Maldives

[joycelyn2011]

Hi Wu and Pat,

GOOD NEWS!!! My HTB say can go Maldive if the budget is around 6.5k-7k..

Is Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas and Adaaran Rannalhi good?

Was thinking dun take seaplane cuz ex... Dun wan those with lots of ppl though...

Can stay beach n water villa with that budget?

 

[joycelyn2011]

SQ air ticks bout $2000 for next year jan. Is it a good price? Should i book in the morning or afternoon to reach Maldive in the morning?

Thanx!

 

[patndrew]

WOW thats great!!
take the morning flight, reach there straight away transfer to the resort!

let us find you a good resort!!

 

[patndrew]

http://www.ihgfriendsandfamily.com/pulkpv

one cheaper option, using the friends & family rate booking

 

[persianahcat]

Joceyln: i think u should take the morning flight, transfer to the resort so u need not book a place at Male to stay. And since u have a budget to meet, u can go for places where they go by speedboat cos seaplane is already $1k SGD so.. save it for spending. I believe there most of the resort is good as the location ( Maldives) itself is already a beautiful place.

I am taking morning flight to Maldives this June too as i also cant afford to stay long.. so 5 days 4 nights for us.

 

[ryo]

Hi Joycelyn,

Agree with PersianCat... the natural beauty of MAldives already a reason to visit, esp during HM.
The only thing matters is do you need the luxury(for extra money).

Sad to say is that if you want a quiet resort, you'll need to stay in those slightly more ex resort, and furthermore your date is consider peak, so even the resort with less room will be likely fully booked, thus more "crowded" even on a quiet resort.

Peak period brings another issue... overbooking issue in some resort. So u must double and triple confirm booking with agent and resort itself.

Adaaran prestige ocean villa resort consist abt 40 rooms, probably suit your requirement, while Rannahli got 130 rooms. Rannahli seems to be a lower range resort of the Adaaran, and they do have a beach rooms while the other ones are all ocean villas.
The prestige ocean villa seems to be a better choice.

Another rather affordable resort situated at the north Male atoll, The Haven(previously paradise island) consist of 62 rooms, all are water villas. The rates looks pretty good too for a 5 nites stay within your budget.

http://www.villahotels.com/Resorts/Paradise-Island-Resort-Spa/Accommodations

As for the flight, it really depends...if you wanna to stay longer on an resort, I would choose nite flight. Stay 1 nite in Male, ask for the earliest speedboat ride and early check in(providing they allow). I would also ask for late check out since flight is at nite 10pm.
If you do not want to tired out, take the morning flight. The thing I dun like to the departure.. far to early.

 

[joycelyn2011]

Thanks Pat!

PersianCat,

So happy for you! You are going....sooooon...!
Where will you be staying?

Wu,

 

[persianahcat]

Jocelyn: Hilton Iru Fushi
Guess my water villa is pretty cheap compare to the rest.. or i should say i dare not compare anymore.. its jus make me see more n more beautiful one.

 

[joycelyn2011]

Haha... Yeah... Counting down the days yar...?

Dear All,

My HTB and I have decided to go Maldive during the low season... Going elsewher for honeymoon first.

 

[joycelyn2011]

PersianCat,

How much did you pay n for how many days?

 

[mintz0309]

folks planning a maldives trip in jul/aug, check out this 48hrs deal from SQ:

http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/local/SG/promo_fares/v03gv2_promotion-fare-to-male.jsp

 

[ryo]

Thank you very much Mintz!!!!!

but just saw their condition... Child/infant pay full fare!! Crazy SQ.

 

[patndrew]

HOT sale!
Depart on 5 Aug Friday 0945hrs - Male 1110hrs
return on 9 Aug Tuesday 1230hrs - SIN 2015hrs
good idea for a quick getaway!

 

[ryo]

Fuel surcharge just went up...Rates just went up by about 20 bucks per pax.

 

[bliss_girl]

Hi Everyone~ I've booked my HM trip to Maldives in Oct 2011.. Would like to find out if anyone of you has book any freelance photographers from Maldives before? My HTB and I are thinking of bringing my WD to take photos at Maldives.. Appreciate your reply! Thank you! =D

*P.S. - I've read through this thread up to 2Q2010 but don't have any info on any freelance PG.. =)

 

[ryo]

Hi Bliss_Girl,

Which resorts are you going? perhaps you can write to them and request for a quote regards to resident photographer over there.

Cheers!

 

[bliss_girl]

I'm going to stay at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.. I didn't know I can write direct to the resort.. Thanks Wu! I'll try that out now! =)

Btw, do you happen to know of what are the must do or must try activities in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru? Scuba diving is out for my HTB and me as we don't have any diving cert.. =( But we will go snorkelling.. Hees..

 

[ryo]

Ah I see... Banyan tree and it's sister island angsana ihuru got one of the best house reef in Maldives. Snorkeling is a must then I remember giant stingray will swim along the shore and u can feed them.
Anyway... The idea of going to Maldives is to do almost nothing.

it's such a beautiful where u can just lie on the beach do nothing

If u wanna to do something, there are plenty of things but remember that each activities would cost you money. Some are quite ex. Scuba diving is a must you still time to get your open water diver before u go. The course can be done over a weekend in Malaysia..some written exam prior to the trip. However, it's 3-4 times as ex to learn diving and dive in Maldives but it's absolutely worth it.

You can do line fishing, islandhop trip, sunset cruises, sport fishing, some non-motorized sea sports, seaplane ride trip etc Do write to banyan tree to obtain a whole list of excursion listing and rates. Plan your trip in advance and budget it properly and you will sure enjoy a unforgettable trip there.

Oh I think there's a free boat ride to it's sister island angsana frequently. Go there for a walk

 

[ryo]

And not forgetting star gazing.. Bring a binoculars there to see stars and the milky way galaxy. It's amazing. Under the dark sky, you can even see the milky way with naked eye. It'll appear to you as if it a cloud. I ever use a DSLR, set it to long exposure and film down the milky way. with relatively high power bino, u can even see Jupiter with it's 4 largest moon surrounding it but have to check whether oct timing, the Jupiter is up in the sky.. Forgotten Liao

 

[persianahcat]

Hi All,
I am back.. my wedding is finally over! Now its time to countdown for my HM in Maldives

Joycelyn: sorry for the late reply.. my HM will be 5 days 4 nights total cost with hotel n airticket and also seaplane is $4800 for 2.

 

[bliss_girl]

Wow~ Wu, you know Maldives so well! Thank you very much for the information provided! I'm still waiting for Banyan Tree to reply my email.. Seems like they are not very prompt in their email reply.. Oops~ But it's okay.. I've still got plenty of time to plan my itinerary.. =)

 

[poorthing]

hi all
intending to go maldives for my honeymoon next yr apr. when shld i start booking my accomodation? was kinda worried will it be full if im to book it end of this yr. btw, any water villa to recommend? And when is the best timing to travel there? morn flight or night flight?
thnks

 

[ryo]

Hi PersianCAt... How's your wedding? Having fun eh!

Hi Bliss_Girl... nah... just know here a bit there abit.

Have to be abit patient with them.... they are in a paradise... and there's no need for them to rush..Haizz. Unlike Singapore.

Hi poorthing,

Most resort do not have rates for next year April yet. Most likely you can check back around say 3rd quarter of this year.
It'll depends on your budget... water villa can range from USD200 in one resort and USD1000 in another. Maldives is a tropical country, and there's no best time. It'll depends on your needs. Some wants to surf, thus they will go during certain period, certain area. There're pro n cons for morning n nite flight, again, it'll depends on which resort you're choosing.

Can give us a budget, and we can work things out for ya.

 

[rainie77]

hihi everyone, I'm planning to go Maldives for my honeymoon trip after my wedding in Nov next year, but I suppose that is a peak season right? Can share with me what will be roughly the price differences if I were to go during non-peak season (i.e May the following year)?

Many thanks!

 

[persianahcat]

Hi Wu: Not too Bad.. glad that everythings went smooth.It an experience, fun but tiring...

 

[ryo]

Hi Hazel,

Yes indeed... it's consider the shoulder period... but near peak. Depending on resort. Price can be 1.2X - 2X of low season rates.

Take for example Hilton Irufushi, it cost S$246++ for beach villa during July this year, Nov is S$299++. Quotes from Agoda.com. HOwever there are other resort like Conrad. July rates beach villa is S$483++, Nov rates is S$803++.

Most resort do not have next year May pricing yet... but if economy is good.. Rates in all resort generally goes up by a fair bit.

 

[ryo]

Hi Perciancat!

Glad to hear that...

yes indeed tired but really an extraordinary experience.

EH.. you going HM really soon right? June right?

 

[rainie77]

wowww Wu, that's really a great difference! hmm have to discuss with HTB again...keke i scared I might be preggy by the off peak season, then no chance to go Maldives for my HM alr =(

 

[ryo]

Hi Hazel,

Preg women might be slightly more inconvenient, but it doesn't stop them from going there. I saw preg ladies during my last MAldives trip, wearing Bikini. She's probably about 5-6mths pregnant, and enjoying sun tanning.

 

[joycelyn2011]

Hi PersianCat,

Congrats! A load off yar!

I'm still planning for mine.... Lots of things to plan n settle..... Counting down to your Maldive Trip yar... Sooo gooood...! I'll go somewhere nearer for HM, maybe thailand, than MAYBE plan to go Maldive during low season next year...maybe July..

 

[persianahcat]

Jocelyn:

Thank you!! ya .. i am counting down to my HM at Maldives.. i guess it my most excited trip of all the places i went to. But after coming back to work.. i am so so busy.. haha ! now i wish i can go for my HM asap to really relax. Wedding is tiring..

 

[joycelyn2011]

Hi PersianCat,

Tiring but you're a MRS now!

Perserve...! Sooon!

 

[mummyauni]

Persian Cat : Congrats!! Now can countdown to ur trip!

)

 

[sha_hir]

Good Monday morNing everyone!

this is kinda last minute for me (actually very last minute! ha!) .. planning to go to Maldives on 9 Jun this year .. am hoping to receive your advises

Wu - i've surfed http://www.mal-dives.com/maldives/holidays/resorts/honeymoon_holidays.php based on your recommendation.. can i please ask for your opinion concerning -> Sunset Pool Villa by Anantara? they r having a 4 nights pay 3 nights offer.. am going for honeymoon and prefers a private pool..

Thanks loads!

Sha

 

[ryo]

Hi Sha,

Wow.... such a short notice... hahaha... it's almost slightly more than 1 month.

I see.. I believe you are referring to the Anantara Dhigu, sunset pool villa. This is a 162sqm beach villa... alternatively you can opt for a split room category. 2nites water suites and 2 nites pool villa, just for experiencing a water villa at the same time, at about USD70 more.

Another good choice is Four season kuda huraa. It got a free nites offer also. A 4 nites at the beach pavilion cost USD2865 nett. Pretty good rates with four season's quality and service.

Another one worth considering is the Angsana Velavaru. A 4 nites in their deluxe beachfront pool villa will cost u about USD3129 nett... but you'll have a chance to ride on a seaplane, transferring to the resort rather than speedboat.

Anyway, I believe all are wonderful resorts!

Hope that I've given u more choices rather than confusion.

 

[ryo]

Hi Sha,

Alternatively, you can also consider Zithali resort. A 4 nites at deluxe beach villa with pool, travel on seaplane will cost you only USD2705 nett, Halfboard somemore!! this is probably the best valued one

Just kindly take note, if u wanna to go to those resort that needs seaplane transfer, take the nite SQ flight, fly there 1 day earlier and stay in a budget hotel in Male, and nite flight back on your last day...to maximize your stay in the resort.

 

[sha_hir]

niCEee.. xie xie Wu..

i actually like Zitahli dholhiyadhoo aLOT! unfortunately, it's "akan datang"

... LOL!

i will do some readups on the other alternatives you have provided me..

 

[ryo]

Hi Sha,

Zithali there's 2 resorts.... dholhiyadhoo is akan datang

I also like that expansive space while there's another one is at Kuda funafura. The quote I got for u is for this one.

Happy read up!!

 

[sha_hir]

Wu - by the way, my facebook email is [email protected], would appreciate if you could add me/invite me to your maldives facebook group

 

[ryo]

Hi Sha, Added you.

 

[clodie]

hi all,

anyone recently visited Male? Wanna get some recommendation on which resort to go

can pls email me at [email protected]. Thks

 

[clodie]

hey add me too pls!

im trying to plan a trip in July....dunnoe what to do

 

[ryo]

Hi Clodie, you got FB account? just search for MAldives Goer group.

July is a good period to go.... if it's before 15th July, rates will be cheaper for most resort. AFter 15th, rates will go up steadily.

Currently alot of price slashing.... if you need help and quotes, do let me know. Can find the best deal for ya.

Cheers!

 

[persianahcat]

Hi Guys!

I am back from the Maldives Trip. It was a great experience having to see the beautiful sea, beach and island its a wonderful!

Just to share with all, i had booked for Water Villa at Hilton Iru Fushi and the resort is far from Male therefore we had the seaplane experience and the view was superb!

There are host that will be attending to us when we arrived so if u need anything jus call to check with your host. We went for snokelling,sunset fishing and Lucky Dolphin Cruise and we really manage to see the dolphin.But note that ppl with sea sick, u may feel really uncomfortable as we see some of them not feeling well during the boat ride.

We did not go for the full board therefore the dinner are all settle either in the restuarant or in-villa dinning. Personally, i feel that SG food is the best as we had alot of variety, so everything in Maldives was great except the food. Haha. we still prefer our Asian food we was able to get at Bamboo Restuarant. Guess the food is the best of the trip.

Nevertheless, we really enjoy ourselves and if next beach holiday, guess we will think of nowhere else but Maldives! its prefect wallpaper with every photos taken.

The only thing is we dun print money as everything there is $$ in USD. And u do not need to carry and money or card with u, just sign and end of the day then u need to pay. Afterall, u cant get out of the island without them. HOHO!.

 

[quarter_j]

Hi Persian Cat,

I'm also wanting to go Water Villa at Iru Fushi.... but decided to save a bit more and go All inclusive with Vilamendhoo instead. I'm booking with Impex Holidays.

But i have one question to ask the experts here: when you checkout at 12noon then the SQ flight timing is usually 11pm@night. What do you do to keep yourself occupied in that time span? Can walk ard the city yourself? If so, what about your bags? Any lockers available?

 

[ryo]

Hi Jo,

Try asking for late checkout, as late as possible without additional charges. Normally they will allow you to check out later at 2-3pm depending on availability of the room. You can also try to stay longer on the resort by requesting for late transfer back to airport, providing that you're not going over to Male(capital city) for a walk around.
IF you intend to go over to Male for a walk around, talk to your agent/resort, so that someone familiar with that place can bring you around. There's recently some protest being held in the capital city and some clashes among the protestor and police.... so not exactly safe as before. PLease check with Impex whether it's safe to do that, and I believe they're able to help you to store your belonging with a resort counter or other means in the airport island.

For me, I'll normally ask for late checkout, late transfer(normally reach airport at 5pm) and then stay at the airport island, relax at the movenpick ice cream outlet and wait for checkin which will start as early as 800pm.... then hang around in Dome Cafe inside the departure hall and do some shopping.

Last day is the most boring for the entire trip.

Leaving a paradise.

Wu

 

[quarter_j]

hi wu,

thanks so much for the advice!!!! I cant wait to go.. hahaha! will keep you updated.

 

[lostsoul]

Hi all,

I've been a silent reader at this thread all these while... however, now that i'm planning for my honeymoon, i guess its time for me to post here.. keke Big thanks to all for the advices and information posted here..

anyway, for Zitahli resort, they seem to have blocked out the whole period from November to December 2011... have emailed them to request for latest quotes to compare....

 

[ryo]

Hi Jo,

Glad to help out. Keep us updated and all the best in your booking/trip.

Have you done with your booking with impex? can look for Eenaz... she is helpful and I always ask her question and finalised my booking with her through MSN messaging..

Hi Lostsoul,

Wow... another silent reader. I really wonder how many silent reader out there now.

Hope that we'd provide useful information here for you. Do bear with us as some of us are her for many years and we sometime will chit chat other stuffs.

For Zitahli... there's 2 resorts. The old one is called Kuda-Funafara Resort while the newer one is Dholhiyadhoo Resort. The latter one has larger and more luxurious room...But not sure on their opening date though!

Hmmm.... normally they should not have blocked out Nov/Dec period. For good rates, can try Impex or Agoda. If i remember correctly, their rates are pretty similar but Agoda got rewards points/cash. And if you have DBS Amex card and pay before 31st Oct 2011 and travel by 2012 Jan, there's a 7% discount. However, at times, Impex will have free nites offer. Check it out.

Anyway folks, will be flying to Maldives Coco palm Bodu hithi tomorrow morning...will try share some views and photos here, perhaps by link.

Alternatively for those who has Facebook, do join us at Fly-me-to-Maldives group. I'll share some photos there...

Cheers and have fun!

Wu

 

[lostsoul]

Wu: yah.. been a silent reader of the forum for quite a while... n the info is definitely useful..

Oh.. think we were checking out the old one... is this the one u recommended here previously? Have emailed them directly for the rates, but yet to compare them with other sites or other resorts as yet.. the other one on our shortlist is actually the hilton iru fushi... Do u think any travel agents will offer any promotions for these less crowded resorts during Natas fair??

BTW, cant find the FB group u created..