Originally Posted by joecool1885

We took the long way and did seaplane back to Male and then standard transfer to P.H. We were quoted 15K for the trip on Norma, and decided against it. (A relatives choice to make: wife and I couldn't afford that to begin with).

I've said it before, but this really is the essence of the Maldives. St. Regis and W.A are top-notch, and the villas are awesome, but the villas just don't "make" the vacation.

Villa here are clean and spacious (for couples), they're not the most up-to-date, but they work. They're plenty private (with the exception of a couple pool villas near the arrival jetty).

Less tech in the rooms also meant less maintenance. We had maintenance in our room at St. Regis every other day.

Anyway, I digress.

I loved our time at the other resorts, and would never shy away from a split stay, but this is the place to go first and foremost. I might sway just slightly from that recommendation if you're a family and not just a couple. By the nature of what it is, Conrad is slightly better suited for families.