so possibly kids under 12 might get free kids meals when parents order meals? That would be nice.

....unless you want to.....I know the rooms cost $1000USD+ a night, but the hard workers don’t get paid based on the total of your bill....Not saying the OP is this person, but it always amazes me that people want 5-Star service for a 1-Star “tip”.


TD

Thank you providing a excellent example of what I was talking about in my previous post. With attitudes like that it is no wonder they “force” a 10% gratuity on everything.

TD

Continuing from a couple posts back:

8). The water at both islands was stirred substantially by winds on days 1-3 of our 10 day stay. Few fish visible, and the shallower area off the pedestrian bridge seemed to be devoid of fish. All this changed mid day 3 when winds lessened substantially and either the clarity of the water improved or fish returned to shallower areas, probably both. For the last seven days of our stay, everything was normal with marine life present at the rate we’ve seen before everywhere, including the walkway in front of Mandhoo, along the shore, among the SWVs, and in the reef.
9). I went to great pains this time to obtain and bring sun lotion NOT containing oxybenzone etc., in order to do my part in preserving the reef. Two bottles were confiscated at HKG for being 115 ml, but I had already squeezed a good 70ml into a “legal” 100ml. bottle of another brand, and the crack security staff didn’t find my third bottle which was in a separate carryon (so much for the security of the plane). [Truth is, I think they simply had to find something in that bag, since they took it all apart and acted embarrassed that they didn’t find whatever set them off, so they took every bottle and examined it minutely after ten minutes, before announcing I’d lose the $40 worth of expensive lotion. Such theatre.]. I then looked in vain for the best lotion at all the pharmacies in CX’s HKG Terminal, and had to buy an overpriced Japanese brand, frustrated that I couldn’t read the ingredients, I hoped for the best.
10). Was a little miffed that TMA expected us to be at MLE airport at 6:30am after the 10pm arrival, but Conrad made it right by comping us the arrival day breakfast at 7:30 when we arrived. We’d had 11:30-5:15 “sleep”, and couldn’t get into our beach villa until 1:30. It was merciful, truly appreciated, and we enjoyed a 3 hour breakfast before retrieving swimsuits and getting some sun.
11). Special thanks to Azu, from Atoll Market breakfast for her consistently helpful service and friendly discussion most mornings, and Eve and her colleagues at the Rangali Bar for their equally friendly service and understanding that Americans like a LOT more ice with beverages constantly. The staff at the Conrad, many of whom have been there for 10 years or more, really are superb. It was great seeing so many of them again.
12). This is no doubt led from the top. Both the GM and Frantz, the F&B Manager, are accessible and friendly, and again took a personal interest in us and our experience— this is great. I am certain this has been the instruction to every staff member, from gardeners to the most senior managers. It’s that pervasive. Everyone wants you to have an exceptional experience.
13). Major Kudos: This trip, Binu, the chef at Atoll, personally made us a snapper dinner one night that was perhaps one of the best grilled fish I’ve had. He served it to us at Rangali Bar, whose staff kept our drinks coming and attended to our needs. After four trips to the resort, it certainly made this trip a special one. He’s a talented chef, and it was a pleasure talking with him and hearing stories of his mom and upbringing in India.

I think our friends find us bizarre for going halfway around the world repeatedly to enjoy the same expensive resort when there’s so many superb destinations and we travel so darned much; they, of course, haven’t been to the Conrad Maldives or they would understand this is a very special place.

I hope Blackstone’s full ownership is a positive, and they keep the magic this place has.

Frantz is a gem. I can't count the number of times we were out walking and he stopped, got off his bicycle, and asked how our stay was progressing. Such a friendly guy, and I really appreciate how he's brought influence of the One True Cuisine to paradise.

Same reaction for us. But, someone who hasn't been couldn't understand.