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]
Apr 10, 2019, 10:41 am
#602
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: 6,670
Apr 16, 2019, 10:57 pm
#603
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
In lounge right now awaiting seaplane. I am told the 35% food/beverage titanium discount is in effect until the end of this month. Could of course be extended.
Last edited by MrM2016; Apr 16, 2019 at 11:37 pm
Apr 19, 2019, 10:27 am
#605
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 77
Just arrived today, very impressed so far. AMA. Everything has been smooth except for my arrival where 1) my fast track pass from flying J was useless b/c they took all passengers in the fast track lane and did not check for passes, 2) when I came out from the baggage claim, the W person wasn't there yet, found the booth for W and it had a sign on it saying they were receiving guests at the baggage claim exit. Circled around for about 5 min and then finally found them. The waiting lounge is offsite and we took a ~15 min van ride there.
Everything else after that and arrival were totally efficient and awesome. Everyone got a welcome drink upon arrival at the resort and a tour of the property in golf carts before getting dropped off at our rooms. Even though we arrived around 10 am our room was already prepared and we didn't have to wait. Walking around for a few minutes we’ve already seen 4 little sharks, a ton of fish and a stingray. House reef is incredible and we already snorkeled around our villa. The personal infinity pool has jets which was fun. Got the free popsicles at 1 pm and 4 pm, I thought there were supposed to be magnum ice cream bars at 4 pm but when we went it was just the same coconut and strawberry ice popsicles that they served at 1 pm. There was a free cocktail party for Plats and higher at sunset which was really nice (they had delicious hors d'oeuvres too). Seems like everyone I talked to at the party had booked the 340k deal.
Platinum and above still get 35% off food and beverage and also BOGO at SIP & WET after 7pm. In-room juices (same as the ones in the arrivals lounge) and sodas are free and replenished daily. Got a huge platter of fruit and chocolates in our room as a welcome gift too, and a chocolate cake for anniversary. Did not need dinner at all with all these gifts and the party. Love all the little W touches and details in the room and around the resort.
Looking forward to breakfast tomorrow!
Everything else after that and arrival were totally efficient and awesome. Everyone got a welcome drink upon arrival at the resort and a tour of the property in golf carts before getting dropped off at our rooms. Even though we arrived around 10 am our room was already prepared and we didn't have to wait. Walking around for a few minutes we’ve already seen 4 little sharks, a ton of fish and a stingray. House reef is incredible and we already snorkeled around our villa. The personal infinity pool has jets which was fun. Got the free popsicles at 1 pm and 4 pm, I thought there were supposed to be magnum ice cream bars at 4 pm but when we went it was just the same coconut and strawberry ice popsicles that they served at 1 pm. There was a free cocktail party for Plats and higher at sunset which was really nice (they had delicious hors d'oeuvres too). Seems like everyone I talked to at the party had booked the 340k deal.
Platinum and above still get 35% off food and beverage and also BOGO at SIP & WET after 7pm. In-room juices (same as the ones in the arrivals lounge) and sodas are free and replenished daily. Got a huge platter of fruit and chocolates in our room as a welcome gift too, and a chocolate cake for anniversary. Did not need dinner at all with all these gifts and the party. Love all the little W touches and details in the room and around the resort.
Looking forward to breakfast tomorrow!
Apr 19, 2019, 10:55 am
#606
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 94
Just arrived today, very impressed so far. AMA. Everything has been smooth except for my arrival where 1) my fast track pass from flying J was useless b/c they took all passengers in the fast track lane and did not check for passes, 2) when I came out from the baggage claim, the W person wasn't there yet, found the booth for W and it had a sign on it saying they were receiving guests at the baggage claim exit. Circled around for about 5 min and then finally found them. The waiting lounge is offsite and we took a ~15 min van ride there.
Everything else after that and arrival were totally efficient and awesome. Everyone got a welcome drink upon arrival at the resort and a tour of the property in golf carts before getting dropped off at our rooms. Even though we arrived around 10 am our room was already prepared and we didn't have to wait. Walking around for a few minutes we’ve already seen 4 little sharks, a ton of fish and a stingray. House reef is incredible and we already snorkeled around our villa. The personal infinity pool has jets which was fun. Got the free popsicles at 1 pm and 4 pm, I thought there were supposed to be magnum ice cream bars at 4 pm but when we went it was just the same coconut and strawberry ice popsicles that they served at 1 pm. There was a free cocktail party for Plats and higher at sunset which was really nice (they had delicious hors d'oeuvres too). Seems like everyone I talked to at the party had booked the 340k deal.
Platinum and above still get 35% off food and beverage and also BOGO at SIP & WET after 7pm. In-room juices (same as the ones in the arrivals lounge) and sodas are free and replenished daily. Got a huge platter of fruit and chocolates in our room as a welcome gift too, and a chocolate cake for anniversary. Did not need dinner at all with all these gifts and the party. Love all the little W touches and details in the room and around the resort.
Looking forward to breakfast tomorrow!
Everything else after that and arrival were totally efficient and awesome. Everyone got a welcome drink upon arrival at the resort and a tour of the property in golf carts before getting dropped off at our rooms. Even though we arrived around 10 am our room was already prepared and we didn't have to wait. Walking around for a few minutes we’ve already seen 4 little sharks, a ton of fish and a stingray. House reef is incredible and we already snorkeled around our villa. The personal infinity pool has jets which was fun. Got the free popsicles at 1 pm and 4 pm, I thought there were supposed to be magnum ice cream bars at 4 pm but when we went it was just the same coconut and strawberry ice popsicles that they served at 1 pm. There was a free cocktail party for Plats and higher at sunset which was really nice (they had delicious hors d'oeuvres too). Seems like everyone I talked to at the party had booked the 340k deal.
Platinum and above still get 35% off food and beverage and also BOGO at SIP & WET after 7pm. In-room juices (same as the ones in the arrivals lounge) and sodas are free and replenished daily. Got a huge platter of fruit and chocolates in our room as a welcome gift too, and a chocolate cake for anniversary. Did not need dinner at all with all these gifts and the party. Love all the little W touches and details in the room and around the resort.
Looking forward to breakfast tomorrow!
Looks for turtles, there are severals.
Watch for the needle fish, they're attracted to bright and shining jewelry, could be dangerous.
Get a seat at Fish near the edge where you can see the water, sharks come around thru the whole evening.
Apr 19, 2019, 12:16 pm
#607
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brooklyn
Programs: Delta Diamond, Bonvoy something good; sometimes other things too
Posts: 5,050
In my experience the ice cream bars sometimes don't arrive right on time at 4pm so they'll offer the fruit pops if there are any left but the ice cream bars usually show up sometime not too long after that. (For some reason, despite there being the same items on offer every single day, the WET bar staff often seem oddly confused by the whole process.)
Apr 19, 2019, 5:30 pm
#608
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 77
In my experience the ice cream bars sometimes don't arrive right on time at 4pm so they'll offer the fruit pops if there are any left but the ice cream bars usually show up sometime not too long after that. (For some reason, despite there being the same items on offer every single day, the WET bar staff often seem oddly confused by the whole process.)
@countingmiles thanks for the tips on animal spotting!! Really hope to spot the turtles! The staff said there are only 3 of them that live around here, but there will be visiting turtles from elsewhere.
Last edited by optostar; Apr 19, 2019 at 5:45 pm
Apr 20, 2019, 2:15 am
#609
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 73
Lol thanks, that is odd indeed. Was really looking forward to real ice cream so will try again past 4 pm today. I even asked the guy at the bar and he said, "this is magnum" haha.
@countingmiles thanks for the tips on animal spotting!! Really hope to spot the turtles! The staff said there are only 3 of them that live around here, but there will be visiting turtles from elsewhere.
@countingmiles thanks for the tips on animal spotting!! Really hope to spot the turtles! The staff said there are only 3 of them that live around here, but there will be visiting turtles from elsewhere.
... but overall it’s a fun place. Still searching out a ray and octopus!
And yes, the popsicles/ice cream don’t always arrive at 1 and 4, just be patient and they will come!
Apr 20, 2019, 2:56 am
#610
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
saw 2 hawksbill turtles between the spa and fish yesterday. Wife got awful food poisoning from fish on Thursday night....
... but overall it’s a fun place.Still searching out a ray and octopus!
And yes, the popsicles/ice cream don’t always arrive at 1 and 4, just be patient and they will come!
We have had most luck with snorkelling outside our villa (ocean facing overwater) - seen 3 sharks and my girlfriend has seen a turtle. We snorkelled the other side of Fish though so will try around there again. Thanks for the tip!
This is a great resort and I agree with earlier reviews. Two things to add:
1. The doctor: His office is behind the watersports shop. Appointments and medicine are complimentary. My girlfriend had a cold and was able to get some decongestants.
2. Laundry: They offer one bag one price of $79++, still expensive, but better than the normal itemised laundry service at high end hotels. Not sure how many use this given the staff got very confused repeatedly when we dropped it off, but got everything back later the same day.
Apr 20, 2019, 2:58 pm
#611
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Hi, i’ve booked a 5 nights stay on-points in wonderful beach oasis. Based on privacy, sunset-view position and beach-side (101-114 vs 115-128) what are the best rooms I can ask for? I think that rooms from 119 till 122 could be a good choice because they’re not directly in front of coral terrace, not too close to SPA or SIP/FISH, on the opposite side of welcome-jetty,…what do you think?
Thanks! ;-)
Thanks! ;-)
It was on a very nice stretch of beach that was close to the good snorkeling near the spa, and far enough around the bend from the welcome jetty that we weren’t staring at people coming and going. This was one of the few villas we saw that had palm trees providing shade directly over the beach. This is totally a personal preference, but I’m a sucker for sitting in the shade of a palm tree, instead of relying on umbrellas.
It could have been due to the way the neighboring villa had their beach chairs positioned, but we also had a disproportionately large chuck of the beach to ourselves. This section of beach also recently had sand redistributed back onto it so the erosion wasn't an issue. As far as sunsets, you won’t be staring straight at it, but we always headed to SIP to catch the sunsets anyway which has an amazing view.
I’ll definitely be requesting this unit again if we can save up enough points to go back!
Apr 23, 2019, 4:27 am
#612
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold, United Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 322
Some final thoughts now we head home, after an overnight stop:
1. Anyone visiting should read bgriff's review. His tips were invaluable throughout our stay.
2. For the overwater villas we recommend being further out. The seaplane, weather permitting, lands right next to the closest ocean view ones. I asked for the one further out for the privacy and we loved it.
3. The reef on the ocean side is far superior to the lagoon side, but the water is choppier.
4. Tipping: Recommended for housekeeping. We got the same cleaner and he did a great job for us with multiple gestures and gifts. We felt it made a real difference to the service provided. Tipping elsewhere did not male a significant difference. I regret leaving cash at the restaurants as it just got swiped by whoever got there first.
5. Communication: Whatsapp worked well. This is recommended over constantly calling.
6. Buggies: We used these a lot being at the end of the jetty. Getting one is easy except when the team are welcoming new guests, service collapses for about 20 minutes or so in these windows.
7. Water Activities: We booked the speedboat snorkelling which was just shy of $250 all in. This was excellent, we had the full 2 hours with a very enthusiastic guide. We got to see more than the house reef with this. Even better, it said minimum of 4 guests but they went ahead with just the 2 of us.
Bottom line: This resort is truly magical. It is also exceptionally well run. The general manager clearly runs a very tight ship and this is plain to see. He is also constantly present. All aspects of service were excellent and the maintenance of the island is first class. Food was of course expensive, but we were delighted the quality was predominantly good to excellent. I was shocked that I found the food superior to the St Regis Abu Dhabi where we stayed before the trip.
We have a points booking next year at the Westin. I will be thinking long and hard if we will find the extra points to return to the W instead.
1. Anyone visiting should read bgriff's review. His tips were invaluable throughout our stay.
2. For the overwater villas we recommend being further out. The seaplane, weather permitting, lands right next to the closest ocean view ones. I asked for the one further out for the privacy and we loved it.
3. The reef on the ocean side is far superior to the lagoon side, but the water is choppier.
4. Tipping: Recommended for housekeeping. We got the same cleaner and he did a great job for us with multiple gestures and gifts. We felt it made a real difference to the service provided. Tipping elsewhere did not male a significant difference. I regret leaving cash at the restaurants as it just got swiped by whoever got there first.
5. Communication: Whatsapp worked well. This is recommended over constantly calling.
6. Buggies: We used these a lot being at the end of the jetty. Getting one is easy except when the team are welcoming new guests, service collapses for about 20 minutes or so in these windows.
7. Water Activities: We booked the speedboat snorkelling which was just shy of $250 all in. This was excellent, we had the full 2 hours with a very enthusiastic guide. We got to see more than the house reef with this. Even better, it said minimum of 4 guests but they went ahead with just the 2 of us.
Bottom line: This resort is truly magical. It is also exceptionally well run. The general manager clearly runs a very tight ship and this is plain to see. He is also constantly present. All aspects of service were excellent and the maintenance of the island is first class. Food was of course expensive, but we were delighted the quality was predominantly good to excellent. I was shocked that I found the food superior to the St Regis Abu Dhabi where we stayed before the trip.
We have a points booking next year at the Westin. I will be thinking long and hard if we will find the extra points to return to the W instead.
Apr 25, 2019, 12:39 pm
#613
formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Delta Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 2,969
Completed an amazing 5 night stay here early this month and have finally had the time to finish a very extensive review, with an eye towards answering all of the many questions I see often (similar to how I approached my Atlantis review).
Very top line (the review is 3,000 words plus dozens of pictures), this hotel is absolutely fantastic. Nearly flawless service was my main source of continual happiness - a complete "Whatever, Whenever" attitude. The food was spectacular as well and I don't know how you can beat the house reef...
If there's anything I didn't capture, just ask
W Maldives Review
Very top line (the review is 3,000 words plus dozens of pictures), this hotel is absolutely fantastic. Nearly flawless service was my main source of continual happiness - a complete "Whatever, Whenever" attitude. The food was spectacular as well and I don't know how you can beat the house reef...
If there's anything I didn't capture, just ask
W Maldives Review
Apr 26, 2019, 11:01 am
#614
Join Date: May 1998
Location: IAD, DCA
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,531
Hi, all. 50-something guy here, recently separated, thinking of using points to go here over Thanksgiving to just sit quietly and stare at the ocean. For those of you who've been, do you think a single person would feel uncomfortable? I'm fine traveling alone mostly. Also trying to decide if it's worth the time in the air and extra cost vs. something closer to home, like French Leave in the Bahamas.
Apr 26, 2019, 6:03 pm
#615
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 73
Hi, all. 50-something guy here, recently separated, thinking of using points to go here over Thanksgiving to just sit quietly and stare at the ocean. For those of you who've been, do you think a single person would feel uncomfortable? I'm fine traveling alone mostly. Also trying to decide if it's worth the time in the air and extra cost vs. something closer to home, like French Leave in the Bahamas.
Us personally? We definitely do not regret going, the marine life there is fabulous, but do not feel it would be worth the long trek back. We flew there in business and it was quite nice, but in economy it would be a doozy.