MaldivesFreak

I was getting broken image links in my browser so I hit the Reply button and looked at the BB code and it was incomplete. So in order to let everyone see the pics (didn't know when you'd be back online to fix it), I removed some of it and just hotlinked the images. I see you edited your post about an hour after you posted it. I guess you made the adjustments during that period but after I was getting broken links.

goofygoofygooberyeah

I'll be a week in the Maldives doing some diving before heading to the Conrad, and I'll be traveling to Male Airport by boat after finishing my diving. Is it feasible to bring alcohol from my diving (the prices are very significantly lower) on board the domestic flight? I know bags are scanned to check for alcohol when arriving internationally to Male, but what about when I've purchased alcohol in the Maldives to take on the domestic flight?

goliath

If by "domestic flight" you mean the TMA seaplane, then there is no additional check.

If you mean a domestic flight MLE-VAM (Maamingili) + speedboat to Rangali, then I don't know.

MaldivesFreak

Be aware that this is an elongated shot so the pool looks longer than it is. It's also interesting as it looks like a standard BV as the bed doesn't seem to be facing the camera (note the lamp(s) on the LHS). This could have been a really old shot and this villa could now be a DBV and part of the BS or JBS as those have very long rectangular pools like in the picture.
However I think I know which villa it is; #125 . Has anyone stayed in 125 and can confirm?
Note that 125 is not on the reef side.

MaldivesFreak

AFAIK they stick to the age just like any other property would.

j.cerda

thinkorswim

Hello all!

We will be celebrating our honeymoon at this fine resort in two weeks. I have read most of this thread and I can't wait to experience this resort. In planning and budgeting our stay, I have the following questions:

1. When it comes to restaurant reservations, we really only have one night planned where we would like to dine at Koko. We figured the other nights we'll just sort of see what type of food we feel like eating. Do we really need to make advance reservations for other places such as Ufaa and Mandhoo?

2. For couples spa treatments, would you recommend the spa retreat or overwater spa for a 2-3 hour spa treatment?

3. I am unclear of the tipping custom at this resort. The prices all seem to mention a service charge and tax will be included. Is this in lieu of tipping?

Thanks!

-ToS

Cynicor

Cynicor

MaldivesFreak

Cynicor has posted good advice although you'd want to reserve Ufaa at least a few days in advance if it's Chinese New Year or possibly in the months of July and August when will be packed.

I'm pretty sure that the rooms there are only single bed rooms and so not possible for couples. I could be wrong so you'd want to check that with the resort before you booked.

Re tipping:
+1

FleyeSkyHigh

Regarding Koko, be advised that it may be closed 2-3 days or more per week. After our visit, we finally got the straight scope as why it's been closed for additional days. They claim they are going to be building a roof soon over Koko to better deal with rainy evenings. They stated the additional closures are in preparation for the construction of the roof...they apparently are making room for the footings to support the structure. When I asked what type of a roof I was told it will be a clear or transparent roof (I assume perhaps a lexan or plexi glass) as to preserve the view into the evening sky.

Also, one additional note about Koko. In September they "improved" the menu by reducing the number of courses from ten to seven plates and increased the prices a small bit (I think maybe ten or so percent) while keeping the portion sizes consistent (which are small but to be expected for this type of experience). The reduction in courses and increase in prices is consistent with their new theme of 'nickel and diming' the guests. The new menu is just now updated and correct on the website (but it was not when we were there). Be prepared for a $800USD+ bill for dinner if you plan to do the sake pairing. My partner and I opted to share one of the sake pairings (she's not a big sake fan) and it was perfect amount for us.

All in all, the food quality and experience were good and I am happy we did it but would not do it again as it was not even close to worth the $$$. But hey, it's Conrad Rangali, so to be expected price wise. I don't mind paying for nice meals and have had quite a few exceptional Japanese meals in Tokyo over the years and understand the cost but this really did feel like gouging at $400+ per head especially with the unannounced menu contraction.

lhrhappy

Ha, good one.

goofygoofygooberyeah

tom-schmitt

You can not transport or take any alcohol with you on a domestic flight, as the bags were scanned after baggage drop-off. One time when I went to the Park Hyatt after Rangali, I had a can of coke in my checked-luggage. Shortly before boarding started, an airport employee asked me to come with him, because my luggage had to be opened.

After he saw, it was only a can of coke, it was no problem.
If security check sees any bottles/cans in your luggage, they will open it. It is no problem to take alcohol with you on a seaplane, as they don´t scan your luggage.
But impossible on a domestic flight.

No one will arrest you in the Maldives, when you as a tourist are caught with alcohol in your luggage. They will store the alcohol for you until your departure.

lhrhappy

It is illegal everywhere, except on some of the resort islands but not all. Whether it is legal at your resort depends on whether the resort is owned by someone well connected or just an average local.