mileageking

+1 ^ Agree

MaldivesFreak

It was somewhere around 18 months after it opened. The changes had already been implemented about a year before we arrived in Feb this year so that makes it roughly March 2016 give or take a few months. They (well, the Chinese customers) weren't at all satisfied with the 'fusion' cuisine (as was no surprise to us, I think only Jereme Leung was surprised, LOL) and so they changed the head chef and with that came the new menu. When we were there this year we had a chat with Nizam (ex-Mandhoo, Vilu, IVD manager) who is now running it. We learned that the menu had changed and wanted to have a look at the new one just out of curiosity (we live in China so we never ever eat Chinese food outside of the country as it's aways, and I repeat always, sub-standard). We noticed that the items were fairly traditional dishes and ones that would appeal to both mainland Chinese and a non-Chinese palate.
Nizam was kind enough to give us a few samples and they were pretty good. Now 'pretty good' is a real compliment as everywhere else you go it's pretty bad. It's not real Chinese food because it's been changed to suit a Western / European taste, but the dishes we had were pretty genuine considering they don't re-use the oil and use only the freshest ingredients, best oils etc.

MaldivesFreak

Just remember to allow a good 30-45 minutes for the food to arrive as it's cooked in the same kitchen that serves both Atoll Market and Rangali Bar.

gnomey

If I use my HH points to book 2 beach villas, across the same dates, one for myself + others, and another for other family members, will my Gold / Diamond benefits extend to the second villa as well? Like, will the second villa occupants also get free breakfast etc?

enwhycee

Should we get the Peking duck at Ufaa or Lobster at Rangali bar tonight?

Decisions decisions......

SR12

One room & two persons only. Even if you booked only one room for 3 people, the benefits would only apply to 2 of the 3.

enwhycee

Also I'll be the 10002nd person to say that, even cocktails at Ithaa is a garbage experience.

Kicking myself for ever thinking that was a 'bucket list' thing to do.

Would have rather fed that $185 to the crabs.

enwhycee

On a positive note, we thoroughly enjoyed the snorkeling past Mandhoo!

MaldivesFreak

Tough, isn't it. Even if you don't like seafood more than duck then take my Maldivian-lobster-crazy girlfriend's advice and, well, take the lobster.

alanslegal

Get family member to sign up to credit card that has HH gold status, transfer points across to family member, family member books in their name = possible solution?

MaldivesFreak

Works.

gnomey

yes, this i know. but i am asking a diff question relating to second villa where i am not the primary guest since i obviously cannot physically live in 2 villas at the same time.


yes, this is the other plan i have in mind. just trying to see if i can extend
my Gold/Diamond benefits to a person in the second villa without having him applying for a cc. maybe AU benefits? need to check on amex plat or Hilton card

goliath

SR12's answer still applies:

enwhycee

I will take your MLCG's advice and go for it! Thanks MF!

MaldivesFreak

I might as well start calling her MLF on FlyerTalk from now on, LOL.
Enjoy the lobster and be sure to report if the price has gone up!