Belated Honeymoon to the Conrad Maldives (LX J, WK J, QR J, AA J)
Sep 21, 2021, 9:37 am
#46
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: BAEC Gold, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium, UA Gold (*G), DL Silver, Makers Mark Ambassador
Posts: 4,659
Not yet, getting the flights nailed down is my priority ATM, however we'll probably stay at a Marriott property and redeem a combo of Points+Cash
Sep 21, 2021, 6:17 pm
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Yeah, pretty much. When my Wife and I first started dating we were long-distance. The second year or so together we got a build a bear for each other to use in place of ourselves to help with the distance. Since I moved back they still travel with us or when one of us goes somewhere else. Plus it makes for some good stories and the flight attendants usually get a kick out of it.
Sep 29, 2021, 9:02 pm
#51
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,758
Oct 29, 2021, 1:24 pm
#53
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA Exec Plat, UA 1K, BA Gold, AF Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriot Plat
Posts: 303
Very nice and through trip report cheers!
We ourselves just returned back from our third trip to the Maldives less than a month ago this time at the Waldorf (our first and second were at the Conrad back in 2013 honeymoon on a 4 night AXON for 36,250 points per night and 2016 on a 4 night devalued AXON 75,000 points per night plus 2 Amex weekend night certs).
Having now been at the Waldorf versus Conrad and reading your observations, here are some interesting points to note-
We ourselves just returned back from our third trip to the Maldives less than a month ago this time at the Waldorf (our first and second were at the Conrad back in 2013 honeymoon on a 4 night AXON for 36,250 points per night and 2016 on a 4 night devalued AXON 75,000 points per night plus 2 Amex weekend night certs).
Having now been at the Waldorf versus Conrad and reading your observations, here are some interesting points to note-
- The PCR tests at Waldorf is $70 per person with no extra taxes or service charge. I wonder if Conrad's $150 per person cost is due to the further location requiring a seaplane to get the lab results
- Baggage weight constraints are not an issue with the Waldorf speedboat. We did miss elements of the Conrad seaplane lounge but would take the luxury speedboat transfer above the seaplane's noise levels and cabin heat any day of the wee
- At the Waldorf restaurants you can choose the $5++ house water (same as complimentary ones in the villas). I remember getting stiffed by Conrad for the Voss still water- wonder if house water is also an option at the Conrad.
- We met many Waldorf employees that used to work at Conrad Rangali. Apparently, many Conrad staff in the past have moved onto either the Waldorf or other properties in the Maldives. Many of the staff that moved aren't impressed with the level of investment ploughed back into refurbishing the Conrad (apparently the Conrad built one of the earliest water villas in the Maldives back in the day)
- With the level of service, attention to detail, and best of all the ability to order off-menu custom dishes no cost at the (free if elite) breakout at the Waldorf (not to mention the kids club), I don't think I would ever return to the Conrad with the Waldorf around! This isn't to say that the Conrad isn't great. If one hasn't been to Conrad Rangali it definitely is a great experience. But the Waldorf is a great reason to return back to the Maldives!
Jan 5, 2022, 3:50 am
#54
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 39
Silly question, but how do you prove the Stay is for your Honeymoon? Is there a time limit? My wife and I got married last year and will be visiting here for our belated Honeymoon. Do they require you to bring a notarized copy of your marriage certificate?
Jan 5, 2022, 7:30 am
#55
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I had to email them a copy of our wedding certificate.
Jan 5, 2022, 9:08 am
#56
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 782
Thank you for a terrific trip report. I hope you and your wife have many more happy trips together.
I grew up in the Detroit area (I'm an alum of Seaholm High School), so I really liked your photo of the Red Wings flag in Zurich.
I've had to make international to domestic connections at both ORD and DTW, and I feel there's no comparison between the short walks between flights at DTW, versus the long trek between T5 and the domestic terminals at ORD. It still amazes me why anyone would choose changing planes in ORD, when DTW is so much better.
I grew up in the Detroit area (I'm an alum of Seaholm High School), so I really liked your photo of the Red Wings flag in Zurich.
I've had to make international to domestic connections at both ORD and DTW, and I feel there's no comparison between the short walks between flights at DTW, versus the long trek between T5 and the domestic terminals at ORD. It still amazes me why anyone would choose changing planes in ORD, when DTW is so much better.
Jan 6, 2022, 7:34 am
#58
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Yeah, I think I scanned it to a .pdf but I doubt they will really care.
It is supposed to be valid for up to one year after the wedding date, but I was able to get an extension since our original 1 year date the resort had to close. But I had to plead with them a great deal for that extension.
It is supposed to be valid for up to one year after the wedding date, but I was able to get an extension since our original 1 year date the resort had to close. But I had to plead with them a great deal for that extension.