Oct 18, 2021, 1:46 pm
Last edit by: dgreen12
Feel free to add to this wiki
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June 2023 Item of Potential Interest: Link to thread alleging rape of solo female Chinese tourist at the property..
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Main details.
(Dec 2022) The RC Maldives has its entire "Sales Kit" online, incl. pricing for
activities, spa, weddings; and maps/pictures/video/logos/floor plans: https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...Ad23r_g_CovQo_
Some useful maps at these posts:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33274629-post89.html - also lists types of villas available
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33275048-post95.html - map with villa #'s
cmhsieh54's 8-page trip report (Dec 2022), in post #1204
Food & Beverage service
*There is no free breakfast amenity at this property for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum/Titanium/Ambassador.*
(Dec 2022) There is also no 'elite hour' (i.e. Happy Hour) or daily 'afternoon tea'.
(Dec 2022) The extremely comprehensive RC Maldives F&B guest webapp is here at this link, incl. all rest. menus
and room service prices:
https://mi.vserve-protecht.com/welco...JCZmpFZz0/1001
Unfortunately a scary-looking link, but it's legit. See post #1167.
Email address [email protected]
Transfer Prices
Shared Speedboat (45mins) - $901 per adult, $339 per child 3-11, 2 and under free
Private 48' Speedboat - $2800 per person
Yacht transfer no longer offered as a paid option as of February 2022, but there are reports of the
hotel offering it at their discretion
Shared Seaplane (10 mins) - $1,400 per adult, $700 per child 3-11, 2 and under free
Private Seaplane - $9.500
This cost applies to all guests, regardless of cash booking vs. points booking.
All prices are roundtrip, before 23.2% tax. See this website for latest updated
transfer prices: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotel...iew/directions
Miscellaneous
Island time: The resort has the clock set one hour ahead of Malé, so the time is GMT +6 hours. Many resorts in the Maldives do this for sunset viewing purposes.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands [Master Thread]
Mar 9, 2022, 10:08 am
#631
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 26
Hi I had a question as I have an upcoming trip in 3 weeks!
I am trying to pay for the sea-transfer costs and I was wondering if this purchase codes as Marriott purchase? Ie) 6x multiplier on AMEX Bonvoy credit card.
Also, is it a good idea to bring my own snorkels to the resort? I heard the marine life isn’t that great since the property is new but, still don’t want to miss out on the experience.
Thank you
I am trying to pay for the sea-transfer costs and I was wondering if this purchase codes as Marriott purchase? Ie) 6x multiplier on AMEX Bonvoy credit card.
Also, is it a good idea to bring my own snorkels to the resort? I heard the marine life isn’t that great since the property is new but, still don’t want to miss out on the experience.
Thank you
It's your call about snorkels - if you have room in your bag and have a snorkel you like, then bring it. Otherwise your Aris Meha can get you mask/snorkel/fins from the dive shop. We brought our own but I dive and my wife has her own.
Mar 9, 2022, 4:49 pm
#632
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: SFO
Programs: United Premier Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 65
We have a 7 night reservation at the St. Regis for the last week of June. After hearing about a potential / likely partial to full closure of the resort for renovations during our trip dates, I've been reading up on the RC thread. It seems like the RC is a pretty nice backup option, even without much elite recognition.
From posts, reviews and comparisons of the two resort, I guess these are the main pros and cons between the two:
To give additional context, we had secured the St. Regis suite on points, plus a very nominal cash upgrade price of $75 per night.
Pros of St Regis:
1). Larger space - StR Suite is almost 2x the size of RC's regular OWV.
2) More vibrant reefs, wildlife and much better snorkeling
3) Free breakfast for Platinum and above (Titanium status).
4) usually better upgrade potential, but as we already booked the StR Suite, not sure there is much realistic upgrade path left.
Pros of RC:
1). More varied dining options in the resort and neighboring island
2) Free a) mini / honour bar and snacks (excluding alcoholic drinks) b) free afternoon tea c) free still / sparkling water throughout resort d) free happy / drink hour for elites?
3) newer rooms so less wear and tear
4) more free resort activities
5) more flexible transfer options, as the boat isn't daylight / weather dependent like the seaplane. This allows for less time waiting in Male on arrival and a later resort departure (we have a 9pm flight on QR returning home)
6) better beach (less erosion) villas, but I think we prefer to stay overwater, as we aren't coming with our kids.
As to service, it seems to be mixed opinions as to which is more attentive and personable.
I used to be an avid diver and still enjoy snorkeling, but my wife just wants a week away from the kids to do nothing but relax, eat well and stare at endless clear blue waters. So the new construction, resulting in little marine life and not much of a local reef, probably isn't a big deal to us.
It seems from a cost savings perspective, the two resorts might be a wash in terms of "freebies", as the free breakfast from StR probably is countered by the other fee amenities that RC provides.
It also seems the best unobstructed views of the ocean differs between the two resorts. At the StR, it is usually the sunset side with unobstructed views of the ocean. While at the RC, it is usually the sunrise side with unobstructed views of the ocean. I think most folks, including us, would prefer a sunset unobstructed views, but not sure there are too many options at the RC for that.
I think I would prefer the extra space from the St Regis Suite. But I will cancel my reservations there if I don't get clarity on their renovations / closure situation within the next week or so. I want enough time to rebook our reservations to the RC before the dynamic award pricing / devaluation at the end of the month. I would hate to be scrambling for reservations at a new resort a month or two before departure time (our flights are pretty much set in stone, as I was able to get some rare availability on Singapore Suites and QR F and QSuites.)
Is there anything I might be missing in my analysis?
From posts, reviews and comparisons of the two resort, I guess these are the main pros and cons between the two:
To give additional context, we had secured the St. Regis suite on points, plus a very nominal cash upgrade price of $75 per night.
Pros of St Regis:
1). Larger space - StR Suite is almost 2x the size of RC's regular OWV.
2) More vibrant reefs, wildlife and much better snorkeling
3) Free breakfast for Platinum and above (Titanium status).
4) usually better upgrade potential, but as we already booked the StR Suite, not sure there is much realistic upgrade path left.
Pros of RC:
1). More varied dining options in the resort and neighboring island
2) Free a) mini / honour bar and snacks (excluding alcoholic drinks) b) free afternoon tea c) free still / sparkling water throughout resort d) free happy / drink hour for elites?
3) newer rooms so less wear and tear
4) more free resort activities
5) more flexible transfer options, as the boat isn't daylight / weather dependent like the seaplane. This allows for less time waiting in Male on arrival and a later resort departure (we have a 9pm flight on QR returning home)
6) better beach (less erosion) villas, but I think we prefer to stay overwater, as we aren't coming with our kids.
As to service, it seems to be mixed opinions as to which is more attentive and personable.
I used to be an avid diver and still enjoy snorkeling, but my wife just wants a week away from the kids to do nothing but relax, eat well and stare at endless clear blue waters. So the new construction, resulting in little marine life and not much of a local reef, probably isn't a big deal to us.
It seems from a cost savings perspective, the two resorts might be a wash in terms of "freebies", as the free breakfast from StR probably is countered by the other fee amenities that RC provides.
It also seems the best unobstructed views of the ocean differs between the two resorts. At the StR, it is usually the sunset side with unobstructed views of the ocean. While at the RC, it is usually the sunrise side with unobstructed views of the ocean. I think most folks, including us, would prefer a sunset unobstructed views, but not sure there are too many options at the RC for that.
I think I would prefer the extra space from the St Regis Suite. But I will cancel my reservations there if I don't get clarity on their renovations / closure situation within the next week or so. I want enough time to rebook our reservations to the RC before the dynamic award pricing / devaluation at the end of the month. I would hate to be scrambling for reservations at a new resort a month or two before departure time (our flights are pretty much set in stone, as I was able to get some rare availability on Singapore Suites and QR F and QSuites.)
Is there anything I might be missing in my analysis?
Regarding unobstructed views, if you opt for the sunset villas, it's 50/50 in terms of whether you'll get actual unobstructed views as about half the sunset villas are on the oval. If you're on the oval, you're basically screwed in unobstructed views with the other island and the boats buzzing by, but if you're on the southern islands, you'll have unobstructed views. If you want guaranteed unobstructed views, go with the sunrise side.
Sunrise definitely has unobstructed views for almost all villas. Sunset villas are about 50% obstructed views, try to get the southern villas if you can. Free drinks hour was every day except on the GM's happy hour. So you'll get a happy hour every day basically.
Mar 10, 2022, 9:39 am
#634
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: SFO
Programs: United Premier Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 65
Here's what the free resort activities per their email before I arrived:
- Welcome in-villa amenity
- Daily Afternoon tea at La Locanda as from 16:00 – 17:00
- Daily turndown service and amenity
- Pressing Service at our courtesy on day of arrival, up to 8 pieces per villa
- WIFI high-speed internet access in-villa and all public areas
- 24 hours Aris Meeha, your island butler for personalized experiences
- At our courtesy, non-alcoholic beverages and sweet & savory snacks in the honour-bar
- At our courtesy shared boat within Fari Islands archipelago, as per schedule
- Access to daily Resort activities, as per schedule
- Access to fitness center, sauna & steam bath at our recreation area
- Access to the Ritz Kids area and daily activities calendar (activities outside the daily schedule a charge applies)
- Access to Tennis court (Tennis Pro available for coaching at a fee)
- Non-motorised watersports activities: Stand Up Paddleboard / Kayak / Windsurfing / Catamaran
- Ice cream at Island Creamery from 15:00-17:00 at our courtesy for the kids
Mar 10, 2022, 9:43 am
#635
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 389
I want to say it was for Plat/Titanium, but could be wrong.... Not sure cause I'm Titanium
Here's what the free resort activities per their email before I arrived:
Here's what the free resort activities per their email before I arrived:
- Welcome in-villa amenity
- Daily Afternoon tea at La Locanda as from 16:00 – 17:00
- Daily turndown service and amenity
- Pressing Service at our courtesy on day of arrival, up to 8 pieces per villa
- WIFI high-speed internet access in-villa and all public areas
- 24 hours Aris Meeha, your island butler for personalized experiences
- At our courtesy, non-alcoholic beverages and sweet & savory snacks in the honour-bar
- At our courtesy shared boat within Fari Islands archipelago, as per schedule
- Access to daily Resort activities, as per schedule
- Access to fitness center, sauna & steam bath at our recreation area
- Access to the Ritz Kids area and daily activities calendar (activities outside the daily schedule a charge applies)
- Access to Tennis court (Tennis Pro available for coaching at a fee)
- Non-motorised watersports activities: Stand Up Paddleboard / Kayak / Windsurfing / Catamaran
- Ice cream at Island Creamery from 15:00-17:00 at our courtesy for the kids
Would love to know if anyone else went there as Platinum or Gold and were able to attend the happy hour.
Mar 10, 2022, 2:52 pm
#637
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,156
Mar 10, 2022, 7:19 pm
#638
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I have both the RC and the WA booked. Any recent thoughts on which one I should visit? Visiting both is a possibility, but I'm leaning towards the RC. The WA has the advantages of bigger villas and more glam, but I like the RC's expanded F&B options and on-site water purification facility.
Mar 10, 2022, 8:08 pm
#640
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,156
I have both the RC and the WA booked. Any recent thoughts on which one I should visit? Visiting both is a possibility, but I'm leaning towards the RC. The WA has the advantages of bigger villas and more glam, but I like the RC's expanded F&B options and on-site water purification facility.
Mar 11, 2022, 9:03 am
#642
Join Date: Sep 2010
Programs: AZ FA+, A3 G, AB G | IHG RA, HGP D, FPC P, Accor P, BW D, HH D, Eleva, GHA P, 1862 Voyager
Posts: 1,852
I have both the RC and the WA booked. Any recent thoughts on which one I should visit? Visiting both is a possibility, but I'm leaning towards the RC. The WA has the advantages of bigger villas and more glam, but I like the RC's expanded F&B options and on-site water purification facility.
how would you transfer from one hotel to the other? I'm exploring doing both hotels too, but logistics and the cost is the hindrance
Mar 11, 2022, 9:14 am
#643
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
Mar 11, 2022, 9:51 am
#644
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: SFO
Programs: United Premier Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 65
I have both the RC and the WA booked. Any recent thoughts on which one I should visit? Visiting both is a possibility, but I'm leaning towards the RC. The WA has the advantages of bigger villas and more glam, but I like the RC's expanded F&B options and on-site water purification facility.
It is possible, but it's a major PIA. I believe you have to first take a PCR test 24 hours before departure of hotel A, then travel back to Male, then take your seaplane or boat to hotel B. Additionally, you have to pay for all those transfers, which will add up pretty quickly.
Mar 11, 2022, 9:57 am
#645
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: SFO
Programs: United Premier Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 65
When we went about 3-4 weeks ago, everything was closed, including the restaurants. There wasn't much there except for Patina resort, but we didn't bother to explore there heavily as we already thought the RC was far nicer. We were extremely disappointed and frustrated as we were really looking forward to trying some of the options. I was annoyed that when we asked our butler the boat schedule, he failed to mention that most dining options there were closed. We immediately took the next boat back. Although, on our last day, they did say that Arabesque was reopening back on Marina Village, which is definitely worth a visit and was the best restaurant option when we tried their food.