Rano91

I've been thinking this too, I looked at a few online reviews and the portion sizes don't look huge. Even the burgers that most people here recommend seem more bread than beef. I'm veering towards the steaks, as 200g of steak for $46++ doesn't seem unreasonable, anywhere in the world. Compared to a similar price for a fish curry anyway!

mb123

At Rangali Bar I can recommend the Steak Sandwich, it is quite huge. Good Value for money!

Alan Pugh

We're heading out for our first visit here in five weeks, have a couple of questions below but wanted to share these data points first:

Dates: April 21-26, 2019
Room type: Water Villa
Booked with: Points

Upgrade options from my initial outreach:
Water Villa to Deluxe Beach Villa - additional USD142.30 per night Inclusive of Tax
Water Villa to Retreat Water Villa - additional USD285.52 per night Inclusive of Tax
Water Villa to Premier Water Villa - additional USD1189.19 per night Inclusive of Tax

In addition to the TMA seaplane, they offered a private seaplane for $5,252 per flight each way within 45 minutes of arrival. A bit out of my price range but I hadn't seen it mentioned previously.

OK, onto the questions:

I know that splitting time between two room types on a five day trip is probably a bit much, but we don't know that we'll be lucky enough to get back, so I'm planning to do at least a couple of days in a DBV.

DBV Questions: Are there any particular DBVs (sunset side, renovated preferably) where the little beach area is more private than others? Or any other DBV on that side that has some interesting quality that makes it awesome?

WV/RWV Questions: I can't swim and want to wade around in waist-deep water, but the girlfriend wants to snorkel. Is the standard WV my best bet, or are RWVs good for both of us as well? I'm hoping to avoid a strong current.

Final question: You mentioned meal plans above. What's that all about? I may take advantage of your expertise for this. Thanks so much for all you've done in this thread... you're a legend.

Abidjan

I heartilly agree - - - it's my favourite.

Jimwagner2

Thanks! I'd be very interested in a dining plan, we are big time foodies! Let me know what you have, thanks!

alf55555

Trying again... When you guys tip, do you tip in USD cash?

pineapple_09

MaldivesFreak

FEI, if one wants a more expensive - and considerably more filling - steak, one can get an idea from what I've had in the last few years; 400g tenderloin $106++ in 2014 & a 450g one for $130++ in 2017. Prices might be a little higher now. And they were cooked to perfection I might add! The reason I added 50g the second time round was so that my girlfriend could eat some while I still had 400g for myself. Greedy? Well, maybe. Oh, and I still had room for the chocolate fondant too. Mind you on both occasions I did forego afternoon tea on purpose to make sure it didn't go to waste. You know, clean plate and everything.


I tip in gifts. Cash is so.....boring, for want of a better word.

pineapple_09

MaldivesFreak

Yes, do split if it's unlikely you'll be back. Ask them to pack your bags for the move. They provide that service.

The most private DBV beach areas are in the high 130s. 134 has a very long pool according to this map. The beach that's outside 135-138 is shielded from view from the dhoni jetty area on the main island because it's behind a fair bit of shrubbery that juts out in a couple of places about 50 or so metres before you get to where the beach starts to curve around to the north. There's almost no-one wandering around those parts of the beach. 139 and 140 are more around the corner and people can see that part of the beach from the walkway to Mandhoo and the RWVs so you'd want to avoid those last two.

Short answer: A RWV is what you want. Long answer: See my post on water depth (linked in my sig) or just click here.

Thanks for the data points and kind words.

I'll hit the sack now and when I get up I'll get back to you guys about this.
@Jimwagner2 Sorry, forgot to ask. Can I have your exact dates so I can work out which days of the week you'll both be there. Some restaurants are closed on certain days of the week, the Beach BBQs are only held on certain days, etc. Thanks.

Jimwagner2

Just got DBV pricing upgrade from Water Villa, The upgrade supplement charge for Deluxe beach villa will be USD444.14 including taxes per night. Seems way out of line? Is there someone at the resort that you would reccomend me speaking with I am a Hilton Honors Diamond. Thank you!

Disregard that was for next week, for June upgrade is $115.

They replied very quickly!

soy

Basically the same thing that has been on-off for the past 10yrs. Has never impacted me in any way and when you are in Rangali it may as well be a million miles away
FYI - Airport is no longer an island, new bridge opened last year. Still it is not something I would worry about

pineapple_09

llfoster

Yes, in US dollars

WorldTraveler1752