St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Sep 24, 2019, 3:41 pm
#3181
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Accor Diamond, AC 35K, National Exec, Hertz Gold
Posts: 376
We enjoyed the dives - we saw white tips / black tips, rays, turtles, lobsters, eels, crabs.. some really nice big school of fish and some cool coral.
We could have dove, lived and ate for an entire month in Koh Tao for the price of those 4 dives
.
Sep 24, 2019, 3:43 pm
#3182
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Accor Diamond, AC 35K, National Exec, Hertz Gold
Posts: 376
I agree re single use plastics. And it really is a shame in the Maldives especially, where there is actually a very critical waste management situation, even if it is hidden from resort guests.
Resorts here usually incinerate much of their garbage on property. So, it seems very wasteful and foolish to have unnecessary plastic items in use, only to be incinerated after a guest has used these items. Some resorts, on the other hand, have in house drinking water purification and circulate reusable glass bottles for this purpose. Equally, some resorts are very careful to avoid single use plastics. There are many ways to provide comfort and luxury to guests without so much waste.
By the way, how does Baglioni compare to StR? It looks quite good.
Resorts here usually incinerate much of their garbage on property. So, it seems very wasteful and foolish to have unnecessary plastic items in use, only to be incinerated after a guest has used these items. Some resorts, on the other hand, have in house drinking water purification and circulate reusable glass bottles for this purpose. Equally, some resorts are very careful to avoid single use plastics. There are many ways to provide comfort and luxury to guests without so much waste.
By the way, how does Baglioni compare to StR? It looks quite good.
Sep 24, 2019, 4:05 pm
#3183
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
The end of single use plastic containers is coming to all Marriott properties by 2020:
https://skift.com/2019/08/28/marriot...tries-by-2020/
These sort of transitions don’t happen on a dime. But it’s coming.
https://skift.com/2019/08/28/marriot...tries-by-2020/
These sort of transitions don’t happen on a dime. But it’s coming.
Sep 24, 2019, 6:53 pm
#3184
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,347
Sep 25, 2019, 12:19 am
#3185
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Virtuoso, Marriott Stars/Luminous, Hilton Impresario, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, Hyatt Prive etc
Posts: 2,004
Had IVD last night - great quality and large portions so a good way to manage budget (we ordered way too much for $140). Breakfast offered fantastic choice, quality good but not superb. Service is very good throughout.
Sep 25, 2019, 12:38 am
#3186
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: Virtuoso, Marriott Stars/Luminous, Hilton Impresario, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, Hyatt Prive etc
Posts: 2,004
The Baglioni is nice but very different. For my taste, the villa density is too high so it doesn’t feel as private as I like. Everything is new of course and we didn’t have any snag items in the room, which is impressive. The F&B was excellent at the 2 restaurants currently open. Activities and spa are very reasonably priced. However, I feel the prices are too high for the rooms based on their size, and many villas do not have a pool. At present, they have a half-board opening offer, which is good value. Also, many people may be less bothered by villa proximity (I hate beaches with rows of beach-chairs; others love them).
The Shangri-La is similar to the StR in many ways but of course, not as high end. Main benefit is the proximity to Gan (direct flights from Colombo and then just 5 min boat so very quick transfer) and range of activities including golf.
Kanuhura is quite similar to the Baglioni in style (with almost identical outdoor bathrooms). They have a great beach and made us smile a lot (e.g., breakfast in the sea, best dolphin cruise with music, dancing etc).
Park Hyatt I’m not a fan of but it has been years since I last visited.
Milaidhoo is at a similar level to the StR and has great villas too. F&B choice less extensive but still very good. It’s a very small resort with more of a Maldivian vibe. This tends to be the property i lean towards when considering all factors, based on those I’ve visited but there is huge choice in Maldives and everyone has different priorities.
Sep 25, 2019, 12:41 am
#3187
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: KSA
Programs: Marriott AMB, Skywards Gold
Posts: 3,737
On my first visit in 2017, we were upgraded far in advance, can't recall how long before but it was a weeks or months to a Beach Villa. However, on my second visit this year, I was upgraded to a SOWV 2 days in advance.
Sep 25, 2019, 9:02 am
#3189
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,347
In my view, the StR is a high end luxury resort that happens to be in the Maldives. The amenities and services are great but you could almost be anywhere - less of the barefoot escape. That is a positive for some people - the room is very spacious, great quality amenities, good F&B etc. However, all extras are very pricey so massage, food etc will add a lot to the bill.
The Baglioni is nice but very different. For my taste, the villa density is too high so it doesn’t feel as private as I like. Everything is new of course and we didn’t have any snag items in the room, which is impressive. The F&B was excellent at the 2 restaurants currently open. Activities and spa are very reasonably priced. However, I feel the prices are too high for the rooms based on their size, and many villas do not have a pool. At present, they have a half-board opening offer, which is good value. Also, many people may be less bothered by villa proximity (I hate beaches with rows of beach-chairs; others love them).
The Shangri-La is similar to the StR in many ways but of course, not as high end. Main benefit is the proximity to Gan (direct flights from Colombo and then just 5 min boat so very quick transfer) and range of activities including golf.
Kanuhura is quite similar to the Baglioni in style (with almost identical outdoor bathrooms). They have a great beach and made us smile a lot (e.g., breakfast in the sea, best dolphin cruise with music, dancing etc).
Park Hyatt I’m not a fan of but it has been years since I last visited.
Milaidhoo is at a similar level to the StR and has great villas too. F&B choice less extensive but still very good. It’s a very small resort with more of a Maldivian vibe. This tends to be the property i lean towards when considering all factors, based on those I’ve visited but there is huge choice in Maldives and everyone has different priorities.
The Baglioni is nice but very different. For my taste, the villa density is too high so it doesn’t feel as private as I like. Everything is new of course and we didn’t have any snag items in the room, which is impressive. The F&B was excellent at the 2 restaurants currently open. Activities and spa are very reasonably priced. However, I feel the prices are too high for the rooms based on their size, and many villas do not have a pool. At present, they have a half-board opening offer, which is good value. Also, many people may be less bothered by villa proximity (I hate beaches with rows of beach-chairs; others love them).
The Shangri-La is similar to the StR in many ways but of course, not as high end. Main benefit is the proximity to Gan (direct flights from Colombo and then just 5 min boat so very quick transfer) and range of activities including golf.
Kanuhura is quite similar to the Baglioni in style (with almost identical outdoor bathrooms). They have a great beach and made us smile a lot (e.g., breakfast in the sea, best dolphin cruise with music, dancing etc).
Park Hyatt I’m not a fan of but it has been years since I last visited.
Milaidhoo is at a similar level to the StR and has great villas too. F&B choice less extensive but still very good. It’s a very small resort with more of a Maldivian vibe. This tends to be the property i lean towards when considering all factors, based on those I’ve visited but there is huge choice in Maldives and everyone has different priorities.
.Thanks for the comparisons on all these properties, very informative.
Sep 25, 2019, 9:15 am
#3190
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
In my view, the StR is a high end luxury resort that happens to be in the Maldives. The amenities and services are great but you could almost be anywhere - less of the barefoot escape. That is a positive for some people - the room is very spacious, great quality amenities, good F&B etc. However, all extras are very pricey so massage, food etc will add a lot to the bill.
The Baglioni is nice but very different. For my taste, the villa density is too high so it doesn’t feel as private as I like. Everything is new of course and we didn’t have any snag items in the room, which is impressive. The F&B was excellent at the 2 restaurants currently open. Activities and spa are very reasonably priced. However, I feel the prices are too high for the rooms based on their size, and many villas do not have a pool. At present, they have a half-board opening offer, which is good value. Also, many people may be less bothered by villa proximity (I hate beaches with rows of beach-chairs; others love them).
The Shangri-La is similar to the StR in many ways but of course, not as high end. Main benefit is the proximity to Gan (direct flights from Colombo and then just 5 min boat so very quick transfer) and range of activities including golf.
Kanuhura is quite similar to the Baglioni in style (with almost identical outdoor bathrooms). They have a great beach and made us smile a lot (e.g., breakfast in the sea, best dolphin cruise with music, dancing etc).
Park Hyatt I’m not a fan of but it has been years since I last visited.
Milaidhoo is at a similar level to the StR and has great villas too. F&B choice less extensive but still very good. It’s a very small resort with more of a Maldivian vibe. This tends to be the property i lean towards when considering all factors, based on those I’ve visited but there is huge choice in Maldives and everyone has different priorities.
The Baglioni is nice but very different. For my taste, the villa density is too high so it doesn’t feel as private as I like. Everything is new of course and we didn’t have any snag items in the room, which is impressive. The F&B was excellent at the 2 restaurants currently open. Activities and spa are very reasonably priced. However, I feel the prices are too high for the rooms based on their size, and many villas do not have a pool. At present, they have a half-board opening offer, which is good value. Also, many people may be less bothered by villa proximity (I hate beaches with rows of beach-chairs; others love them).
The Shangri-La is similar to the StR in many ways but of course, not as high end. Main benefit is the proximity to Gan (direct flights from Colombo and then just 5 min boat so very quick transfer) and range of activities including golf.
Kanuhura is quite similar to the Baglioni in style (with almost identical outdoor bathrooms). They have a great beach and made us smile a lot (e.g., breakfast in the sea, best dolphin cruise with music, dancing etc).
Park Hyatt I’m not a fan of but it has been years since I last visited.
Milaidhoo is at a similar level to the StR and has great villas too. F&B choice less extensive but still very good. It’s a very small resort with more of a Maldivian vibe. This tends to be the property i lean towards when considering all factors, based on those I’ve visited but there is huge choice in Maldives and everyone has different priorities.
Any chance you’ll be trying out the new WA or any of the other new Maldives properties soon? Any chance you can compare the StR with the two FS properties?
Sep 25, 2019, 2:52 pm
#3191
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 44
When we leave we are taking the late Etihad flight that arrives in AUH at 2345. Then our connection is next day 1025. I booked premium cabin on miles so we would have lounge access. Thoughts on just staying in the airport until our flight vs getting a hotel just to sleep in for a few hours? Since I'm flying Etihad F out of AUH I would want to get there early to enjoy the lounge which further shortens my hotel stay if I were to get one. Anyone just stayed in the lounge overnight from a Maldives connection?
Sep 25, 2019, 3:47 pm
#3193
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM 1.77MM, Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 2,784
When we leave we are taking the late Etihad flight that arrives in AUH at 2345. Then our connection is next day 1025. I booked premium cabin on miles so we would have lounge access. Thoughts on just staying in the airport until our flight vs getting a hotel just to sleep in for a few hours? Since I'm flying Etihad F out of AUH I would want to get there early to enjoy the lounge which further shortens my hotel stay if I were to get one. Anyone just stayed in the lounge overnight from a Maldives connection?
Our inbound flight on AC (like I said, "reverse") gave us an overnight connection at DXB of about ~13hrs. We landed around 8pm and were outbound to MLE at ~9am the next morning. After 12+hr flight to DXB, even in AC J, a real bed was a welcome thing and worth burning some SPG points, even if it was just 5-6 hours of sleep (as we wanted to hit the EK lounge/etc and be recharged the next day).
Given that you have the short flight first and then F for the longer flight (and of course not knowing you and your companion's full preferences), I would probably also lean towards your plan of staying at the airport.
Anyway, a bit long-winded, but I hope it's useful.
Sep 25, 2019, 7:27 pm
#3194
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,347
Sep 26, 2019, 4:05 am
#3195
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SF/OC
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 474
When we leave we are taking the late Etihad flight that arrives in AUH at 2345. Then our connection is next day 1025. I booked premium cabin on miles so we would have lounge access. Thoughts on just staying in the airport until our flight vs getting a hotel just to sleep in for a few hours? Since I'm flying Etihad F out of AUH I would want to get there early to enjoy the lounge which further shortens my hotel stay if I were to get one. Anyone just stayed in the lounge overnight from a Maldives connection?
We did one night in AUH and thought it was nice. We visited the gold market at night and had some local cuisine. Next morning we went to the lounge bright and early to enjoy before heading the MLE. That being said, since you arrive so late in AUH, might not be worth it.