Hi
After looking at the hotel website and trawling through many forum posts, I can%26#39;t seem to see whether or not the hotel provides beach towels. I assume they do, but can someone please confirm?
Thanks.
Hi Alison %26amp; Keith
Yes they do
Regards
Doug
Thanks very much Doug. That information should make our cases a bit lighter!
I%26#39;m sure I%26#39;ve seen on the forum that it may be possible to book a dinner on the beach. I can%26#39;t find the posts now! Typical...
It%26#39;s our wedding anniversary while we are there and would love to do this. Has anyone done this or know if this is possible? How much it may cost and what the menu is like?
Would we need to book this in advance or can we wait until we get there?
Thanks in advance
Viv
Hi Viv
They offer a range of romantic type dinners. They are not usually directly on the beach but they are near the beach and tucked away behind palm trees etc.
I haven%26#39;t done one myself but I understand they are good value with loads to eat. Not sure of the prices although I recall someone mentioning $75, which I think was for the most expensive offering.
OD
viv
Second what OD says - never did one ourselves, but people who were there when we were did.Think it cost $100 with wine and said it was worth every dollar.They had a table in a gap between the greenery just back from the beach, their own waiter who was at their beck and call, more food than they could eat.:-)
Sg
Thanks for the info - sounds great!
Does anyone have an email address for the hotel - I might email them to find out more info.
Thanks again
Viv
I am being offered a fortnights holiday in the Maldives all inclusive for around 拢900.Is this good value and is the weather good in June please
Weather
take it wherever it is!
Weather:-
tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293953-s208/Maldives鈥?/a>
Regards
Emu
WeatherNigel,
Have to agree with Emu --at that price grab it by the balls and dont let go, June is the start of the rainy season but dont let that bother you its not a problem.
Where and who with ??????
Rumps
Hi Nigel
Book it!! Now...before they change their minds and put the price up!
You%26#39;ll be very unlucky if it rains for a fortnight!
OD
Rumps,
If you go into Travelzoo, its in their top 20 destinations for the week.
Regards
Nigel
Biyadhoo then!!
Or Summer Island Village!!
Good site Nigel,
they now have bandos 7nts 拢663 ;-)
Regards
Emu
We%26#39;re due to pay the balance of for our holiday to Herathera (recently renamed Handufushi) but we%26#39;re not sure what, if any work is still going on on the island. We%26#39;ve heard one report that dredging has started. More third hand info said that when they were there, there was a total of 15 holidaymakers! now we like it quiet but.....
Has anyone been recently that maybe has some news.
Hi BCMR,
like with any new resort, teething problems do happen, builders are in short supply in the Maldives at the mo, and things generally take longer to sort out, usually any new resort needs at least 1 year to sort all teething probs before being fully operational.
I heard/read that Herathera was due for completion at the end of this year, so I would contact your travel agent/ and/or resort to get an update, or at least a discount!.
Regards
Emu
Things didnt go as MTDC (Maldives Tourism Development Co-Operation) and government thought it would go...Then the management was sold to Yatch tours and yes, what you heard is true and Yatch tours has started to promote Handhu Fishi (Handhi=Moon + Fushi = Island) to the local Adduans (people of addu, I am one of them)...
So go with your heart...But If I wwere you I would measure over and over again before cutting...
Hi Emu %26amp; Askboutmaldives,
Thanks very much for the advice, having received some more info from some folks currently on the island we have decide to go to Hudhuranfushi instead. We%26#39;d rather loose our deposit and know that we%26#39;re going to have a peaceful, enjoyable time, god knows we%26#39;ve worked hard enough for it.
Many thanks
Kevin
Hi I was there recently. I liked it. Do you need any photos? Is the deal ready ? Have a nice day, H
due to go to paradise island on wed18th feb just been informed of building work going on there been offered this island as a an alternative could do with some help and advice also pics if possible got until 7pm tonight my email address is cheryl@befreymarketing.com
Hi
I was told by local people when I was in the Maldives that building the jetties and causeways has disruptred the tidal flow and they are having huge erosion problems on one side of the island. Suddenly we have two newcomers with no profiles appearing
Regards
Doug
this will be our first vist to the maldives,so we dont want to be disapointed,will the weather be ok,we are going 1 dec for two weeks,any advise would be great , thanks sue.
Susan,
december is a good time to go,
Type in weather in the little box top left and you will have all the info you want re the Weather.
Rumps
Hello all,
I was wondering what anyone recommends as far as travel agents that can book for Reethi Beach. Many of the threads I%26#39;ve seen recommend sites in the UK but I%26#39;ve had trouble searching them without airfare. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Freent!
I tried to find an agent in Canada. The people I was dealing with locally we able to find a %26#39;supplier%26#39; for Reethi beach but the AI package they quoted me DID NOT include drinks at all.
When I mentioned that all other agents Ive seen online that deal with Reethi list AI including drinks they double checked with the %26#39;supplier%26#39; but I was still told that no, drinks were not included. I did not want to have to worry about food/drinks etc at all once there.
That is when I gave up looking locally and booked with Hayes and Jarvis.
76 days to go!!!
Oh I booked with H%26amp;J without booking airfare.
not really just getting a bit excited as our tickets just came through the post
Well it made me look! :-) Have a great holiday.
Dito,
HAHAHA lol, rub it in aye! :P
Nice one iddeyboy - have a fantastic time
Softail
love it !!! this is a wish it was me moment, have a fantastic time .Mike
That must be an amazing moment! Have a brilliant time!
lmao, we%26#39;re sooo looking forward to our hols, thought i was going to have to invest in squid repellent as well as mozzie for a momoent!!!
have a fab time i can;t wait!
Where? When?.....Did Rumps get out alive!!
Hi guys,
My fiancee and I are going to Reethi Beach for our honeymoon on 1 March, and were wondering which deluxe rooms have the best bit of beach at the moment. I have read on the forums previously that you can request a room in advance with the management, and was hoping to do that.
Thank you in advance!
Reethi Beach Deluxe roomsReturned yesterday from Reethi and all I can say is you will absolutely love it.It is heaven on earth. I had a standard room but think any of the deluxe rooms from 120 upwards have good beach.The higher the number the further you are from the beach bar which needs to be handy for the cocktails but the quieter it is although everywhere was quiet! The rooms with little beach are 101-110ish but then from then till 115 have quite a few sunbeds in front of them but good beach and the best bit of lagoon for swimming.Wherever you are you wil love it and if you don%26#39;t like the room reservations will move you with no hassle.Have a fab time
Reethi Beach Deluxe roomsThanks for the message Mrs Baggie. We are both really excited about going to Reethi. Its our first time to the Maldives, so can%26#39;t wait!!
Someone made a really good point on here a few weeks back. If you have to request a room, don;t be too disappointed if that room is not available. Go with an open mind and if you ahven%26#39;t been before you will just love it anyway. You can always request a room the next time you go!!
Softail
I agree with Softail....sometimes the room you would like just is not available. Oh well, relax and have fun anyway. Whats the point of complaining, getting upset and raising your blood pressure? You are on vacation!!
Personally I fully expect to be put into a water villa the first night or so (I%26#39;ve booked a standard villa)....no big deal!!! The sunset bar is right there and the sunsets will be fantastic!!!
79 days to go!!!!
Cheeky
I%26#39;ve only got 67 days to go, omg can%26#39;t wait, soooo ready for it. Stung abit yesterday though had to pay balance!
Thanks for that Softail. I%26#39;m not the type to get stressed anyway. Take everything in one%26#39;s stride. I can%26#39;t wait.
19 days to go. Woo! :)
You will love it wherever you are BT28. I don%26#39;t think it is worth asking for a room as if you do want to change when you are there they will do it for you anyway as soon as a room is free. As I think I said, I wanted to change when I got there as on the east side in 187 and it seemed a bit blowy and they arranged it straight away to go to 168 the next day but then OH saw 187 and loved it so we didn%26#39;t bother and in fact ended up with a great slot on the beach right by the beach bar for our sunbed so had best of both worlds west and east!Already looking at prices for next visit. Am smitten
I agree with the majority - wait till you get there and see what room you have. If it%26#39;s one of the real low numbers, with the sandbags in front, just ask to move, like some friends of ours did. They moved them the next day to one with much better beach outside. I assume they know it%26#39;s your honeymoon?
Kuoni know it is our honeymoon. Do you think I need to inform RB personally?
I would, and at the same time tell them you would like rooms between 115-125, they have the widest part of the beach, and being honeymooners may make a bit more effort to get you in one of those rooms.
I went this time last year, and the island was overbooked so there was a lot of guests changing room locations, they were also offering 4 days on the livaboard to divers, just to free up some rooms.
Regards
Emu
Hi, my wife and I are planning a Maldives trip for May 2009. We were initial going to book everything with a travel agent, but I later found out that i can book my own package seperately and get a better deal. Our SQ flight will arrive late at the airport, and we are wondering if there is any other alternative stay beside the Hulhule Island Resort? I read that some have been taking the water taxi to Male and stay at one of the hotel, but i tried google those hotel, and they don%26#39;t real post rate online.
Thanks in advance.
Hi
Which island are you staying at? Some of the ones close to Male will run nightime speedboat transfers, so avoiding the need to stay overnight in Male.
OD
Also, what time does your flight arrive?
We are going to stay at Four Season Landaa Giraavaru, and the arrival time is about 2200.
Hi wamtt,
Your flight does mean that you need to wait for the seaplane transfer the following day.
you can get a water taxi to Male from the airport terminal it is $1 us dollar each way per person.
try here, its clean and cheaper than hulule hotel.
http://www.nasandhurapalace.com/default.asp
Regards
Emu
Hi
The Four Seasons is a seaplane transfer and these don%26#39;t operate after sunset - which is about 6.00pm. Presumably the Four Seasons are arranging the seaplane for you? In which case they may book a hotel for you - probably at the airport.
This link should give you a list of hotels on Male itself:
www.visitmaldives.com/Where_to_stay/male.php
There are frequent water taxis from the airport across to Male. Cost is about 1$.
OD
Hi again
FUANA INN
Another poster was asking about this place the other day. It is on a new development called Hulhumale Island. This is an artificial island built on reclaimed land just north of the airport island.
The link below is to the hotel%26#39;s website:
http://fuana.net/inn/activity/index.html
It is only a few minutes from the airport.
Hope this helps
OD
Sorry... I am aware that it is personal choice and the experts must be fed up of this question..
The plan is we fly to Sri Lanka for 5 to 7 days before heading to the Maldives and will be there between 7 and 9 days. ... TBC..
RE the Maldives..
We want... to do some more diving and not to have to go to far out for snorkling. No night clubs, not under the flight path and not too long a trip before and after the flight.. around an hour to 1.5 hrs ?
I get bored after 20min sunning my self on the beach and I need to wander off to do something for a while before returning to baste my partner in suntan lotion and turn her over ! I like to kayak, have a go at most water sports, have a walk.... chat, I could probably be doing with a gym ...
We are both allergic to garlic and spices so need some simple food, it is helpful if we can have a word with the chef - we have managed this in several countries..
I have read through some of the threads and Reethi beach keeps coming up...??? and the TA reviews are great. Meeru looks like it is a no ?
If I book the flights, can you book directly with hotels/resorts in the Maldives?
Thanks in advance
Caroline
anyone ???
Hi
What sort of budget are you looking at as this is a key factor as to which island we can recommend
......susie
Sun Island ticks your boxes
Reethi ticks your boxes too, but you cannot book direct with the island.
I get bored quickly and do exactly what you do! Oluveli is a good smaller (compared with sun) island that has everything except good snorkelling.
I tend to avoid the larger islands (sun, meeru, Kurimathi %26amp; Kuredu) but they do have more activities to choose from and the same good beaches etc.
Vilamendhoo may be another option, better house reef than reethi and nice and rustic but not quite the same.
Dont get me wrong there are plenty of great resorts, I like Reethi for everything it offers, but the water sports are not cheap.
Regards
Emu
Hi Caroline
You are right to ignore Meeru. Roussey%26#39;s suggestion of Sun Island is a good one. It is a large island, with lots to do. Transfer is by seaplane which is a great way to see the Maldives close up. They have about 5 restaurants to choose from, including a takeaway pizza place, which between them, should be able to cater for your need for simple food.
OD
Reethi would be fine but suggest not going AI sp that you can eat of the other restaurants and choose carefully.
My hubby always gets bored on holidays and first time we booked only booked for 7 days, after 3 he was trying to extend the holiday. Went back the following year for 2 weeks, he said it as the first time he switched off. Reethi you can snorkel straight from the beach, they have windsurfers and kayaks which you can take over to the nearest uninhabited island - takes about 20-30 mins each way. They also have a gym and badminton and tennis courts. You can also dive off the beach as the reef wall is about 20m and the dive centre just drops your kit off at the palce you want to go in.
Have a good trip.
Softail
Agree with softail about the AI, go B%26amp;B the other restaurants are really nice, the snorkelling on the other islands opposite is very good too.
also kite surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, wind surfing %26amp; cat sailing available, I would have provided a link to the ws centre but it appears to have been closed down??
Emu
Hi, Caroline,
We booked our own plane, but had a travel agent book the resort. After getting information directly from the hotel, the travel agent had better (cheaper) rates for the exact same thing!
Do check around.
:-)
Many thanks all.
glad to hear others get bored ! I do like to be bored in paridise though .. :~)
Reethi is looking good..
Budget is around the £3500 for both of us for just over a week (including the flights !). We can have a bit of flexibility
Emu72 are these all these expensive water activities available on Reethi ?
Getting excited now :~)
Tazness - all mentioned by Emu are available at Reethi (not sure on Kite Surfing) but definitely the rest. If I find it I will send you a price list of the activities - not cheap esepcially motorised ones but to be far, snorkelling is free and you can spend hours face down a**e up! watching the fish, turtle, reef sharks, eagle rays etc, etc.
GET IT BOOKED!!!
Softail
Im looking to book a Honeymoon In August and looking at varoius options. My budget is around 拢4000.
Is the Maldives worth going for? Is it over hyped? Is it pure Luxury?
Please give me reasons to go for the Maldives and which resort to choose
Thanks
Hi PK,
Welcome to the forum,
The Maldives is worth doing--Its not over hyped and it is pure luxury.
It is the only place that we have returned to time and time again and many others on this forum do the same.I will be very surprised once you have been if you dont feel the urge to re book ASAP.
Once there you dont have to think, it is all about you and your wants, Honeymoons yes but like us mant go for the Rest and relaxation and having to do nothing (if you want) the water aslo being only a few yards away at any 1 time is bliss--the food is amongst some of the best we have ever had (well traveled)The biggest thing though is the snorkeling / diving and you will spend about 3-5 hours a day in the water. The atmosphere is fantastic and chatting to others in the bar / patio is wonderfull and always being to hear the sea.I could go on and on but just to say you will not be disapointed.
Your buget will limit your choice but there are some good island within your price range. Give a few more details as in Charter/ package or scheduled, Large -small island type of accomodation, things like thet. I would recomend going AI as the Maldives is expencive and being AI takes away the worry of a big bill at the end--once paid for thats it other than a few trips and tips. Take a look at the Bible , Resorts of the ,Maldives by Adrian Neville, this gives a low doewn on all the islands as in cost , accomodation, activities size and more. Also have a look at First Choice / Thompsons web site and this will show costs and pictures which may help in your decision.
Is that enough or need more just ask
Rumpole
Hi Rumpole!
I was looking for Direct flights. All Inclusive. I have got one quote from Hayes and Jarvis for around 4400. which includes All incusive, 12 nights, Direct flights and a sea plane tranfer.
The resort is Reethi. The only thing I need to decide on is whether to go for the Water Villa (which they have quoted) or to go for the deluxe villa (拢100 cheaper)
Which one is better?
Defo go for the Water villa--Whats a 拢100 when you are on your honeymoon, you know it makes sence.
Rumps
Would you say the Water Villa is more luxury and Private then the Deluxe Villa? I wanted something that is quite seculded
Been to Reethi twice. One thing I would check though is the direct flight for 12 night stay. Usually direct fligths are with FC/Thomson?Monarch and are for 7 or 14 nights. Anything in between is usually Emirates of Sri Lanken.
As Rumps has said, the maldives isn%26#39;t hyped, it is the most fabulous place on earth IMO. I would also agree to go AI then yo have no worries when you are there about the amount you are drinking.
Have a great time.
Softail
Like the others once is never enough and for an extra 100 I would go for the wv - have a look at their website it may help you - but really you know you want too :-)
http://www.reethibeach.com/index_uk.htm
In MY opinion I think watervillas are over hyped!
I%26#39;d go for a luxury beach villa, that you open your door and your feet sink in the pure white sand on your few steps to the warm sea!!
Watervilla decks get very hot in the mid-day sun and I%26#39;ve seen couples burn there feet! You also have very little natural shade unlike the beach villa under those palm trees...are you picturing the view!!
Hi,
I agree with Rousey, wb%26#39;s are over hyped, if you sleep light then chances are you will get woken up by the noise of the water against the stilts, in August there is more chance of stronger waves and more noise.
But apart from the noise issue, in a beach villa, there is nothing better than waking up walking out your room directly onto the beach!!
and as Rumps says, the islands are not hyped just pure magic!! I love to travel and see different culture, but cannot go without a fix of the Maldives each year.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Emu
........ I too agree with Rousey and Emu re the WB, much prefer the Beach Villa, sand between ya toes etc.... much over hyped too but thats only IMO..!!
Congrats on your forthcoming Wedding and boy have you made the right decision to go on Honeymoon to the Maldives, its just wonderful....!!!!!!!!!!!!!
........we cant give you reasons to go to Maldives except JUST GOOOOOOOOOOO.....!! ha ha!!.....
.........where else where you looking at?
..............regards the DmM...x...
The Maldives are like Hsrley%26#39;s. if you have to ask, you wouldn%26#39;t understand!!lol
IMO didn%26#39;t like WB, too noisey for me and no shade. Love the beach villas so straight onto the sand.
Lots of people would disagree but that%26#39;s fine, it leaves more room in the beach villa for me!!
Softail
Can anyone tell me the baggage allowance limits on the Seaplane from Male to the Conrad. We have a carry on bag eac weighing around 7-8 kg and will also have 2 more pieces of check in luggage weighing around 10-12 kg... will this be allowed?
Hi Deano!
You can carry 25 kg (20kg + 5 kg hand luggage)without paying. When you are over 25 kg you%26#39;ll have to pay 2 Dollars for each kilo.
Have a great holiday!
Nicole
Sorry - forgot: 25kg each person...
Hi Deano
With those weights you should be fine. All luggage on the plane is stored at the back and this includes your hand luggage. So if you want to take phots in flight remember to take your camera out of your hand luggage.
Have a great holiday.
OD
Deano - my hubby wants to know how come your bags are so light? lol
Softail
Have to let everyone who helped me chose Reethi that I made it, survived the seaplane and ate apple crumble foor everyone (Especially Woodybark)and agree it is fantastic!!! Have to say i thought the baileys bread and butter pudding jut stole the gold though! Will write a review when depression about being back starts but wanted to thank everyone who helped/advised on resorts when I chose reethi.It was a totally fabulous holiday exceeding all expectations.I am prepared to remortgage my house to go again as I am totally smitten.Already wondering should I try other resorts or will anywhere else not be as good as reethi. Thanks to everyone on this sit I had the most wonderful Maldives experience with just what I wanted great snorkelling,great food, great cocktails, great weather and totally relaxation in just the laid back atmosphere I wanted.Don%26#39;t want chrome,glam and glitz just sea and sand and great laid back atmosphere! It suited me down to the ground so thanks everyone. sadly back to work now for first time!
Reethi apple crunbleWe told you so,
Glad it worked.
Rumps
Reethi apple crunblemrs-baggie
Told ya! Welcome to the %26#39;totally smitten%26#39; club. Glad it all worked out ... but then how the %26#39;eck could it not?!
Wid
Morning Wid,
Just to let you know, long story but have moved Fiha for Elliadhoo.
Rumps
Rumps
... er ...why? C%26#39;mon you can%26#39;t just say %26#39;long story%26#39; and leave it at that! Warts an%26#39; all please.
Wid
Mrs Baggie - I saw that you had the apple crumble but did you have the pina coladas for me as well? lol
Really glad you loved it and the mortgage rrate is low anyway now so get the second trip booked!!!
Softail
Softail I drank so many pina coladas for you that you should be totally awash with pineapple! Did try the virgin colada for day time but found without the rum it was a bit too pineapply so had to have the ';full fat'; version all the time - shame! Was hoffified to see that AI drinks bill for the 2 weeks was nearly ￡1100!!! and we are not (really) heavy drinkers just cocktails and then addicted to baileys with ice with coffee!!! And of course lots of water! The maldivian ice tea went down a treat as well. Also chuffed to get a photo of a turtle swimming.Now totally a Maldives addict and wondereing should I try another island or will it not be as good as RBR!
Thanks again everyone it was so fab (OH might not thank you al tho as i am now so addicted just busy planning next trip even if i have to remortgage the house!)
Welcome to the dark world of financial ruin, thanks to a Maldives addiction! Always a difficult one, whether you should venture to another Island. We have been a good number of times now, and only yet experienced two Islands, our favourite being Reethi Beach. I often feel we should maybe try elsewhere, but what if you don%26#39;t like it as much as your favourite? You%26#39;d spend 2 weeks wishing you%26#39;d gone to the original one I think? That%26#39;s my logic anyway, but of course it%26#39;s not entirely %26#39;adventurous%26#39;. However, Maldives holidays are getting more and more expensive these days, so I think I%26#39;m gonna be playing it safe. If I%26#39;m spending that kind of money, I%26#39;ll go somewhere I know I like.
Well, I KNOW I%26#39;m gonna be playing it safe next time anyway - Reethi in April/May 2010!
mrs Baggie, don%26#39;t worry our bill for the bar alone was nearly ￡1000 and that was 10 days. that%26#39;s my argument for going AI. We only paid ￡600 to go AI for 10 days and of course got all the food. That%26#39;s why we ate of the other restaurants as well as we felt we were still under what we would have had to pay.
Sometimes I think I%26#39;m not going to look on here anymore and we aren%26#39;t going this year, but I%26#39;m draawn back to it every day!!! Go on the sharm site as well, but it jsut doesn%26#39;t feel the same.
Softail
PS Thanks for putting yourself out by drinking all those cocktails for me!!
I am confused. We are going AI in a few days I am aware of the 10% service charge but does it apply to the %26#39;all inclusive%26#39; drinks?
For that matter does the 10% service charge apply to everything? leaving me a big bill at the end of the holiday? We chose all inclusive to avoid the big bill at the end of the holiday.
@ Mrs Baggie, ￡1100 drinks bill? were you drinking lots of the drinks that were not part of the all inclusive package? I presume from your post that you were on the AI package?
I am now getting very anxious about the cost implication of the 10% charge....
10% service charge is added to everything + there is a 3% government tax also added. This I believe is added to your bill regardless of being AI or not.
This applies to any island in the Maldives not just Reethi.
I may be wrong about the AI facts as I never go AI on holiday.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Emu
What%26#39;s the weather like in September. We%26#39;re looking to go for a week, we%26#39;ve only been in January before when the weather has been good and don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s worth risking it!
Any time in the Maldives is worth risking. Search weather at the top of the forum and you will see some people never saw rain in September, others just a few showers.
Softail
Hi Ian
September is still in the wet monsoon season, so some rain is almost certain. How much and when is anyone%26#39;s guess. Some posters are lucky and go in the rainy season and have great weather. Others have reported days of continuous rain. The other thing to be aware of is that the weather can vary greatly from island to island.
The link below is to an excellent article about the weather written by Emu72:
www.tripadvisor.com/members-inside/Emu72
In addition to Emu72%26#39;s excellent review, you might like to take a look at this link to the Maldives Dept of Meteorology.
http://www.meteorology.gov.mv/
All you can say with any certainty is that it will be hot!
OD
Hi there
I have a couple more questions:-
Do they provide Dressing Gowns in the rooms?
Has anybody flown with Quatar Airways via Doha?
Whats this I have read regarding a levy charge?
We have booked with Hayes and Jarvis
Only part of your Q I can answer.... have flown with Qatar via Doha. LOVED IT. Flight was excellent. Doha itself was incredible (IMO but then I like people watching) - like a melting pot of nationalities. You could even pay for your duty free in English pounds! Only down side as far as I was concerned was the queue for the loos. Once in though, these were spotlessly clean, just not enough of them. Some people say there is not enough seating - we didn%26#39;t find this but I suppose it depends upon the time of day you are there. Enjoy.
But is it worth Not going direct--IMO No.
Rumps
Water villas do provide dressing gowns but not deluxe or standard villas.
Softail
Qatar are a very good airline with smooth transit to the plane change.
Doha airport is hit or miss, it depends on the amount of flights that are in transit at the same time.
It can be a nightmare, no seats, queuing to get through customs for ages etc etc. and duty free is not very good or cheap, compared with Dubai or Gatwick.
So anything you need I would purchase at Gatwick.
The inflight is far better than any charter airline.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Emu
Got to disagree with Softail on this one - DeLuxe Villas certainly do robes, don%26#39;t know about standard Villas though.
For what it%26#39;s worth
Bow to Bonters superior knowledge!! I was going on what I was told by a couple in the deluxe rooms. Standard don%26#39;t get them.
Softail
Hee hee - I have to say that bathrobes is the least of my worries in the Maldives, but there ya go! We certainly had them recently in the DeLuxe villa.
Regards
Bonters
Havve flown direct with both first choice and monarch. Last time went with Qatar. 30mins stop on way out and 60 on way back. So literally off one plane and then on next. Doha to Maldives and return was empty, good to stretch legs, broke long flight up and service/planes were great. Would do Qatar again with same short gap in between flights.
I am going to Reethi in August for 12 nights and I am considering a quote given to me by H%26amp;J.
They have quoted me 拢4200 (2 people) for Water villa, All Inclusive, sea plane transfer.
So far so good. The quote is very good compared to Kuoni.
The only problem are the flights. We fly from Heathrow via doha (which Im not that bothered by) and arrive in Maldives next day.
The problem is the stop over in Doha is for eight hours! and on top of that we arrive their at midnight! Now theres only so much you can do in an Airport lounge. And we are on or Honeymoon after all.
Now as far as I know we cannot leave the airport, and their are no hotels in the airport. Now i am stuck!
Kuoni have offered me direct flights, but are asking for 拢5150. Which is too much..
You should be able to select alternative flights with Hayes and Jarvis. They offer direct Sri Lankan flights and other airlines.
I agree with the last post. When I was looking to book my holiday I could consider Qatar, Emirates amd Sri lankan flights. There is an option online when you press %26#39;continue%26#39; to look at other airlines.
Will I need to phone them up for that? Because it doesnt give me the option on the website.
Hi Snowlady, it only gives me one more alternative which is worse!
Hi
As others have said you should be able to switch flights with H%26amp;J. Normally if you book on line it comes up as an option. I%26#39;ve flown with Sri Lankan through Hayes %26amp; Jarvis and they fly direct. The other consideration is that H%26amp;J sometimes use first Choice airlines as they are part of the same group. FC are a charter but they do go direct.
I am surprised at the high cost of Kuoni%26#39;s offering. Normally there isn%26#39;t a great deal of difference.
OD
I would prob give them a call then. Or are your dates flexible a little? Changing by one day for example may give you better options?
Alternatively try and get Kuoni to price match or call another agent like Marks Travel. They offer Kuoni holidays but are cheaper than Kuoni%26#39;s web prices.
Thanks guys for the replies will call them and see if they can offer more suitable flights and also call kuoni to see if they can price match.
Hi
We were given Emirates flights with a long wait when we booked through H%26amp;J last year. I knew there was an alternative flight which didn%26#39;t come up in the options section.. so I just phoned them and they changed it for no extra charge and they still gave the online discount.
If you can find a more suitable flight it%26#39;s worth getting the flight details and phoning them up.
We also found a huge difference in price between H%26amp;J and Kuoni (Kuoni being way more expensive) - for exactly the same holiday, flights etc.
Hope this helps,
regards
Ian
Hi Jack,
Qatar and H%26amp;J will probably be the cheapest option, have you tried changing the dates slightly as this will usually throw up other flights that connect within 1.5hrs. Qatar usually have two flight per day 3 times a week to the Maldives, the other 4 days are 1 flight per day with poor connection times, this is the one you are booked on!
I have done a 8hr stint at Doha on the return leg of a Thailand holiday last year, it ain%26#39;t fun I can tell you!!
The ONYX lounge costs about $25 pp which gives comfy seating, massage chairs, blankets and free drinks and snacks - but even with this, I would never do it again for that cheap flight!!
Doha is hit or miss with seating, when we did the Thai trip there was not one spare seat in the main lounge areas (upstairs) and our flight was a night one too.
Hi Jack,
I have just checked the Qatar schedule, you are booked on the QR012 flight 15.05 from LHR to Doha, you need to change this flight to the QR002 flight 21.30 it means you get the same connecting flight at Doha without the 8hr wait.
The price should be the same, but even if it goes up will still be cheaper than SriLankan or Emirates.
鈥atarairways.com/qribe-web/public/showIBE.do
Regards
Emu
Looking for peoples %26#39;must try%26#39; drinks list!! I%26#39;d like to try as many different drinks, cocktails etc as I can while there.
Now having said that don%26#39;t get the wrong impression, Im not an alcoholic and don%26#39;t plan to sit at the bars all day everyday.
But I%26#39;d just like to try more than the usual beer, scotch, gin, vodka etc etc.
Thx!!
Breakfast - Coffee
Pre-lunch - first few days, diet coke - days 3 onwards cocktails!!
Lunch - rose wine
Mid afternoon after snorkelling to the bar - first few days diet coke, days 3 onwards a cool beer
Sunset - Cocktails or the odd glass of champagne is hubby isn%26#39;t feeling too mean
Dinner - rose wine
After dinner drinks - Baileys
Not included the 2 large bottles of water I drink throughout the day.
Softail
Nope , stick to what i know and dosnt give me a hangover--on arrival 2 beers then throughout its double rum and cokes -- beers -- G%26amp;Ts beersand of course Aqua. ill say bye bye for now as i may get struck of.
Rumps
Cocktails were lovely, especially Maldivian Iced Tea and Pina Coladas
Lonny
Hi Lonny happy new year, maldivian iced tea is that non alcoholic?
Hi Willow
Happy New Year to you too, thats to both of you of course. Maldivian Iced Tea cocktail is definately alcoholic, it was one of the nicest we tried (on AI)Cant remember now exactly what was in it, there was about 3 shots of different alcohol in it, am sure vodka was one of them but not sure of the others. I%26#39;d be willing to go back and find out for you though!!
Lonny
Have sent you both a PM.
I will definitely have at least one, I%26#39;ll keep my eye%26#39;s on the bartender the for recipe!!!
Daytime - pina coladas
watching sunsets - maldivian ice tea (lonny it is gin, vodka, melon liquor and sprite fantastic)
if feeling brave before dinner - between the sheets ( rum, brandy, somthing else, lime juice, sugar syrup - great but strong)
after dinner - double baileys with ice ( makes you look a real alki tho when you sign for 16 baileys at at a time!)
All the time - loads a water
PS Cuba Libra - coke, white rum and lime also good
In fact work your way through the cocktail list as they were all great!!!!
Ohhh I can just taste the rum and pineapple juice in the pina coladas!!!!
Softail
Taking notes and plan on trying them all :-)
Maldivian Ice Tea is definitely my favourite %26#39;different%26#39; drink. Had 2 before dinner just about every evening I believe. Then of course there%26#39;s the cold beer (bottled is my preference). Dry white wine, large G %26amp; T%26#39;s, large V %26amp; T%26#39;s, large Baileys, Large Brandy.............well, you get the picture? :-)
Off to Reethi sat, bought avon skin so soft green one and pink one which one is the one to help againist mozzie bites. Also would like to thank everyone on this forum for all their help.Julie
Avon skin so soft, which one?Hi Julie
Definately the green one, although we found we didnt need anything. Didnt use any spray or anything in the room and never got bitten.
Have a fantastic time, look forward to hearing about it when you get back.
Lonny
Avon skin so soft, which one?Lonny, what time of year did you go? Just asking cos I%26#39;m terrible with mozzie bites and always use repellent, the Avon SSS %26amp; I take Vit B all year round just to be on the safe side!
Oh my god Julie - that%26#39;s you just about away - your time has come at last!! Lonny is right - didn%26#39;t need anything when I was there either. I think some people are tasty and some aren%26#39;t. One things for sure - you WILL get bitten by the Maldives bug!!!Now remember - you have been warned. hope it lives up to your expectations
Woody x
Catch up with you in a few days Julie. We will be arriving late afternoon on tuesday, have a good journey.
Hi Hayley
We went to Reethi Nov/Dec. The only people we saw who got bit were the ones who went on the trip to the desert island.
Lonny
i always use the pink bottle ones for mozzies and the green one is for midges ... but the last time i said this, about 5 people disagreed and said it was the other way round! I know the SAS uses the pink ones and so that%26#39;s the one I stick with and it def works for me, every time. ... have a good trip .....
...activegirl
Hello
Having been to the Maldives before have a fair idea what is sold at the gift shop. Could anyone tell me what sort of items are available at the Chaaya Reef gift shop? ie Shower gel? What factor suncreams, lilos etc
Many thanks
PS:I know it is a bit tacky to want a Lilo but I can%26#39;t help myself!
Hi,
Have a look at the website below. You will find all you will need to know. It%26#39;s just for the Chaaya resorts.
groups.google.com/group/chaaya-resorts…
I an off to Chaaya reef in May and can%26#39;t wait.
Regards
You also have to be an approved member to view this website
regards susie
As for the lilo --best thing to do is buy new ones from e-bay and take them with you at about £3 as to getting from the islands at £8 + + sun creams on any island will cost a fortune as to taking them with you.
Rumps
I am aware expensive and limited supply.
Last time we ran out of sun cream only because I had decided to buy some extra at the airport but because we changed planes at Doha could not take any liquid above 100ml in hand luggage. I could have kicked myself for not thinking of this as usually fly direct! We ended up buying a few small aftersuns and suncream for skiing! as only ones available under 100ml.
So be warned if you are changing planes! as your cream could get confiscated1
Turquoise
Hi turquoise 23 we are arriving on the 4th may and like you have been to 3 other maldive islands can%26#39;t wait all the reviews are very favourible
Hello Maldive3
We are off Sunday after next and hope to be bringing back another 5 star review.
Regards Turquoise
The shop in Chaaya Ellaidhoo stocks lots of things like shampoo, shower gel etc - I know because I ran out when we were there in September. They also stock a range of suntan lotions - Lots of Banana Boat ones too. They are higher priced that they are in the UK, but good for peace of mind if you run out of things.
They also sell Lilo%26#39;s. We bought one there because it saved space in the suitcase going over. Again they are more expensive but it was worth it to save the extra kilos going out there.
You will absolutely love this island and the people are just the best. Have a great time.
Thanks JulieCoe
That%26#39;s good to know as a good 5kg usually goes on shower gel,shampoo, sun lotion and aftersun etc
I thought I may get a Lilo if we ended up in a room without much beach. We are in a beach bungalow but myself and husband are not usually very lucky in getting rooms in a good location!
Can%26#39;t wait to get some sun!
Reagards Turquoise :)
Hiya! I see a lot of people have taken a travel kettle along to Club Faru, but do I need a travel adapter? And any particular voltage? Also, I will need to use hair straighteners, and to charge a DS, do I need an adapter for these, and which one is it? Thankyou!
Hi Pootle,
Dont need an adaptor, same plugs as ours / voltage--as for straightners there a waste of time, as soon as you go out--Frizz, best to tie up/ back, humidity works against vanity.
Rumps
Thankyou, That is very helpful! If the voltage is the same my hair straighteners will work, rather than how they don%26#39;t work in Mexico and Dom Rep! Thanks!
We are going to the island for our honeymoon in December and plan to spash out on the last night on a night in the deluxe lagoon water villa, i believe there are only two, can anybody tell me if they have done the same and payed for it at the resort and if so how much is it ! is it cheaper doing it over here through the travel agent or is it cheaper doing it out there.
Hi Haggis,
It is cheaper to upgrade in resort--the only problem being AVAILABILITY and if there is only 2 this will be a problem.
Rumps
Yes there are only two.
I seem to recall it costing about 500 US$ for the room. I will see if I have the papers at home to double check for you.
I%26#39;m not sure if you%26#39;ll be able to book it in advance with an agent if you only want to stay there for one night - I expect you may need to do it in the island.
As rumps has said, it will depend on availability too. If you%26#39;re staying for 2 weeks it shouldn%26#39;t be a problem (just ask as soon as you get there) - you may just have to settle for it being on a different night rather than your last.
We%26#39;ve just come back from there on Tuesday. They do a night in the sunset lagoon villa for $495 + 10% service charge for the room. I think it is from about 6.30 in the evening to after breakfast in the morning. (champagne breakfast in the villa). You can have dinner on the deck if you want as well.
I%26#39;d try to book it in advance, but as previously stated, it might not be possible for just the one night.
Alternatively, there is an overnight on a desert island. We went there for bbq on the beach, but didn%26#39;t stay the night. If you stay, they take you by boat at 6pm, you have a bbq, then they leave you around 9pm on your own for the night. The hut looks fantastic. They bring you breakfast in the morning and take you back at 9am. cost $400 per couple + 10% service charge. Possibly better value if you%26#39;re on a budget, as this includes a bbq.
It%26#39;s a fantastic place, we can%26#39;t wait to go back.
Hope this helps
Hi,
We went to Coco Palm for our honeymoon last November and we decided to book a night in the Sunset Lagoon villa. It did cost $495 + 10% service charge and included a champagne breakfast. I booked the date that we wanted in advance via reservations@cococollection.mv.com. However, when we arrived they had booked both villas for guests who were staying for a week so we couldn%26#39;t have the villa on the date that we wanted. Having said that they offered us another date which was fine.
We were given access to the villa by 10am and had to vacate by noon the following day. It was a great experience for a special occasion and the guest book in the villa is full of wonderful comments.
What I would say as regards booking this for your last night, you may end up selling yourselves short dependent upon the time that your flight leaves Male. You aren%26#39;t advised of the time of the seaplane departure until the day beforehand and it may be early!
Have a fantastic time, we certainly did!
M
Hi all
Thanks for looking into this thread.
I am off on monday night to reethi beach and cannot make up my mind how to take my laptop.
My wife will be taking a full size hand luggage bag as well as her handbag but what about my own hand luggage? will Sri Lankan allow me to take my laptop onboard as an additional hang luggagge item? I will also have a rucksack in carrying essential items.
thanks for any advice
Gareth
Hi Gareth and Katy,
I haven%26#39;t flown with Sri Lankan but do travel alot and strongly recommend that you limit the hand luggage as much as you possibly can. The security screening is a pain these days and you are so restricted in terms of liquids/gels etc anyway that we tend to travel with one small hand luggage bag between us - containing only valuables, travel documents, a book each etc. If we take a lap top that is in the second bag. For the Maldives, you can also throw a swimsuit in. With Sri Lankan you can take a handbag and coat/jacket in addition but the hand luggage is restricted to 7kg. Depending which airport you travel from, they may be fairly strict about this and insist you put anything over in your hold baggage. So definateky travel as light as you can.
TM
Hi Gareth
Hubby always takes his laptop in his small rucksack and then the cameras go in my trolley dolly case. On some airlines you can carry your laptop separately but looking at Sri Lankan%26#39;s website you can%26#39;t - see below:
Free Carry-on Items
In addition to your hand luggage the following items will be accepted as free carry-on items:
鈥?One lady%26#39;s handbag, purse or pocket book
鈥?One overcoat, wrap or blanket
鈥?One umbrella or walking stick
鈥?One small camera or one pair of binoculars
鈥?Infant%26#39;s food for in-flight consumption together with infant%26#39;s toiletries and disposable
items such as nappies
鈥?One infant%26#39;s carrying basket or fully collapsible stroller
You have quite a generous 7k on Sri Lankan so you%26#39;ll be fine.
Also you%26#39;re on a seaplane so you don%26#39;t want to carry any more bags.
we would like to go somewhere very nice for our 25th anni,1 sept. like the look of the maldives but not sure about the weather ! looks tobe abit wet (rain) dont want grey overcast skys and rain for most of the day,
would this be true ! if so when should we go and which island, want direct flight, dive centre , allinc ,watervilla if poss
sept !!
..........budget...?
..............would be useful (if there is one?)...
.............big island,small island, pool (altho why would you?), boat transfer or seaplane (def seaplane IMO!).... give us a bit more info, ha ha!!
..........................regards, the DmM...x..
sept !!well be gentle with me, I am a first timer..
was hoping to get top notch for about ￡1000 to ￡1500 each 2 weeks all in.. !!!
big/ small ,boat/plane not bothered
go for it then
Hi 1664,
Have a look at this site, posted yesterday, it seems to be the cheapest place at the moment for deals to the Maldives:-
http://uk.travelzoo.com/search/?q=maldives
Sadly, these islands are very expensive nowadays and your budget pre booking in advance (not late deals) may get you FB or AI at Biyadhoo, or Fihalohi islands there are others that may be a possibility??
Weather, this is a different story and in September can be a bit of a gamble!!
Have a read of my inside page on weather:-
tripadvisor.com/Travel-g293953-s208/Maldives…
Whilst it paints a good picture of the weather in the Maldives, there is that small chance of getting totally washed out for 3+ days.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Emu
You might just squeene in 2 weeks at Reethi Beach if it is at the beginning of September, although it would be in a standard villa and not a watervilla.
Direct flights are often with charter and sometimes are more expensive. The stop off in Dubai is only a couple of hours and then you could have 10-12 nights and that would bring the cost down abit. Would recommend that you go AI so no nasty surprises at the end of the holiday.
Softail
sorry can i up the budget to whatever you think we will need to pay !!
Hi all, Am considering booking a trip here for next Xmas and new year. Have been to Komandoo twice but sadly could no longer afford its inflated prices.
Do the islands compare?, im not looking for luxury just nice snorkelling, small island, beach villa and all inclusive. After extensive searching of websites i.e. Virgin, Thomsonworldwide, Hayes and Jarvis etc Velidhu seemed to be the only one that ticked our boxes in the right price bracket.
The reviews look positive, has anyone been recently? would be grateful for some reassurance before I commit to spending alot of money!.
Thanks.
Hi I am about to book this in the week coming. Im hoping that its a great island. If anyone reads this who has been recenetly please post back and put my mind at rest!!.
Hi, off to Chaaya Island in a little under 3 weeks.
Do the Water Villa Suites have a DVD player in them at all
(need something on the TV to fall asleep!!)
Which Chaaya??
oops -Dhonvelli
Yes there is a dvd player and the tv has about 10-12 channels that show english programmes out of about 20 in total. We stayed in Water Suite 713 and they are lovely.
Have a great time
Barry
Thanks for the reply.
Can%26#39;t wait, fly out on the 1st March for 2 weeks.
It depends on what water villas you are sataying ?
There are two kinds , the ones we stayed in didnt have a dvd player we took our own one .
Am I right in saying there are Water Bungalows and Water Suites (villas) on Dhonvelli?
We are staying in a Water Suite (villa)
The water bungalows do not have dvd players, the water suites do.
Have a grear time.
Barry
That makes sence as we stayed in a water bungalow that didnt have one .
Is it usually a long wait for the sea plane to this particular island?
If so has anyone waited at the local hotel(we have done this before)or is it more of a case of not knowing when it will turn up and just waiting several hours at the terminal?
Thanks Turquoise23 :)
turquoise,
The seaplanes are booked like any transfer (coach-taxi)the travel company knows when you are arriving / departing and book acordinly, the most we have waited is 45 mins although i have spoken to people who have waited 2 hours, the new seaplane terminal is good and comfy, so i would not worry.
Rumps
Hi
As Rumps says, seaplane departures are linked to the international arrivals. If you have to wait for a couple of planes to land at Male, then your wait at the seaplane terminal might be a couple of hours. There are electronic departure boards so you will quickly be able to see how long you will have to wait.
There is plenty of seating and a nice bar. Just chill out, watch the seaplanes land and depart, and generally relax!
OD
Thanks for all the info have been by sea plane before(about 4 times) including from the new terminal.
The reason I ask is because some reviews for this island suggest a 4.5 hour wait!
The time we went to the Hulhule hotel was when we were actually left off the sea plane passanger list!It was very nice, pool and cold beer so thought if had to wait again would go there.
Turquoise
We are thinking of going to this resort in May 2009 and my husband would like to do some diving, he has his open water but not a lot of experience. Does anyone have any idea of the cost of dives from Chaaya Island? Do the dive prices include equipment hire? Also as I%26#39;m a non diver I%26#39;m interested in the price of snorkelling trips. Any info would be great.
Many thanks:)
Hi if you go to (www.chaayamaldives.co.uk) all the info on diving cost is on there ,the snorkelling trips are $15 when are you going in may we are there may 29
I hope this helps
Roy
HI
thinking of doing one week from 26.12.09 any advice welcome, specifically:
is it worth paying the extra for the water villa? They look nice as have sand/sea close by or do you go for it and do the water villas on the stilts?
Is it worth doing AI vs FB? we like having a few drinks before/after dinner and lots of water during the day what would we expect to roughly pay per day
Is a week enough or is it that great and you dont get too bored that you need 2 weeks? Its c 1400 more for an extra week
Any advice welcome
Meeru advice please for a maldive virgin
Hi Town33
The water villas at Meeru are built on the shoreline so are half in and half out of the water. They are in the process of being upgraded by the addition of a jacuzzi.
The existing over water Jacuzzi Water Villas are larger and are built out over the lagoons.
There is a very good unofficial UK website run by Meeru enthusiasts:
www.meeru.co.uk
Hope this helps
OD
Please excuse me asking a question that has possibly been asked loads of times before, but I am new to the area%26#39;s forum.
We are two mid 50 year old (hubby and wife) who are interested in going to the Maldives mid June. Although we%26#39;ve looked at TA in depth and done our homework on the internet for the Maldives, we simply cannot decide which island is best for us.
We don%26#39;t want a really small island as we would like some sort of activity other than the sea sport activity. We both love swimming but think we would be more intereted in a beach hut than a water hut. Perhaps a hotel? We want a touch of luxury and assume peace and quiet are a foregone conclusion. We don%26#39;t want to have to travel for several hours after landing at the airport.
Would we be better to opt for a 2 centre holiday?
Any advise at all would be gratefully received.
Daisy,
Each island is the hotel, and beach villas are luxury/ the Maldives is luxury although at varying degrees, peace and quiet is what its all about the only time you see people is at meal times and in the bars of an evening, the bigger islands have lots to do such as--Sun --Meed--Kuredu--Meeru although i would not personaly recomend Meed,
what Rooms are you looking for and what is the buget also what type of stay as in AI-FB-HB-BB.
As for traveling ,the furthest is Gan at about 1 and 1/2- hours on another plane--other transfers are by seaplane or boat--boat depends on the size and will be about 2 hours , furthest seaplane is i think a max 50 mins--all depending on what island.
Rumps
We would have a budget of around £3k for accommodation and would only expect to stay 1 week.
Regarding board, we have not yet decided. We are open to options.
I understand there is building work going on which we would not want to be near.
Having read your post I will look at Sun, Kuredi and Meeru.
Hi Daisy
Have a look at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. It is around 100 villas which is a medium sized island by Maldivian standards. There is a tennis court and you can play beach volleyball. However, that%26#39;s pretty much the extent of the activity in the Maldives. Once you get there you soon get used to everything being sea or beach based.
I have read that customs at Male airport can be very restrictive, what are they like with over the counter remedies such as paracetamol and ibuprofen?
Anyone had them taken away before?
Never had any problems and as I take prescriptin drugs I pack them in my hand luggage just in case the suitcases dnt make it and never had any trouble.
Softail
I%26#39;ve always taken paracetamol and ibuprofen in my suitcase but I also carry some in my hand luggage too - Never had a problem at all.
Hi G%26amp;K
I always have to travel with prescription pain killers and antibiotics and have never had a problem. I always take a copy of my prescription and I always leave the drugs in their original packs.
OD
Thanks all another trouble put to bed then
when we arrive at male do we collect our own cases and take them to the sea plane or is this done for us thanks , chris
Chris,
You collect your baggage from the international flight and go through customs, once in the open you will be guided to the seplane check- in a matter of minutes and only a few metres away. They weigh your bags and tag and away they go, you are then transported to the seaplane terminal by mini bus , all of 7 minutes.
Rumps
brilliant thanks rumpole
i have another baggage question we will travel with Qatar Airways chaging flight in Doha, there do we have to collect our cases or not?
Cant say for sure --but normal procedure if traveling on the same airline is that baggage goes straight through to destination, so a change in Doha should not be a problem unless changing airline.
Rumps
Hi Chris
Your luggage on Qatar would normally be checked through to Male. So when you arrive in Doha you are simply in transit and merely have to wait for your onward flight to be called.
OD
Hi
When you get to Doha it is usually straight though and if you have a quick turn around (30min)do not worry as there will be someone calling out for you.
One thing to remember is to have your transparent bag with your liquids ready and don%26#39;t buy anything duty free in liquid form ie sun lotion above 100ml in the uk as may get confiscated in Doha.
Turquoise
Hi La Viagg...,
You will not have to collect your bags, if your connecting flight is a short wait 30mins to 1.5hrs then your bags will be checked in at the origin airport on a %26#39;fast track - priority%26#39; label.
If you only have 30mins-1hr between connecting flights - once you clear customs, check which gate your connecting flight goes from (as they do not always call your flight) and make your way to the boarding gate, forget duty free - you wont have time.
You can also check the gate number of your connecting flight using the %26#39;inflight entertainment system%26#39; on the plane.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Emu
Many thanks for your info, in fact I had concerns for my return flight we had only 30 min. between both flights.
Hi there
Someone, somewhere out there must have been to Chaaya Ellaidhoo owned by John Keells by now since the reopening on 1st December!!!! Anyone willing to leave a new review?? Some of us are dying to see how things are going. Photos would also be much appreciated.
Many Thnaks, Pufferfish
Hi There
Please let us know...we have just booked for 2 wks 2nd march and very apprehensive!!
Dying to hear too!!
Charlie NI
It%26#39;s very quiet out there on this one isn%26#39;t it??!!!! Don%26#39;t think you need to be apprehensive as John Keells are a wonderful company and will look after you every step of the way. Have a great time in March at Ellaidhoo and let me know if you see any new photos or reviews!!
Pufferfish
I wrote to John Keells to ask when they were opening and they said they were going to have a %26#39;soft%26#39; opening on December 18th and the proper %26#39;public%26#39; opening on January 14th - so just over a week to go! I can hardly contain myself waiting for the photos, especially pics of the water villas. Hopefully we will be able to find some after this date! We%26#39;ve booked to go in September this year so you%26#39;ll be going before us - let us know what you thought!!!!
I went last March with Travel Collection, have rebooked direct with John Keells to return on 24.3.08. I too am keen to see the new water villas. The updated pictures they have so far are here: www.bubbleshare.com/album/222476/overview They are showing old beach pictures, but the rooms have been refurbished. I can%26#39;t wait, about 10 weeks to go! Hopefully, someone can update us before then!
Hi
Everyone has probably seen these already if you%26#39;ve been looking for new pics of Ellaidhoo, but just in case, here is a link showing rooms and bathrooms - no pics of the new water bungalows or swimming pool though worse luck!
maldivespackage.com/gallery/…ellaidhoo1.html
hello
we have just changed our booking from Kenya to Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo because of the FCO restriction on Kenya. due out on Monday 14th Jan any info would be good.
rebecca
Hey Rebecca - hope you have a great time at Ellaidhoo, you%26#39;ll be one of the first to visit after the refurbishment - let us know what its like and post some pics when you get back if you can!!! Happy Holidays!
Hi Rebecca, please reply, we%26#39;re all dying to know how it%26#39;s changed! The rooms and bathrooms look a lot better, but no structural changes. I am dead keen to know about the planned pool and the water bungalows. Please let us know!!
Hello all
i have found some new and old photos on the net copy and paste this link - then click on ellaidhoo and a list of photos comes up some are 2008 and dec 2007 - mainly rooms i think but hope this is of interest.
sorry forget link
http://bilder.maldives.de/
Still waiting to find out if I can go or not and it%26#39;s killing me.
As availability gets less and less I am looking at different board options. We don%26#39;t really eat that much and often miss dinner, preferring less earlier in the day.
Is it still worth going AI due to free drinks or would it be best just to go HB and pay for drinks (especially as we love cocktails). I am worried about the price of water. I guess the question is would we spend ￡1000 extra on food and drink when we don%26#39;t eat that much?
ED
Don't eat much, is it still best to go AI
ED
If you loved cocktails then very few AI resorts include them as part of the AI or is limited to the cocktail of the day so you will be paying for them anyway.
Water was costing us $3.5 for a 1.5 lte bottle and I go through at least 3 on my own. Coffee and Tea, soft drinks and carton fruit juice about the same.
You may be better going HB but remember if you do get hungry it will cost even snacks aren%26#39;t cheap.
We prefer to go AI as there are no nasty bills at the end of the holiday.
Sg
Don't eat much, is it still best to go AIHi ED
It is not really the food - it is the drink!
By way of a guide, last April Mrs D and I went to Biyadhoo. This is a budget island and usually operates on a Full Board basis i.e 3 meals a day. The cost of drinks was not excessive by any means. I don%26#39;t drink alcohol at all and Mrs D doesn%26#39;t consume much either. Most of our drinks were bottled water and cokes, sprites etc.
For the 14 days we were there, our total bar bill, which included mini-bar, drinks with meals and the bar itself, came to $960. At today%26#39;s exchange rates that is about ￡700.
OD
Hi ED,
you mention eating earlier in the day!! HB means breakfast %26amp; dinner - always (some islands may allow you to change this to lunch??) but if not you will then be paying for lunch %26amp; drinks too.
I always go B%26amp;B if I can but that%26#39;s just what we like to do, however in your instance it may be better knowing where you are with funds etc??
Just IMO.
Regards
Emu
We ALWAYS try to go on a B%26amp;B basis as it provides added flexibility to eat in an a la carte restaurant and escape the buffet line, to eat in the bar, room service, etc. Our only reason for AI would be if we drank a lot of well drinks and took advantage of free windsurfing, etc. Even then I think most persons would save money and enjoy the flexibility of B%26amp;B. I remember a number of night we just felt like chilling in our room and ordered off a light room service menu.
We usually find it cheaper to go B and B because whenever we%26#39;ve had a half, full board or AI mealplan we%26#39;ve been disappointed at the concept of eating only in the main restaurant so have had quite a few a la carte or room service meals. Also cocktails and wine are no good on AI. If you%26#39;re beer drinkers and want to sit out drinking til midnight every night you%26#39;d probably get your money%26#39;s worth, but otherwise the only benefit meal plans have is that you don%26#39;t have to think about the cost when you get there.
we%26#39;re off the kuramathi in may and thought the AI was very good as it includes all cocktails!!! so far as i can gather the AI is particulary extensive compared to other islands and not too expensive either.
Thanks for all the opinions. It seems both options have advantages and disadvantages. Maybe I will just have to take what I can get if it turns out I can go.
Thanks
ED
We dont drink much, nor eat much so it was a no brainer for us to go Bed and breakfast. We ate a good breakfast, then sometimes just ate nuts and fruit for lunch (bought at the shop), sometimes an icecream, then bought our dinner at wherever we wanted to eat. Drank quality bottled wine (around $20US a bottle) which was much better than the house wine. Enjoyed cocktails at happy time at half price. Another thing for us is that lunch usually happened when we were right in the middle of swimming and snorkelling; we always thought it a pain to have to go and get cleaned up; and also the beaches are fantastically deserted while everyone else gets their grub.
Also not a fan of buffets - cant imagine having 3 a day for 2 weeks! We did the sums - we came out just ahead than if we had gone AI; but I think we enjoyed better food coz we had a choice.
We are going to Maldives in Nov 2008 for our honeymoon. Its going to be a really short trip 3-4 nights at the most. We are looking for water bungalows (thatched, with outdoor showers etc) on a small island, not very cosmetic, more secluded. Our budget is around $500 per night (if possible all inclusive). Activities we are interested in are snorkeling. I saw the lovely pictures where resorts serve dinner on the beach, even into the water. Would love to stay at one of those. What are the activities that are a must do in Maldives? We havent done much diving or other water sports that much, but would love to venture?
For the resorts we were considering Karumathi, it turns out that its a huge island, relatively and very crowded. We would like to go for something thats not too crowded or fancy.
All the suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Your biggest problem is going to be availability, as small island get booked up very quickly, usually 12 months in advance, so it might have to be one of the bigger islands.
regards susie
During November, normally maximum staying is 07 nights, most of the resorts they offer only for 7 night, however their is few resorts you can try,
- Sun Island (they offer all inclusive)
- Kanuhura
- Anantara
- Giraavaru
- Angsana Ihuru
Have a look at Komandoo. It is small, very well presented, has exceptional water bungalows and is luxurious without being pretentious. It is extremely popular though - we booked ours 16 months in advance.
Regards
John
Hi,
Agree with above post recommending Angsana Ihuru, they will take bookings for less than 7 nights, and you can book direct through the website, with live availability showing.
It does offer what you want but not AI only FB, the house reef is among the best in the country and it is also one of the most photographed islands in the Maldives.
Regards
Emu
Guys,
Thanks for all the suggestions! I looked for all the options on expedia.......and I thought that Anantara has the best rates $470 for Over Water Bungalow, I am assuming this is the one with coconut thatched roofs as seen in all the pics on their website http://spa.anantara.com/maldives/gallery.aspx
Any suggestions on that, I looked for the Komandoo island, and unfortunately its booked for the water bungalow. So Anantara looks the best option so far in our budget and availability. But more suggestions would be helpful....also want to get a first hand opinion on activities possible on this island......and over all for Maldives that shudnt be missed!
Thnx
Anantara is not known for having a reef where you can snorkle.
If that is not important to you, you should go ahead.
As others are mentioning Angsana Ihuru is a very good island, with very god snorkelling and food and service.
Angsana Ihuru is also full board, which will save you on your food budget.
To really appreciate what the Maldives have to offer, you need to put your head under water and see the fish and the corals.
That, the sand and water, plus the soothing climate is what does it for me, and got med hooked ;) That is also why a house reef is very important to a lot of travellers.
Of course, it is nice with a stylish bungalow, but you spend most of your time outside.
For $ 690/ 740 Ihuru is a very good option.
The overwater bungalow fascination I can fully understand, having ';been there'; myself. So you should try this, but you might find out - like I did - that you prefer to wake up, and see white sand and blue and green water through the palm trees, instead of your wooden balcony and the sea behind it...
Besides, the water/ waves underneath could be disturbing your sleep.
Well - you never know until you have tried, do you? ;D
Good luck deciding - and next time you will spend more than 3 - 4 nights. That%26#39;s for sure!
By the way - you could also have a look at Veligandu.
best,
;-b
Thanks B,
I agree Angsana might be agood option, but I will still research a little more to see if I can find a cheaper option, I checked out rates for Veligandu but they dont show any rates or availability after 31st Oct 2008. If I do get an AI at Veligandu for about $100 cheaper than Angsana, would it be worth saving that much or not! Another option I thought of was Kuramathi Lagoon, for the water villa.....I know its a bigger island.....but I think they offer a lot of activities there.....any opinions on kuramathi from anyone?
Thnx again
hello,
first, are you sure you only want to stay there for that number of days? we spent our 10 day honeymoon in the maldives in july and it was AMAZING. worth that long trip. unfortunately, living in the US, we don%26#39;t have much access to all these resorts via travel agencies. after doing much research, we split are stay in mirihi and anantara. both were excellent but much different from each other. it really depends on what you are looking for. mirihi is much laid back and smaller but the best thing about it aside from the impeccable service is the house reef. mind you, it%26#39;s over water villas are beautiful as well. there is nothing that you won%26#39;t like about this place....trust me! the only concern might be availability. i booked ours via their website so that should be your first start.
anantara is wonderful as well. bigger so there are more options in terms of activities and food. you will access to the other island called dhigu. the reef/snorkeling is not that great but they offer excursions that you can take if this isn%26#39;t a big deal to you. we stayed in a deluxe water bungalow in veligandu huraa and it was absolutely awesome especially the huge bathroom with the over-sized tubs. the regular bungalows i%26#39;m sure are just as nice but smaller, however, be careful as to where your bungalow is situated if you want great privacy for your deck. the decks are great but we were always doing stuff (i.e. experiencing their wonderful over-water spa) so we didn%26#39;t use ours as much.
hope this helps. let me know if you have other questions. good luck!
p.s. based on your post, you might want to check out veligandu island as well. it is much cheaper than the 2 i mentioned but their renovated bungalows look pretty nice plus they offer an all inclusive package.
Thanks a lot for your suggestions Pinoy! We are really bound on time, and would love to spend atleast a week in Maldives, but cannot do it this time!
To be really honest with you, my husband doesnt even swim, he is taking swimming lessons to atleast be not drown and try snorkeling in Maldives. I am an average swimmer, but havent ever tried snorkeling or diving. But I would definitely wanna try it. So here is another set of questions:
1) Is it dangerous to try snorkelling/diving in our situation?
2) As first timers, would we need any lessons for snorkeling/diving? Is it going to expensive to try it in Maldives as beginners.
3) In our situation, with the time allowed what are the activities that are must do and not to be missed for our first trip to Maldives? And based on that what would be the best islands/resorts with resonable rates. We would be willing to do an AI for about $700/per day. But definitely want to take a water villa this time.
I tried looking for Mirihi online on their website, but doesnt really show any availability for another year which I doubt. What is the average cost for Mirihi water villa?
Some of the options I was considering were
Angsana (but doesnt have water villa I believe)
Koomandoo
Kuramathi
Veligandu
Thanks again for your help, like you we are planning our honeymoon based on TA/my own research!
$700/day is more than enough as a daily budget. you can definitely get an AI package for that if not even much cheaper. the only other resorts you mentioned that i have considered before were kuramathi and veligandu. i actually almost booked with veligandu is i didn%26#39;t go with mirihi. the bungalows are newly renovated (at least according to their website) and the diving seems to be good. if you want to dive, maldives is the place to do it. i got certified there and it was so worth it; however, it will take up at least 2.5 days of your stay. i got my own private instructor too which was a big plus. as for snorkeling, personally i don%26#39;t think that you need to be a great swimmer (same with scuba diving) but it really depends on your comfort zone. worst case scenario, your husband can where a life jacket. also, depending on where you stay, you can snorkel just outside your water bungalow where the water isn%26#39;t too deep but yet still see tons of fishes. i think kuramathi is like that. btw, what airlines will you be flying?
