How to choose a Maldives hotel...
Discussion
I'm starting to look into options for some winter sun and, having not been there for 10 years, the Maldives is a strong possibility.
However, the more I look into it, the harder it becomes to choose exactly where to go as they all seemingly offer an almost identical experience:
- privacy and relaxation
- good weather
- good beaches
- good snorkelling / diving
- expensive food
It seems that even when you've decide what sort of accommodation you want (and how much you want to pay) then there are still numerous options.
That would naturally lead me to focus on those resorts with special offers at the relevant time, but then I worry why these resorts need to reduce their prices if others don't?!
Is it just one of those places where the experience is quite personal and the sort of service that really suits one person wouldn't necessarily suit another?
Happy to pay the required amount for a great experience - but don't need a personal butler to butter my toast for me etc...
How did you guys choose where to go?
Please
Sidicks
However, the more I look into it, the harder it becomes to choose exactly where to go as they all seemingly offer an almost identical experience:
- privacy and relaxation
- good weather
- good beaches
- good snorkelling / diving
- expensive food
It seems that even when you've decide what sort of accommodation you want (and how much you want to pay) then there are still numerous options.
That would naturally lead me to focus on those resorts with special offers at the relevant time, but then I worry why these resorts need to reduce their prices if others don't?!
Is it just one of those places where the experience is quite personal and the sort of service that really suits one person wouldn't necessarily suit another?
Happy to pay the required amount for a great experience - but don't need a personal butler to butter my toast for me etc...
How did you guys choose where to go?
Please
Sidicks
Edited by sidicks on Thursday 5th May 13:55
0000 said:
A friend who owned a travel agency said it almost doesn't matter in the Maldives, they're all great. Perhaps not the most useful advice.
In the end we shortlisted a few from a Kuoni brochure and then read reviews.
That's pretty much were I got to - just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something important!In the end we shortlisted a few from a Kuoni brochure and then read reviews.
Puggit said:
You could be. They don't ALL have house reefs. Make sure you get a house reef for snorkling
Other considerations: Seaplane flight, all inclusive (ALL drinks cost a bomb), west facing for sunsets. I would suggest the smaller, the better.
1. Yes - seaplane is important for my wife, she doesn't like speedboat trips!Other considerations: Seaplane flight, all inclusive (ALL drinks cost a bomb), west facing for sunsets. I would suggest the smaller, the better.
2. Yes - house reef is important as my wife doesn't dive, only snorkel!
3. Not sure - although AI appeals (and we have done this previously) we are not massive drinkers and felt that the cost of AI assumed you be drinking massive amounts to make it worthwhile? I do like the fact that you don't have to stress about prices once you are there though.
4. That's not what my wife says. But she does prefer boutique hotels...
The Moose said:
How long are you planning on going for?
Why not do 2 or 3 weeks on different islands?
I'm lucky enough that this isn't a 'main' holiday it's 7 days to relax and unwind prior to the Xmas / New Year period, roughly halfway between our 'main' summer holidays - we are planning a trip to NZ for June '17.Why not do 2 or 3 weeks on different islands?
We spent a week on Mirihi a while back, so a smaller hotel with a good house reef appeals a lot. I think I'd prefer to try somewhere different as we have an unwritten rule that we don't go back to the same place twice (albeit one that we conveniently overlook when it suits us, as we are heading to the same horseback safari lodge in South Africa for the fourth time, later this year!).
Other requirements:
- Some variety of restaurants (but don't need hundreds of choices) - Teppanyaki would score lots of points with Mrs Sidicks!
- A half decent gym
- seaplane arrival rather than speedboat
Any recommendations?!
jinkster said:
We've just come back from Meeru, Maldives. Excellent place. Speedboat trip. Beach Villa, All inclusive. Booked through Kuoni and highly recommended. Have a look at the Meeru website to see if its something your looking for.
My wife hates speedboats / enjoys the seaplane, so Meeru is ruled out from that perspective! Thanks anyway.Puggit said:
BIGDAI said:
sidicks said:
we are planning a trip to NZ for June '17.
Bear in mind that the 2017 Lions rugby tour of NZ runs right through June & into July (unless that's why you are going) prices will be through the roof with 40,000+ supporters descending!TheHighlander said:
I was in the same situation when picking an Island for our honeymoon last year.
We ended up going to Kuredu and it was PERFECT, stayed in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa, they also own a few other Islands including Villemandoo (sp)
Nice and quiet, crystal waters with plenty of marine life/turtles etc swimming about.
45mins on Sea Plane from Male aswell.
If you want anymore info just fire me a message mate.
Much appreciated, thanks.We ended up going to Kuredu and it was PERFECT, stayed in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa, they also own a few other Islands including Villemandoo (sp)
Nice and quiet, crystal waters with plenty of marine life/turtles etc swimming about.
45mins on Sea Plane from Male aswell.
If you want anymore info just fire me a message mate.
Edited by TheHighlander on Wednesday 11th May 14:26
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