Maldives Luxury Resort (Combined) 2013/2014
Jan 27, 2014, 7:52 pm
#31
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
I actually considered staying at Velaa for a few days, taking a boat to CB, staying there a few days, then taking a boat back to Velaa and staying for a few more days before going back. I know this sounds like a lot of moving, but I am offended by CB $1500 per person seaplane charge. Of course, if I did this, I still couldn't avoid the $85
cheeseburger at CB (not that I eat cheeseburgers, but still).
Last edited by xracer; Jan 27, 2014 at 8:01 pm
Jan 28, 2014, 9:42 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 24
That's what we're doing in March but taking the twin otter between the two (Velaa and Cheval). And won't you be taking a seaplane either way to get up there? If you're happy staying at the resort really what's another few thousand for a nice little plane ride. I think the 2004 Cristal is listed at $1800 a bottle in the wine list - now thats an obscenity. A 50 minute flight for 1500 seems a bargain in comparison to me.
Jan 28, 2014, 10:00 am
#33
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
That's what we're doing in March but taking the twin otter between the two (Velaa and Cheval). And won't you be taking a seaplane either way to get up there? If you're happy staying at the resort really what's another few thousand for a nice little plane ride. I think the 2004 Cristal is listed at $1800 a bottle in the wine list - now thats an obscenity. A 50 minute flight for 1500 seems a bargain in comparison to me.
I just don't think it's worth it. And this is my little protest over ridiculous ancillary fees that so many resorts seem to be relying on these days.
Jan 28, 2014, 10:47 am
#34
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 24
I think Velaa is charging us 800 per person and that's to fly 15 minutes.... And the plane really doesn't look quite as nice plus you get that Island Chic mister with Cheval Blanc 
And again it's the wine list that's making me annoyed - not a vintage Selosse to be found at any price.....
And again it's the wine list that's making me annoyed - not a vintage Selosse to be found at any price.....
Jan 28, 2014, 11:23 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
I think Velaa is charging us 800 per person and that's to fly 15 minutes.... And the plane really doesn't look quite as nice plus you get that Island Chic mister with Cheval Blanc
And again it's the wine list that's making me annoyed - not a vintage Selosse to be found at any price.....
And again it's the wine list that's making me annoyed - not a vintage Selosse to be found at any price.....
It's funny how different things irritate different people. I would never drink wine when it's 90 degrees and humid, so I would look at that list, roll my eyes and move on. My understanding is that all food and beverages are extremely expensive at CB (even by Maldives standards).
I (as well as many others) will be very interested to hear your feedback on the two resorts. I hope you have a great trip and a great time!
Jan 28, 2014, 12:27 pm
#36
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Italy
Programs: millemiglia - milesmore- spg - goldpassport - priority club- the leader club - others
Posts: 393
Jan 28, 2014, 12:34 pm
#37
formerly declinespecificinformatiom
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,140
I would have thought Cristal and Dom would have been at the W.
Something about Velaa just seems off: Champagne Lounge, the shilliest TripAdvisor reviews... but the golf course would be fun!
Something about Velaa just seems off: Champagne Lounge, the shilliest TripAdvisor reviews... but the golf course would be fun!
Jan 28, 2014, 1:19 pm
#38
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
I agree about Velaa, which is why I am curious to hear what fellow flyertalkers have to say. Something just seems off to me too.
Jan 28, 2014, 1:33 pm
#39
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 24
You can't drink wine at 90 degrees!! For shame! Though ice in champagne is something I'm not too familiar with, perhaps that's more common in Italy with those other sparkling beverages that masquerade as champagne... Then again in that terrible 2003 Dom that's served on commercial airlines it probably won't hurt either.
There is no good champagne that will be impugned by a little humidity, though I'm rather expecting that 1947 will be air-conditioned - don't you think?
There is no good champagne that will be impugned by a little humidity, though I'm rather expecting that 1947 will be air-conditioned - don't you think?
Jan 29, 2014, 7:12 am
#40
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
I think Velaa is charging us 800 per person and that's to fly 15 minutes.... And the plane really doesn't look quite as nice plus you get that Island Chic mister with Cheval Blanc
And again it's the wine list that's making me annoyed - not a vintage Selosse to be found at any price.....
And again it's the wine list that's making me annoyed - not a vintage Selosse to be found at any price.....
Jan 29, 2014, 9:50 am
#41
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 24
Well goodness I just always think of Anselme as redefining his fathers estate so while the label says Jacques, the terroir, the Leflaive casks and the brilliant blending are all the son - at least to me. I do wish the production hadn't grown quite so much though but that doesnt take away from the genius of the Millesime 02.
Jan 29, 2014, 11:30 am
#42
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Well goodness I just always think of Anselme as redefining his fathers estate so while the label says Jacques, the terroir, the Leflaive casks and the brilliant blending are all the son - at least to me. I do wish the production hadn't grown quite so much though but that doesnt take away from the genius of the Millesime 02.
Jan 29, 2014, 7:02 pm
#43
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 24
Goodness no! At 75,000 cases a year he's becoming a little too easy to find. Fishers fritz and Lorenz just last week (pedestrian hotel restaurants if ever there were two) and now there's that hot dog place just past Oxford Circus that sells him by the glass. Again everyone needs to make a living but I'm sure Mr. Arnault and that nice Czech fellow must have a few cases lying around.
Jan 30, 2014, 8:43 am
#44
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Goodness no! At 75,000 cases a year he's becoming a little too easy to find. Fishers fritz and Lorenz just last week (pedestrian hotel restaurants if ever there were two) and now there's that hot dog place just past Oxford Circus that sells him by the glass. Again everyone needs to make a living but I'm sure Mr. Arnault and that nice Czech fellow must have a few cases lying around.
Jan 30, 2014, 8:47 am
#45
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
I actually considered staying at Velaa for a few days, taking a boat to CB, staying there a few days, then taking a boat back to Velaa and staying for a few more days before going back. I know this sounds like a lot of moving, but I am offended by CB $1500 per person seaplane charge. Of course, if I did this, I still couldn't avoid the $85 cheeseburger at CB (not that I eat cheeseburgers, but still).
cheeseburger at CB (not that I eat cheeseburgers, but still).Is it because CB is operating their own seaplane, as opposed to the other resorts who just use that standard seaplane provider?