Originally Posted by
bdubs7
What is the JJAE?
Also sidenote, I remember you from the Waldorf maldives thread when I was looking to book that in 2020, haha.
I'm surprised that you had such a more positive experience at Hyatt as it just looks so much less imrepssive that Waldorf in my view, but I'm considering trying to stay here.
I don't know if "more positive" is quite the right way to put it. Maybe. It's a different kind of experience, really. Again, I loved almost every minute at the Waldorf, and the luxury there was bar none IME. When we went to the Park Hyatt in 2016, we loved it, and had a great experience. This time around we had been to the other resorts and so when we returned, we got to really understand what made it special. The calm, the intimacy, the pureness of it all. Sand that melts under your feet, breezes that'll soothe your soul. Honestly, the resort is phenomenal, but it's the island that the resort sits on that beats out W.A and St. Regis.
It definitely doesn't hurt that Nik (GM) is engaged daily with both staff and customers, is active on social media, and has a genuine passion for the place. We had several incredible interactions with him. and a few great talks with Mohammed (front office manager).
At the Waldorf, we had frequent interaction with Ahmed (front office manager), and he was awesome.
At Conrad (in 2016) Allison (don't know her title, just that she was from guest services) checked on us a couple times.
At the St Regis, we had no interaction from anyone in management/guest services. (This, despite that we chartered their $1800/hr yacht for 5 hours and spent a night in their $20,000/nt villa --admittedly at a discounted rate)
Of course, the easy thing to do is to recommend you do both or all. We did Conrad and Park Hyatt in 2016, W.A in 2020, and St. Regis and Park Hyatt last month. St. Regis--- while very nice, would be the last one I'd recommend of the 4, and the least likely resort I'd return to (despite enjoying my time there).
Here's what'd I'd sum up each to:
Park Hyatt: for truly personal service, to experience the Maldives, and for an intimate, relaxing and beautiful vacation, go here
Waldorf Astoria: for the ultimate in luxury and convenience, along with great service and lush grounds, go here
Conrad: for the adventurous spirit and for families, go here
St Regis: if your point stash is all with Marriott, you'll have a wonderful time. Rooms are still great (second only to W.A). And bonus: two bedroom suites can be had for minimal upcharge, meaning this is still a good choice for families (as long as you're fine with your kids on the second floor)