marcmsj

We live in Florida, so we're used to standing on the surface of the sun

lhrhappy

Then you're set!

When we were there, the daily high was around 85 F, and the nightly low around 80. It's not as humid as Florida, either. Really nice place.

MaldivesFreak

Buy some reef shoes if you plan on walking around and getting up close to the marine life in shallow water or if you are going to be on the sunset side of Rangali Island, i.e; in a SunWV, PWV, SWV or DWV (or WV on the sunset side - remember that's luck of the draw to be on that side) and want to do the same. When we plan on staying on Rangali Island we always bring a pair. If it's your first time there and you have spare time now you can start familiarising yourself with the resort's map, menus (if you really want to make a set plan for dining (isn't at all restricting as it sounds) I suggest booking everything pre-arrival just to be 100% sure) and whether you want to do any special dinners (taking note of what days of the week your stay is and what restaurants are closed when). Maybe consider some excursions and spa treatments (ask them to send you brochures in PDF format). Before our first trip to Rangali I spent somewhere in the region of 200-300 hours doing this and I suggest you at least get familiar with the basics as your 5-night stay will fly by very quickly. Time sure does fly when you're having fun!

If you do want dining recommendations let me know and tell me which day of the week you arrive and I'll suggest a plan.


And thanks everyone for posting alternative email addresses for the reservations team. I'll add a link to this page to the wiki so if anyone finds it difficult to get in touch via email they have a couple of alternatives.

MaldivesFreak

On two visits I had paid for an upgrade to a SWV, the other visits (3) we've been upgraded every time*. They will definitely upgrade Golds and Diamonds if they have free a room for more than a single night at the end of your stay. I don't think they will upgrade you if a room is going to be available in the middle of your stay. At least I haven't heard of anyone getting an upgrade then having to go back to their original room. Doesn't make much sense to ask guests to move twice unless they are staying for two weeks or something like that.



* I think they do this so they can pull quite a few pins out of the doll on each upgrade. This gives them the opportunitty to put more pins in when they feel necessary.

marcmsj

Thanks for the tips. We arrive on a Tuesday (land at noon in Male) and leave Sunday evening. Any dining recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We don't care about anything too fancy, so anything that's a good value would be nice.

Traveler Dave

Football Fan

I believe there are more DBV than BV. Like 40 to 35 or something.

cce5858

@MaldivesFreak
New to this thread and great info in the wiki. Also thank you to @MaldivesFreak for the wealth of information on multiple Maldives properties. I am curious as to why the upgrade to Deluxe Water Villa (1240sqft) is more than the Retreat Water Villa (1610sqft). I have booked a 6 night reward stay at the Water Villa as a Hilton Diamond member, and have already been upgraded into a Superior Water Villa.

Is it worth further upgrading it into a Retreat Water Villa or Deluxe Water Villa? I was quoted $175 for the Retreat, and $200 for the Deluxe. I am heavily leaning towards being on the private Rangali island. Is there a substantial difference besides size between Superior and Deluxe/Retreat that warrants $200/175 night? I value views and marine life, and a more modern interior if anything.

Also, reading about the renovations, my stay is in December of 2019, so 11 months away, will this affect my booking? And which of the Overwater Villas are recently renovated?

Lastly, is Mandhoo still serving breakfast to Hilton Gold/Diamond elites?

Sorry for my many questions, and I would greatly appreciate responses to them. Thank you all in advance.

goliath

There is no breakfast at Mandhoo for anyone, regardless of status. It was only open for breakfast for a short period while Vilu was closed for renovations last year.

Breakfast is served at Atoll market (large buffet), Vilu (very small buffet + a la carte) and in your room.

mikewhyatt

Ovo-lacto. Don't think I could go full vegan!

lhrhappy

You're good, then. I'm not a vegetarian, but I think I could live off of the fruit, cheese, and pastries at breakfast.

Most of the restaurant menus are online and should give you an idea. They all seem to have good vegetarian options.

brandonpkt

pineapple_09

NightFury1

Do you recommend it or would you rather recommend something else? I have some stuff planned and was interested in the snorkeling trip, evening fishing, a catamaran lesson, evening dolphin excursions, and just doing sea doo/jet ski at the hotel.

What are your thoughts or anyone's thoughts?

brandonpkt