s879

MaldivesFreak

Take a die and roll it. If it's a 1 or a 2, go to Mandhoo. A 3 or a 4 then Vilu. And a 5 or a 6 means Sunset Grill. Those three locations are the best and you should at least try one of them. If you're really into healthy food with a low calorie count then choose Mandhoo.


There has only been talk about this once or twice at most over the last 5 years in this thread so not much info here I'm afraid, at least not recent info anyway. Sorry I can't help but if you search the thread you should find the posts.

MaldivesFreak

Bascially no. You will need to have a reservation with another hotel on a nearby island to get on the el-cheapo ferry there (foreigners aren't allowed to just hop on ferries to wherever they want) but then you have the problem of getting to Rangali and that isn't going to be as easy, as safe, as comforatble, as reliable nor that cheap in the long run. You have to remember that transportation is a monopoly in this island nation and we just have to suck it up. There was a conversation about this a few months ago (that's just one of the conversations, I might add) so if you search for it you'll find it easily and will have a good laugh reading it, that I can almost guarantee. After reading it you'll understand the situation and most likely will not regret spending the $2K on the seaplane once you've made the scenic flight to Rangali. It's awesome and just part of the awesomeness that is the Maldives.

gnomey

Probably no other choice except you push your trip date up to be earlier (before your kid turn 12). Or do the long-winded way of taking domestic flight / boats etc.

It's the same - there will be a kid 2+ yrs traveling with us, and had we gone before he turn 2, then i believe he doesnt have to pay for a seat in seaplane.

C'est la vie

soy

RE. the wiki statement about all DBV being renovated by Dec 10 2018, I would take that with a grain of salt. I am currently staying in one on the sunrise side and it has not been renovated nor is there any sign of work at any of the neighbouring villas. Actually suits me as based on the photos I saw, I prefer the older design.
I reckon they will hold off until after high season to resume work on them.

MaldivesFreak

But the price is still the same, guv.

MaldivesFreak

You're probably right. There is a review of 226 that has just been posted on TA and it's pretty sad. Lucky you didn't get that one: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...li_Island.html
Check out the pics attached.

goliath

I hope they don't get a 3 or 5 then, because:

3 = go to bed hungry
5 = eat at two restaurants the same night

gnomey

are the newly-renovated DBV all on the sunset side?

MaldivesFreak

Oops. So much for checking my own posts for errors. Doh!

MaldivesFreak

That's where they started. Not sure of how many have been done in the 200s.

dukewake

A big thanks to MaldivesFreak and all of the others who have contributed to this thread. We got to the Conrad last night, and it's been amazing so far. Per recommendations from this thread, we're in a corner OWV on the sunset side, and we're going to try out Adventure Snorkeling, Sunset Fishing, and a couple's massage at the Spa Retreat, as well as Mandhoo, hotpot at Ufaa, and Maldivian Night.

lhrhappy

If the relative difference in cost is the problem, then just upgrade your international flights to business class, and the seaplane cost will pale in comparison. Problem solved!



Unfortunately, there is no way around this cost. It is possible to save on F&B by eating a large breakfast, attending tea and happy hour, bringing nonperishables from home, and so on. It is possible to save on excursions (by not taking part). It is not possible to save on seaplane transfers. There are other resorts closer to Male that might have lower transfer costs, but this one is rather far away.

Abidjan

which makes it sooo nice.

lhrhappy

No argument from me. I can't imagine flying halfway around the world for a private getaway and having jets fly over my head at all hours of the day and night.