KL808

No he responded. Thanks

I asked asked again for a quote for a DBV or SWV upgrade for the week of Jan 8.

was quoted $295 + taxes per night for BV to DBV upgrade

and

$260 + taxes per night for BV to SWV upgrade.

I took them up on the SWV upgrade for my inlaws.

I have 2 little kids with me, you think the price is justifiable to upgrade to a DBV for 7 nights over the BV? Is the bedroom much bigger than on a BV?

DaveInLA

That's a lower upgrade rate than I've seen, $90 lower than I got as Diamond in mid-Feb. I wonder if it' has anything to do with how close your reservation is, as well as possibly not having sold out the rooms.

MaldivesFreak

$285 is on the low side. I'd certainly take it up if I took kids. No question at all. Even though the BVs have extra space now they're only at about 2/3 the size of a DBV inside the main living area (not including the vanities, toilets and storage room). Then there's the pool* and the overall size of the grounds that the kids can play in with the DBVs.

Here's the BV (150 sq.m / 1,614 sq. ft)


And here's the DBV (300 sq.m / 3,229 sq. ft)


These latest floorplans look to be scaled reasonably accurately. The old floorplans (pre-2015 renovations) are still available on their website but the DBV isn't scaled to show its real size. Fortunately they have these new ones to make the comparison easier. Baffles me though why they didn't make the diagrams a little longer and show the snaked paths like they are in reality. Surely that would have been better as it would show that no-one can see into your room directly from the beach!


Notes on pools and baths:
• each pool is shaped differently. The one pictured above is, of course, the largest one that there is
• for a look at one of, if not the smallest pool among this villa type, check out the TA review and associated pics here or just click here to view the pic directly
• in the old diagrams the outdoor bath appears much larger than it actually is for each BV. Check out this pic to see what I mean

MaldivesFreak

Very much so. The rates are usually 30% off the difference between BAR in villa categories and as availability decreases those 20 & 30% discounted rates disappear and you are left with BAR or maybe 10% off if you're a returning elite.

onlysuites

Do they have issues if we check in two suitcases at 30kg each or do they insist on 25kg max per bag? Luggage allowance for the sea plane is 25kg per person right? There will be 4 of us with just 60kgs in two bags.

MaldivesFreak

Yes, they will ask you to repack. It's an aviation requirement for weight distribution, and so they don't make exceptions.

onlysuites

^

MaldivesFreak

KL808: I've added some more info and links to my 'Space Comparison Between BV & DBV' post above.

MaldivesFreak

Re
Just been looking through my notes and 213 (BV) has a direct line of sight from the patio to the beach. Might want to avoid that one.

RonMess

Actually we loved it - much more light on a rainy day and great beach location with a 6-year old. I guess all recommendations are relative.

Today finally the sun returned after a couple of rainy days and it's heaven on earth. Happy New Year to all FlyerTalkers from Rangali Happy Hour 😊

Deepd1ver7

I have never been asked to repack and have often had over 25kgs. Single bag luggage allowance on an international flight is 32kgs. If you come with a bag weighing less than, I don't think the sea plane company is going to make you repack. At least I have never had that experience. They will charge all overweight at roughly $ 3-4 per kg

mb123

Instead of the 25$ Spa Discount Card, you get an extra 15 minutes add-on every treatment but only once/stay. It seems to be eligible only for HHonors Diamond members.
The house champagne is now Ruinart, which is much appreciated by us.
The DBV will be renovated in 2018, they will make one display DBV in 2017.

MaldivesFreak

Do you mean you have one opportunity to book multiple treatments so you can get the extra 15min for each treatment? If not, how does the 'only once per stay' rule work?

MaldivesFreak

Interesting. We had to repack once and put the extra into hand luggage. I suppose 'YMMV' is the rule here.

SponsorSFC

My wife had 2 treatments, both booked together for a morning and afternoon the following day, both had the extra 15 minutes added.