Dec 7, 2018, 8:29 am
Last edit by: razflyer
Post #515 is an EXTENSIVE review w/ pics. Link
Food menus: Kitchen, In-Room Dining, Fire, Fish
Prices may change (sometimes substantially) so not necessarily up to date.
Excursions and activities pricing
Food menus: Kitchen, In-Room Dining, Fire, Fish
Prices may change (sometimes substantially) so not necessarily up to date.
Excursions and activities pricing
W Maldives [Master Thread]
Jun 30, 2019, 9:35 pm
#661
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 302
Whilst I write my short review, just some FYI's
- As an Ambassador (other Elites where there too) I was invited to Wine tasting on Wednesday with their Somalia, which was VERY good.
- Also due to status, I was invited to evening drinks on the arrival dock by the General Manager (who is a fantastic guy) with all his senior managers and also backroom staff - highly recommend.
- Multiple Gifts in the room during the day from Brownies, to other sweet treats and bottled water (not their filtered water which is in the room).
- I only heard this from one of the senior managers when talking at the evening drinks that there are talks of Marriot Resorts (W, St Regis and JW) getting a dedicated Sea Plane (not sure who would operate this, I was asking as I am a Private Pilot and what a job it would be) just for their resorts, but I did not get the chance to ask the GM.
Jul 4, 2019, 5:31 am
#662
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 115
Hey guys,
I have a reservation at both the W Maldives and St Regis. I booked both on points before the upgrade. For the W, it's 5 nights in OVW villa at 240k (1 free night). St Regis didn't have 5 consecutive nights so I booked 3 nights in regular villa and 2 nights in OVW for 340k (no free night). I contacted Marriott to ask if I could get 1 night in the regular villa free but they refused. Now, I'm trying to determine which is worth it. Transferring rooms in St Regis might be a hassle. Also, the points are 100k more which would have to come from my Chase and could be used towards other rewards.
What do you guys think?
Thanks
I have a reservation at both the W Maldives and St Regis. I booked both on points before the upgrade. For the W, it's 5 nights in OVW villa at 240k (1 free night). St Regis didn't have 5 consecutive nights so I booked 3 nights in regular villa and 2 nights in OVW for 340k (no free night). I contacted Marriott to ask if I could get 1 night in the regular villa free but they refused. Now, I'm trying to determine which is worth it. Transferring rooms in St Regis might be a hassle. Also, the points are 100k more which would have to come from my Chase and could be used towards other rewards.
What do you guys think?
Thanks
Jul 4, 2019, 6:39 am
#663
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 302
Hey guys,
I have a reservation at both the W Maldives and St Regis. I booked both on points before the upgrade. For the W, it's 5 nights in OVW villa at 240k (1 free night). St Regis didn't have 5 consecutive nights so I booked 3 nights in regular villa and 2 nights in OVW for 340k (no free night). I contacted Marriott to ask if I could get 1 night in the regular villa free but they refused. Now, I'm trying to determine which is worth it. Transferring rooms in St Regis might be a hassle. Also, the points are 100k more which would have to come from my Chase and could be used towards other rewards.
What do you guys think?
Thanks
I have a reservation at both the W Maldives and St Regis. I booked both on points before the upgrade. For the W, it's 5 nights in OVW villa at 240k (1 free night). St Regis didn't have 5 consecutive nights so I booked 3 nights in regular villa and 2 nights in OVW for 340k (no free night). I contacted Marriott to ask if I could get 1 night in the regular villa free but they refused. Now, I'm trying to determine which is worth it. Transferring rooms in St Regis might be a hassle. Also, the points are 100k more which would have to come from my Chase and could be used towards other rewards.
What do you guys think?
Thanks
Jul 4, 2019, 8:54 am
#664
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 115
I have just come back from 6 nights at the W Maldives, I booked the Beach Villa but was upgraded to OWV. It is by far the best W I have stayed at (Ive stayed, Verbier, London, Paris, Boston, Atlanta, San Fran, Hong Kong). I have not stayed at St Regis, but I would not say it is worth the extra points/nights. Also, depends what luxury you are after? St Regis is very formal luxury and W is more relaxed Luxury and more personal etc.
Jul 4, 2019, 9:07 am
#665
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Gold, UA Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 342
hey,
the choice between the two islands is very much a choice of whether you want a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america” or a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america but slightly less”
im a frequent maldives traveler (my 7th visit will be next march) and i’ve booked the W. i don’t think that either resort provides the quintessential maldivian experience as they’re both quite commercial and americanized but i just dont find the st regis to be pretty both architecturally and naturally. sure, it’s really interesting looking, but way out of place for the maldives. the rooms look like spaceships for crying out loud!
also, i’m very picky about this, but the lagoon color at the regis is off. it’s some weirdish shade of green and blue and for sure not the milky blue i’ve seen at other islands.
i mean, look at the regis:
vs the W
the W is a much nicer island (albeit still overbuilt as you can see above). however, at least 1/3 of their OWV don’t face the island directly like they do at the regis, and the snorkeling will no doubt be better here than at the regis since south ari is known for their great reefs.
at the regis, i feel like you could be anywhere in the world, however at the W they at least kept some traditional maldivian aspects like thatched roofs, no sea barriers in the lagoon, etc for me it’s an easy choice for the W, especially because it’s also cheaper!
the choice between the two islands is very much a choice of whether you want a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america” or a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america but slightly less”
im a frequent maldives traveler (my 7th visit will be next march) and i’ve booked the W. i don’t think that either resort provides the quintessential maldivian experience as they’re both quite commercial and americanized but i just dont find the st regis to be pretty both architecturally and naturally. sure, it’s really interesting looking, but way out of place for the maldives. the rooms look like spaceships for crying out loud!
also, i’m very picky about this, but the lagoon color at the regis is off. it’s some weirdish shade of green and blue and for sure not the milky blue i’ve seen at other islands.
i mean, look at the regis:
vs the W
the W is a much nicer island (albeit still overbuilt as you can see above). however, at least 1/3 of their OWV don’t face the island directly like they do at the regis, and the snorkeling will no doubt be better here than at the regis since south ari is known for their great reefs.
at the regis, i feel like you could be anywhere in the world, however at the W they at least kept some traditional maldivian aspects like thatched roofs, no sea barriers in the lagoon, etc for me it’s an easy choice for the W, especially because it’s also cheaper!
Jul 4, 2019, 9:22 am
#666
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 302
I have not been to any other Maldives resort, so I can not comment if its more luxury than others. However I loved it. The staff are way more friendly and will happily sit and chat with you (if you wish) .
Jul 4, 2019, 9:25 am
#667
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 115
hey,
the choice between the two islands is very much a choice of whether you want a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america” or a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america but slightly less”
im a frequent maldives traveler (my 7th visit will be next march) and i’ve booked the W. i don’t think that either resort provides the quintessential maldivian experience as they’re both quite commercial and americanized but i just dont find the st regis to be pretty both architecturally and naturally. sure, it’s really interesting looking, but way out of place for the maldives. the rooms look like spaceships for crying out loud!
also, i’m very picky about this, but the lagoon color at the regis is off. it’s some weirdish shade of green and blue and for sure not the milky blue i’ve seen at other islands.
i mean, look at the regis:
vs the W
the W is a much nicer island (albeit still overbuilt as you can see above). however, at least 1/3 of their OWV don’t face the island directly like they do at the regis, and the snorkeling will no doubt be better here than at the regis since south ari is known for their great reefs.
at the regis, i feel like you could be anywhere in the world, however at the W they at least kept some traditional maldivian aspects like thatched roofs, no sea barriers in the lagoon, etc for me it’s an easy choice for the W, especially because it’s also cheaper!
the choice between the two islands is very much a choice of whether you want a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america” or a “nice holiday in the maldives where you feel like you’re in america but slightly less”
im a frequent maldives traveler (my 7th visit will be next march) and i’ve booked the W. i don’t think that either resort provides the quintessential maldivian experience as they’re both quite commercial and americanized but i just dont find the st regis to be pretty both architecturally and naturally. sure, it’s really interesting looking, but way out of place for the maldives. the rooms look like spaceships for crying out loud!
also, i’m very picky about this, but the lagoon color at the regis is off. it’s some weirdish shade of green and blue and for sure not the milky blue i’ve seen at other islands.
i mean, look at the regis:
vs the W
the W is a much nicer island (albeit still overbuilt as you can see above). however, at least 1/3 of their OWV don’t face the island directly like they do at the regis, and the snorkeling will no doubt be better here than at the regis since south ari is known for their great reefs.
at the regis, i feel like you could be anywhere in the world, however at the W they at least kept some traditional maldivian aspects like thatched roofs, no sea barriers in the lagoon, etc for me it’s an easy choice for the W, especially because it’s also cheaper!
Jul 4, 2019, 9:41 am
#668
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Gold, UA Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 342
Thanks for your feedback! Lol @ americanized. Just wondering, have you stayed at STR yet during any of your previous visits? My wife also feels the water isn't as blue and the reef isn't that nice from the pics we've seen but I wonder if that's a view shared by people who've stayed there.
i know for a fact that the reef at W will be better than the reef at the regis but the lagoon color is more of a personal view that first time travelers would honestly not even notice, which is why this is not a highly discussed topic. ive researched the regis extensively and it’s just not a pretty color of blue by maldives standards. i go to the maldives exclusively for lagoon and reef (luxurious rooms are an added bonus) so regardless of how flashy and nice the rooms at the regis are i’m never going to visit it bc from a natural standpoint i’m going to be disappointed.
the W is honestly already pushing it given how many WV they were able to fit in the lagoon. i’m actually pairing the W with another super low key resort called Aaaveee (it’s one of the few resorts thats kept true to how the maldives were 20+ years ago) so i’m very excited for that.
Jul 9, 2019, 1:06 pm
#669
Join Date: Jul 2019
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
Posts: 3
Ambassador question
Whilst I write my short review, just some FYI's
- As an Ambassador (other Elites where there too) I was invited to Wine tasting on Wednesday with their Somalia, which was VERY good.
- Also due to status, I was invited to evening drinks on the arrival dock by the General Manager (who is a fantastic guy) with all his senior managers and also backroom staff - highly recommend.
- Multiple Gifts in the room during the day from Brownies, to other sweet treats and bottled water (not their filtered water which is in the room).
- I only heard this from one of the senior managers when talking at the evening drinks that there are talks of Marriot Resorts (W, St Regis and JW) getting a dedicated Sea Plane (not sure who would operate this, I was asking as I am a Private Pilot and what a job it would be) just for their resorts, but I did not get the chance to ask the GM.
Jul 9, 2019, 6:03 pm
#670
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,051
Hello! I have been at Ambassador status for a couple months now due to work. Booked the W Maldives for my honeymoon next month on points. Thanks for these tidbits of info! Is there anything else I can expect as an Ambassador status? Should I check in with my own personal ambassador before arriving? (Sorry, I'm relatively new to this whole world so don't know what I can take advantage of!) Thanks!
Jul 10, 2019, 4:27 am
#671
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 302
Hello! I have been at Ambassador status for a couple months now due to work. Booked the W Maldives for my honeymoon next month on points. Thanks for these tidbits of info! Is there anything else I can expect as an Ambassador status? Should I check in with my own personal ambassador before arriving? (Sorry, I'm relatively new to this whole world so don't know what I can take advantage of!) Thanks!
I had my ambassador do all my sea plane transfers etc, so I did not even speak to the hotel until I arrived. Any questions let me know
Jul 19, 2019, 8:55 pm
#673
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
Now through September.
Of course, I went for a week last September (12th-18th) and it only rained severely on one day. The rest of the time it was either entirely sunny/partly cloudy, or it rained perhaps overnight, or for an hour lightly in the mid-afternoon. Think Florida weather, but better. Wife & I are returning (to the W this time, it was PH last time) in 2 weeks and are super stoked about it ^
Of course, I went for a week last September (12th-18th) and it only rained severely on one day. The rest of the time it was either entirely sunny/partly cloudy, or it rained perhaps overnight, or for an hour lightly in the mid-afternoon. Think Florida weather, but better. Wife & I are returning (to the W this time, it was PH last time) in 2 weeks and are super stoked about it ^
Jul 20, 2019, 8:26 am
#674
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA Gold, UA Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 342
low season is beginning of may till december. the monsoon changes from wet to dry in the first few weeks of december. december and january are what i would classify as transition months.
the monsoon doesn’t settle overnight but rather across a period of several weeks. this means that you can and most likely will find unsettled whether across the entire archipelago until the end of January (this is why January is dubbed one of the windiest months).
personally, i only travel to the maldives in March or April as i’ve has terrible experiences on the wet season. with that being said, i would rather pay half the price and go in august and *risk* it rather than pay hefty price tags for a January vacation and be left with lots of wind and rain.
the monsoon doesn’t settle overnight but rather across a period of several weeks. this means that you can and most likely will find unsettled whether across the entire archipelago until the end of January (this is why January is dubbed one of the windiest months).
personally, i only travel to the maldives in March or April as i’ve has terrible experiences on the wet season. with that being said, i would rather pay half the price and go in august and *risk* it rather than pay hefty price tags for a January vacation and be left with lots of wind and rain.
Jul 20, 2019, 8:59 am
#675
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: TPA/MSP
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, AA PPlat
Posts: 25
low season is beginning of may till december. the monsoon changes from wet to dry in the first few weeks of december. december and january are what i would classify as transition months.
the monsoon doesn’t settle overnight but rather across a period of several weeks. this means that you can and most likely will find unsettled whether across the entire archipelago until the end of January (this is why January is dubbed one of the windiest months).
personally, i only travel to the maldives in March or April as i’ve has terrible experiences on the wet season. with that being said, i would rather pay half the price and go in august and *risk* it rather than pay hefty price tags for a January vacation and be left with lots of wind and rain.