the prize draw, you need to stay min 2 nights in AUH and 3 in MLE.

So yes in answer to your question

Hi!

Unfortunately, we are taking a different summer trip and will not be able to join this one. Please remove me from interested list for your reference.

Thanks

Yes - sorry if I haven't made this clear. You can:
- just come on the cruise in Abu Dhabi
- just come to one or both of the hotels in AUH
- just come to the Maldives
- do all of the above.

To take part in anything sponsored you need to stay in the hotel on the group rate. To take part in the prize draw, you need to stay min 2 nights in AUH and 3 in MLE.

So yes in answer to your question
Thanks!

Quick clarification: So if I stay 3 nights in the Maldives in the hotel on the group rate, then would I still be ineligible for the draw (as I wouldn't have stayed in AUH)?

Thanks!

Quick clarification: So if I stay 3 nights in the Maldives in the hotel on the group rate, then would I still be ineligible for the draw (as I wouldn't have stayed in AUH)?

Yep. But you would be eligible for all benefits from Park Hyatt Maldives: activity discount, champagne reception, cruise, BBQ.

A reminder for any of you who bought US dividend miles last year. Time is running out for the current 100% bonus miles (must buy by end of the month). Only just over 6 months to go!

For anyone who still needs flights. It may be worth checking out the cost of buying AA miles for use on Etihad as they have a 50% bonus on at the moment.

And don't forget about the quite new options of flying to MLE with TK or with QR if you prefer OW.

With only just over 5 months to go, I'm starting to look at boats for the cruise.

My suggestion is that we book the biggest/most luxurious boat the group can afford (looks like 60-85 feet) and we will arrange food for a BBQ (soft drinks are included). Then, the most sensible idea seems to be if people bring alcohol from duty free or welcome amenity from the hotel. We'll bring a couple of bottles of champagne and everyone can bring different things. Unfortunately, tourists can't buy alcohol from a shop in the UAE without a license.

I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious, but everyone needs to respect the rules and culture of the area we will be in (especially during Ramadan) - i.e. do not appear drunk in public. However, we are allowed to eat/drink once out of harbour and we want to enjoy ourselves. I will need to collect deposits for the cruise from those of you who haven't paid in a while, but will remind you then.

For anyone else who wants to attend, please do come. You are also welcome to just come on the cruise (for example if you live in AUH) which will be around £100 ahead for 3 hours.

A heads up that the room block for the Park Hyatt Maldives comes off at the end of this month, thus rooms cannot be guaranteed at the group rate after this time.

With the return of 100% bonus on lifemiles and availability of Lufthansa and Swiss business class flights to Dubai on 1st August, this provides a great option for anyone who is yet to book.

If you want to come to the Maldives part but are yet to book, please either book this part with the hotel first or contact me as I need to confirm rate is still available for bookings made after April 1st.

Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the do. The Park Hyatt Maldives has extended the booking period, so anyone who still wants to come but hasn't booked is still able to get the rate.

I have had some questions re transfers. When I have time I'll update the website with all these details and provide information on those people who want to share. In the meantime, transfer options are below with estimated costs (limo costs exact):

Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Bus: 20 AED = $6 per person
Taxi: 250 AED = $68 per vehicle
Audi A6: 330 AED = $90 per vehicle

Abu Dhabi to Dubai
Bus: 20 AED = $6
Taxi: 250 AED = $68
Audi A6: 275 AED = $75

Abu Dhabi airport to Capital Gate/from Park Hyatt
Taxi: 65 AED = $18
Audi A6: 90 AED = $24

Hyatt Capital Gate to Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Taxi: 50 AED = $14
Audi A6: 90 AED = $24

4 h hire of Audi A6: AED 450 = $123
4 h hire of Cadillac Escalade 4WD VIP: AED 530 = $144

I would suggest we share wherever possible for eg Capital Gate to Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. For those who want to visit eg Emirates Palace or go indoor sky diving after the tour of the mosque, 4 people could share 4 hours hire of a Cadillac.

These transfers are priced through a company called Prime Limousines. They seem to be cheaper than the other companies I have seen and much cheaper than the hotels charge. I would need to book the cars as you have to have an account, but I won't receive any commission or benefits from the company.

Hey there, would it be too late to join in the fun? Looking for two pax to join this amazing trip!

Hey there, would it be too late to join in the fun? Looking for two pax to join this amazing trip!

Not too late at all.

I have sent an email today with a few questions and to request payment for cruise from those who have not yet paid. It is easiest for me if you reply by email.

Jenny

Quick question; Tax-free (alcohol) on arrival at AUH- during Ramadan?

Quick question; Tax-free (alcohol) on arrival at AUH- during Ramadan?

Would have to check with someone who travels regularly. I'll ask at PH AUH in June. I would have thought it ok, or perhaps to bring in cheaper from outside UAE? We will pick up a couple of bottles of champagne, although have to keep an eye on the limit.