Maldives or Tahiti

[Mick1969]

My wife's colleague has been fighting cancer for several years and has now succumbed to the inevitable, she would like to have a holiday on an overwater bungalow. Medical clearance aside ( she is aware of it) she would love to travel to either the Maldives or Tahiti. I have been looking at options for both but the flight times are brutal.

Her desires are an overwater bungalow with a plunge pool and accommodation budget of $10000 for a five day resort experience with only the ocean and pool to drop into. Options so far are the Conrad Rangali and Bora Bora resorts. Dates are somewhat flexible but she must be back in Sydney by 11 December.

Qantas does not return any flights for Papeete, and flights to the Maldives are complicated. Can anyone suggest minimal flights for either? Economy is fine, she is planning the budget around the hotel.

My wife will travel with her and is currently Qantas Gold, IHG Spire Ambassador and Hilton Diamond. We are looking at whatever benefits may available using my wifes status to maximise the flight and hotel stays. I have suggested to my wife to email Qantas about possible First Lounge access as a previous three year Platinum and the surrounding circumstances.

Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[snabbu]

Having visited bora bora a number of times I can absolutely recommend time there, 5 days would be perfect. However IME the downside to Conrad is it's on the southwestern side of the islands and can be extremely windy as it's unprotected. Properties on the western side of the eastern motu are sheltered and therefore preferred places to spend time (Four Seasons, Intercon Thalasso, St. Regis), in my opinion.

Your budget is about right for the trip. A quick google shows a 6 day 5 night package with breakfast at the Conrad in an OWB with a pool starting at $7500 ex LAX including flights. EX Australia I'd expect it to be slightly more expensive but you have a baseline ex-LAX

Bora Bora Overwater Villa with Pool (at Conrad resort)

Flights ex-SYD are via AKL to PPT then overnight before intra-island flights start up the following morning.

I'm unable to assist with the Maldives however I'm sure others will chime in with info.

Good luck.

 

[windycityf]

I did both Tahiti and Maldives in August. If flight times were no issues, I would choose Maldives hands down.
I flew BNE-AKL-PAP in one day and it was not so bad. But I arrived in PAP too late to take a ferry to Moorea.
If they would be flying for Australia, maybe plan to do the overnight in AKL if the flights are not suitable?

I am only speaking from a flight time stand point. Tahiti was easier then Maldives, especially with the time and flight changes.

 

[docjames]

SYD-SIN-MLE would be reasonable


tinerary
Sydney (SYD) to Male (MLE) — Tue, Nov 14

Sydney (SYD) to Singapore (SIN) — Tue, Nov 14
Singapore Airlines 252
Dep: 1:55 pm
Arr: 7:15 pm
8h 20m
Boeing 777
Economy (N), Economy (Q)

Layover in SIN
1h 20m

Singapore (SIN) to Male (MLE) — Tue, Nov 14
Singapore Airlines 452
Dep: 8:35 pm
Arr: 10:10 pm
4h 35m
Airbus A330
Economy (N), Economy (Q)

Male (MLE) to Sydney (SYD) — Mon, Nov 20

Male (MLE) to Singapore (SIN) — Mon, Nov 20
Singapore Airlines 451
Dep: 11:25 pm
Arr: 7:15 am
4h 50m
Airbus A330
Economy (H)

Layover in SIN
Tue, Nov 21
2h 25m

Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD) — Tue, Nov 21
Singapore Airlines 211
Dep: 9:40 am
Arr: 8:30 pm
7h 50m
Boeing 777
Economy (H)

Mileage

• 12,038 total miles

CO2 Emissions

• 3,466 kg (estimated by ITA).

Airport Information

• Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD)
• Male Velana International (MLE)
• Singapore Changi (SIN)

Cost per passenger (including taxes & fees)
A$1,327.62
x1 (1 adult)
Cost per passenger (including taxes & fees)
A$1,377.62
x1 (1 adult)
Total cost for 2 passengers
A$2,705.24

 

[Mick1969]

Thanks all, it looks like she is going to book Club Med in the Maldives with Singapore Airlines flights. It is much easier flying there than Bora Bora.

 

[Mr_Orange]

You can also do SYD-HKG-MLE with CX.

 

[Mick1969]

You can also do SYD-HKG-MLE with CX.

She has now booked with Club Med for all flights and accommodation. Singapore Airlines had the shortest connections.

 

[snabbu]

I did both Tahiti and Maldives in August. If flight times were no issues, I would choose Maldives hands down.
I flew BNE-AKL-PAP in one day and it was not so bad. But I arrived in PAP too late to take a ferry to Moorea.
If they would be flying for Australia, maybe plan to do the overnight in AKL if the flights are not suitable?

I am only speaking from a flight time stand point. Tahiti was easier then Maldives, especially with the time and flight changes.

If you made it to Moorea but not all the way out to Bora Bora then I can understand your preference for Maldives over Moorea.
Bora Bora is a completely different experience compared to Moorea.

 

[snabbu]

She has now booked with Club Med for all flights and accommodation. Singapore Airlines had the shortest connections.

Good stuff Mick1969.

 

[Jamesaurus]

I went Maldives via dubai and regret not going via singapore or colombo!

Best holiday of my life though: WELCOME TO VELASSARU

Wont disappoint!

 

[support]

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