Orientale specializes in Asian/Indian cuisine with a separate kitchen for each: Japanese, Chinese, and Indian. Since I live in the San Gabriel Valley, Chinese food was definitely not appealing to me as I could get much better at home. I was iffy on Japanese, so I instead opted for Indian.
Starting with a hand washing ritual
With the daylight fading, I snapped a picture of the Iridium Spa nearby
Chicken kebab, which unfortunately came under cooked with some pieces raw in the center. I sent it back and they were going to make another one, but once again my son was dead tired so we asked them to take it off the bill instead
Garlic naan and another chicken dish
Turn down service
The next morning, our son woke up hungry, so we ordered some pancakes...oops I meant pancake
I then took the chance to take a few more low light pictures before the sun came up
Once breakfast opened, it was more or less rinse and repeat for the next few days, with slight variations here and there. Being that it was early enough without the sun searing everything in sight, we again walked to the buffet
Crust and Craft, where the pizza and burgers are served
The Whale Bar in the morning
Dining outside with a nice breeze and changing up the a la carte options
We had booked the massage special, supposedly not on the menu and only for elite members for Sunday afternoon, with my wife and I taking turns. I was free to ride the bike over, but I ended up taking the long way since I followed the signs. Funny thing is, I told my wife to head in the correct direction but completely disregarded my own instruction
I had some ginger tea while taking in the views for a few minutes, and then I had a relaxing session for an hour before I head back to the villa to swap places with my wife. In the early evening, it was Crust time for an early dinner
Fried chicken burger
Bruschetta
And another pizza
Running into a ray as we head back towards our villa
Our butler came by with some sweets for international chocolate day, and then we hit the sack for the night
The next morning, trying new options as usual, starting with a hash brown
French toast
Our butler was able to arrange a complimentary session at Blue Hole, which uses heated seawater and water jets to help relax muscles and soothe the body. We ended up being the only ones there, so it was a private session
Before the jets are turned on. Depending on timing, a seaplane may or may not taxi right in front of the pool
To the sides are the treatment rooms where massages and other services are offered
Jets on (much more powerful than they look). One is meant for the neck and shoulders whereas the other is meant for the back
Dock/seaplane terminal flanking Iridium Spa
Quite a few fish on the way back to the villa
Per the usual, afternoon tea was brought by our butler
The wife got hungry, so I hopped on the bike to grab a pizza to bring back to our room. Same view, different angle from Crust
The boutique, which also has an observation platform at the top
Stairs outside Alba
Returning with our glorious pizza
Dinner reservations were at Alba, but first, we took in the scenery as the sun dipped below the horizon
Alba lit up at night
Amuse bouche
Bread with roasted garlic
Ribeye steak cooked medium rare
Lobster ravioli
The next morning, repeat the breakfast ritual
Followed by a complimentary photography session at 11:00AM. This is available to guests for 20 minutes...10 minutes for shooting and 10 minutes for picture selection. You are allowed to get 3 photos free of charge that are emailed directly to you. The location is set on the beach in front of Orientale
When we returned, our butler had set up a bubble bath and a small cake
Followed by yet another new flavor of afternoon tea
After which I decided to have a cigar that I brought with me on the outdoor deck
There was a manager's reception on Tuesday evening with invites going out to all Marriott Bonvoy members. It was held at the Crust/Craft beach area with wine, juices, and canapes served. Much of the St. Regis staff were present to engage members to gather feedback about the resort, how it compared to other places guests have been, and just casual conversation to get to know everyone as more than just a face.
No champagne sabering today
But I went to The Whale Bar anyway to grab a few pictures
Then we head back to our room and ordered room service
Maldivian lobster, butter chicken, and some chicken nuggets for the little one
Next up, last day in the Maldives and Qatar J flight to Doha