St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Jan 15, 2020, 11:33 am
#3541
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: HEL, SIN, LON
Posts: 120
Again I am comparing mostly to Conrad Rangali because that's the closest reference point I have.
We stayed at both beach villa and overwater villa at W. Both villas had very different but great modern design and were in good shape and we liked both, especially the overwater one and swimming with rays right in front of our villa. What we did not like was that the W main island felt a bit cramped, It is built quite full for our taste. The staff buildings were also very close to the villas (Conrad has separate staff island) and the beach villas were very close to each other, so it did not feel so private. For example Conrad has lot more room to roam and feel like Robinson Crusoe.
We are not very demanding when it comes to service, but there were some big hiccups such as letting us book a restaurant for my wife's birthday evening, even though the restaurant was closed that night, which we found out when walking to the dinner. I guess should check the time tables ourselves... but must be said that the service recovery was really good in all cases, and mostly the service was very good and all the staff was super pleasant - for example the cocktail evening mingling with the staff was good fun. The breakfast was good and the other restaurants also, but not best-ever great. I think W at least for us was pretty relaxed, and StR seems to be a bit more on the luxury side of things. But as said, we are not the most demanding guests when it comes to service - we mostly like just to be left alone.
For snorkeling on the house reef, my #1 choice would still be W. For overall experience, we are returning to Conrad.
We stayed at both beach villa and overwater villa at W. Both villas had very different but great modern design and were in good shape and we liked both, especially the overwater one and swimming with rays right in front of our villa. What we did not like was that the W main island felt a bit cramped, It is built quite full for our taste. The staff buildings were also very close to the villas (Conrad has separate staff island) and the beach villas were very close to each other, so it did not feel so private. For example Conrad has lot more room to roam and feel like Robinson Crusoe.
We are not very demanding when it comes to service, but there were some big hiccups such as letting us book a restaurant for my wife's birthday evening, even though the restaurant was closed that night, which we found out when walking to the dinner. I guess should check the time tables ourselves... but must be said that the service recovery was really good in all cases, and mostly the service was very good and all the staff was super pleasant - for example the cocktail evening mingling with the staff was good fun. The breakfast was good and the other restaurants also, but not best-ever great. I think W at least for us was pretty relaxed, and StR seems to be a bit more on the luxury side of things. But as said, we are not the most demanding guests when it comes to service - we mostly like just to be left alone.
For snorkeling on the house reef, my #1 choice would still be W. For overall experience, we are returning to Conrad.
Jan 15, 2020, 6:05 pm
#3542
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,738
Does anyone have opinions on the current state of the reef and wildlife? I’m still deciding between the W and the StR. The StR actually works out to be $1000 cheaper for 3 nights (because of upgrade fees at the W), but I’m worried about the lack of sea-life.
Is it a deal breaker?
Is it a deal breaker?
While I enjoyed snorkeling it'd be helpful if people posted images when they describe the snorkeling and reef around the island as great. For example, I'd consider the snorkeling we did in the Philippines as "excellent":
The snorkeling outside the John Jacob Astor Estate:
The snorkeling outside the John Jacob Astor Estate:
Jan 15, 2020, 9:50 pm
#3543
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Live: IWI; Work: DCA/Everywhere; Play: LAS/SJU/MLE
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Ambassador/LTP, Nat'l Exec Elite, LEYE Gold
Posts: 6,675
Shot from outside beach villa @ W:
Jan 16, 2020, 2:08 am
#3544
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 116
Jan 16, 2020, 7:49 am
#3545
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,351
From what I've read (here and elsewhere) the weather is warm all year round and a Sunset Pool will always be warmer than a non-Sunset pool. But people who've been there can chime in once again with their personal experiences.
Jan 16, 2020, 1:22 pm
#3546
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,812
Do they have ironing boards and pressing irons in the rooms or do you have to use the butler service? If butler Service only, is there a charge or is it free (at least for Titaniums)?
Jan 16, 2020, 4:18 pm
#3549
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,812
Jan 17, 2020, 2:55 am
#3550
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: CPH
Programs: SAS Gold, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 162
The butler will press clothes for free (I think a couple of items a day, but doubt they're overly strict)
Jan 17, 2020, 5:05 am
#3551
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Programs: BA Silver, EY Gold, HH Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 12,210
I have stayed in both. Sunset was warm and nice to swim in and non sunset was freezing.
Jan 17, 2020, 5:10 pm
#3552
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Accor Diamond, AC 35K, National Exec, Hertz Gold
Posts: 376
Having stayed in the Suite once (which is spectacular and I'm glad we did it), I would probably opt for a Sunset OWV on my next stay to guarantee it.
Jan 20, 2020, 11:34 am
#3554
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 39
I recall ironing boards in the rooms, but the butler service is free for a couple pieces per day