We actually did a similar trip in 2017. We were going to do 4 nights at ST. Regis then 3 nights at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa...Wanted to change things up and once at FS, taking the boat transfer to MLE was going to be very easy on the date of departure for home.

Long story short, we ended up staying at St. Regis because of schedule issues but I think going to FS for 3 nights could make sense for you as well. Their renovated overwater villa are much better than it was previously and of course the FS team is great :) FSPP often has great promotions as well. i.e. at the moment, booking a stay through a FSPP Advisor will provide guests a $500 credit to be used but for 4 nights min. valid through Dec 20.

Not sure what your budget is but another thought would be to scratch St. Regis entirely and go to Cheval Blanc. As your trip concludes by 12/11, they should still be offering the stay 7 pay 5 + early bird special. I can't tell you how often I have clients who thought CB would be out of their budget but once factored both promotions (stackable) it can actually be much more affordable (but timing does matter).

Definitely check out Kandolhu. Small and intimate, only 30 villas total on the island and within your budget. You can also choose the all-inclusive package which was a great deal IMO.

Thank you for the suggestion, but we don't really like all-inclusive options/resorts. We usually find that the quality of food is quite low in such places and we feel "forced" to eat multiple times to justify it (we usually have one-two large meals per day at most).

This is going to be our first trip to the Maldives and our 5 year wedding anniversary, so I want something special.

Don't confuse an "all inclusive" resort with a luxury hotel that offers a "meal inclusive" option. I've never been to the former and, like you, would likely never consider it. But the latter can be a good buy when offered in a place where there is no other alternative than to eat at the resort. I did a meal inclusive package at both Amans in India in 2018, for example, and I am very glad that I did.

Same here. Would never had considered it. They have 4 a-la-carte restaurants for 60 people max, including a 6-seat teppanyaki restaurant with 2 seatings per night. No buffets, many options, and the food is expensive on its own. Most would consider the head chef to be Michelin star worthy.

The only reason we chose the all-inclusive is because each room comes with a 30 bottle wine fridge that they refill each night and is part of the package. I encourage you to have a look at the property and read the reviews on Trip Advisor, it's definitely not what you think with "all-inclusive"

Just came back from COMO Maalifushi and it was great! The only thing on my mind right now is going somewhere similar again. Great snorkelling, great beach, great accomodation. Any recommendations, can be anywhere in the world, sub 2k USD / night?

Not necessarily great snorkeling, but otherwise Amanpulo (especially with potential upgrades to beach casita).

[QUOTE=Lambi;30880890]Just came back from COMO Maalifushi and it was great! The only thing on my mind right now is going somewhere similar again. Great snorkelling, great beach, great accomodation. Any recommendations, can be anywhere in the world, sub 2k USD / night?[/QUOTE

The obvious answer is Como Cocoa Island. I am just back and absolutely loved it. Sophisticated and understated without any hint of bling. Really excellent food, wine and service and, most importantly, the most unbelievably beautiful lagoon. I think you really need one of the one bedroom villas here, because the other suites have close up views of other islands - the location a mere 45 minute boat ride from Male means it's a busier part of the Maldives than where Como Maalifushi is located. Our butler Muru spoiled us completely for 6 days and we would go back in a heartbeat.

[QUOTE=Londonjetsetter;30881773]The look didn't really appeal to me, but perhaps the one bedroom villas do! And very interesting:
"COMO Cocoa Island will be closed for an extensive upgrade from May 1st 2019. We will reopen on November 1st 2019. During this time, we regret that we will be unable to accommodate any bookings. Should you still wish to travel to the Maldives, the team at our sister property COMO Maalifushiwill be more than happy to accommodate you."

Anyone know what they'll be upgrading?

Hi all,

Want to provide a data point on the fairly new Kudadoo as there's not much out there. It's a luxury proerpty that's all inclusive. Food and beverages, activities and even with unlimited Spa treatments :)

Had booked a client there 2 weeks ago and they had the below feedback to share (clients had been to Cheval Blanc, previously):

"...It was an amazing experience at Kudadoo. The staff were so friendly, caring and helpful in every way. There were not much guests so we had the whole place to ourselves. The staff catered to my insect phobia so the fumigated the room twice which helped me sleep peacefully.

The food was delicious from the menu, we also had the Italian, Spanish and chef gourmet night which was really nice. What topped it off was the last night there where we had a special Indian dinner made by the chef one of the best Indian food I’ve ever had.

We also went to the other island and experienced the underwater restaurant. Which was nice.

The spa was so relaxing and they had a variety of treatments that we were able to choose on the spot.

The only two things that I would point out are:
The seaplane was really cramped and very hot.
The dream island that they took us was a bit boring there was nothing just a table with chairs and beach furniture with shade. We had a picnic. We kind of had high expectations for that one.

I would go back and recommend kudadoo for sure as the overall experience was great. A much needed trip to zone out and chill..."

Hope this will be helpful to someone!

Gili Lankanfushi has been my "go-to" resort in the Maldives. I know it is not the newest or flashiest place, but I appreciate the warm and gracious service, along with the peace and quiet. As you are likely aware, Gili is currently closed, due to the fire a few months ago. In the interim, I am ready to try something different. Does anyone have an opinion as to which is better...Joali or Kudadoo? Both are charging similar prices for their largest one-bedroom overwater suites, though Joali is half-board and Kudadoo is all-inclusive. Thank you.

Hope my post directly above yours is a bit helpful regarding feedback on Kudadoo.
It was good enough for my clients who previously stayed at Cheval Blanc but was just looking for something different and great value. And I'd say Kudadoo's "true" all inclusive is great! Spa treatments alone could easily be $600/day (it's unlimited), if you enjoy the spa :)

Thank you. Yes, the feedback is quite helpful. As with some of the others who commented earlier, I hadn't considered all-inclusive properties at first, but Kudadoo seems to tick all of the boxes for a seamless (luxurious) experience.

Hope you'll have a great time regardless where you end up but if it's Kudadoo, would love to hear your experience as well upon return and see if consistency is their game :)