St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Aug 1, 2017, 10:53 am
#601
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 106
To echo what others have said, high end Maldives resorts are not the best choice if one is already concerned about the cost of sea plane transfers, which are by the way competitively priced at this resort. Even if all or part of the room rate is paid in points, you can expect a week in the Maldives to cost a five figure amount.
And a chartered flight would cost thousands more than the shared transfer price, btw.
And a chartered flight would cost thousands more than the shared transfer price, btw.
We didnt skimp on food/drink, either. We had the free breakfast as platinums, and usually, a pizza in the afternoon was all we needed to feel full after that. We still ate dinner most nights, too. The only cash I paid at the end of our stay was for the green tax.
Our food and beverage/spa total for the 8 days was something like $2200 or so for my wife and me.
Aug 1, 2017, 11:05 am
#602
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Well, it depends on the situation and how you order. I can't do the "big breakfast" and then piecemeal food throughout the rest of the day trick. I am more likely to sleep through breakfast, have a nice lunch, and then come dinner time it's a full a la carte meal with multiple courses and at least one, if not two bottles of wine. So, eating that way, and then including spa treatments and activities like scuba diving or excursions, it's very easy to spend approximately $1,000 per day on incidentals in the Maldives. Sometimes more, something less, but again it depends on what kind of activities you do and how you order in the restaurants.
Aug 1, 2017, 11:30 am
#603
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
I do however hope to visit this St Regis one day *fingers crossed*
Aug 1, 2017, 6:54 pm
#605
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 106
Well, it depends on the situation and how you order. I can't do the "big breakfast" and then piecemeal food throughout the rest of the day trick. I am more likely to sleep through breakfast, have a nice lunch, and then come dinner time it's a full a la carte meal with multiple courses and at least one, if not two bottles of wine. So, eating that way, and then including spa treatments and activities like scuba diving or excursions, it's very easy to spend approximately $1,000 per day on incidentals in the Maldives. Sometimes more, something less, but again it depends on what kind of activities you do and how you order in the restaurants.
Aug 1, 2017, 6:56 pm
#606
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 106
Aug 2, 2017, 11:40 am
#608
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,768
Well, it depends on the situation and how you order. I can't do the "big breakfast" and then piecemeal food throughout the rest of the day trick. I am more likely to sleep through breakfast, have a nice lunch, and then come dinner time it's a full a la carte meal with multiple courses and at least one, if not two bottles of wine. So, eating that way, and then including spa treatments and activities like scuba diving or excursions, it's very easy to spend approximately $1,000 per day on incidentals in the Maldives. Sometimes more, something less, but again it depends on what kind of activities you do and how you order in the restaurants.
I spent circa $2k on booze alone.
Aug 3, 2017, 7:26 am
#609
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Just returned from a site inspection visit to One & Only and St. Regis.
We found St. Regis to be soooo much better than O&O. Actually, we were ready to leave O&O by day 2. But I'll keep the focus on St. Regis.
Other details have been discussed but I'll touch up on the service once again. We were so surprised at how good the service was. It was almost Aman like. My wife is left handed and they placed noticed and placed meals accordingly. Also, noticed that we prefer still water and after first day, all drinks were still water without being ask, in the restaurant. All staff smiled when encountered and were all warm people that we chatted extensively with. Really enjoyed it. Our butler, Adam was/is one of their rock stars and he basically made us custom ice tea each afternoon. The other staff heard and it became a contest. We received a different tea from multiple staff each day...it was awesome to see they take such pleasure in making guests feel special.
As an agent, I'm always curious if we receive better treatment for obvious reasons. So we met some friends there and they can confirmed they felt the same way. In fact, I actually had a client that was booked at O&O for this week, I decided to encourage them to shift to St. Regis as I think they will actually enjoy it much more. Here's what my client just sent me:
"Hey Hao! We are thoroughly enjoying everything here. It is truly an exceptional place. The staff has been amazing with us and with the kids. The Pastry chef has even made custom donuts with our kids' names on it this morning. The only other place we have seen this type of service is the Amans in Bali. I think you/we made the right choice moving from O&O."
I don't think the hard product can compete with the likes of Cheval Blanc or Soneva Jani but when service is flawless, it certainly makes a holiday special. The villa are still very nice, though!
The management also doesn't nickle and dime you. They worked with me in booking my client and pretty much took care of their young boys (2 and 4). I highly recommend St. Regis, if you're looking for a family friend place with high service and still private and secluded.
Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Cheers!
We found St. Regis to be soooo much better than O&O. Actually, we were ready to leave O&O by day 2. But I'll keep the focus on St. Regis.
Other details have been discussed but I'll touch up on the service once again. We were so surprised at how good the service was. It was almost Aman like. My wife is left handed and they placed noticed and placed meals accordingly. Also, noticed that we prefer still water and after first day, all drinks were still water without being ask, in the restaurant. All staff smiled when encountered and were all warm people that we chatted extensively with. Really enjoyed it. Our butler, Adam was/is one of their rock stars and he basically made us custom ice tea each afternoon. The other staff heard and it became a contest. We received a different tea from multiple staff each day...it was awesome to see they take such pleasure in making guests feel special.
As an agent, I'm always curious if we receive better treatment for obvious reasons. So we met some friends there and they can confirmed they felt the same way. In fact, I actually had a client that was booked at O&O for this week, I decided to encourage them to shift to St. Regis as I think they will actually enjoy it much more. Here's what my client just sent me:
"Hey Hao! We are thoroughly enjoying everything here. It is truly an exceptional place. The staff has been amazing with us and with the kids. The Pastry chef has even made custom donuts with our kids' names on it this morning. The only other place we have seen this type of service is the Amans in Bali. I think you/we made the right choice moving from O&O."
I don't think the hard product can compete with the likes of Cheval Blanc or Soneva Jani but when service is flawless, it certainly makes a holiday special. The villa are still very nice, though!
The management also doesn't nickle and dime you. They worked with me in booking my client and pretty much took care of their young boys (2 and 4). I highly recommend St. Regis, if you're looking for a family friend place with high service and still private and secluded.
Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Cheers!
Aug 3, 2017, 11:14 am
#610
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: CA
Programs: AA PLT / MR LTPP 1/1/19 / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 540
I even specified exactly how I would like my coffee each morning and it was never done right the entire stay. Every morning was an apology game and they would remake the coffee. I just wanted a proper cappuccino w/ 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam. Foam was always lacking (usually just a small spoon worth).
Aug 3, 2017, 11:18 am
#611
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Sounds like service has definitely improved since I went a few months ago. I made it a point to move the cutlery around in front of the wait staff as a "service test", but nothing ever changed for the next meal (or even same meal if the cutlery was changed).
I even specified exactly how I would like my coffee each morning and it was never done right the entire stay. Every morning was an apology game and they would remake the coffee. I just wanted a proper cappuccino w/ 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam. Foam was always lacking (usually just a small spoon worth).
I even specified exactly how I would like my coffee each morning and it was never done right the entire stay. Every morning was an apology game and they would remake the coffee. I just wanted a proper cappuccino w/ 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam. Foam was always lacking (usually just a small spoon worth).
Aug 3, 2017, 4:15 pm
#612
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,768
Sounds like service has definitely improved since I went a few months ago. I made it a point to move the cutlery around in front of the wait staff as a "service test", but nothing ever changed for the next meal (or even same meal if the cutlery was changed).
I even specified exactly how I would like my coffee each morning and it was never done right the entire stay. Every morning was an apology game and they would remake the coffee. I just wanted a proper cappuccino w/ 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam. Foam was always lacking (usually just a small spoon worth).
I even specified exactly how I would like my coffee each morning and it was never done right the entire stay. Every morning was an apology game and they would remake the coffee. I just wanted a proper cappuccino w/ 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam. Foam was always lacking (usually just a small spoon worth).
Aug 5, 2017, 10:33 am
#613
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
Thank you for your feedback!
We just returned from Maldives and choose Soneva Jani over St Regis as I feared service issues at St Regis and people also should keep in mind that the entry level villa at Jani accomodates a family with 2 children, making the St Regis far less interesting for us (despite Plat status and earnings).
Your feedback is highly appreciated and I will keep this in mind when we return to Maldives.
We just returned from Maldives and choose Soneva Jani over St Regis as I feared service issues at St Regis and people also should keep in mind that the entry level villa at Jani accomodates a family with 2 children, making the St Regis far less interesting for us (despite Plat status and earnings).
Your feedback is highly appreciated and I will keep this in mind when we return to Maldives.
Just returned from a site inspection visit to One & Only and St. Regis.
We found St. Regis to be soooo much better than O&O. Actually, we were ready to leave O&O by day 2. But I'll keep the focus on St. Regis.
Other details have been discussed but I'll touch up on the service once again. We were so surprised at how good the service was. It was almost Aman like. My wife is left handed and they placed noticed and placed meals accordingly. Also, noticed that we prefer still water and after first day, all drinks were still water without being ask, in the restaurant. All staff smiled when encountered and were all warm people that we chatted extensively with. Really enjoyed it. Our butler, Adam was/is one of their rock stars and he basically made us custom ice tea each afternoon. The other staff heard and it became a contest. We received a different tea from multiple staff each day...it was awesome to see they take such pleasure in making guests feel special.
As an agent, I'm always curious if we receive better treatment for obvious reasons. So we met some friends there and they can confirmed they felt the same way. In fact, I actually had a client that was booked at O&O for this week, I decided to encourage them to shift to St. Regis as I think they will actually enjoy it much more. Here's what my client just sent me:
"Hey Hao! We are thoroughly enjoying everything here. It is truly an exceptional place. The staff has been amazing with us and with the kids. The Pastry chef has even made custom donuts with our kids' names on it this morning. The only other place we have seen this type of service is the Amans in Bali. I think you/we made the right choice moving from O&O."
I don't think the hard product can compete with the likes of Cheval Blanc or Soneva Jani but when service is flawless, it certainly makes a holiday special. The villa are still very nice, though!
The management also doesn't nickle and dime you. They worked with me in booking my client and pretty much took care of their young boys (2 and 4). I highly recommend St. Regis, if you're looking for a family friend place with high service and still private and secluded.
Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Cheers!
We found St. Regis to be soooo much better than O&O. Actually, we were ready to leave O&O by day 2. But I'll keep the focus on St. Regis.
Other details have been discussed but I'll touch up on the service once again. We were so surprised at how good the service was. It was almost Aman like. My wife is left handed and they placed noticed and placed meals accordingly. Also, noticed that we prefer still water and after first day, all drinks were still water without being ask, in the restaurant. All staff smiled when encountered and were all warm people that we chatted extensively with. Really enjoyed it. Our butler, Adam was/is one of their rock stars and he basically made us custom ice tea each afternoon. The other staff heard and it became a contest. We received a different tea from multiple staff each day...it was awesome to see they take such pleasure in making guests feel special.
As an agent, I'm always curious if we receive better treatment for obvious reasons. So we met some friends there and they can confirmed they felt the same way. In fact, I actually had a client that was booked at O&O for this week, I decided to encourage them to shift to St. Regis as I think they will actually enjoy it much more. Here's what my client just sent me:
"Hey Hao! We are thoroughly enjoying everything here. It is truly an exceptional place. The staff has been amazing with us and with the kids. The Pastry chef has even made custom donuts with our kids' names on it this morning. The only other place we have seen this type of service is the Amans in Bali. I think you/we made the right choice moving from O&O."
I don't think the hard product can compete with the likes of Cheval Blanc or Soneva Jani but when service is flawless, it certainly makes a holiday special. The villa are still very nice, though!
The management also doesn't nickle and dime you. They worked with me in booking my client and pretty much took care of their young boys (2 and 4). I highly recommend St. Regis, if you're looking for a family friend place with high service and still private and secluded.
Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
Cheers!
Last edited by Epicura; Aug 5, 2017 at 10:40 am
Aug 5, 2017, 1:17 pm
#614
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wi-Fi
Programs: Virtuoso, Top Ranked: Four Seasons (Top 25 Advisor), AMAN (Top 50), Rosewood, Hyatt Prive, etc.
Posts: 1,455
Thank you for your feedback!
We just returned from Maldives and choose Soneva Jani over St Regis as I feared service issues at St Regis and people also should keep in mind that the entry level villa at Jani accomodates a family with 2 children, making the St Regis far less interesting for us (despite Plat status and earnings).
Your feedback is highly appreciated and I will keep this in mind when we return to Maldives.
We just returned from Maldives and choose Soneva Jani over St Regis as I feared service issues at St Regis and people also should keep in mind that the entry level villa at Jani accomodates a family with 2 children, making the St Regis far less interesting for us (despite Plat status and earnings).
Your feedback is highly appreciated and I will keep this in mind when we return to Maldives.
Yes, we weren't sure what to expect as well but were pleasantly surprised. As mentioned, after conversing with other guests and just now having had a client complete a stay there, it seems that we weren't unique in our service experience.
I think Soneva Jani looks to be a remarkable resort and the footprint of the villas are much larger and the waterslide is obviously fantastic for children. I believe Soneve Jani's hard product is probably just better but their rates can be much higher as well.
I will say that Soneva Jani has been great to work with as well. Been willing to assist in upgrading my clients, which I aways appreciate it and think it shows good faith from management and that they aren't looking to nickel and dime guests. But I digress
Glad to hear you guys had a great trip!!!
Aug 6, 2017, 6:38 am
#615
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: Delta diamond, SPG platinum, Hyatt diamond
Posts: 351
My pleasure!
Yes, we weren't sure what to expect as well but were pleasantly surprised. As mentioned, after conversing with other guests and just now having had a client complete a stay there, it seems that we weren't unique in our service experience.
I think Soneva Jani looks to be a remarkable resort and the footprint of the villas are much larger and the waterslide is obviously fantastic for children. I believe Soneve Jani's hard product is probably just better but their rates can be much higher as well.
I will say that Soneva Jani has been great to work with as well. Been willing to assist in upgrading my clients, which I aways appreciate it and think it shows good faith from management and that they aren't looking to nickel and dime guests. But I digress Glad to hear you guys had a great trip!!!
Yes, we weren't sure what to expect as well but were pleasantly surprised. As mentioned, after conversing with other guests and just now having had a client complete a stay there, it seems that we weren't unique in our service experience.
I think Soneva Jani looks to be a remarkable resort and the footprint of the villas are much larger and the waterslide is obviously fantastic for children. I believe Soneve Jani's hard product is probably just better but their rates can be much higher as well.
I will say that Soneva Jani has been great to work with as well. Been willing to assist in upgrading my clients, which I aways appreciate it and think it shows good faith from management and that they aren't looking to nickel and dime guests. But I digress
Glad to hear you guys had a great trip!!!Can you provide any feedback on the snorkeling or other resort activities?