St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Mar 15, 2019, 1:50 am
#2536
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: CPH
Programs: SAS Gold, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 162
for the 10 days did all stayed in GV? or also in OWV?...did you shared your experience in this forum? if so I will go and search for 
did you request any particular OWV?...and which restaurant u recommende and what activies? Like island picinic? i know i will go and do some fishing and get oriental to cook for us~~
Becausei 'm staying there 5 days GV and 5 Day OWV, just want to plan all my things ahead!!! hence so many questions~~ thanks heaps
did you request any particular OWV?...and which restaurant u recommende and what activies? Like island picinic? i know i will go and do some fishing and get oriental to cook for us~~
Becausei 'm staying there 5 days GV and 5 Day OWV, just want to plan all my things ahead!!! hence so many questions~~ thanks heaps
I had not requested upgrade to OWV (nor inquired about pricing, but they may have sent it to me proactively) as I frankly preferred the larger pool of the GV and having the kids on land as opposed to out on the jetty. It then worked out better than I could've dreamed of with the upgrade.In terms of activities I also cannot help you much given the small kids being with us. We really enjoyed sunset drinks at Whale bar and also did some kayaking, but otherwise just lounged about by the main pool, snorkeled (which we'd taught the kids at home in the tub), ate ice cream, hung out on the beach by the villa, etc.
Last edited by jjakobv84; Mar 15, 2019 at 2:02 am
Mar 15, 2019, 1:52 am
#2537
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: CPH
Programs: SAS Gold, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 162
I agree. We were pleasantly surprised and ended up going twice (indulge and signature menus) and had only intended to try it once. And we're not really big on middle eastern food at all. I think we spent ~$400 with beers and water. All menus are for 2 sharing them and priced at $250++
Mar 15, 2019, 8:11 am
#2538
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: CLT
Posts: 23
For anyone wondering, I paid for an upgrade to an OVW from a GV booked on points and the GV never showed back up into bookable inventory. I was planning to book the GV when it showed back up but no luck.
So the question is....what is happening with these GVs?
So the question is....what is happening with these GVs?
Mar 16, 2019, 12:04 am
#2539
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 153
Have you considered the possibility that it was booked between when it became available and when you next checked? Also, is it actually not available at all or is it just not available on points?
Mar 16, 2019, 12:17 am
#2540
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,163
Or just that the March 5th deadline caused a rush on the GV inventory, and they don't release it back to standard inventory when people pay to upgrade?
Mar 16, 2019, 12:31 am
#2541
Join Date: Oct 2018
Programs: Bonvoy Plat
Posts: 153
I have been searching quite a bit recently, and both in off peak and peak periods I have not seen a Garden Villa pop up for cash anytime. I am wondering if they are handing these of to package offers from agents, and only do cash bookings (and thus no standard redemptions) for higher room categories.
Or just that the March 5th deadline caused a rush on the GV inventory, and they don't release it back to standard inventory when people pay to upgrade?
Or just that the March 5th deadline caused a rush on the GV inventory, and they don't release it back to standard inventory when people pay to upgrade?
Mar 16, 2019, 12:35 am
#2542
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: LAX
Posts: 301
I have been searching quite a bit recently, and both in off peak and peak periods I have not seen a Garden Villa pop up for cash anytime. I am wondering if they are handing these of to package offers from agents, and only do cash bookings (and thus no standard redemptions) for higher room categories.
Or just that the March 5th deadline caused a rush on the GV inventory, and they don't release it back to standard inventory when people pay to upgrade?
Or just that the March 5th deadline caused a rush on the GV inventory, and they don't release it back to standard inventory when people pay to upgrade?
I can’t recall if this has been discussed upthread, but for what it’s worth, I have found through many weeks of looking at inventory that bookings for just outside (and inside) the cancellation period (which admittedly varies, but has been 30 days for any bookings I’ve made outside of a lone Dec date that had a 90 day cancellation policy) from the date on which you’re searching become widely available - ex all those April days I‘m seeing, as many of those dates fall within or just outside of the 30 day window from today. With the crazy rush from 8/18 until 3/5 to book up all available award inventory at this property, I’m assuming many people made bookings if there was even a remote chance they’d be able to go, and upon not solidifying travel plans, they cancel them right before the free cancellation window closes. Not sure if you have the flexibility to roll the dice on that pattern continuing for your dates, but if you can hold out, that may be your best bet for securing a second award booking for a GV.
Last edited by meehgz; Mar 16, 2019 at 12:52 am
Mar 16, 2019, 12:52 am
#2543
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,163
In a quick search, I see GVs available in cash for any night that I also see availability on points - ex many nights in Apr 2019 and in Feb 2020. I wouldn’t be surprised if something about upgrading from a GV to an OWV keeps the GV held from being rereleased into bookable inventory at least temporarily, though.
I can’t recall if this has been discussed upthread, but for what it’s worth, I have found through many weeks of looking at inventory that bookings for just outside (and inside) the cancellation period (which admittedly varies, but has been 30 days for any bookings I’ve made outside of a lone Dec date that had a 90 day cancellation policy) become widely available - ex all those April days I‘m seeing. With the crazy rush from 8/18 until 3/5 to book up all available award inventory at this property, I’m assuming many people made bookings if there was even a remote chance they’d be able to go, and upon not solidifying travel plans, they cancel them right before the free cancellation window closes. Not sure if you have the flexibility to roll the dice on that pattern continuing for your dates, but if you can hold out, that may be your best bet for securing a second award booking for a GV.
I do think cancellations may end up back on point inventory, but I doubt very much upgrades to OWV or higher does.
Mar 17, 2019, 5:08 am
#2544
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: CPH
Programs: SAS Gold, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 162
Also perhaps worth adding that while the property has 4 GVs I don't think they regularly have 4 for sale. While I was there, the visiting workout dude (sorry forgot the marketing name) stayed in 1 of them for example.
Mar 17, 2019, 9:09 am
#2545
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I do see availability of GV around 6 to 16th of April, but after that nothing. I am not looking for single nights, would want a minium stretch of 5 nights. Did not look at April, but more from June and forwards so far.
I do think cancellations may end up back on point inventory, but I doubt very much upgrades to OWV or higher does.
I do think cancellations may end up back on point inventory, but I doubt very much upgrades to OWV or higher does.
Mar 17, 2019, 4:08 pm
#2547
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,163
Mar 17, 2019, 4:38 pm
#2548
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924