Same. This was actually one property where I prefered to to stay on a beach villa rather then Over water. Fantastic huge rooms. Loved the outdoor bathrooms.

When I look at most Maldive resorts, the only option to get there is via a special flight from MLE to the resort that is like USD 450+. Is there no ferry or some cheaper way?

unfortunately flights are the cheapest options....i know some resorts give you the option of a chartered yacht but that is considerably more expensive....

one option is to stay at the sheraton....the speedboat transfer is about $100 return....i've stayed there a couple of times & its a pretty decent resort....

Ditto. I especially like the ocean view villas (starting with 401 IIRC) that have a small private pool and outdoor shower. Much more spacious and better than the overwater rooms.

Thanks, any other resorts with speedboat option?

Taj exotica. Only 15 minutes by speed boat and a excellent hotel.

Unless I am mixing my hotels, I think this is now called "Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef". (the other hotel that Taj had in Maldives no longer exists under their brand...)

I think the lower one they have taken away. They still have Exotica there. I stayed here a few years back and can recommend it very highly. Although very expensive but then most are in MLE.

I think you are absolutely right. Glad to hear positives about Exotica. Seems another nice option.

Very nice hotel. Two things I didn't like were

- It has only one formal restaurant and one coffee shop type. Can get a bit boring after a 1 or 2 visits.
- Its very close to Male. So much so that you can see the Island from most of the rooms :td: Doesn't exactly give the middle of no where paradise that other resorts offer.

Hello fellow FTers !
I'll be transiting terminal 1B at Mumbai flying jet airways.. is there any lounge accessible by master/visa?

You can access the WikiPost here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/india...ut-needed.html

1B does not have any lounge. If it is the new 1B with aerobridges (which is actually 1C) then you can access the carnations lounge.

Heard from a Travel agent that EK and EY are starting operations in april from Jaipur International Airport. Can anyone confirm on this ?
Also any news on 9w and EY FFPs ?

It would make very good sense to do so, since a significant amount of foreign pax primarily visit Rajasthan for "luxury" holidays.