no1cub17

Sorry in advance to cross-post - but wondering what's the latest with Zika in the Maldives. I see there are still some amazing redemptions available for the next few months and may want to take advantage if possible. But not sure if it's worth the risk. I've found conflicting info online so I'm wondering what the latest scoop is. Thanks all. Also posted this question in the W master thread but this StR thread is much more active it seems!

mikewhyatt

Looking to either stay at the St. Regis or W next year. Price wise does anyone know what the rates look like overall for F&B/excursion costs? Is the STR significantly more expensive in that aspect vs W? I will lose my Platinum status this year but I can book both the W/STR on points.

CPH-Flyer

There is a risk of Zika virus in the Maldives, as there would also be in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam and a number of other countries in the region. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon I would consult a doctor. Otherwise I would just travel and try to prevent mosquito bites to the usual extend.

MaldivesFreak

No. This is how it works: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29941485-post3060.html (just replace the words Conrad and Rangali with St. Regis and you're good to go)

You should do the late flight out. You'll regret taking the 12:50 (unless you've been to the Maldives before and are comfortable leaving paradise half a day early).

cabbit

10th to 21st...

What did they quote u for upgradE?

TopGunner

We are on the last night of a 6night/7day stay, and it has been well worth all the frustration of trying to get this booked during this small window of (relative) affordability.

As platinum, we got our GV upgraded to a beach villa (306), plunge pool was always warm enough, and the foliage gave us great privacy from the beach and decent privacy to the Caroline Astor villa next door and the other beach villa. Nobody has been in the Astor villa during our stay.

I am glad I didn't push for the OV upgrade or have to pay for it, the beach villa was perfect, we had our own space and honestly forgot we were on an island with many other people. We had our little private retreat on the beach, the sand was perfect and the swimming very good. The snorkeling was also quite good, enough fish to enjoy, but not an aquarium.

Will post more thoughts later.

Definitely not a budget holiday, but good value on the points redemption.

3rdworldresident

IIRC, the beach villa is higher in category than OWV. it usually costs more to stay in one of them.

porkie

ocdb8r

My suggestion is to keep checking (both on the app and the website), try calling and be diligent. The system is still not stable. I just booked for 5-10 November after about 2 hours online and on the phone with 3 different agents. I have been checking regularly for any 5 consecutive nights during this week for the past three days. Various permutations showed up, but I struggled to ever find 5 days in a row available. Tonight finally was able to find 5 consecutive days - first online only by searching for one day at a time (despite all individual nights showing points availability, the system would not show the full 5 nights in a single search). However, the web based system would not let me actually book anything (plan was to book 5 individual nights and then call to have them convert). I then turned to the app, but it would not show one of the 5 nights available. Went back to the web and it started showing the full 5 nights available with the 5th night free discount, but still would not let me book. Finally called in. First agent said they can't do bookings more than 340 days out. I tried to dispute but gave up, hung up and called again. Second agent just said no availability. Walked him through searching day by day one at a time and he saw availability...then started in on "system issues" due to the merger and inability to book. Asked politely for a supervisor who was finally able to "override" the system error and booked the 5 nights.

Exhausting, but glad I was eventually successful. Hoping I can add one more night on the front end eventually (I find it somewhat strange a single Monday night is not available when the Sunday and Tuesday on either side both are). I know this is shoulder season, but going to spend 5 nights somewhere else in the Maldives and just keep fingers crossed over a total of 10 days we get our fair share of good weather. Europe based so it's a bit less of a commitment than those coming from the US (and to be honest, outside the Middle East, there's nowhere much closer with reliably good weather this time of year anyhow).

mjrobson

Ahh too bad. I haven't asked about room upgrade costs.

TerryK

It is only November which is hard to book. There is reasonably good availability if you check October, September or pretty much any other months. Perhaps more rooms will be released for booking later?

BTW, W Maldives is pretty wide open for point bookings.

iluvdoco

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a BV looks like a GV but with direct beach access? Are the BVs less warm since they're north facing, rather than south-facing like the GVs?

TopGunner

View from the ocean, Caroline Astor Villa to the left


Another view from the ocean


Our lounges on the semi-private beach looking at OVW


From inside the BV

iluvdoco

Thank YOU TopGunner! I'd like to clarify that they are all BV photos? The top caption said "306 GV".

MaldivesFreak

And I thought Hilton IT took the cake for worst of the worst. I stand corrected.
Congrats on your perseverence! ^