Good Things Come in 3s - Emirates, Qatar, and Singapore First Class
#16
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: North of Carlisle
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 1,529
I’m reading your itinerary and it looks wonderful. Then I see Inverness and Glasgow sandwiched in between. As DanielW mentioned, it will interesting to read your comments on these locations / hotels in comparison to the others. (I’m not that far from Glasgow) Great start ^
#17
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: MEL/YMML
Programs: A3 Gold, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, Amex Platinum
Posts: 287
Great TR. Have to try New EK 777 F soon, such an amazing product.
chongl Jr. Looked like he's definitely enjoy flying First Class, at dad's expense.
ps: How did you manage to photo that much stars in Maldives? It almost looked like somewhere in New Zealand to me (if you ignore the ground)
chongl Jr. Looked like he's definitely enjoy flying First Class, at dad's expense.
ps: How did you manage to photo that much stars in Maldives? It almost looked like somewhere in New Zealand to me (if you ignore the ground)
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: United Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 988
I like your reporting style, chongl. Nice quality pictures without wasting our time with silly stuff such as pictures of things like crowded gate lounges, chopsticks presentation, hot towels or seat controls. Your son looks like a bright eyed little traveler, too - I look forward to reading his trip reports someday. Until then, I look forward to the rest of your report and your future reports ^^
Makes you feel like a more knowledgeable passenger
I’m reading your itinerary and it looks wonderful. Then I see Inverness and Glasgow sandwiched in between. As DanielW mentioned, it will interesting to read your comments on these locations / hotels in comparison to the others. (I’m not that far from Glasgow) Great start ^
Great TR. Have to try New EK 777 F soon, such an amazing product.
chongl Jr. Looked like he's definitely enjoy flying First Class, at dad's expense.
ps: How did you manage to photo that much stars in Maldives? It almost looked like somewhere in New Zealand to me (if you ignore the ground)
chongl Jr. Looked like he's definitely enjoy flying First Class, at dad's expense.
ps: How did you manage to photo that much stars in Maldives? It almost looked like somewhere in New Zealand to me (if you ignore the ground)
#20
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
1. Where has this itinerary been all my life, it's awesome!
2. What a beautiful little boy, you guys all look so happy!!!
3. I just flew with my son too (PIC)............AA Y.....on a regional jet
Amazing start, thank you for taking the time to share. I am looking forward to the rest ^^^
2. What a beautiful little boy, you guys all look so happy!!!
3. I just flew with my son too (PIC)............AA Y.....on a regional jet
Amazing start, thank you for taking the time to share. I am looking forward to the rest ^^^
#22
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: United Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 988
1. Where has this itinerary been all my life, it's awesome!
2. What a beautiful little boy, you guys all look so happy!!!
3. I just flew with my son too (PIC)............AA Y.....on a regional jet
Amazing start, thank you for taking the time to share. I am looking forward to the rest ^^^
2. What a beautiful little boy, you guys all look so happy!!!
3. I just flew with my son too (PIC)............AA Y.....on a regional jet
Amazing start, thank you for taking the time to share. I am looking forward to the rest ^^^
Thank you for your kind comments UAL250
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: United Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 988
We proceeded to immigration where we were one of the first to get through. Once that was completed, there is a small scanner for all the carry on bags before the carousels to grab any checked luggage. Our bags showed up relatively quickly, and with nothing to declare we walked out to see a St. Regis sign on an iPad. We were then escorted to the Transmaldivian Airways counter to check-in where our bags were tagged and weighed. Just a short walk away, we hopped into a van with the A/C on blast, Wi-Fi, and cold towels on offer
And then off to the lounges by the seaplane terminal
Their waiting area is called the great room, which has TVs, cold AC, and refreshments while you wait to board the sea plane. Payment details and any check-in details are mostly taken care of here so that it's just off to relax once you arrive at the resort
The menu
The relatively simple spread
The wait for the sea plane boarding was agonizing. After 20 hours of flying, we were hoping the sea plane would be scheduled so that we would arrive relatively early considering our Emirates inbound landed before 10AM. But finally, we were called to exit the lounge for the short drive to the terminal area
Transmaldivian Airways operates the largest fleet of sea planes in the world, with pilots that fly in flip flops
The breathtaking views and turquoise water
Our plane had to drop off some guests at a nearby resort first. What we hadn't anticipated though, was needing to get off the plane so that it could refuel
And then we were back in the air
We landed at the St. Regis about mid-afternoon where we were immediately greeted by our butler and presented with a set of fresh coconuts
Once done, we were given a tour of the island on a buggy, with the butler pointing out notable facilities and times of availability. This ended with a stop at our overwater villa where the basic features of the room were gone over. I was just ready to relax and take in the views
Some welcoming sweets
Mini bar
Bed and living area
Bathroom
Tub with a view
Rain shower
Closet
The majority of the room functions could be controlled by an iPad. This ranged from setting the thermostat, to turning on the TV, and ordering room service
[
Internet speeds were a bit on the slow side, but I guess that's understandable for a remote island
Outside area with private plunge pool
Our butler had preemptively booked us dinner at Alba, one of the restaurants that also hosts the breakfast buffet. Since we had just gotten in and wanted to get our son in bed, we opted to have a quick pizza at Crust. Ironically, we ended up sitting in the Alba dining area
Looking towards the beach and The Whale Bar
Drinks
...and pizzas
Once we were done with the meal, we hurriedly went back to our villa to get some sleep. In fact, baby ChongL was so tired we couldn't entertain him enough to keep him awake, and he fell asleep in Mrs. ChongL's arms as we were finishing up dinner. I had a good few hours of sleep, but as we all know, jet lag inevitably strikes, and I chose to waste the time away by setting up my tripod and trying some astrophotography out on the deck
And then I climbed back into bed and caught a few more hours of sleep until sunrise
The breakfast buffet opened at 7:00 AM, and we were one of the first guests who stepped inside. As a loyalty member, this was my chosen benefit, which included a large buffet spread with a la carte options
Cold options with cheeses, cured meats, and other antipasti
Hot options, starting with a noodle bar. The rest of the selection varied slightly day by day, with different ingredients for the curries and types of stir fry
Ice cream
Cereals
Fruits and smoothies
Buffet selection. Those are beef sausages pictured there. For those who worry, there was also a variation by day to include pork and chicken sausages. And yes, normal pork based bacon is available a la carte
A la carte options, starting with the lobster and crab omelette with caviar
Ending my first breakfast with some taro ice cream
For most of the rest of the morning and early afternoon, we hung out inside the villa, still catching up on rest. This would end up being a common theme where we used our pool occasionally, or dipped into the ocean to do some short snorkeling stints. Our butler would come by with small bites and afternoon tea every day, starting with some red velvet muffins and fruit
We went to happy hour afterwards at The Whale Bar, intending to stay to watch the champagne sabering ceremony
Some small snacks
My Bloody Mary served in a shell
And then at 6PM, the procession began for the sabering
We ordered the lobster popcorn to whet our appetite
Sunset views
DJ spinning up some tunes
Baby ChongL drumming with some spoons
As the sun slowly dips under the horizon
Our dinner reservation at Orientale was coming up, so we left the bar and had a buggy ride over to the restaurant
Next up: The rest of dinner and a few more days in the Maldives. I had to split this post up since I hit an image limit
And then off to the lounges by the seaplane terminal
Their waiting area is called the great room, which has TVs, cold AC, and refreshments while you wait to board the sea plane. Payment details and any check-in details are mostly taken care of here so that it's just off to relax once you arrive at the resort
The menu
The relatively simple spread
The wait for the sea plane boarding was agonizing. After 20 hours of flying, we were hoping the sea plane would be scheduled so that we would arrive relatively early considering our Emirates inbound landed before 10AM. But finally, we were called to exit the lounge for the short drive to the terminal area
Transmaldivian Airways operates the largest fleet of sea planes in the world, with pilots that fly in flip flops
The breathtaking views and turquoise water
Our plane had to drop off some guests at a nearby resort first. What we hadn't anticipated though, was needing to get off the plane so that it could refuel
And then we were back in the air
We landed at the St. Regis about mid-afternoon where we were immediately greeted by our butler and presented with a set of fresh coconuts
Once done, we were given a tour of the island on a buggy, with the butler pointing out notable facilities and times of availability. This ended with a stop at our overwater villa where the basic features of the room were gone over. I was just ready to relax and take in the views
Some welcoming sweets
Mini bar
Bed and living area
Bathroom
Tub with a view
Rain shower
Closet
The majority of the room functions could be controlled by an iPad. This ranged from setting the thermostat, to turning on the TV, and ordering room service
[
Internet speeds were a bit on the slow side, but I guess that's understandable for a remote island
Outside area with private plunge pool
Our butler had preemptively booked us dinner at Alba, one of the restaurants that also hosts the breakfast buffet. Since we had just gotten in and wanted to get our son in bed, we opted to have a quick pizza at Crust. Ironically, we ended up sitting in the Alba dining area
Looking towards the beach and The Whale Bar
Drinks
...and pizzas
Once we were done with the meal, we hurriedly went back to our villa to get some sleep. In fact, baby ChongL was so tired we couldn't entertain him enough to keep him awake, and he fell asleep in Mrs. ChongL's arms as we were finishing up dinner. I had a good few hours of sleep, but as we all know, jet lag inevitably strikes, and I chose to waste the time away by setting up my tripod and trying some astrophotography out on the deck
And then I climbed back into bed and caught a few more hours of sleep until sunrise
The breakfast buffet opened at 7:00 AM, and we were one of the first guests who stepped inside. As a loyalty member, this was my chosen benefit, which included a large buffet spread with a la carte options
Cold options with cheeses, cured meats, and other antipasti
Hot options, starting with a noodle bar. The rest of the selection varied slightly day by day, with different ingredients for the curries and types of stir fry
Ice cream
Cereals
Fruits and smoothies
Buffet selection. Those are beef sausages pictured there. For those who worry, there was also a variation by day to include pork and chicken sausages. And yes, normal pork based bacon is available a la carte
A la carte options, starting with the lobster and crab omelette with caviar
Ending my first breakfast with some taro ice cream
For most of the rest of the morning and early afternoon, we hung out inside the villa, still catching up on rest. This would end up being a common theme where we used our pool occasionally, or dipped into the ocean to do some short snorkeling stints. Our butler would come by with small bites and afternoon tea every day, starting with some red velvet muffins and fruit
We went to happy hour afterwards at The Whale Bar, intending to stay to watch the champagne sabering ceremony
Some small snacks
My Bloody Mary served in a shell
And then at 6PM, the procession began for the sabering
We ordered the lobster popcorn to whet our appetite
Sunset views
DJ spinning up some tunes
Baby ChongL drumming with some spoons
As the sun slowly dips under the horizon
Our dinner reservation at Orientale was coming up, so we left the bar and had a buggy ride over to the restaurant
Next up: The rest of dinner and a few more days in the Maldives. I had to split this post up since I hit an image limit
#24
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
#26
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: points traveller
Posts: 329
great photos. St Regis looks luxe. Did you manage to get a cheap redemption booking when it first opened? We went to the Conrad Maldives for our honeymoon on points but still spent a bomb without being overly extravagant - guessing it was the same here?
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: United Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 988
Thank you lloydje33
I got in a booking at 60K per night and then paid the upgrade to the overwater villa. We did Conrad Maldives 2 years ago and the hard and soft product at the St. Regis is on a completely different level. In fact, I saw pictures of that trip from 2 years ago and the rooms from then looked so bland and dated in comparison
I'm using mostly a Sony A7RIII body with either a 24-70GM or 16-35GM. Occasionally I'll use my RX100 VA when I need something smaller
I'm using mostly a Sony A7RIII body with either a 24-70GM or 16-35GM. Occasionally I'll use my RX100 VA when I need something smaller
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: United Silver, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 988
Orientale specializes in Asian/Indian cuisine with a separate kitchen for each: Japanese, Chinese, and Indian. Since I live in the San Gabriel Valley, Chinese food was definitely not appealing to me as I could get much better at home. I was iffy on Japanese, so I instead opted for Indian.
Starting with a hand washing ritual
With the daylight fading, I snapped a picture of the Iridium Spa nearby
Chicken kebab, which unfortunately came under cooked with some pieces raw in the center. I sent it back and they were going to make another one, but once again my son was dead tired so we asked them to take it off the bill instead
Garlic naan and another chicken dish
Turn down service
The next morning, our son woke up hungry, so we ordered some pancakes...oops I meant pancake
I then took the chance to take a few more low light pictures before the sun came up
Once breakfast opened, it was more or less rinse and repeat for the next few days, with slight variations here and there. Being that it was early enough without the sun searing everything in sight, we again walked to the buffet
Crust and Craft, where the pizza and burgers are served
The Whale Bar in the morning
Dining outside with a nice breeze and changing up the a la carte options
We had booked the massage special, supposedly not on the menu and only for elite members for Sunday afternoon, with my wife and I taking turns. I was free to ride the bike over, but I ended up taking the long way since I followed the signs. Funny thing is, I told my wife to head in the correct direction but completely disregarded my own instruction
I had some ginger tea while taking in the views for a few minutes, and then I had a relaxing session for an hour before I head back to the villa to swap places with my wife. In the early evening, it was Crust time for an early dinner
Fried chicken burger
Bruschetta
And another pizza
Running into a ray as we head back towards our villa
Our butler came by with some sweets for international chocolate day, and then we hit the sack for the night
The next morning, trying new options as usual, starting with a hash brown
French toast
Our butler was able to arrange a complimentary session at Blue Hole, which uses heated seawater and water jets to help relax muscles and soothe the body. We ended up being the only ones there, so it was a private session
Before the jets are turned on. Depending on timing, a seaplane may or may not taxi right in front of the pool
To the sides are the treatment rooms where massages and other services are offered
Jets on (much more powerful than they look). One is meant for the neck and shoulders whereas the other is meant for the back
Dock/seaplane terminal flanking Iridium Spa
Quite a few fish on the way back to the villa
Per the usual, afternoon tea was brought by our butler
The wife got hungry, so I hopped on the bike to grab a pizza to bring back to our room. Same view, different angle from Crust
The boutique, which also has an observation platform at the top
Stairs outside Alba
Returning with our glorious pizza
Dinner reservations were at Alba, but first, we took in the scenery as the sun dipped below the horizon
Alba lit up at night
Amuse bouche
Bread with roasted garlic
Ribeye steak cooked medium rare
Lobster ravioli
The next morning, repeat the breakfast ritual
Followed by a complimentary photography session at 11:00AM. This is available to guests for 20 minutes...10 minutes for shooting and 10 minutes for picture selection. You are allowed to get 3 photos free of charge that are emailed directly to you. The location is set on the beach in front of Orientale
When we returned, our butler had set up a bubble bath and a small cake
Followed by yet another new flavor of afternoon tea
After which I decided to have a cigar that I brought with me on the outdoor deck
There was a manager's reception on Tuesday evening with invites going out to all Marriott Bonvoy members. It was held at the Crust/Craft beach area with wine, juices, and canapes served. Much of the St. Regis staff were present to engage members to gather feedback about the resort, how it compared to other places guests have been, and just casual conversation to get to know everyone as more than just a face.
No champagne sabering today
But I went to The Whale Bar anyway to grab a few pictures
Then we head back to our room and ordered room service
Maldivian lobster, butter chicken, and some chicken nuggets for the little one
Next up, last day in the Maldives and Qatar J flight to Doha
Starting with a hand washing ritual
With the daylight fading, I snapped a picture of the Iridium Spa nearby
Chicken kebab, which unfortunately came under cooked with some pieces raw in the center. I sent it back and they were going to make another one, but once again my son was dead tired so we asked them to take it off the bill instead
Garlic naan and another chicken dish
Turn down service
The next morning, our son woke up hungry, so we ordered some pancakes...oops I meant pancake
I then took the chance to take a few more low light pictures before the sun came up
Once breakfast opened, it was more or less rinse and repeat for the next few days, with slight variations here and there. Being that it was early enough without the sun searing everything in sight, we again walked to the buffet
Crust and Craft, where the pizza and burgers are served
The Whale Bar in the morning
Dining outside with a nice breeze and changing up the a la carte options
We had booked the massage special, supposedly not on the menu and only for elite members for Sunday afternoon, with my wife and I taking turns. I was free to ride the bike over, but I ended up taking the long way since I followed the signs. Funny thing is, I told my wife to head in the correct direction but completely disregarded my own instruction
I had some ginger tea while taking in the views for a few minutes, and then I had a relaxing session for an hour before I head back to the villa to swap places with my wife. In the early evening, it was Crust time for an early dinner
Fried chicken burger
Bruschetta
And another pizza
Running into a ray as we head back towards our villa
Our butler came by with some sweets for international chocolate day, and then we hit the sack for the night
The next morning, trying new options as usual, starting with a hash brown
French toast
Our butler was able to arrange a complimentary session at Blue Hole, which uses heated seawater and water jets to help relax muscles and soothe the body. We ended up being the only ones there, so it was a private session
Before the jets are turned on. Depending on timing, a seaplane may or may not taxi right in front of the pool
To the sides are the treatment rooms where massages and other services are offered
Jets on (much more powerful than they look). One is meant for the neck and shoulders whereas the other is meant for the back
Dock/seaplane terminal flanking Iridium Spa
Quite a few fish on the way back to the villa
Per the usual, afternoon tea was brought by our butler
The wife got hungry, so I hopped on the bike to grab a pizza to bring back to our room. Same view, different angle from Crust
The boutique, which also has an observation platform at the top
Stairs outside Alba
Returning with our glorious pizza
Dinner reservations were at Alba, but first, we took in the scenery as the sun dipped below the horizon
Alba lit up at night
Amuse bouche
Bread with roasted garlic
Ribeye steak cooked medium rare
Lobster ravioli
The next morning, repeat the breakfast ritual
Followed by a complimentary photography session at 11:00AM. This is available to guests for 20 minutes...10 minutes for shooting and 10 minutes for picture selection. You are allowed to get 3 photos free of charge that are emailed directly to you. The location is set on the beach in front of Orientale
When we returned, our butler had set up a bubble bath and a small cake
Followed by yet another new flavor of afternoon tea
After which I decided to have a cigar that I brought with me on the outdoor deck
There was a manager's reception on Tuesday evening with invites going out to all Marriott Bonvoy members. It was held at the Crust/Craft beach area with wine, juices, and canapes served. Much of the St. Regis staff were present to engage members to gather feedback about the resort, how it compared to other places guests have been, and just casual conversation to get to know everyone as more than just a face.
No champagne sabering today
But I went to The Whale Bar anyway to grab a few pictures
Then we head back to our room and ordered room service
Maldivian lobster, butter chicken, and some chicken nuggets for the little one
Next up, last day in the Maldives and Qatar J flight to Doha