For the betterment of the FT forum, I asked about Diamond benefits (to add to the Gold benefit info posted upthread.) I also asked about other transport options. (However, with the “Oops, our bad, here’s free transpo” offer all year, this is sort of obviated.)



Dear Mr. Friendly Traveling Deathmerchant,

Warm Greetings from SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton!
Thank you for below mail. Please find below our comments for your reference.

1. What are the Diamond Benefits at this Curio property?

- Please find below Diamond benefits applicable at SAii Lagoon Maldives.

Due to the very special nature of the accommodation at SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton are unable to offer complimentary upgraded accommodation. However, as you are a valued Diamond member, we are delighted to offer you the following benefits during your stay. Kindly note that Diamond benefits are only applicable for cardholder and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay. In the event that cardholder is not travelling, guests who are staying with us will not be entitled to enjoy the benefits below.

• Opening Promotion: 1000 Honors bonus points per Night (1-Aug to 31-Oct-2019)
• Hilton Honors rewards stay is based on 02 people, room only basis.
• Complimentary breakfast for cardholder and one guest per day in Miss Olive Oyl restaurant.
• Complimentary breakfast will be provided in Miss Olive Oyl restaurant for the accompanying child under 12 years.
• Additional adult’s breakfast supplement is USD 25++ per person per day in Miss Olive Oyl Restaurant.
• Extra child has to pay green tax USD 6 per night direct.
• Free Access to bean/Co a la carte menu from 14.30 to 18.30.
• Free Access to Miss Olive Oyl Pool Bar beverage a la carte menu from 17.30 to 18.30.
• One bottle of Sparkling wine upon arrival. Chocolate & Fruit amenities upon arrival.

2. Your website says there is "shuttle, speedboat, or seaplane" to get to the Crossroads Atoll. In addition to this, are there Dhoni ferries or other public local transportation if we want to go back and forth to Male and the Crossroads atoll during our stay?

- Our resort is accessible via 15-20min speedboat ride from Male’ international airport. We would not recommend local ferries, however it is still your choice to book own transportations at your own risk.




SUMMARY DIAMOND VS GOLD BENEFITS

-- You get sparking wine instead of white/red.

POSSIBLY DIFFERENT, OR JUST THINGS NOT EXPLAINED IN GOLD BENEFITS
* Extra guests beyond two pax are $25 for breakfast?
* Kids pay $6 green tax.
* Award stays only include for 2 pax. (Kids/extra peeps are charged extra?)

...so it seems kinda like... no difference at all between Gold and Diamond at this property. I dunno. I don't drink wine, so the difference is lost on me if there's bubbles in my fermented grape juice or not.
And, while they don't "recommend it" there must be cheap local transpo back and forth to Male/other islands/atolls.