ashishwadhwa20

Hello Folks!

I am new here. Please suggest me which out of these 2 options make sense :

1)Meeru Resort- Jacuzzi over water villa- All inclusive- $2800 (+Free Covid test, if needed, about $300 for 2 adults )- 7 nts
2)Paradise Island- $1800- Jacuzzi over water Villa- All inclusive $1800 (Covid Test not included ). 7 Nts- Got a great deal on this one.

I understand Meeru has no snorkeling and Paradise gets bad reviews due to not being a pretty island , also its concrete as i read but going by these 2 options and their prices, what do u guys suggest ? We have never done snorkeling but wanted to try it out here.

Thanks,
Ash

m3red

paradise is next to gili lankanfushi and if i stayed at paradise I’d hate looking at Gili and I’d wish I was there - for that reason - Meeru

moebod

Hi all,

Have read through this thread, as well as a few others. Very usefull info, thanks to all who contributed!

I wanted to hear from folks here if I came to the proper conclusion of which is the best overall property for my upcoming trip in Jan.

We are going to be coming from NY, it will be me and the wife and 80% chance taking a 1 year old along. (Tell me about it....oldest conflict...)

We only have 4 days 3 nights there, so not too concerned about the nightly rate.

Things I believe are important:

Top service (aman style)
- New/nice hard product (villa) I like modern, but not a must at all.
- Privacy on the overwater villas (ie even when you go into the ocean)
- From the better locations for getting the most natural and serene experiences such as fish spotting from villa area, and a house reef etc etc (nicest dive spots acceptable from resort...)


​​Things that I would prefer but not a must:
- nice beach area to hang at, not just one that many guests are there (ie an island that has various spots so as you can get privacy with some luck)
- a resort where can save travel time and/or the "fear" of skipping a seaplane and being able to get there by boat (wife doesnt like tiny planes, but too bad if that will compromise)

Things that are not important at all:

-Food! I know that seems odd, but basically its not relavant to us as kosher diets, we bring our own more or less...


I have come to the conclusion that the Nautilus was the way to go, and they are running decent specials with 30% or more off. But very happy to hear opinions, and if theres a better overall choice?

Ex-SIN

Will you really be wanting an overwater villa with a 1 year old with you?

Passportinonehand

If you want overwater and privacy, have you considered the romantic residence at Velaa? Completely detached from everything, overwater, great service, ...
The only downside is you'll have to take a seaplane if you fly commercial. Private jets can land at Mafaaru International Airport from where it's a 30min boat ride.

BESVISOR

moebod

Hi and glad to see another heading to Maldives!!

I've been booking Maldives much more than usual lately due to being one of the few places that's international friendly at the moment.
Booked and had 3 sets of clients stay at Joali in Nov.
Just booked another family of 4 ( 2 adults + 2 and 1 yr. olds) at Cheval Blanc for next week.
Just booked a couple at COMO Maalifushi for NYE.
Just sent in a proposal to clients at Gili (mins ago).

So Figured I'd just give my 2 cents...

Don't have anything that's going to check all your boxes:

But overall, I stand by Cheval Blanc and Joali.

Joali is pretty new and booked clients at 40% off + half board + 2x upgrade at booking. That's a value to be had for sure! The best deal I'm aware of for any of the top luxe options in Maldives.

Cheval Blanc's Infinite Bliss Promo I just booked for clients had stay 7 pay 5 + a list of other goodies, including a private beach dinner.

Both having amazing services. The butlers at Joali are fantastic and not just a label/title. All 3 sets of my clients who just stayed, raved about their butler. Very proactive, which is the old school Aman ethos
Without knowing your personal taste and preference, I'm just going to objectively say that I've seen more people love the hard products at Cheval Blanc than any other resorts within Maldives.

Both will require seaplane transfers but Cheval Blanc's private shared seaplane is the best in Maldives as well. And their lounge is great.
The client I just booked over the weekend at CB. paid $1850 for CB's seaplane vs. $1000 for the commercial seaplane (roundtrip). So it's a big difference in price but so is the plane. That might make your wife's journey a bit easier/tolerable.

Joali's food isn't the best but seems to not be an issue for you. And half board is great
C.B.'s food is solid.

Joali and C.B. are two of my favorite management teams to work with in Maldives as well. Very quick and competent.
Can't say enough about management who can answer all questions clearly and effectively. Also understand how to look after clients.

I've rebooked myself at Joali, Cheval Blanc, Velaa and Gili for next Summer. Can't wait!

Happy shopping and hope you'll have a great time regardless where you land!

moebod

Yes, I would be comfortable with it. I would have him always in the crib or being watched.....of course I may choose to have one night on a beach villa to get the feel of both styles.

enox5

The Maldives isn't an easy place to get to. It's expensive and time consuming

As such, it's very popular to visit more than one island. I visited the Conrad and the Holiday Inn, last time I went there

However I don't see the value of visitting the Saii for 1 night. You'll be exhausted from travel and have very little time to enjoy the place.

moebod

Wow, that villa does look nice, but at $15k per night- Im not THAT loaded
The base over the water villas cost a decent amount more than the rate I got at the Nautilus. Do you think that Vella is nicer overall and worth it over the Nautilus? Anyone been to both to compare?

moebod

Thanks Besvisor.

Pricing for Joali does in fact come out similar tohe Nautilus, but doesnt seem nearly as nice as far as service compared to the Nautilus. And more crowded etc. Am I mistaken on this point?

CB as well, while looks lovely overall, its more expensive and not sure if its better overall?

LinLant

That’s a lot of travel to stay for only three nights. We are from north of NYC and we flew Qatar from NYC to Doha to Male. You are talking 20 hours to get there from JFK and then another 21 back. I think traveling to the Caribbean and an Aman there would be the better choice.

moebod

I know, but I am dying to try the Maldives. Been to both caribbean Aman's plus Amanpulo too. Time to try the Maldives!
Hope to end up in First Class with EK, if I am "stuck" in EK Business it will do the job too....

chinmoylad

Having been multiple times, it's honestly not THAT exciting to warrant a 20+ hour trip for a 3 night stay.

Just my two cents...

BESVISOR

+1 with chinmoylad

sandeep.thilakan

Hello folks!

Planning to visit the Maldives for 4 nights in September. We will be travelling with our 10-month old baby and hence prefer a resort that is accessible by speedboat. Our priorities are:
1. Elegant beach villas
2. Excellent friendly service
3. Great choice and quality of food

We are not into snorkelling and so, the quality of reef is secondary. So far, I have shortlisted the following:
1. One&only Reethi Rah
2. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
3. Taj Exotica

Please let me know your thoughts.