This is great to hear - this forum has been quite quiet, so pleased to see an update. I wrote in the RC Maldives forum as it was more active (and much of what follows is a copy/paste of my post there), but given your recent stay, would love a bit more insight as to your preference between the JW and the Ritz for first-timers. Myself, my partner, and another couple (all in our mid/upper 30s) are visiting for our first time this fall - snagged Qsuite tickets using American Airlines miles. We're currently booked at the JW - half the stay in an overwater villa and half the stay in a beach villa - but we're also really intrigued by the Ritz. Two of the group are PADI certified and will want to dive. Otherwise, we are relatively low-key and will spend our days soaking up the sun, snorkeling, probably do a few excursions, enjoy any resort recreation, and enjoy good food/drinks. Ritz is intriguing to me largely for the rooms (modern, new, location of tub, indoor/outdoor showers), the ability to explore the Fari Islands campus/more physical spaces to explore, and the speedboat transfer (more convenient departure as our flight home is at 7:45 p.m.). The JW, though, is older/more established, so I assume the marine life is better, breakfast is included (both parties have status), overall more affordable (room/excursions), seaplane (fun for first-timers?), and thinking pools might be warmer as they're extended a bit more beyond any shade coverings. Did you do any snorkeling/diving - how was the marine life? Would love any input or thoughts on one vs. the other?