Wow thanks so much for all the details, MargaritaGirl! That's so great.
A few questions--
**Room: We have 6 nights booked just before Xmas, and managed to get them all with a mix of points (5th night free) and Amex Bonvoy vouchers (35/40K+15K points).
Both rooms are under Titanium accounts. Not counting on any upgrades in high season, but luckily it does seem like even the base room is nice. Yes?
** Transfer: My partner and his family are arriving in the late afternoon and will stay over in Male, and I arrive at 7AM. What time should we request seaplane transfer? With a group of 4, I guess we should book ahead (whoever is complaining about the 7 days advance booking should know that for mid December check in, I'm being told there's a THIRTY day advance payment request (requirement?) for the seaplane transfer.
** Costs: I was barely able to convince the partner to go because of high costs, and for 4 adults the F&B will cost a decent amount. We are OK with spending money on F&B-- but we are wondering-- Are there any ways to save some a bit of money while not feeling like we are going without (like, just do half board on arrival day but full board on the days we are there 24 hours?
**What to bring: Snacks? Very often when on a big vacation, we end up only eating a big late fancy breakfast and then being out all day, then having an early dinner-- so bringing some snacks for the afternoons might be enough. Guess I need to check the Maldives customs rules on bringing food Anything else you didn't bring that you wish you would have?
** activities: we have some snorkel gear, which works well. But no flippers. Does the resort still have snorkel gear for guests? Is it free or charged?

Sorry to bother you on vacation-- feel free to answer later. Thanks again!