St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Dec 11, 2021, 7:08 am
#4846
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 85
Weather is very unpredictable here . There was heavy rain today morn and afternoon sun came out . It’s not all all like the weather forecast shown in the app/ website but things change drastically here within minutes
Dec 11, 2021, 10:53 am
#4847
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SF/OC
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 474
i wouldn’t worry about the reservations as people often don’t go to the place they reserve. The whale bar is anyway first come first serve where as you need reservation for the Whale bar and grill . Both are same place but the grill section serves dinner . We didn’t make dinner reservations but found place almost in all restaurants when we walked in
Would love to get your thoughts about the current food at each of the restaurants currently.
We enjoyed Orientale the last time around, dinner at Alba was OK, and Cargo was nice, but it was arabic the last time around. Never got to try Whale Bar Grill due to the scheduling issues, and really not interested in dropping the money for Decanter. I'd rather go to Benu or French Laundry... haha
Dec 12, 2021, 7:57 am
#4848
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
-I sat next to a couple at breakfast who told me they just left the Ritz Carlton and they would do anything to go back. They said they liked the St. Regis but they said everything was better at the Ritz Carlton - villas, snorkeling, etc. I'm not sure how accurate this statement is and I have not read the Ritz thread yet.
And I've heard that there is ZERO snorkerling at the RC.
I found the snorkeling at the St. Regis quite ok when we were there 2 years ago. Granted, it's been my only stay in the Maldives, but still. We saw sharks and turtles and plenty of colorful fish.
But now I'm wondering if we should switch to the RC instead. Especially since we'll arrive in the afternoon and the RC has a boat transfer. As it is with the St. Regis, we'd have to spend a night at the Sheraton since it will be too late for the seaplane...
Dec 12, 2021, 10:50 am
#4849
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: AMEX PLT, AA PPro, Spire AMB
Posts: 1,617
For those worried about restaurant reservations, I believe hotel is pretty much at full capacity right now (or so we are told), incl. the JJA…and we’ve had no issues with switching around reservations. Part of the issue may be the rain, and any outdoor tables set up for their restaurant may have to move indoors.
Separate topic - we’ve had some minor service misses from F&B front line and Butler…though they have started to add up. We are 2 couples in 2 different villas eating together every meal so far. We have some comments below and was wondering if anyone that has stayed or is staying have any feedback.
Separate topic - we’ve had some minor service misses from F&B front line and Butler…though they have started to add up. We are 2 couples in 2 different villas eating together every meal so far. We have some comments below and was wondering if anyone that has stayed or is staying have any feedback.
- Butler issues - I feel like if we just arranged our own restaurants, sea planes, requests, it would have been much easier. Little misses here and there make it feel like Butler service isn’t worth it. One bigger issue was our itin showed one extra day - meaning that seaplane and PCR were not scheduled properly.
- F&B front line staff issues - didn’t understand that one couple in our group was half-board (this happened twice), not splitting bills properly, not knowing who ordered what. This has really just been at Alba - we just left tonight after 3 rounds of trying to get the bills right and told the restaurant that we will sign tomorrow once they figure it out.
Dec 12, 2021, 12:33 pm
#4850
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
For those worried about restaurant reservations, I believe hotel is pretty much at full capacity right now (or so we are told), incl. the JJA…and we’ve had no issues with switching around reservations. Part of the issue may be the rain, and any outdoor tables set up for their restaurant may have to move indoors.
Separate topic - we’ve had some minor service misses from F&B front line and Butler…though they have started to add up. We are 2 couples in 2 different villas eating together every meal so far. We have some comments below and was wondering if anyone that has stayed or is staying have any feedback.
Separate topic - we’ve had some minor service misses from F&B front line and Butler…though they have started to add up. We are 2 couples in 2 different villas eating together every meal so far. We have some comments below and was wondering if anyone that has stayed or is staying have any feedback.
- Butler issues - I feel like if we just arranged our own restaurants, sea planes, requests, it would have been much easier. Little misses here and there make it feel like Butler service isn’t worth it. One bigger issue was our itin showed one extra day - meaning that seaplane and PCR were not scheduled properly.
- F&B front line staff issues - didn’t understand that one couple in our group was half-board (this happened twice), not splitting bills properly, not knowing who ordered what. This has really just been at Alba - we just left tonight after 3 rounds of trying to get the bills right and told the restaurant that we will sign tomorrow once they figure it out.
Butler owned up to the few mistakes he made, but our whole stay it felt like he was overbearing.
Of the three major chains, Hilton has the best balance with how involved the butlers are (Hyatt butlers are mostly uninvolved, but I personally don't mind)
Dec 12, 2021, 1:23 pm
#4851
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
This is a really tough decision as I'm interested in going to the Maldives but reading all of the Marriott Hotel threads makes me question which property would be ideal for a couple who's into Sailing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, and exploring the local culture.
We're very accustomed to St. Regis Bora Bora, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, & Osaka so we know what to expect from a hard and soft product aspect but from what I'm seeing on FT the StR Maldives is primarily driven by Points Bookings which creates a lackluster value proposition to a point of where someone has to ask... is this property really worth the 425k + $600 for a Superior Overwater Villa?
Had it been 240k, I'd have said sure but at 425k it behooves one's wits to think especially with dynamic pricing coming out soon.
We're very accustomed to St. Regis Bora Bora, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, & Osaka so we know what to expect from a hard and soft product aspect but from what I'm seeing on FT the StR Maldives is primarily driven by Points Bookings which creates a lackluster value proposition to a point of where someone has to ask... is this property really worth the 425k + $600 for a Superior Overwater Villa?
Had it been 240k, I'd have said sure but at 425k it behooves one's wits to think especially with dynamic pricing coming out soon.
Dec 12, 2021, 1:45 pm
#4852
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
It’s not lackluster. Or at least it wasn’t 2 years ago. I think we paid 360k points back then. Their revenue manager told me they get paid $800-1000 a night per points night, so they are very fine with points bookings.
Dec 12, 2021, 1:56 pm
#4853
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: EDI/GLA
Programs: DL 2 MM Unobtainum | UA 1.1MM Gold | MR Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 2,272
Indeed that's not the issue but based on these anecdotal posts about "softer aspects" not being properly refined it makes me somewhat concerned though seeing as I'm going in late 2022 it shouldn't really matter.
Dec 12, 2021, 2:29 pm
#4854
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DXB
Programs: Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, BA Silver, A3 Gold, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 2,811
I don’t recall any such issues from our stay 2 years ago. I would rather think such issues are due to covid (maybe staff left and new staff had to be trained, etc.).
If you read the RC thread, the service level used to be very poor, but seems to have improved a lot recently.
If you read the RC thread, the service level used to be very poor, but seems to have improved a lot recently.
Dec 12, 2021, 2:40 pm
#4855
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 151
This isn't St Regis specific but trying to understand the covid entry requirements to the Maldives.
FAQ's on the Maldives immigration site: It is a mandatory requirement for all tourists to present a negative result for a nucleic acid test (PCR test) for Covid-19 on arrival, effective from 10th September 2020.
Can't figure out if this is the RT-PCR or rapid PCR though I suspect the former. I know for some places like Dubai rapid tests are explicitly prohibited but I just don't want to assume anything and the guidelines here are more ambiguous, at least for someone without a PhD in molecular biology. Normally I'd err on the cautious side and do the RT-PCR but am also concerned about turnaround time at the lab and getting results back in time.
Travelling next week to St Regis
FAQ's on the Maldives immigration site: It is a mandatory requirement for all tourists to present a negative result for a nucleic acid test (PCR test) for Covid-19 on arrival, effective from 10th September 2020.
Can't figure out if this is the RT-PCR or rapid PCR though I suspect the former. I know for some places like Dubai rapid tests are explicitly prohibited but I just don't want to assume anything and the guidelines here are more ambiguous, at least for someone without a PhD in molecular biology. Normally I'd err on the cautious side and do the RT-PCR but am also concerned about turnaround time at the lab and getting results back in time.
Travelling next week to St Regis
Dec 12, 2021, 7:10 pm
#4856
Join Date: Nov 2007
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Delta Gold
Posts: 4,349
Do not risk this. It is very common to have to enter a 15-20 minute hold prior to landing at MLE. This is due to there being no taxiway at the airport. Your aircraft has to proceed to the end of the runway and make a 180 degree turn and then taxi back up about half way to a parking position. Departing aircraft have to do this too. It greatly increases runway utilization time so aircraft have to be spaced out quite a bit more.
Take a look at flightradar24.com and you'll see several flights taking multiple turns in the hold.
You then have to take a bus to the terminal. On my last flight, we had to wait on the bus almost 30 minutes before we proceeding to the terminal. We then had to wait 10 minutes before the temperature staff returned to their position. Then there was immigration. After that, you will be escorted to the Trans Maldivian desk at the international terminal to check in and drop off bags and only then driver the short distance to the seaplane lounge.
Take a look at flightradar24.com and you'll see several flights taking multiple turns in the hold.
You then have to take a bus to the terminal. On my last flight, we had to wait on the bus almost 30 minutes before we proceeding to the terminal. We then had to wait 10 minutes before the temperature staff returned to their position. Then there was immigration. After that, you will be escorted to the Trans Maldivian desk at the international terminal to check in and drop off bags and only then driver the short distance to the seaplane lounge.
We did not take any bus from the plane, we walked down the stairs and walked a short distance to the terminal doors. Others I've spoken to did the same when they arrived as well.
Dec 13, 2021, 5:41 am
#4857
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 85
Travelled first time to Maldives and first stay in STR and i would like to rate my experience as awesome ( i have nothing much to compare to in Maldives ) . Writing this waiting in the STR lounge in Male waiting for my Qatar flight ( excited for the couple QSuites ). Below are some points that would help people who are planning a trip in future .
Overall i would say we had an awesome experience , Thinking of doing Bora Bora next year for our anniversary next year . Which resort should i pick there ?
- PCR test turnaround time is less than 1 day now and cost is $120 + tax . We gave sample at 11 Am and received results next day morning around 9 am . I did notice that the report had the sample collection time as 11.45 PM Local time . I guess they do this to align to 24 hours before flight departure as my QR flight is at 11.20 PM . This is not required as US Is okay for 1 calendar day testing though a nice gesture .
- The resort was at 90% capacity but i didn't find any issues in dinner . We did walk in to the Whale Bar and Grill and Cargo and they were able to accommodate us . Even if they say no reservations while commutating via mail i think mostly you would have a place .
- The menu for Cargo has changed ( in the welcome mail it was an Indian menu ) . They are not serving Middle Eastern Cuisine. The food was awesome specially the Australian Lamb Chops
- Weather is very unpredictable these days . For our 5 day trip three days were full sunny . How two days it was cloudy and rains on/off . We had to cancel one of the dinner experiences due to this ambiguity as our butler informed that if it rains in the evening they would serve the food in the villa but charge the full amount ($425++ per person ) . I felt it was too much of a risk for $1000 USD so we cancelled at 3 PM .
- For Bonvoy Platinum and above the 20% off on F&B is only applicable when you dine in only ( in any restaurants).It is not applicable for in room dining / any dinner experiences / activities . The 20% discount is applied in the final bill after your dinner/ lunch and you can check instantly . I personally didn't need to ask them to apply the same and it was there every time a check was bought for signature .
- One hour phot session is complementary per villa and you get only one photo from the same . Additional photos ( soft /hard copy ) can be bought as per the photo packages . Even though when i was interacting with the resort before arrival they didn't mention this was complimentary . I had booked an hour session and the photographer mentioned this . We did a sunset shoot ( 6.15 PM - 7.15 PM and the photos were awesome. The photographer knows many good spots
- We stayed at villa 503 and we were able to see some fishes from our villa only. There were small groups of colored fishes just beneath our stairs from our villa . Guess we were lucky .
- The landing deck ( where the sea plane lands ) has lots of fishes to see from the top . You can also spot Stingrays here in the evening around sunset time . I dont know we can do snorkeling here or not but there are many colored fishes in this area .
- We did a sunset fishing trip and thoroughly enjoyed it . It was line fishing and both me and my partner caught 4 fishes each . There is an option to cook the fish that you caught for next day lunch / dinner at some additional cost but we didn't do that .
- I choose the breakfast as the welcome amenity . Breakfast was awesome with a vast spread and it includes cocktails too ( Mimosa, Bloody Mary Etc.) . Free alcohol i would say if you can drink early in the day .
- The beach villas on one side have errored significantly. Guess the island is moving a bit . They are putting sand bags in some of the beach villas as a measure for not allowing the water to enter in times of high tide. Few beach villas have no beach left at all . I remember a post on this and i would suggest referring to the same to get the right beach villa during your stay .
- We were invited to a cocktail evening once during our stay . The GM did mention it was for elites but i am not sure who were invited , They served cocktails / wine and champagne. Food was non existent but it was a good evening to speak with fellow travelers .
- We arranged a session for the blue hole experience . During the checkout i was told that this is complimentary for couples on honeymoon however this was not mentioned again during my email conversations . Even though it was a 45 mins experience we did spend close to 90 mins including the after usage of sauna / steam room and shower
- Our butler did surprise us two times - first occasion with a honeymoon rose shaped cake and fruit platter and on another occasion by setting up the bathtub with rose petals .
Overall i would say we had an awesome experience , Thinking of doing Bora Bora next year for our anniversary next year . Which resort should i pick there ?
Last edited by dip2007; Dec 13, 2021 at 6:01 am Reason: typo
Dec 13, 2021, 9:22 am
#4859
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 192
Is it a good idea to upgrade from Beach Villa to Panoramic Overwater Villa with Pool for $49++/night? Does anyone know what numbers on the map this room type corresponds to? I don't see it in the Wiki, so I emailed the resort.
Also, can someone update the baggage allowance in the Wiki? It's 30kg, not 25kg as stated.
Also, can someone update the baggage allowance in the Wiki? It's 30kg, not 25kg as stated.
Last edited by LukFilm; Dec 13, 2021 at 9:47 am
Dec 13, 2021, 11:54 am
#4860
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 151
There is a lot of discussion in this and other Maldives resorts with sea plane transfers regarding the 2 Emirates flights that arrive 2:50 and 3:25 pm. I personally arrived on the later one as did many other people I know and we had no issue with the seaplane transfer being the same day. I'm not saying it's not a risk but under normal circumstances it works out fine. The OP was thinking about the earlier flight so I would certainly be fine with that.
We did not take any bus from the plane, we walked down the stairs and walked a short distance to the terminal doors. Others I've spoken to did the same when they arrived as well.
We did not take any bus from the plane, we walked down the stairs and walked a short distance to the terminal doors. Others I've spoken to did the same when they arrived as well.