Thank you so much for the replies.

Having gone through this thought experiment, I realized 12 hours after I posted this question that June is high monsoon season in South India / Sri Lanka / Maldives and that it wouldn't be too much fun to sit inside the overwater villa and watch the rain pour down over the turbulent and murky ocean. LOL

I think we might go to DPS instead. But also on CX.

I very much appreciate your replies - given the complexities of upgrading with Asia Miles and the necessity to credit to AA, my primary program, I think the best choice for us will be to save the Citi TY points for a flat out AWARD redemption on a future trip.

Again, thank you for the thorough and thoughtful replies. This was my first time on the CX forum but it won't be my last - you guys are so civilized compared to some of the others!

See you at HKIA sometime, in the Wing