May 30, 2013, 1:45 pm
Last edit by: razflyer
Best Weather
http://www.holiday-weather.com/maldives/
High season/low season
High season: December to April
http://www.holiday-weather.com/maldives/
High season/low season
High season: December to April
Staying for free
30,000 Hyatt points per night (Cat 7)
This is a “Suite Award Ineligible Property" and a free upgrade is unlikely unless you are a Globalist and the resort has low occupancy.
Paid Upgrades For October 2021
Pool Villa: $200++
Deluxe Pool Villa: $400++ (with direct view of beach, just 3 villas)
Water Villa: $500++
Ocean Pool Villa: $700++ (with small 6ft x 6ft plunge pool)
Two Bedroom Pool Villa: $1,000++
These rates fluctuate depending on high/low season.
Globalist Benefits
January 2022: See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33815708-post4161.html
Also see https://www.experienceparkhyattmaldives.com/ under 'Experiences' and 'Diving'
Tip: Pre-book diving activities online before arrival for 10% discount (May not be applicable anymore).
Tip: Boat 2-tank day will have to be on day following Orientation Dive (required by law for all divers. Typically done the first full day at 10am; a short in-water abilities test followed by a tank dive on the house reef.)
This is a “Suite Award Ineligible Property" and a free upgrade is unlikely unless you are a Globalist and the resort has low occupancy.
Paid Upgrades For October 2021
Pool Villa: $200++
Deluxe Pool Villa: $400++ (with direct view of beach, just 3 villas)
Water Villa: $500++
Ocean Pool Villa: $700++ (with small 6ft x 6ft plunge pool)
Two Bedroom Pool Villa: $1,000++
These rates fluctuate depending on high/low season.
Globalist Benefits
- Complimentary upgrade to Park Pool Villa subject to availability.
- Late checkout at 1600 hrs.subject to availability.
- Breakfast: Order two main dishes off the menu along with water, juice and coffee. You also have access to the buffet which consists of breads, sweets, cheeses, cold cuts, cereals etc.
- Sundowner- 1 free cocktail (from a limited cocktail menu) & canapes, daily between 5pm and 7pm (August 2016)
- Complimentary Management cocktails on Saturdays from 06:30 pm to 07:30 pm
- 15% off cocktails and wine (by the glass)
January 2022: See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33815708-post4161.html
Also see https://www.experienceparkhyattmaldives.com/ under 'Experiences' and 'Diving'
Tip: Pre-book diving activities online before arrival for 10% discount (May not be applicable anymore).
Tip: Boat 2-tank day will have to be on day following Orientation Dive (required by law for all divers. Typically done the first full day at 10am; a short in-water abilities test followed by a tank dive on the house reef.)
Spa Menu and Costs
Free Stuff
Snorkle gear for duration of your stay (masks, snorkel & fins)
Use of glass-bottomed kayaks
Back-of-the-house tour
Yoga several days a week
Dining Menu and Costs
Menus (click on specific restaurant, packages under "The Dining Room"): https://www.experienceparkhyattmaldi...t-in-maldives/
Breakfast (current as of Jan. 2022): for those who do not have status/do not have breakfast included in their rate, the options are a la carte items at ~$12-$20 apiece, and juices at ~$6-$8. Or you can order the buffet for $40, which includes two a-la-carte items, the buffet, and drinks.
Transfers and Costs
Domestic flights are operated by Maldivian Air and waiting times may vary from a minimum of 1 hour to a maximum of 4 hours.
The shortest flight from Male Domestic terminal to Kooddoo Domestic Airport is ~55 minutes and the longest flight takes ~1 hour 45 minutes due to a ‘stop over’ in Kadhdhoo Domestic Airport.
A scenic and short speedboat journey of approximately 30-40 minutes (weather dependent) will follow as the final stretch of the journey to our island.
Any last minute name changes on domestic flight ticket are subject to a fee levied by the Maldivian Air. All such changes will be charged at the rate of USD 100 net per person.The exact flight timings are released two days before departure, but tend to be around these times:
- Arrivals (Departure from MLE) : 10:30-11:00, 12:00, 13:40, 17:30hrs and last flight at 23:30
- Departures (Departure from Kooddoo) : 0545hrs, 0800hrs, 1130hrs, 1530hrs and last departure at 1830hrs
Cost (Jan 2021): USD $520 round-trip/adult, $475/child, $175/infant - paid before you arrive via cc authorization form
Luggage restriction
Transfer prices include the baggage allowance of 32 kg per passenger (20 kg is the domestic airline allowance and 12 kg will be covered by The Resort as a courtesy service) and hand luggage of 5 kg per passenger. Excess baggage will be charged and is subject to space availability and terms and conditions of the Air Carrier.
Map of the resort
Best Villas
Water villas: Generally the higher number the better. #51 is the most private
How to save money during stay
Have late breakfast (breakfast is free for all guests except if you are redeeming points), skip lunch, and only pay for dinner
The Saturday free cocktail social (manager's reception) is at 6:30pm
Bring family?
This resort is not orientated for children. No kids club, pool is not suitable for young kids, and you will need to pay the transfers for each child, and plenty of PDA.
That said, some families have loved their experience here. http://travelsort.com/blog/park-hyat...hadahaa-review. If you bring children the Hyatt does provide sitting service for $20/hour.
Also note that the resort charges $250 per child age 3 and up per night (even if the child does not require an extra bed). Only kids 2 and under are free. http://travelsort.com/blog/park-hyat...a-bed-fee-ever
This resort is not orientated for children. No kids club, pool is not suitable for young kids, and you will need to pay the transfers for each child, and plenty of PDA.
That said, some families have loved their experience here. http://travelsort.com/blog/park-hyat...hadahaa-review. If you bring children the Hyatt does provide sitting service for $20/hour.
Also note that the resort charges $250 per child age 3 and up per night (even if the child does not require an extra bed). Only kids 2 and under are free. http://travelsort.com/blog/park-hyat...a-bed-fee-ever
Wifi
As at January 2022, the resort's wifi speed is 10-12Mbps.
Tipping
The management views employees as each part of a team, with no one more important to the hotel's success. No one wants to order room service if the groundskeeper or housekeeper has not created an inviting place to enjoy it for instance. So employees share equally the 10% service charge added into everything, including the room charge. Tipping beyond that is not necessary, but at your discretion. Unlike the service charge which is shared with all employees on the entire property, if you choose to add additional gratuity to the bill for a meal or an activity, that money is shared amongst employees of the department responsible for that meal or service (e.g. additional gratuity on a dive center bill will be shared amongst those employees, while additional gratuity on a Dining Room bill will be shared amongst the food service employees). Employees are also allowed to keep cash tips that they receive directly. Employees are rewarded with trips and other gifts when their outstanding service is brought to management's attention. A great way to reward a good employee is by letter to management.
See this post which provides more details http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/22508516-post1525.html
Ipad App
There is an Ipad in each room that has an app with a lot of useful / interesting information. If you have an Ipad, you can search & download the app for: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. It doesn't work on an iPhone due to the page size. Some info may be out of date or missing, so check with the resort.
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Property Email
Property Email
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Reviews
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20409958-post93.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20409962-post94.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20409958-post93.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20409962-post94.html
http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfr...ahaa-maldives/
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20345989-post813.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20194512-post756.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19700966-post16.html
http://milesabound.com/miles-to-the-...ty-facilities/
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18400856-post354.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18326860-post328.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20345989-post813.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20194512-post756.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/19700966-post16.html
http://milesabound.com/miles-to-the-...ty-facilities/
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18400856-post354.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18326860-post328.html
Park Hyatt versus other Maldives resorts
Park Hyatt Maldives REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jul 18, 2011, 12:15 am
#46
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Programs: CX Diamond / Hyatt Courtesy C./ Hertz
Posts: 254
...... some tired-looking parts of the resort would be refurbished up to the Park Hyatt standard very soon. Well, there are some spots which are in desperate need of renovation (especially around the pool, cleaning the pool would also help a lot) - but in general the hard product is very nice and stylish. .......... . Give them some time, we feel it will be (and already is) one of the best Park Hyatts out there.
Unless of course they are planning for another increase once they set up everything right but then they would be out of market.
Last edited by Markie; Jul 18, 2011 at 10:46 pm
Jul 18, 2011, 4:33 am
#47
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
If this resort eventually gets positive reviews here on FT, I might consider adding it on to a Maldives itinerary I am planning.
Jul 18, 2011, 4:52 am
#48
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,499
+1 Agree wholeheartedly with this. This place is amongst the best dive sites in the world, without the usual exaggeration. It is a big part of what makes it what it is IMHO
Jul 18, 2011, 11:31 pm
#49
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 3,600
I have an upcoming trip to the Park Hyatt Maldives at the end of August and contacted their GM, Pierre Lang, who got back to me within a day:
- Park Hyatt: Pierre Lang (has worked at the Park Hyatt Dubai before) is committed to deliver a true Park Hyatt experience.
- Feedback: They are reading tripadvisor and FT and are reviewing the comments to use this feedback.
- Staff: They have finished hiring a number of people within Hyatt who mostly have Park Hyatt experience and have used the low season to ensure that training is delivered to all staff and everyone is up the curve to deliver Park Hyatt standard.
- Construction: The Park Hyatt is about to finish some upgrade works that will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
- Food: Menus have been revamped and offer more variety and options.
Great outlook and I am looking forward to my trip and will let you know how it went once I am back!
- Park Hyatt: Pierre Lang (has worked at the Park Hyatt Dubai before) is committed to deliver a true Park Hyatt experience.
- Feedback: They are reading tripadvisor and FT and are reviewing the comments to use this feedback.
- Staff: They have finished hiring a number of people within Hyatt who mostly have Park Hyatt experience and have used the low season to ensure that training is delivered to all staff and everyone is up the curve to deliver Park Hyatt standard.
- Construction: The Park Hyatt is about to finish some upgrade works that will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
- Food: Menus have been revamped and offer more variety and options.
Great outlook and I am looking forward to my trip and will let you know how it went once I am back!
Jul 19, 2011, 3:31 am
#50
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Programs: CX Diamond / Hyatt Courtesy C./ Hertz
Posts: 254
I have an upcoming trip to the Park Hyatt Maldives at the end of August and contacted their GM, Pierre Lang, who got back to me within a day:
- Park Hyatt: Pierre Lang (has worked at the Park Hyatt Dubai before) is committed to deliver a true Park Hyatt experience.
- Feedback: They are reading tripadvisor and FT and are reviewing the comments to use this feedback.
- Staff: They have finished hiring a number of people within Hyatt who mostly have Park Hyatt experience and have used the low season to ensure that training is delivered to all staff and everyone is up the curve to deliver Park Hyatt standard.
- Construction: The Park Hyatt is about to finish some upgrade works that will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
- Food: Menus have been revamped and offer more variety and options.
Great outlook and I am looking forward to my trip and will let you know how it went once I am back!
- Park Hyatt: Pierre Lang (has worked at the Park Hyatt Dubai before) is committed to deliver a true Park Hyatt experience.
- Feedback: They are reading tripadvisor and FT and are reviewing the comments to use this feedback.
- Staff: They have finished hiring a number of people within Hyatt who mostly have Park Hyatt experience and have used the low season to ensure that training is delivered to all staff and everyone is up the curve to deliver Park Hyatt standard.
- Construction: The Park Hyatt is about to finish some upgrade works that will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
- Food: Menus have been revamped and offer more variety and options.
Great outlook and I am looking forward to my trip and will let you know how it went once I am back!
Contacting the GM beforeghand is the right thing to do.
Will wait for your report as I plan to travel there sooner than later as well.
Jul 23, 2011, 6:59 am
#51
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
...background info deleted for smk...
1. Hyatt is offering a Chase Bank credit card which upon use awards two free Hyatt award nights, possibly at suite level (over water) - use these in combination of the nightly or package awards.
2. I agree, this is probably the only time I'd consider the Passport Escape package, using points for meals (a dinner is well over $200 per person!).
3. I was REALLY worried about the three most recent reviews on TA, as they are very negative. I at first gave one of the reviews a lot of validity, as it's very detailed. Let's face it, there isn't much subjectivity to "the linen/walls are stained" - what, a little/light stain is less bad than a big/dark one? Or, "the trash can on the beach was overflowing" - again, how does one exaggerate "overflowing"?... how does one exaggerate about a request for a sun umbrella not being met?
And then the reviews are very objective in the overall evaluation, giving 3 of 5 star ratings (not like a "total bashing" with only 1 star), and admitting that some aspects of the property are indeed exceptional.
But note, these three bad reviews are from stays in April (don't be confused by the July post date, the OP notes the stay was in April). I'll cut Hyatt some slack for the first few months... if I see such reviews for July or August stays I'll be really concerned! And some of the positive posts here have have relaxed my concerns.
4. I've done a lot of research on the diving/snorkeling, and it promises to be exceptional. The island is far south of well-traveled Maldivian islands, and boards like scubaboard.com note that the house reef is pristine. It might not be a common spot for whale sharks and mantas (not that they aren't possible), but numerous species of sharks are common.
One negative is dives are restricted to 60 minutes, which is ridiculous (at 15' my tank will last me three hours).
5. I've booked for November, I've had the GP points deducted from my account, but no charge placed on my CC. Contrary to a previous post, I'm told that if I were to cancel my GP points will be put back in my account at no charge (maybe this is for GP Diamond only?).
I'm looking forward to reading future posts and reports from guests visiting the property, especially on management's effort to make the property Park Hyatt worthy. I'm especially looking to read about suite upgrades, air conditioning improvements, and addressing the issues noted here and on TA.
(meet your approval?)
1. Hyatt is offering a Chase Bank credit card which upon use awards two free Hyatt award nights, possibly at suite level (over water) - use these in combination of the nightly or package awards.
2. I agree, this is probably the only time I'd consider the Passport Escape package, using points for meals (a dinner is well over $200 per person!).
3. I was REALLY worried about the three most recent reviews on TA, as they are very negative. I at first gave one of the reviews a lot of validity, as it's very detailed. Let's face it, there isn't much subjectivity to "the linen/walls are stained" - what, a little/light stain is less bad than a big/dark one? Or, "the trash can on the beach was overflowing" - again, how does one exaggerate "overflowing"?... how does one exaggerate about a request for a sun umbrella not being met?
And then the reviews are very objective in the overall evaluation, giving 3 of 5 star ratings (not like a "total bashing" with only 1 star), and admitting that some aspects of the property are indeed exceptional.
But note, these three bad reviews are from stays in April (don't be confused by the July post date, the OP notes the stay was in April). I'll cut Hyatt some slack for the first few months... if I see such reviews for July or August stays I'll be really concerned! And some of the positive posts here have have relaxed my concerns.
4. I've done a lot of research on the diving/snorkeling, and it promises to be exceptional. The island is far south of well-traveled Maldivian islands, and boards like scubaboard.com note that the house reef is pristine. It might not be a common spot for whale sharks and mantas (not that they aren't possible), but numerous species of sharks are common.
One negative is dives are restricted to 60 minutes, which is ridiculous (at 15' my tank will last me three hours).
5. I've booked for November, I've had the GP points deducted from my account, but no charge placed on my CC. Contrary to a previous post, I'm told that if I were to cancel my GP points will be put back in my account at no charge (maybe this is for GP Diamond only?).
I'm looking forward to reading future posts and reports from guests visiting the property, especially on management's effort to make the property Park Hyatt worthy. I'm especially looking to read about suite upgrades, air conditioning improvements, and addressing the issues noted here and on TA.
(meet your approval?)
Last edited by canyonleo; Jul 24, 2011 at 3:01 am
Jul 24, 2011, 7:32 am
#53
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,499
I don't quite get your point 4 footnote. I'm just a budding amateur diver but have never heard of a 15' tank that last 3 hours. Why is it so ridiculous to expect other divers on the boat who have normal tanks to hang around while you do a 3 hour dive? I am sure if you are this into diving you could arrange something with the hotel to do your own solo dives around the house reef as long as you wanted. In fact if you bring your own equipment there is nothing to stop you just wading out from your room.
But saying this is ridiculous of the hotel is, erm, a bit ridiculous
As for the diving itself it is pristine. This Atoll has only just opened up to tourism and is too far south to have gotten much activity from the liveaboard crowds so all the sites are untouched. A big part of the fun was going to a site and asking the crew what the site was like and their response was "don't know it's our first time too"!
For point (1) I believe you get two nights in a beach villa regardless of status, i.e. you don't get put in over water villa for diamond status.
But saying this is ridiculous of the hotel is, erm, a bit ridiculous
As for the diving itself it is pristine. This Atoll has only just opened up to tourism and is too far south to have gotten much activity from the liveaboard crowds so all the sites are untouched. A big part of the fun was going to a site and asking the crew what the site was like and their response was "don't know it's our first time too"!
For point (1) I believe you get two nights in a beach villa regardless of status, i.e. you don't get put in over water villa for diamond status.
Jul 24, 2011, 3:37 pm
#54
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,946
I have an upcoming trip to the Park Hyatt Maldives at the end of August and contacted their GM, Pierre Lang, who got back to me within a day:
- Park Hyatt: Pierre Lang (has worked at the Park Hyatt Dubai before) is committed to deliver a true Park Hyatt experience.
- Feedback: They are reading tripadvisor and FT and are reviewing the comments to use this feedback.
- Staff: They have finished hiring a number of people within Hyatt who mostly have Park Hyatt experience and have used the low season to ensure that training is delivered to all staff and everyone is up the curve to deliver Park Hyatt standard.
- Construction: The Park Hyatt is about to finish some upgrade works that will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
- Food: Menus have been revamped and offer more variety and options.
Great outlook and I am looking forward to my trip and will let you know how it went once I am back!
- Park Hyatt: Pierre Lang (has worked at the Park Hyatt Dubai before) is committed to deliver a true Park Hyatt experience.
- Feedback: They are reading tripadvisor and FT and are reviewing the comments to use this feedback.
- Staff: They have finished hiring a number of people within Hyatt who mostly have Park Hyatt experience and have used the low season to ensure that training is delivered to all staff and everyone is up the curve to deliver Park Hyatt standard.
- Construction: The Park Hyatt is about to finish some upgrade works that will be completed in the next couple of weeks.
- Food: Menus have been revamped and offer more variety and options.
Great outlook and I am looking forward to my trip and will let you know how it went once I am back!
Jul 24, 2011, 4:06 pm
#55
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
The three hour example is just an extreme/ridiculous example to make the point. We all use the same steel tanks, same volume of air (unless one is use nitrox). And the boat isn't taking us to a 15' dive site. A more realistic example is that the amateur breaths so fast and his tank only lasts 30-40 minutes, but the experienced divers who have learned to regulate breathing can last 60-75 minutes. And yes, in most other locations divers surface separately (with buddies, never alone) as each is required.
On the point of using the Chase card to obtain a suite or Over Water Villa, Diamond level is given OW not Park Villa, that is confirmed.
On the point of using the Chase card to obtain a suite or Over Water Villa, Diamond level is given OW not Park Villa, that is confirmed.
Jul 24, 2011, 4:16 pm
#56
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,499
The three hour example is just an extreme/ridiculous example to make the point. We all use the same steel tanks, same volume of air (unless one is use nitrox). And the boat isn't taking us to a 15' dive site. A more realistic example is that the amateur breaths so fast and his tank only lasts 30-40 minutes, but the experienced divers who have learned to regulate breathing can last 60-75 minutes. And yes, in most other locations divers surface separately (with buddies, never alone) as each is required.
That is good to know. I did not know that. Presumably in that case you can also use suite upgrades on paid stays and/or use 33k to book the OW villas directly. Not that it matters to me I prefer beachfront to OW which is an over-rated concept for my taste
Jul 24, 2011, 4:59 pm
#57
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
No, that's my point about the unfavorable policy at this resort, they limit dives to 60 minutes. I can make a tank (given a normal dive profile) last well over 60 minutes, and it's not fair that I'm not given my money's worth of allowing my dive (computer aided, no deco dive) last as long as it should (70 minutes, 75?). The relevancy to FT is that one should know that this dive shop has such a policy, that good breathers won't get what one pays for (a full tank).
I believe I read that one isn't allowed to use GP points to upgrade a paid stay. But, I was offered to pay ($300) to upgrade my award stay. I've read that the Park Villas are nicer (in less need of the refurb) than the OW ones, and have stonger (or more capable, which may be a factor of other building variables) A/C... so your preference should do you fine.
I believe I read that one isn't allowed to use GP points to upgrade a paid stay. But, I was offered to pay ($300) to upgrade my award stay. I've read that the Park Villas are nicer (in less need of the refurb) than the OW ones, and have stonger (or more capable, which may be a factor of other building variables) A/C... so your preference should do you fine.
Jul 25, 2011, 1:04 am
#58
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Programs: CX Diamond / Hyatt Courtesy C./ Hertz
Posts: 254
I don't quite get your point 4 footnote. I'm just a budding amateur diver but have never heard of a 15' tank that last 3 hours. Why is it so ridiculous to expect other divers on the boat who have normal tanks to hang around while you do a 3 hour dive? I am sure if you are this into diving you could arrange something with the hotel to do your own solo dives around the house reef as long as you wanted. In fact if you bring your own equipment there is nothing to stop you just wading out from your room.
But saying this is ridiculous of the hotel is, erm, a bit ridiculous
As for the diving itself it is pristine. This Atoll has only just opened up to tourism and is too far south to have gotten much activity from the liveaboard crowds so all the sites are untouched. A big part of the fun was going to a site and asking the crew what the site was like and their response was "don't know it's our first time too"!
For point (1) I believe you get two nights in a beach villa regardless of status, i.e. you don't get put in over water villa for diamond status.
But saying this is ridiculous of the hotel is, erm, a bit ridiculous
As for the diving itself it is pristine. This Atoll has only just opened up to tourism and is too far south to have gotten much activity from the liveaboard crowds so all the sites are untouched. A big part of the fun was going to a site and asking the crew what the site was like and their response was "don't know it's our first time too"!
For point (1) I believe you get two nights in a beach villa regardless of status, i.e. you don't get put in over water villa for diamond status.
If going at 5 meters only, you'd better do snorkelling.
Most dives in maldives will take you at least to 15/20 meters.
Jul 25, 2011, 4:58 am
#59
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, SQ PPS Solitaire
Posts: 3,600
lol... Appreciate your 'professional' attitude! It's rare that someone is a) reacting to that kind of feedback and then b) in such a great way.
I like the post much better and am looking forward to reading more!
I like the post much better and am looking forward to reading more!
Jul 25, 2011, 5:10 am
#60
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,499
We were usually doing 30-40 meter dive sites. Either going for around 30-40 minutes or coming up to 15 meters after 15-20 minutes to stretch it out to 45-60 minutes