Just got back from a stay at the JW Maldives. Thought I'd share a few thoughts.
- Don't know why people are sleeping on this place. It's beautiful and service is great. Maybe not as good as St. Regis but I wouldn't know. If you're going to the Maldives as a bucket list travel you won't be disappointed.
- Was trying to decide between JW, St. R, and W. St. Regis seemed like food would be more expensive. W looked too party and the villas seemed very close to each other.
- Was initially concerned about this being a "family oriented" hotel. Honestly never really saw kids around since the kids area keeps them occupied.
- Guests we about half Eastern European and half Americans. As an American, I'll just say I'm happy with how the Americans acted - very laid back and respectful to the staff.
- Last day of our stay the hotel was at near full capacity and I felt it a bit. First time I saw the bottom of my champagne glass. Service was still always prompt and friendly.
- Meal plans offered to me were $150 for half board, $210 for full board, $300 for all inclusive (full board + drinks), and $360 for All Inclusive Star. All Inclusive Star was originally $450 but was given 20% off. Not sure if they do this for everyone or because I'm Platinum. While we definitely could have done half board to save some money, we did the All Inclusive Star. This plan includes all menu items except caviar. Also includes champagne. When I say all menu items, I mean everything. We went the the fancier restaurants, Shio and Hashi, every night. No surcharges for the $300, $400, $500 items. Even got the $228 maldivian lobster for lunch without a surcharge. Could we have spent less a la carte? Probably. But there is something nice about having no limits.
- Food was really good. Steak place was fantastic. Everything comes from Australia and is high quality marbling (using MB wagyu scale) and lots of dry aged. Thai place was the best thai food I've had since I've been to Thailand. All indian dishes were very good. The Japanese, American, Chinese, food was fine - but Thai, Indian, and steak were the stand outs
- Lounge for the seaplane is brand new building. Conrad uses the same building. Very nice but wasn't there too long.
- Seaplane is fine, but it is noisy and hot. Glad I had my noise cancelling headphones with me and changed to shorts. Noise isn't bad...just annoying for an hour.
- Snorkling is good, not great.
Overall had an amazing stay