Maldives Recs for 2019 trip
Jul 7, 2018, 3:33 am
#76
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Jul 7, 2018, 4:27 am
#77
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
I am sure it was objectively disappointing on this occasion, but could it also be that you ended up staying at these resorts in the “wrong” order as you mentioned before? Perhaps an ascending order or Soneva Fushi, Velaa, and finally Cheval Blanc would have lessened the feeling of disappointment? Starting with the very best and then going “down” to properties that are not quite at the same level, on the other hand, would make you even more acutely aware of their shortcomings.
On top of the above, things like:
- booking dinner at their new Out of the Blue, then arriving and being sat next to a massive family, to the point that you would think we were some extension of theirs - were we speaking the same language, we could have joined in with their conversations. When we enquire whether there's a booking in place and where we should be sat they confirm it, but say it's first come first served, so there's actually no point in having a booking anyway.
- our butler never seemed to understand or us vice versa. One day he was due to pick us up at 6:30 and apparently knocked (we were right near the door and never heard it), so he left and just went off somewhere else as we didn't answer. We had to call 3 times to get hold of him to come back, even though we phoned at 6:35.
- our return flights being booked 11 hours earlier than they should have and us only finding out as we kept chasing to find out when they were, as we were sure they'd screw it up.
- Several times there were just no staff around and then when waiters did arrive they were not much better than not having staff around.
- We were on the buggy to be taken somewhere and it broke down
- Housekeeping walking in on us in the bedroom as they thought we were having breakfast
- Out of the Blue opened a few weeks prior to our arrival, yet it was 75% finished and construction workers were still on site. Why the rush to open somewhere during off-peak?
I will not profess to be a fan of rustic - although I do like North Island - but that really didn't feel the issue here. I liked some of the facilities on the island, but felt for the prices they charge that they need to get the soft product a lot better to be truly competitive with elsewhere. My theory, although I've nothing to back this up with, is that when they opened Jani, a lot of the great staff went over there to help get it going. I've seen it plenty of times before and it would explain it.
Jul 7, 2018, 4:52 am
#78
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
The lack of management to meet and greet and around the resort during key times of the day to chat with staff is another Soneva complaint I've regularly heard.
Jul 7, 2018, 5:28 am
#79
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 119
Having stayed at Cheval Blanc, Velaa and Soneva Jani. I agreed 100% with MacMyDay review. My preference is Cheval Blanc>Velaa and would return to both in a heartbeat, despite the initial fiasco with CBR. We have a disastrous stay at Soneva Jani and would never return. I still remember fondly of the best apple cider (Gold Emotion) I have ever tasted at CBR.
Jul 7, 2018, 5:57 am
#80
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Having stayed at Cheval Blanc, Velaa and Soneva Jani. I agreed 100% with MacMyDay review. My preference is Cheval Blanc>Velaa and would return to both in a heartbeat, despite the initial fiasco with CBR. We have a disastrous stay at Soneva Jani and would never return. I still remember fondly of the best apple cider (Gold Emotion) I have ever tasted at CBR.
Glad to hear your CBR stayed managed to come good, as I distinctly remember your thread about being walked. They did not show themselves in the highest light, but their offer to you in the end was incredible and, having been and experienced their amazing service, I'm sure you got even better during your time.
I am not sure if you've posted it anywhere, but I would be interested to hear of your Jani experience.
Jul 7, 2018, 8:47 am
#81
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I don't disagree that this definitely played its part and going first would have helped, but I also really think the overall service was simply just not good, regardless of what you compare it to.
On top of the above, things like:
I will not profess to be a fan of rustic - although I do like North Island - but that really didn't feel the issue here. I liked some of the facilities on the island, but felt for the prices they charge that they need to get the soft product a lot better to be truly competitive with elsewhere. My theory, although I've nothing to back this up with, is that when they opened Jani, a lot of the great staff went over there to help get it going. I've seen it plenty of times before and it would explain it.
On top of the above, things like:
- booking dinner at their new Out of the Blue, then arriving and being sat next to a massive family, to the point that you would think we were some extension of theirs - were we speaking the same language, we could have joined in with their conversations. When we enquire whether there's a booking in place and where we should be sat they confirm it, but say it's first come first served, so there's actually no point in having a booking anyway.
- our butler never seemed to understand or us vice versa. One day he was due to pick us up at 6:30 and apparently knocked (we were right near the door and never heard it), so he left and just went off somewhere else as we didn't answer. We had to call 3 times to get hold of him to come back, even though we phoned at 6:35.
- our return flights being booked 11 hours earlier than they should have and us only finding out as we kept chasing to find out when they were, as we were sure they'd screw it up.
- Several times there were just no staff around and then when waiters did arrive they were not much better than not having staff around.
- We were on the buggy to be taken somewhere and it broke down
- Housekeeping walking in on us in the bedroom as they thought we were having breakfast
- Out of the Blue opened a few weeks prior to our arrival, yet it was 75% finished and construction workers were still on site. Why the rush to open somewhere during off-peak?
I will not profess to be a fan of rustic - although I do like North Island - but that really didn't feel the issue here. I liked some of the facilities on the island, but felt for the prices they charge that they need to get the soft product a lot better to be truly competitive with elsewhere. My theory, although I've nothing to back this up with, is that when they opened Jani, a lot of the great staff went over there to help get it going. I've seen it plenty of times before and it would explain it.
They should definitely make things right on a future stay at any of their three resorts.
Regarding the outdoor bathrooms, and the rusticity, I actually love it. It’s pure heaven in the high and shoulder seasons for me. It just does not work well during the wet season or at other times when weather is hot or humid.
To a certain extent one also has to be “into” the no-news-no-shoes and SLOW life concept. However that is beside the point, as the service you experienced was not acceptable for reasons completely unrelated to this, and that should have been entirely avoidable if management had been present.
Jul 7, 2018, 9:30 am
#82
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
When I went to the Maldives it was all about the beach, the reef, the snorkelling, the diving, the fishes. We were at the Taj resort, they fed us tinned pasta, you were lucky if you had an egg for breakfast (their own chickens were unreliable) and they were trying to grow their own tomatoes. And when I read about a golf buggy breaking down, a butler forgetting to ring the bell and outdoor bathrooms being a bit muggy, I think, is there a reason to go back? I think not.
Jul 7, 2018, 9:37 am
#83
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
When I went to the Maldives it was all about the beach, the reef, the snorkelling, the diving, the fishes. We were at the Taj resort, they fed us tinned pasta, you were lucky if you had an egg for breakfast (their own chickens were unreliable) and they were trying to grow their own tomatoes. And when I read about a golf buggy breaking down, a butler forgetting to ring the bell and outdoor bathrooms being a bit muggy, I think, is there a reason to go back? I think not.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Jul 7, 2018 at 10:50 am
Jul 7, 2018, 12:50 pm
#84
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
MikefromTokyo - This was the original 'luxury' resort in the Maldives, included in Rene Lecler's 300 Best Hotels in the World. It was the Biyadoo resort. They also had a neighbouring island and a ferry between the two. It was incredibly rustic, lots of charm, and lots of flaws but they were ground-breaking. They had a duck that waddled around attacking any guest that strayed close to it.
The house reef was absolutely stunning. I saw 1000s of tropical reef fish, sharks, mantas, the lot. It changed my life.
We got there from Adelaide. Flew to Singapore in an otherwise empty business class cabin. Then Singers to Male. Then a three-hour boat trip to the resort. This was seriously off the map. Environmentally pure. Don't get me started on these new resorts like Cheval Blanc. No single country has done more to damage their environment than the Maldives and hotel chains have jumped on it without a single care in the world except for making money. I think Soneva Fushi started out with the right ideas.
The house reef was absolutely stunning. I saw 1000s of tropical reef fish, sharks, mantas, the lot. It changed my life.
We got there from Adelaide. Flew to Singapore in an otherwise empty business class cabin. Then Singers to Male. Then a three-hour boat trip to the resort. This was seriously off the map. Environmentally pure. Don't get me started on these new resorts like Cheval Blanc. No single country has done more to damage their environment than the Maldives and hotel chains have jumped on it without a single care in the world except for making money. I think Soneva Fushi started out with the right ideas.
Jul 7, 2018, 2:04 pm
#85
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
MikefromTokyo - This was the original 'luxury' resort in the Maldives, included in Rene Lecler's 300 Best Hotels in the World. It was the Biyadoo resort. They also had a neighbouring island and a ferry between the two. It was incredibly rustic, lots of charm, and lots of flaws but they were ground-breaking. They had a duck that waddled around attacking any guest that strayed close to it.
The house reef was absolutely stunning. I saw 1000s of tropical reef fish, sharks, mantas, the lot. It changed my life.
We got there from Adelaide. Flew to Singapore in an otherwise empty business class cabin. Then Singers to Male. Then a three-hour boat trip to the resort. This was seriously off the map. Environmentally pure. Don't get me started on these new resorts like Cheval Blanc. No single country has done more to damage their environment than the Maldives and hotel chains have jumped on it without a single care in the world except for making money. I think Soneva Fushi started out with the right ideas.
The house reef was absolutely stunning. I saw 1000s of tropical reef fish, sharks, mantas, the lot. It changed my life.
We got there from Adelaide. Flew to Singapore in an otherwise empty business class cabin. Then Singers to Male. Then a three-hour boat trip to the resort. This was seriously off the map. Environmentally pure. Don't get me started on these new resorts like Cheval Blanc. No single country has done more to damage their environment than the Maldives and hotel chains have jumped on it without a single care in the world except for making money. I think Soneva Fushi started out with the right ideas.
I am in my mid thirties and actually sometimes begrudge being born too late to have experienced great resorts and hotels before the environment was spoilt and/or the crowds adversely affected them and drove prices through the roof. What you are describing is exactly the type of experience I would love.
I also would have loved hotel Bora Bora. An older family fried has regaled me with stories of how wonderful it used to be.
And I do agree, Soneva Fushi continues to be a favorite of mine, because they and Gili did start our with the right idea. However, with Fushi changing its style and putting in increasingly large residence villas, and over water instillations, I fear that they are losing track of the original Robinson Crusoe, cast away kind of feeling. For me sometimes less really is more. Fewer people, fewer irritations, simplicity, back to nature, etc... Unfortunately that does not seem to be the general trend of the tourism industry in the Maldives now. And it is exactly that, an industry.
Jul 8, 2018, 2:35 am
#86
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 107
Biyadhoo does still exist but it's an all-inclusive three-star for the mass market that's seen better days. I'd say it's gone from being rustic to being run down but the price you pay reflects that. I don't think it's what you're looking for.
Jul 8, 2018, 3:18 am
#87
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
And I do agree, Soneva Fushi continues to be a favorite of mine, because they and Gili did start our with the right idea. However, with Fushi changing its style and putting in increasingly large residence villas, and over water instillations, I fear that they are losing track of the original Robinson Crusoe, cast away kind of feeling. For me sometimes less really is more. Fewer people, fewer irritations, simplicity, back to nature, etc... Unfortunately that does not seem to be the general trend of the tourism industry in the Maldives now. And it is exactly that, an industry.
What you have described as what you're after is North Island. I know it is stupidly expensive, but it is really one of a kind and 50% of their revenue goes into conservation. Wilderness Safaris entire culture of conservation, community and eco-tourism is incredible.
Jul 8, 2018, 5:14 am
#88
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
North Island doesn't strike me as remote or rustic. Just another high-end joint for oligarchs or honeymooning royals. Try this for size -
https://howtospendit.ft.com/travel/2...ve-star-resort
Not been to this hotel as it's brand new but I have been to the country. It has one of the three best beaches I've ever seen and the landscape and cultural history is outstanding.
https://howtospendit.ft.com/travel/2...ve-star-resort
Not been to this hotel as it's brand new but I have been to the country. It has one of the three best beaches I've ever seen and the landscape and cultural history is outstanding.
Jul 8, 2018, 5:56 am
#89
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
You actually reminded me of our leaving present from Soneva: a framed picture of our room, with a note regarding how they were the first property in the Maldives to allow you to buy residences. I didn't see any last-minute offers in this case.
What you have described as what you're after is North Island. I know it is stupidly expensive, but it is really one of a kind and 50% of their revenue goes into conservation. Wilderness Safaris entire culture of conservation, community and eco-tourism is incredible.
What you have described as what you're after is North Island. I know it is stupidly expensive, but it is really one of a kind and 50% of their revenue goes into conservation. Wilderness Safaris entire culture of conservation, community and eco-tourism is incredible.
In all seriousness, I would love to own a residence there it it were still of a classic, understated design. I am not happy with some of the new styling, which is over the top and looks like Jani.
Honestly, I very seldom if ever find a resort that is perfect for me. It’s an elusive search for me. There just are so few places in the world that strike a perfect balance of understatement, environmental sensitivity, while at the same time being luxurious in my eyes. And my concept of “luxury” is more along the lines of a refined, but very simple experience in which a resort exists more in harmony within its surroundings instead of destroying them.
Although it is over the top, if I had the money I would take FS Voavah for my personal holidays with family and friends. It has Four Seasons service and F&B quality, and most importantly the ultimate luxury - not having to share one’s space with anyone - while still having access to FS LG if desired. I dare not even ask what it costs, as I cannot afford it anytime soon.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Jul 8, 2018 at 6:01 am
Jul 8, 2018, 11:14 am
#90
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Washington DC (home); KSA (work)
Posts: 122
Ratua Private Island in Vanuatu also comes to mind. And I believe the owners plow 100% of the profits back into local organizations.
