Conrad Maldives- any experiences or questions?

[boomy]

Sounds like the Maldives is a bit like Bora Bora, the view can be cheap (using points) but they hit you in the stomach!

That's the next destination on my HH bucket list
Hope the French there are nicer then the ones in the mainland

 

[boomy]

I and +1 just came back (6 weeks ago) from Conrad Maldives...we spent 1 night in Male and 6 nights at CM...we used points for SQ business Syd-Sin -Mle return, and upgraded 2 nights (AUD550 / night) from the Beach Villa to Over Water Villa. Not counting the SQ pts or Hilton pts, with the airline surcharges, hotel in Male, seaplane transfers (USD500 each), meals, excursions and activities etc...the final bill came in at just under AUD$7000:shock:...if we didn't use points, it would have cost 25K!! Was it worth it? absolutely....one of the best trips of my life, albeit not a cheap place!

If you exclude the points used for the room (yes, I know points worth money) then it's not more expensive then Hayman or Lizard island but IT'S SO MUCH BETTER!!!

 

[kpc]

That's the next destination on my HH bucket list
Hope the French there are nicer then the ones in the mainland

Hmmm...we are thinking alike! Now to start saving the HH pts again....we blew all our points on our recent stya at CM.

 

[markis10]

Hmmm...we are thinking alike! Now to start saving the HH pts again....we blew all our points on our recent stya at CM.

Or IHG points, Bora Bora has come up on pointsbreaks, didnt last long LOL

 

[kpc]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

Here are some:

The place is even more stunning in real life!! We snorkelled with whale sharks, and this video was taken with the 3rd encounter we had on the morning of 2nd March.
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=20c920236347ec45&sid=0AbsXDNi2buGLCvA

 

[Cynicor]

Squarely in the realm of first world problems, but any thoughts on the length of my next stay? Award stay, and I'm debating 7, 8, or 10 nights in Dec 2015 (next year).

Just not sure of what factors I should be thinking about, as it will almost certainly be just me unless I can rope a mate into coming too.

The main issues I've thought about are increased time off work (likely unpaid) and food costs for the extra nights.

Any thoughts? Leaning towards 8 right now.

 

[stoneman]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

The place is even more stunning in real life!! We snorkelled with whale sharks, and this video was taken with the 3rd encounter we had on the morning of 2nd March.
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=20c920236347ec45&sid=0AbsXDNi2buGLCvA

What a thrill that would of been, one of the last 2 trips on my bucket list....

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Squarely in the realm of first world problems, but any thoughts on the length of my next stay? Award stay, and I'm debating 7, 8, or 10 nights in Dec 2015 (next year).

Just not sure of what factors I should be thinking about, as it will almost certainly be just me unless I can rope a mate into coming too.

The main issues I've thought about are increased time off work (likely unpaid) and food costs for the extra nights.

Any thoughts? Leaning towards 8 right now.

Where? At Conrad Rangali?

I was thinking I might be pushing it for 7 nights with the boredom factor creeping in..........but I won't have any clue until after I've been. As you have been there, would I be correct in assuming you therefore believe 10 nights would be fine? I must admit, my picture of CR is one of sickeningly romantic honeymooners or geriatrics everywhere........not exactly a place for single action! (I must fit into the geriatric category )

 

[boomy]

Squarely in the realm of first world problems, but any thoughts on the length of my next stay? Award stay, and I'm debating 7, 8, or 10 nights in Dec 2015 (next year).

Just not sure of what factors I should be thinking about, as it will almost certainly be just me unless I can rope a mate into coming too.

The main issues I've thought about are increased time off work (likely unpaid) and food costs for the extra nights.

Any thoughts? Leaning towards 8 right now.

Since it will not be your first time there you can probably pass on the overwater villa upgrade (or just do it for 2 nights) and save some money.
Food cost is a problem, as it's always in these type of Islands. Best way to save a bit would be to have a big late breakfast, enjoy the free coughtails in the afternoon and trying to resist the excellent (but very pricy) wine list they offer for dinner.
If you plan to stay 8 nights then you should consider extending to 10 and take advantage of the diamond long stay benefit which should be around 75K per night. I didn't do the math but you probably get close to a "free" night by extending from 8 to 10.

 

[boomy]

Where? At Conrad Rangali?

I was thinking I might be pushing it for 7 nights with the boredom factor creeping in..........

No reason to get bored, there are plenty of activities on offer, it all depends on how much $$ you are willing to spend

 

[Cynicor]

Since it will not be your first time there you can probably pass on the overwater villa upgrade (or just do it for 2 nights) and save some money.
Food cost is a problem, as it's always in these type of Islands. Best way to save a bit would be to have a big late breakfast, enjoy the free coughtails in the afternoon and trying to resist the excellent (but very pricy) wine list they offer for dinner.
If you plan to stay 8 nights then you should consider extending to 10 and take advantage of the diamond long stay benefit which should be around 75K per night. I didn't do the math but you probably get close to a "free" night by extending from 8 to 10.

Yeah, those were my thoughts too: pay for one more night on points and get 2 nights. 8 nights is 630K and 10 nights only 720K. I'm a little worried that I may get bored of snorkelling, diving, yoga and the gym for longer than 8 nights.

Will probably upgrade only part of the stay, if I can negotiate a decent rate.

Like I say, first world problems!!

To Swanning- it is a place for honeymooners, but as a single guy I still had a blast last time. Depends how much of your own company you can tolerate!

 

[kpc]

To Swanning- it is a place for honeymooners, but as a single guy I still had a blast last time. Depends how much of your own company you can tolerate!

...or for couples returning for special anniversaries. I and +1 did not fit into any of these categories, just someone wanting to burn HH pts before they are devalued:shock:. swanning_it, I'm not a beach person or someone that can lie by the pool reading a book all day, but after 6 nights this year, I wished I could have stayed 2-3 more nights....so I would say 8-10 nights would be just right (for me) anyway. Having said that, I want to go to Bora Bora next rather than return to the Maldives ...

 

[Deleted member 29185]

...or for couples returning for special anniversaries. I and +1 did not fit into any of these categories, just someone wanting to burn HH pts before they are devalued:shock:. swanning_it, I'm not a beach person or someone that can lie by the pool reading a book all day, but after 6 nights this year, I wished I could have stayed 2-3 more nights....so I would say 8-10 nights would be just right (for me) anyway. Having said that, I want to go to Bora Bora next rather than return to the Maldives ...

Ah yes, the devaluation crowd. I must admit, that's me too! As I said, I can't really comment until we've been and experienced it but I'm thinking there are many other places in the world I'd like to experience before returning.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Can anyone tell me the luggage limits per pax for the light plane connection MLE-CR and return?

 

[Cynicor]

Can anyone tell me the luggage limits per pax for the light plane connection MLE-CR and return?

From memory, total 25kg for luggage and hand luggage (i.e for everything together).

 

[Gold Member]

Another pre-devalue opportunist here too. Some advice for the sea-plane:

- there's no WP shadow!
- T-80 seat selection will not help
- ear plugs / noise canceling headphones recommended
- board first to snag a single seat on the left hand side of the plane (1-2 config) for slightly extra width
- sit as far forward for better views and proximity to the aircon (read tiny little fan stuck to coughpit bulkhead)
- if you're used to travelling First/biz, be prepared to be humbled!

 

[kpc]

Another pre-devalue opportunist here too. Some advice for the sea-plane:

- there's no WP shadow!
- T-80 seat selection will not help
- ear plugs / noise canceling headphones recommended
- board first to snag a single seat on the left hand side of the plane (1-2 config) for slightly extra width
- sit as far forward for better views and proximity to the aircon (read tiny little fan stuck to coughpit bulkhead)
- if you're used to travelling First/biz, be prepared to be humbled!

Agree...also visit the restroom prior to boarding. Have camera ready for spectacular views!

...Having said that, I want to go to Bora Bora next rather than return to the Maldives ...

Just booked Bora Bora for next September

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Are we served champers by a lovely lady during flight?

(PS, I'm fairly used to the luxury of a Twin Otter , so I'll manage.........it's my 13YO daughter who has only ever known VA row 3 or J that I'll get a chuckle over :mrgreen

 

[Cynicor]

Agree...also visit the restroom prior to boarding. Have camera ready for spectacular views!
Just booked Bora Bora for next September

I was too distracted by the view to think about my NC headphones. I thought the whole thing (first seaplane) was all very "Indiana Jones"

I got on first and was right up the front, able to look through the coughpit the whole way and got a great view/photos of all the isles and atolls.

Can't wait to get back, booked for next December. I went for 8 nights in the end.

 

[diningdecadence]

Hey Cynicor - i'm guessing you're referring to this thread from the citi-KF/VA thread.

any updates from your recent visit?

cheers