Soneva Jani (Maldives) UPDATE
Dec 21, 17, 5:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LAX
Posts: 1,851
Soneva Jani (Maldives) UPDATE
Sorry for removing my post.
This thread derailed completely and it was not my intention.
But most of all the hotel delivered the most amazing service recovery for us and it wouldn't be fair to leave the old post when EVERYTHING was addressed. We just got back from our 2nd stay (in just two weeks
)) and seriously, the resort responded to every single issue and fixed it. From the amazing airport treatment which is now in place, the lounge which is being renovated and expanding, the private plane which should be in operation starting March to all the little things which have all been discussed and fixed.
I have to say, to us - nobody has ever responded this way before. Thank you Soneva Jani.
This thread derailed completely and it was not my intention.
But most of all the hotel delivered the most amazing service recovery for us and it wouldn't be fair to leave the old post when EVERYTHING was addressed. We just got back from our 2nd stay (in just two weeks
)) and seriously, the resort responded to every single issue and fixed it. From the amazing airport treatment which is now in place, the lounge which is being renovated and expanding, the private plane which should be in operation starting March to all the little things which have all been discussed and fixed.I have to say, to us - nobody has ever responded this way before. Thank you Soneva Jani.
Last edited by Big_Foot; Dec 26, 17 at 1:10 am Reason: amazing service recovery + thread derailed
Dec 21, 17, 5:37 am
#2
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: aeroplan
Posts: 158
That sounds terrible. We are heading to the Maldives for the first time but to a resort that is not quite in the same $$$$ league as Soneva Jani. It is so ridiculously expensive in that neck of the woods (and for that resort) that you are justified in expecting good and consistent service. I hope you detailed this to the GM and CSRs for follow up and not just on TA (although that forum does seem to get eyeballs).
Dec 21, 17, 6:00 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,706
It’s rather unclear to me what exactly warrants the description “terrible.” The design and furnishings, as well as saltwater swimming pools are things that appeal to Soneva’s target market. Also, Soneva is always family friendly.
Room service mishaps and other service lapses are unforgivable at this price point though. There should have been service recovery.
Room service mishaps and other service lapses are unforgivable at this price point though. There should have been service recovery.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Dec 21, 17 at 6:05 am
Dec 21, 17, 6:09 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2004
Location: LAX
Posts: 1,851
Originally Posted by NoTravelIsFree
I hope you detailed this to the GM and CSRs for follow up and not just on TA (although that forum does seem to get eyeballs).
Dec 21, 17, 10:27 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K, Amex Plat, Fairmont Plat, NEXUS, Aman-user (not really a -junkie)
Posts: 1,671
This sounds horrible ! I wouldn't go to a luxury resort which is geared to families if I was travelling solo or as part of a couple. Just like OP said, he wish he would have known before he plunked down all that money. This isn't discrimination...it's called preference. It used to be that if you paid a certain amount of money, there weren't many children around but that has changed quite dramatically in this new age of parenting and wealth.
Anyhow, sorry that OP learned an expensive lesson. Now if anyone lets me know that O&O Reethi Rah has children everywhere, I will also take that one off my list.
Anyhow, sorry that OP learned an expensive lesson. Now if anyone lets me know that O&O Reethi Rah has children everywhere, I will also take that one off my list.
Dec 21, 17, 11:41 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,594
Originally Posted by Big_Foot
probably the most beautiful lagoon in the Maldives and it’s the first place in the country we found comparable to the colors of Bora Bora. Absolutely stunning. Not only the colors of the water around you, but also a couple of beautiful beaches where there is nobody except you.
I'm glad we saw the place, the beauty of the lagoon is incredible, but the hotel charging this kind of prices is a sad joke. I have tons of great pictures
I'm glad we saw the place, the beauty of the lagoon is incredible, but the hotel charging this kind of prices is a sad joke. I have tons of great pictures
1913 jani
1900 cheval
1950 velaa / 1815 beach
2060 OORR no pool / 1650 beach no pool
1825 FSLG / 1325 bungalow
jani has fewest rooms, plans more cheaper
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 31, 17 at 6:57 pm
Dec 21, 17, 12:18 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,706
On the topic of family friendly resorts vs. adult oriented, what are the top choices for more adult oriented? Are there any luxury adults only properties? The only adults only property I am aware of is Anantara Veli, which is a four star resort situated alongside connected sister resorts Naladhu and Dhigu.
Taj Exotica is also generally more adult oriented.
Taj Exotica is also generally more adult oriented.
Dec 21, 17, 12:44 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,706
I think a problem is that there is a significant demand for both honeymoon/couples travel and high end family travel in the Maldives. So, resorts cannot afford to alienate families with children. Most of the high end options have invested significantly in kids clubs in order to appeal to families and allow parents to relax while children are kept entertained.
Dec 21, 17, 1:10 pm
#13
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,259
Must say that I am highly surprised by this review as it 's very far from our experience, in every aspect.
Are you sure you were at Jani? For instance: there are 2 entirely covered dining spaces on the first floor of each villa.
But I might have been intoxicated or similar as I was travelling with 2 children. Only heard my own kids and not those of the neighbouring villa's as they all are quite far apart from each other. But most likely mine were screaming a bit louder
Will get back about this review in detail later.Too much work before I can finally relax next to my Christmas tree.
Happy holidays!
Are you sure you were at Jani? For instance: there are 2 entirely covered dining spaces on the first floor of each villa.
But I might have been intoxicated or similar as I was travelling with 2 children. Only heard my own kids and not those of the neighbouring villa's as they all are quite far apart from each other. But most likely mine were screaming a bit louder
Will get back about this review in detail later.Too much work before I can finally relax next to my Christmas tree.
Happy holidays!
Dec 21, 17, 7:00 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: MEL
Programs: QFF, AA, LM, EY
Posts: 695
So unfortunate to read what the OP had to go through. I agree recurrent service/butler mishaps are unforgivable at this price point. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to let the GM know of your experience when you saw him on the last day to give them a chance at some sort of service recovery. Perhaps they would have comped/refunded part of your stay ?
Also agree with what was said about doing sufficient research about the resort's view towards kids and families etc. My wife and I stayed at Milaidhoo a small new resort in the Maldives earlier this year and knew beforehand that they catered mostly to couples and did not allow children under 9 etc. Milaidhoo is obviously in a different league and at a different price point than Soneva Jani but I still think sufficient research could have helped here.
Also agree with what was said about doing sufficient research about the resort's view towards kids and families etc. My wife and I stayed at Milaidhoo a small new resort in the Maldives earlier this year and knew beforehand that they catered mostly to couples and did not allow children under 9 etc. Milaidhoo is obviously in a different league and at a different price point than Soneva Jani but I still think sufficient research could have helped here.
Dec 21, 17, 8:00 pm
#15
Was sydakllon
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: Virtuoso, Rosewood Elite, FSPP, Bellini, Dorchester, MO Fan Club, Oetker Pearl, etc.
Posts: 679
I would be up and down that waterslide multiple times a day, every day. Service disasters aside, maybe the resort / Soneva just wasn't for you from the outset.
