where to go next? FS maldives vs. aman
Oct 10, 2011, 2:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: JFK
Programs: AA GLD
Posts: 7
where to go next? FS maldives vs. aman
first off- long time lurker and benefited greatly from fantastic reports and suggestions from musken, vos, ericka, kage and many more. Thank you for sharing!
last year I became a fan of amanresorts- stayed at amanjiwo, amandari, and amankila. davido made the arrangement for us and could not be any better. we are certainly looking forward to staying at more aman properties, with a re-visit of indonesia in the near future. I'm currently planning for a 2012 trip and we are open to visit any of the following destinations from Jan to June. As they are all great places to visit, please help us by suggesting which one to visit first!
1) amansara + amanpuri/trisara (3/3 nights)
the logical follow up to our trip to borobudur and bali, as I prefer to visit a historical/cultural destination followed by laying out on a beach. the concern here is that it may be too similar to what we experienced last year. should we put this off until we have visited a few different places first?
2) amangalla + amanwella (2/5 nights)
this destination popped up as there are local flights between colombo and koggala/dickwella now. some older threads mentioned service and food issues- has anyone stayed at these properties recently?
3) FS KH + Explorer + LG (3/3-4/3 nights)
thanks to the many great trip reports I feel I've found the right combo resorts for our first experience at this destination. several questions-
a) between jan to june, when would be an ideal time to visit?
b) we've never dove before but certainly will be for this trip. should we get certified before the trip?
c) FS explorer- any preference between the Northward Cruise and Southward Cruise?
d) open to skipping one of the FS resorts (LG?) to extend the explorer to 7 nights
FS has a slight edge over the others for now as it also carries the largest price tag. consider that I am starting a new job in july and I will most likely be too busy to travel great distances for the next 5 years (I'm based in the northeast) I can justify the hit somewhat
. having experienced aman, this truly isn't an easy decision for us so thank you for your help!
last year I became a fan of amanresorts- stayed at amanjiwo, amandari, and amankila. davido made the arrangement for us and could not be any better. we are certainly looking forward to staying at more aman properties, with a re-visit of indonesia in the near future. I'm currently planning for a 2012 trip and we are open to visit any of the following destinations from Jan to June. As they are all great places to visit, please help us by suggesting which one to visit first!
1) amansara + amanpuri/trisara (3/3 nights)
the logical follow up to our trip to borobudur and bali, as I prefer to visit a historical/cultural destination followed by laying out on a beach. the concern here is that it may be too similar to what we experienced last year. should we put this off until we have visited a few different places first?
2) amangalla + amanwella (2/5 nights)
this destination popped up as there are local flights between colombo and koggala/dickwella now. some older threads mentioned service and food issues- has anyone stayed at these properties recently?
3) FS KH + Explorer + LG (3/3-4/3 nights)
thanks to the many great trip reports I feel I've found the right combo resorts for our first experience at this destination. several questions-
a) between jan to june, when would be an ideal time to visit?
b) we've never dove before but certainly will be for this trip. should we get certified before the trip?
c) FS explorer- any preference between the Northward Cruise and Southward Cruise?
d) open to skipping one of the FS resorts (LG?) to extend the explorer to 7 nights
FS has a slight edge over the others for now as it also carries the largest price tag. consider that I am starting a new job in july and I will most likely be too busy to travel great distances for the next 5 years (I'm based in the northeast) I can justify the hit somewhat
. having experienced aman, this truly isn't an easy decision for us so thank you for your help!
Oct 10, 2011, 10:37 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I would choose either Amansara and Amanpuri/Trisara, or the Maldives.
I don't understand why you would be willing to spend more total nights in the Maldives than on the other itineraries. IMO three nights is way too short for Phuket- I usually stay for about a week.
If you choose the Maldives, I definitely would recommend getting certified before the trip if you can. This way you will be able to skip the introductory dive course at FS and enjoy the trip more.
I don't understand why you would be willing to spend more total nights in the Maldives than on the other itineraries. IMO three nights is way too short for Phuket- I usually stay for about a week.
If you choose the Maldives, I definitely would recommend getting certified before the trip if you can. This way you will be able to skip the introductory dive course at FS and enjoy the trip more.
Oct 11, 2011, 10:02 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
I would choose either Amansara and Amanpuri/Trisara, or the Maldives.
I don't understand why you would be willing to spend more total nights in the Maldives than on the other itineraries. IMO three nights is way too short for Phuket- I usually stay for about a week.
If you choose the Maldives, I definitely would recommend getting certified before the trip if you can. This way you will be able to skip the introductory dive course at FS and enjoy the trip more.
I don't understand why you would be willing to spend more total nights in the Maldives than on the other itineraries. IMO three nights is way too short for Phuket- I usually stay for about a week.
If you choose the Maldives, I definitely would recommend getting certified before the trip if you can. This way you will be able to skip the introductory dive course at FS and enjoy the trip more.
Option 1 is good particularly earlier in the year when the seas should be calm in Phuket & not so hot in Siem Reap - though it got too hot for me by mid morning when visiting Angkor Wat even in early Jan.
Perhaps tie in with Amantaka , there should be some Aman exclusive you can work on.
3 Kuda Huraa is nice too , agree better if you can certified prior. Haven't been on Explorer.
Aman is a" safe " choice as they can really take care of you.
Oct 11, 2011, 2:45 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Wow, this is tough. When we went to the Maldives, we had originally planned to combine with Amangalla in Sri Lanka. Then Sri Lanka had some "trouble" and we ended up changing our itinerary to Amansara and the FS Maldives since we were flying through Bangkok anyway. We have a trip report on this forum if you haven't read it already.
Regarding the Maldives, I like both FS resorts for different reasons and also very much like the Explorer. Please be warned that if this will be your first diving experience you will be spoiled for diving forever. You'll never look at the Caribbean the same! All dives in the Maldives are exceptional so even if you decide to do your final certification there you will still see very special things. The waters are supposed to be smoother in April (for the Explorer) though I would confirm this with the FS. It was pretty hot when we were there then, but nice and dry.
Then when you are avid divers, you can return to Indonesia and include Amanwana....another spectacular dive destination!
Not to further complicate things, but if you are looking for an ideal beach AND an Aman you could also consider Amanpulo.
Regarding the Maldives, I like both FS resorts for different reasons and also very much like the Explorer. Please be warned that if this will be your first diving experience you will be spoiled for diving forever. You'll never look at the Caribbean the same! All dives in the Maldives are exceptional so even if you decide to do your final certification there you will still see very special things. The waters are supposed to be smoother in April (for the Explorer) though I would confirm this with the FS. It was pretty hot when we were there then, but nice and dry.
Then when you are avid divers, you can return to Indonesia and include Amanwana....another spectacular dive destination!
Not to further complicate things, but if you are looking for an ideal beach AND an Aman you could also consider Amanpulo.
Oct 13, 2011, 6:13 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 30
I love Sri Lanka but there's so much to see there that you would be missing out on by just limiting yourself to the Amans, it might be better to go when you have more time and can do a dawn balloon flight over Sigiriya, or stay on a tea plantation in the highlands, or visit the Temple of the Tooth, or laze around the wetlands.
I'd go for option 1 because I am not a huge fan of the 4S in the Maldives. I went to both LG and KH a few months ago and was disappointed. Most people love them and the service is awesome (and the Explorer looks amazing and we had a good chat to their marine biologists who were wonderful) but there were some other issues. If you are interested you can PM me and I'll give you a link to my blog review of them.
I'd go for option 1 because I am not a huge fan of the 4S in the Maldives. I went to both LG and KH a few months ago and was disappointed. Most people love them and the service is awesome (and the Explorer looks amazing and we had a good chat to their marine biologists who were wonderful) but there were some other issues. If you are interested you can PM me and I'll give you a link to my blog review of them.
Oct 13, 2011, 8:11 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: JFK
Programs: AA GLD
Posts: 7
MikeFromTokyo/FlyerEC- point taken, would modify option 1 into amantaka 3nights, amansara 3nights and amanpuri 7nights. Will try to get certified before heading out to maldives if we decide to go...
Ericka- thanks for the input. amanpulo is definitely on the list to visit! so little time.
Riya- we've been spoiled by aman and certainly wasn't expect the same level of service from 4S (and I've been disappointed by 4S before). Since you've been there recently, would you suggest a different property?
Thanks everyone!
Ericka- thanks for the input. amanpulo is definitely on the list to visit! so little time.
Riya- we've been spoiled by aman and certainly wasn't expect the same level of service from 4S (and I've been disappointed by 4S before). Since you've been there recently, would you suggest a different property?
Thanks everyone!
Oct 13, 2011, 8:42 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Also, Amanpuri offers PADI certification courses and diving. Even though this will not be the same as diving in the Maldives, it would be nice and you could use this trip as an opportunity to get your certification before a future trip to the Maldives, Amanpulo, or Amanwana.
Oct 13, 2011, 10:05 pm
#8
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: BOS/TUL/DEN
Programs: AA EXP (and 3mm), SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Virtuoso, FSPP
Posts: 184
That sounds like a fantastic itinerary. The only thing I would add if you have time is a luxury hotel stopover in Bangkok before you fly to Luang Parabang on PG. Even two nights at MO, Pen, or FS would be a really great way to start the trip.
Also, Amanpuri offers PADI certification courses and diving. Even though this will not be the same as diving in the Maldives, it would be nice and you could use this trip as an opportunity to get your certification before a future trip to the Maldives, Amanpulo, or Amanwana.
Also, Amanpuri offers PADI certification courses and diving. Even though this will not be the same as diving in the Maldives, it would be nice and you could use this trip as an opportunity to get your certification before a future trip to the Maldives, Amanpulo, or Amanwana.
Oct 14, 2011, 12:15 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I would suggest that you get certified beforehand regardless of where you end up going. Doing your final or "checkout" dives on location isn't necessarily a bad thing, but doing all the book/classroom work on vaca is simply not fun. Do it ahead of time - if you don't, you'll almost certainly regret it.
Jan 22, 2012, 10:06 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 47
Ericka:
I just joined this site and enjoyed your review on India. I will going there in March but first I wanted to go to Amanpulo or back to the Maldives, and the Explorer was amazing but KH was not great but that was before the tsunami. The Amanpulo rooms look like nothing special and I have reserved a beach casita. I am suppose to Leave Feb. 24 and would like your opinion on going back to Maldives or try Amanpulo. Thanks
I just joined this site and enjoyed your review on India. I will going there in March but first I wanted to go to Amanpulo or back to the Maldives, and the Explorer was amazing but KH was not great but that was before the tsunami. The Amanpulo rooms look like nothing special and I have reserved a beach casita. I am suppose to Leave Feb. 24 and would like your opinion on going back to Maldives or try Amanpulo. Thanks
Jan 23, 2012, 5:55 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Ericka:
I just joined this site and enjoyed your review on India. I will going there in March but first I wanted to go to Amanpulo or back to the Maldives, and the Explorer was amazing but KH was not great but that was before the tsunami. The Amanpulo rooms look like nothing special and I have reserved a beach casita. I am suppose to Leave Feb. 24 and would like your opinion on going back to Maldives or try Amanpulo. Thanks
I just joined this site and enjoyed your review on India. I will going there in March but first I wanted to go to Amanpulo or back to the Maldives, and the Explorer was amazing but KH was not great but that was before the tsunami. The Amanpulo rooms look like nothing special and I have reserved a beach casita. I am suppose to Leave Feb. 24 and would like your opinion on going back to Maldives or try Amanpulo. Thanks
By the way, the beach at Amanpulo is more beautiful than the Maldives. It's a very special experience. I have a trip report for that resort on this forum as well.
Jan 23, 2012, 5:58 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 47
Hi Ericka:
Thanks again, I am going to keep my Amanpulo reservation and if this beach is better than Maldives, I will definitely be in heaven. I went to Mauritius in November and the beach was not even in the same ballpark as Maldives but wanted to see it.
Thanks again, I am going to keep my Amanpulo reservation and if this beach is better than Maldives, I will definitely be in heaven. I went to Mauritius in November and the beach was not even in the same ballpark as Maldives but wanted to see it.