St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort [Master Thread]
Nov 19, 2016, 10:20 pm
#31
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 731
Just some quick thoughts (always feel free to ask specific questions I can try to answer and I can post something longer when I get back).
1. Butler service really is meant to take care of all your needs. All of the staff have had previous experience, many from the Four Seasons or W Maldives. They really emphasize that this is the meant to be the best resort at the Maldives.
2. Service starts immediately as you land in MLE. You get picked up by a SUV and taken to your own lounge to wait for your seaplane. They're using a temporary lounge right now but will have their regular one up and running by the end of the month. Once that's up you can wine and dine in the lounge from meals packed from the resort.
3. Most of all rooms are GORGEOUS and large. Everything state of the art, iPad controls the lights, curtains, AC, etc.. It really is as nice if not nicer than the photos that you see. Bang and Olufsen TV, a TV in the mirror of the bathtub, etc.
4. Don't worry about getting enough water. You'll get plenty of it and I can't imagine you can't get more if you want. It's not a place that is going to nickel-and-dime you.
5. Restaurants are pricey but the food is quite good. Food quality and service at Alba I would say are at or near Michelin-quality. Breakfast is $55 + service charge + tax for non-Plat members. All inclusive, a la carte and buffet. Extensive spread including their signature lobster + caviar omelette.
6. Resort is at 30% capacity right, ~70% of the people are American tourists. Expect both numbers to change in the upcoming months but SPG branding is strong.
7. House reef is recovering from construction--very little color and some dead areas
. I don't know how it compares to the other resorts in the Maldives but having dove in other places, the house reef is not very healthy right now. Fish population is quite good--you'll see sharks, turtles, tuna, rays, etc. and they say the coral is recovering. You can take a boat out to other places that will be better. The dive and sports center is top notch and since they're not at full capacity right now you'll get very individualized attention.
8. If you love the Maldives and have a trip booked here, don't worry and be very excited. There are always going to be logistical challenges or some thing that will pop up during your stay but know that they'll do everything they can for the guests. I think it'll only get better as time goes on although it's so nice right now being in such a private location with not that many other guests here.
1. Butler service really is meant to take care of all your needs. All of the staff have had previous experience, many from the Four Seasons or W Maldives. They really emphasize that this is the meant to be the best resort at the Maldives.
2. Service starts immediately as you land in MLE. You get picked up by a SUV and taken to your own lounge to wait for your seaplane. They're using a temporary lounge right now but will have their regular one up and running by the end of the month. Once that's up you can wine and dine in the lounge from meals packed from the resort.
3. Most of all rooms are GORGEOUS and large. Everything state of the art, iPad controls the lights, curtains, AC, etc.. It really is as nice if not nicer than the photos that you see. Bang and Olufsen TV, a TV in the mirror of the bathtub, etc.
4. Don't worry about getting enough water. You'll get plenty of it and I can't imagine you can't get more if you want. It's not a place that is going to nickel-and-dime you.
5. Restaurants are pricey but the food is quite good. Food quality and service at Alba I would say are at or near Michelin-quality. Breakfast is $55 + service charge + tax for non-Plat members. All inclusive, a la carte and buffet. Extensive spread including their signature lobster + caviar omelette.
6. Resort is at 30% capacity right, ~70% of the people are American tourists. Expect both numbers to change in the upcoming months but SPG branding is strong.
7. House reef is recovering from construction--very little color and some dead areas
. I don't know how it compares to the other resorts in the Maldives but having dove in other places, the house reef is not very healthy right now. Fish population is quite good--you'll see sharks, turtles, tuna, rays, etc. and they say the coral is recovering. You can take a boat out to other places that will be better. The dive and sports center is top notch and since they're not at full capacity right now you'll get very individualized attention.8. If you love the Maldives and have a trip booked here, don't worry and be very excited. There are always going to be logistical challenges or some thing that will pop up during your stay but know that they'll do everything they can for the guests. I think it'll only get better as time goes on although it's so nice right now being in such a private location with not that many other guests here.
We're very excited to be going in February to this resort and another new one that just opened, Milaidhoo, a sister property to one we visited last year, Baros. We loved Baros and Conrad Maldives but it's nice to try new ones. Have a fantastic vacation! 
Nov 19, 2016, 10:27 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924
Thanks. Unfortunately I don't live in the US so am unable to get a HH CC so have to earn points the hard way.
What about earning SPG points (w/o a SPG CC) at a property such as this? For example I can stay at Rangali in low season in a BV for 7 nights on a paid stay and pretty much spend enough in total to get me a free night at the base rate for any of their top-tier properties (95K). If I was to aim for the 76K/night rate (5th Night Free) then my spend wouldn't even have to go over say $500/day base.
If I stayed at this property in low season in an entry-level room for the same amount of time and spent say $4000-$5000 base for F&B, spas etc, roughly how many nights, or portions of a night, would I get if there were no point promos and I was a new member? TIA.
What about earning SPG points (w/o a SPG CC) at a property such as this? For example I can stay at Rangali in low season in a BV for 7 nights on a paid stay and pretty much spend enough in total to get me a free night at the base rate for any of their top-tier properties (95K). If I was to aim for the 76K/night rate (5th Night Free) then my spend wouldn't even have to go over say $500/day base.
If I stayed at this property in low season in an entry-level room for the same amount of time and spent say $4000-$5000 base for F&B, spas etc, roughly how many nights, or portions of a night, would I get if there were no point promos and I was a new member? TIA.
Assuming $2K per night x 5 nights + $5K spend = $15K, which is at least 15K SPG. That by itself is barely sufficient for a single night in an average $300-400 category hotel. If you can get one of the Starwood SPG cards which are generally available in most markets worldwide (not sure where you're based) then you could get SPG Gold (2x points) and the card gets you 2x spend at SPG, which would be a much more respectable 60K SPG gained, which is two nights at their top category 7 properties, or two thirds of a night at this property here.
Nov 20, 2016, 3:44 am
#34
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CDG
Programs: SK Gold, AF Gold, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,725
Nov 20, 2016, 12:25 pm
#35
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
Why is this property interesting to you? Just because it is new and in Maldives? Are you actually planning to visit this resort, or just following the thread?
I'll just say that I have been to the Conrad, and it was a fantastic resort -- as you said, there were many food choices, lots of activities available, and the snorkeling was fantastic.
Because of Coral Bleaching, most resorts in the Maldives will have snorkeling worse this year than it was just 1-2 years ago, so I'm not sure if it's fair to say that 'Conrad has better snorkeling than St Regis', it is certainly true that Conrad 2 years ago would be better than St Regis today, but that isn't necessarily a fair comparison to Conrad vs St Regis at the same time in 1 year.
I am personally going to visit the St Regis Maldives in a few weeks. My wife and I had talked about returning to the Maldives earlier this year, and were planning on going back to the Conrad -- but given the announcement of this brand new resort opening up around when we were going anyway, and the special points rate initially offered -- we were swayed here instead.
Just by looking at the menus, there are clearly some hints that this is intended as a much more high-end resort.
Nov 20, 2016, 10:37 pm
#36
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
You're saying if you did 5 nights on a paid rate? I'll start by pointing out the obvious and say that if you can afford a fully paid stay at a property like this, I don't think the amount of points gained should even concern you, as it's basically just a curiosity at that point, but let me humour you regardless
Assuming $2K per night x 5 nights + $5K spend = $15K, which is at least 15K SPG. That by itself is barely sufficient for a single night in an average $300-400 category hotel. If you can get one of the Starwood SPG cards which are generally available in most markets worldwide (not sure where you're based) then you could get SPG Gold (2x points) and the card gets you 2x spend at SPG, which would be a much more respectable 60K SPG gained, which is two nights at their top category 7 properties, or two thirds of a night at this property here.
Assuming $2K per night x 5 nights + $5K spend = $15K, which is at least 15K SPG. That by itself is barely sufficient for a single night in an average $300-400 category hotel. If you can get one of the Starwood SPG cards which are generally available in most markets worldwide (not sure where you're based) then you could get SPG Gold (2x points) and the card gets you 2x spend at SPG, which would be a much more respectable 60K SPG gained, which is two nights at their top category 7 properties, or two thirds of a night at this property here.
Curious, since you are spending much time in this thread, there seems to be some reason why this property is interesting to you even though as you put it the Conrad has more food choices / better snorkeling.
Why is this property interesting to you? Just because it is new and in Maldives? Are you actually planning to visit this resort, or just following the thread?
Why is this property interesting to you? Just because it is new and in Maldives? Are you actually planning to visit this resort, or just following the thread?
Nov 20, 2016, 11:08 pm
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 9
Thanks for this update. We're very excited to be going in February to this resort and another new one that just opened, Milaidhoo, a sister property to one we visited last year, Baros. We loved Baros and Conrad Maldives but it's nice to try new ones. Have a fantastic vacation!
We're very excited to be going in February to this resort and another new one that just opened, Milaidhoo, a sister property to one we visited last year, Baros. We loved Baros and Conrad Maldives but it's nice to try new ones. Have a fantastic vacation! For snorkeling around the property, stay around the edge of the reef and there's still plenty of fish and some coral. There are a number of snorkeling and dive sites very close that's easily accessible by boat (probably not by kayak). About 15-20 minute boat rides should bring you to a few of the locations that you can see on Google maps such as the one by aaaVeee.
Nov 21, 2016, 10:40 pm
#38
Moderator, El Al and Marriott Bonvoy, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SIN
Programs: SQ*G, Mar LTT, Hyatt Glb, AA LTG, LY, HH, IC, BA, DL, UA SLV
Posts: 12,018
You're saying if you did 5 nights on a paid rate? I'll start by pointing out the obvious and say that if you can afford a fully paid stay at a property like this, I don't think the amount of points gained should even concern you, as it's basically just a curiosity at that point, but let me humour you regardless
Assuming $2K per night x 5 nights + $5K spend = $15K, which is at least 15K SPG. That by itself is barely sufficient for a single night in an average $300-400 category hotel. If you can get one of the Starwood SPG cards which are generally available in most markets worldwide (not sure where you're based) then you could get SPG Gold (2x points) and the card gets you 2x spend at SPG, which would be a much more respectable 60K SPG gained, which is two nights at their top category 7 properties, or two thirds of a night at this property here.
Assuming $2K per night x 5 nights + $5K spend = $15K, which is at least 15K SPG. That by itself is barely sufficient for a single night in an average $300-400 category hotel. If you can get one of the Starwood SPG cards which are generally available in most markets worldwide (not sure where you're based) then you could get SPG Gold (2x points) and the card gets you 2x spend at SPG, which would be a much more respectable 60K SPG gained, which is two nights at their top category 7 properties, or two thirds of a night at this property here.
$2K/night + $5K spend = $15K
Base members of SPG earn 2 points per dollar = 30K points
Elite members earn an extra 1 point per dollar = 15K points
SPG Amex gives you 1 point per dollar spend = 15K points
SPG Amex gives you 1 extra point per dollar when spent in an SPG property = 15K points
So at minimum, they will get 30K points with the option to be arming an addition 45K depending on the other factors.
Nov 21, 2016, 10:55 pm
#39
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924
Your math breakdown is off by my account.
$2K/night + $5K spend = $15K
Base members of SPG earn 2 points per dollar = 30K points
Elite members earn an extra 1 point per dollar = 15K points
SPG Amex gives you 1 point per dollar spend = 15K points
SPG Amex gives you 1 extra point per dollar when spent in an SPG property = 15K points
So at minimum, they will get 30K points with the option to be arming an addition 45K depending on the other factors.
$2K/night + $5K spend = $15K
Base members of SPG earn 2 points per dollar = 30K points
Elite members earn an extra 1 point per dollar = 15K points
SPG Amex gives you 1 point per dollar spend = 15K points
SPG Amex gives you 1 extra point per dollar when spent in an SPG property = 15K points
So at minimum, they will get 30K points with the option to be arming an addition 45K depending on the other factors.
- Just member: 30K points, which is enough for a single night at the top category 7, or a bit more elsewhere
- SPG Amex: grant Gold status (except the Canadian ones), so +1 point, which means 45K total
- SPG Amex: 2X per dollar spent, so another 30K on top, which is 75K.
This is enough for 2 nights at a category 7 property and a night at some airport somewhere, or almost one night at this StR.
Nov 21, 2016, 11:15 pm
#40
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 731
Thank you! How many nights are you staying at each resort and how are you hopping from one to another? Just wondering what the logistics are if we come back to the Maldives.
For snorkeling around the property, stay around the edge of the reef and there's still plenty of fish and some coral. There are a number of snorkeling and dive sites very close that's easily accessible by boat (probably not by kayak). About 15-20 minute boat rides should bring you to a few of the locations that you can see on Google maps such as the one by aaaVeee.
For snorkeling around the property, stay around the edge of the reef and there's still plenty of fish and some coral. There are a number of snorkeling and dive sites very close that's easily accessible by boat (probably not by kayak). About 15-20 minute boat rides should bring you to a few of the locations that you can see on Google maps such as the one by aaaVeee.
We're staying at the St. Regis 5 nights, then over to Milaidhoo Island for 5 nights, then over to Vietnam for 8 days and Hong Kong for 1-2 days. We use the sea planes to get to St. Regis, Milaidhoo, and Conrad and we took a commercial flight and boat to Park Hyatt Hadahaa and Baros.
Funny thing, on our commercial flight to Park Hyatt we had the defense minister with guards with machine guns on our flight and while I was a bit tense, he was very kind and charming. Last year on our sea plane to Conrad we sat next to the President of Hilton on the sea plane and really enjoyed talking to him since he is such a nice man. Lots of interesting folks to meet in the Maldives.
Nov 23, 2016, 6:50 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 9
Thanks for the tips. It's nice to hear you're enjoying your time there.
We're staying at the St. Regis 5 nights, then over to Milaidhoo Island for 5 nights, then over to Vietnam for 8 days and Hong Kong for 1-2 days. We use the sea planes to get to St. Regis, Milaidhoo, and Conrad and we took a commercial flight and boat to Park Hyatt Hadahaa and Baros.
Funny thing, on our commercial flight to Park Hyatt we had the defense minister with guards with machine guns on our flight and while I was a bit tense, he was very kind and charming. Last year on our sea plane to Conrad we sat next to the President of Hilton on the sea plane and really enjoyed talking to him since he is such a nice man. Lots of interesting folks to meet in the Maldives.
We're staying at the St. Regis 5 nights, then over to Milaidhoo Island for 5 nights, then over to Vietnam for 8 days and Hong Kong for 1-2 days. We use the sea planes to get to St. Regis, Milaidhoo, and Conrad and we took a commercial flight and boat to Park Hyatt Hadahaa and Baros.
Funny thing, on our commercial flight to Park Hyatt we had the defense minister with guards with machine guns on our flight and while I was a bit tense, he was very kind and charming. Last year on our sea plane to Conrad we sat next to the President of Hilton on the sea plane and really enjoyed talking to him since he is such a nice man. Lots of interesting folks to meet in the Maldives.
For all of you expecting to get a ton of SPG points back on your stay, just remember that the only eligible charges that count are room charges and your restaurant bills. Seaplane transfer, water activities, spa, services charges and taxes, etc. all do NOT count for eligible spend.
Nov 24, 2016, 4:34 am
#42
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Not having anything at the spa count isn't very charitable of them.
Actually, does anyone have any experience of the cost of the seaplane being added in for points calculations by accident with Starwood? Happens with Hilton quite a bit.
Actually, does anyone have any experience of the cost of the seaplane being added in for points calculations by accident with Starwood? Happens with Hilton quite a bit.
Nov 24, 2016, 11:16 am
#43
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
Wow sounds like some great stories.
For all of you expecting to get a ton of SPG points back on your stay, just remember that the only eligible charges that count are room charges and your restaurant bills. Seaplane transfer, water activities, spa, services charges and taxes, etc. all do NOT count for eligible spend.
For all of you expecting to get a ton of SPG points back on your stay, just remember that the only eligible charges that count are room charges and your restaurant bills. Seaplane transfer, water activities, spa, services charges and taxes, etc. all do NOT count for eligible spend.
Spa on the other hand, this would be the first time I've heard of that not counting as an eligible charge, and I (hope/assume) someone made a mistake when they told you that.
Reading the SPG terms and conditions, apparently it is up to the Hotel's discretion if they will issue points for Spa spend or not, and I have found some other posts to flyertalk of other hotels not issuing points for Spa spend, so it is not unheard of -- even though it seems to be that most hotels DO issue points for spa spend.
Curious what actually appears when you check out. In all honesty, it's a foolish way for them to cut costs, as I am sure plenty of people will be willing to spend more on Spa services if they know they will be earning points.
Nov 24, 2016, 8:09 pm
#44
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Guangzhou
Programs: SPG
Posts: 1,021
It is normal for seaplane, water activities, service charges and tax to not earn points, because that is all money going to 3rd parties and taxes ...
Spa on the other hand, this would be the first time I've heard of that not counting as an eligible charge, and I (hope/assume) someone made a mistake when they told you that.
Spa on the other hand, this would be the first time I've heard of that not counting as an eligible charge, and I (hope/assume) someone made a mistake when they told you that.
According to the terms and conditions of SPG program, 2.1.a.ii or Section 2.1.a.iii. Eligible Charges do not include any complimentary services, SPG Awards, SPG Promotion Rewards or any other fees or charges including, without limitation: (A) charges for banquets, meetings or other functions, with the exception of Starpoints earned in connection with an Eligible Event; (B) other fees paid including, without limitation, parking, business center, high-speed internet access, retail stores, spa products and services and greens fees; and (C) taxes, gratuities, service charges, mandatory or automatic charges (e.g., resort charges) and other applicable charges.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Nov 25, 2016, 8:46 am
#45
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: Marriott LT Platinum+Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Delta Plat, United Silver, AX Biz Cent
Posts: 705
Hi there,
According to the terms and conditions of SPG program, 2.1.a.ii or Section 2.1.a.iii. Eligible Charges do not include any complimentary services, SPG Awards, SPG Promotion Rewards or any other fees or charges including, without limitation: (A) charges for banquets, meetings or other functions, with the exception of Starpoints earned in connection with an Eligible Event; (B) other fees paid including, without limitation, parking, business center, high-speed internet access, retail stores, spa products and services and greens fees; and (C) taxes, gratuities, service charges, mandatory or automatic charges (e.g., resort charges) and other applicable charges.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
According to the terms and conditions of SPG program, 2.1.a.ii or Section 2.1.a.iii. Eligible Charges do not include any complimentary services, SPG Awards, SPG Promotion Rewards or any other fees or charges including, without limitation: (A) charges for banquets, meetings or other functions, with the exception of Starpoints earned in connection with an Eligible Event; (B) other fees paid including, without limitation, parking, business center, high-speed internet access, retail stores, spa products and services and greens fees; and (C) taxes, gratuities, service charges, mandatory or automatic charges (e.g., resort charges) and other applicable charges.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Likewise at Hilton and Hyatt hotels.
Comparing an "Apples to apples" situation, at the Conrad Maldives, I received Starpoints for spend on both spa services, and watersports excursions (chartering a boat for a 'robinson crusoe' private island experience, group whaleshark snorkeling, etc.)
So, if *some* SPG hotels would grant SPG points on spa services, it seems to be at the property discretion, and IMHO, it is foolish not to. Perhaps it was a mistake on the times I was granted points.
I have to say, having recently moved most of my hotel stay from Hilton to a mix of SPG and Hyatt, if it turns out that spa spend on a trip like this is not included, it probably does impact my decision on if I will direct future resort stays towards SPG or other hotels, as I often have significant spend at the Spa.
Last edited by some dude; Nov 25, 2016 at 8:52 am