Maldives

[ryo]

Hi Lost,

No worries. Glad I can help out.

Yes indeed, just based on my experience and comments from other folks who went.... weather is unpredictable. Passing shower is almost for sure during your stay.

A few days can save u alot of money, and can be use to extend a stay, do some spa, go for an excursion etc.....

Anyway I just check on the Mirihi website(www.mirihi.com).... Their Low season rates will starts from 1st May ~ 15th July. Good for you.... if u choose Mirihi. Dont have to delay your departure date. It cost USD400++ per nite. Taxes, i.e. the ++ is about 15.9%.
Seaplane is USD360++ per pax. If u write to them direct, I think they will honor a upgrade from bed breakfast to HAlf board. Thats another saving.

As far as I know, seems like booking direct from Mirihi is cheaper than Impex.

I've been to Mirihi for 9 days during my 2006 trip... and I still miss the place very much, more than the other resort I've been. I would plan to go in the near future, perhaps a longer stay.

Another suggestion for u is that, if you can stretch your budget further, can try a island-hoppping trip betweem Mirihi n Conrad. Thus can see a diff between a vibrant and hip Conrad vs the Quiet, kampong Mirihi. The beach villa of Conrad is pretty good room...and hopefully based on this year's pricing, it's shld be around Mirihi's Water villa room rates.

Besides my facebook group, can also check out my Mirihi photos below, and have a feel how it looks like
http://ryonpepper.multiply.com/photos/album/8/Maldives_2006_Mirihi_Resort

Alternativley, check out the virtual tour under the Mirihi's photo tag as well.
http://www.mirihi.com/photos.html

Have fun with your research quest!!

 

[lostsoul]

Hi Wu,

Many thanks once again.. hmm another "lost" in here... haha... anyway finally settled my air tics... that's another step closer to paradise... keke

as for room in Male, most likely will proceed to book relax inn... think shd be getting jus the room, since we shd be checking out and flying out to zitahli early the next day... We are hopping to see the sunrise on board the seaplane.. but afraid that it will be pitch dark and nthing much to be seen.. haha... do u advise to take the first seaplane out?

Sunset fishing is definitely much cheaper than the moonlight cruise... but we are nt very into fishing, so lets see hw... mayb shall decide on the outings only when we arrive...

 

[ryo]

Hi lostsoul,

Haha... Once u r there for the 1st time, next trip will not be lost anymore.
Yeah just get room enough. No point going for breakfast since u might be moving off relax inn as early as 5am. Some traveling back to airport, transfer to seaplane lounge and some admin work, you likely fly out at about 7am.
I saw the sunrise there during my previous trip.... Quite stunning. Due to the lighting conditions, the atolls will not be as nice as during noon time, the only cons.
Yup. Excursion u can go there decide.... Depends on the guest there, some excursion might need minimum ppl. As zitahli is a small resort, some excursion might not materialize.
For spa, if u r keen, best is to check out from them in writing, asking whether u need prebooking... As most ppl will pre booked b4 they even fly off. Thus spa services can be full throughout ur stay.

 

[missyyee]

Hi all, seems like more people are opting Maldives for their HM!

Hi Wu,
My better half and I have decided to go Mirihi next June.. When do you think it's a good time to book with them directly?

 

[ryo]

Hi MissyYee,

Wah.. Congrats!

Makes me wanna go again....
I think Mirihi is also schedule to have a big revamp in 2013 or 14... Not sure how will it look. Perhaps it might lose it's kampong like feel. Just hope they'll keep it's unique feel.

For booking wise, their rates is pretty stable, and with so little rooms, It's unlikely that they'll have a promo. Their promo is always free meals upgrade rather than free nites. Thus, if u are comfortable, think u can book anytime.. and also taking advantage of the low USD exchange rates. As we speak, the USD has strengthen recently, it took just 2 weeks to up by 8%.

Try to request for the Water villa along the "straight" stretch instead of the semi-circle one. The sea is abit rough during these session around the semi circle side of the water villa and can expect waves pouncing underneath of the water villa.

Flights u can delay till early next year and hoping for a discount. SQ always has discount during the 1st 2 quarters... and hopefully u can get like 600-700 per pax.

 

[missyyee]

Hi Wu,

Oh no... Really do hope it will remain it's original touch. It's always disappointing to return, only to realise the feel we want is gone. Just like a few neighbouring islands.

Yup, they did honor their word of upgrading to a HB as I will be enjoying 4N of water villa with them.

HB is good enough for us, lazy people!

I'm actually intending to book asap. However, I understand that Mirihi peeps need my credit card details in case of cancellation fee. How can I entire the low USD exchange rate now?

Thank you Wu for even advising on which water villa to choose! I'll bear that in mind!

 

[ryo]

Hi MissyYee,

Yes indeed... hopefully they change to a better resort but keep the feels of it. Too much changes will not only affects the feel, but its damaging to the environment especially the house reefs.

If u are comfortable with your budget... do try to aim for more nights..

You'll not get enough of Mirihi in 4N... and will sure ask for more.

The reason I always give my self is that, how can transfer fees(i.e. SQ + Seaplane) be higher than the accomodation? It shld be the other way round. Then again, just keep your finger cross and hope for good weather throughout the 4 nites stay. Anyhow, just do it within your budget... You can always revisit Maldives.

Hahhaa... Lazy ppl.... me too... that's why I like Mirihi.


YEah, HB will save u lots of money. Literally, if u just do nothing there, it's already nett priced.

IF u book now, it's based on these few days rates, should be about 1.34. Unless u are thinking that USD might drop further towards year end.... but no one has a absolute answer on how it will go. Some analysis predict it might goes below 1.2.

The water villa choice will be subjected to availability... so no guarantee.. The straight stretch of Water villa room number should be from 7 -20. If u wanna to see sunset/sunrise, and have a more vibrant house reefs just below ur balcony, choose those at the higher number, 15-20. Those semi circle side of the water villa room 21 ~ 36 do have much nicer house reefs but the waves might prevent u to have a comfortable swim there.

 

[missyyee]

Hi Wu,

Hmm, I'm a little confused. I actually wanted to book a villa via e-mail with Mirihi already. But was told that no amount will be deducted until I send them my flight details.

Since this amount will only be deducted then, won't they be using the USD rate then and not now?

Paiseh, I'm a silly girl!

 

[ryo]

Hi MissyYee,

Then I think you'll have to be careful. Will they be reserving that room for you? Or is it until you've provide them with your flight details then they'll reserve the room for you.

Is the reservation name Anthony? If it's him, do ask him more about this reservation issue. He is ok and he helped me alot during my 2006 booking.

 

[missyyee]

Hi Wu,

Unfortunately, Shafeeu was the one replying to my queries.

Perhaps I'll ask him if a booking can be made for me though I have not confirmed the dates yet.

 

[dreayh]

Hi Wu,

I checked singair.com and its $1700 2 to go for 7th August to 13th August. Is this a good deal?

thanks!

 

[ryo]

Hi Andrea,

Not the best but still ok. The one I pay during July this year is S$1240 nett for 2. The fare can be as high as S$2200 sometimes.

U going this August?

 

[poorthing]

Oh.. I'm gg for my honeymoon is early apr. I've check the tix is 964 per pax. Shld I wait n see?? By the way any accom recommended? Our budget is 8k for 2pax. Maybe ard 5 nights. Will it be better if we stay 3night water villa n 2night beach villa or is enough to stay all
5nights at water villa. I'm abit confused. Got some brouchers frm natas fair on some resort. But still can't really decide which to choose

 

[ryo]

Hi Poorthing,

If u can wait for awhile longer, say Mid May period, then u are able to make full used of your 8k. April rates is still about 1.5x higher as compare to May. Airtix u can wait and see first. Usually there'll be promo during the 1st half of the year.

What are the resorts that they offer from NATAS fair? Normally it's quite standard resort, just a couple of them.

IF u want to make full used of your 8k, try to select a resort that just transfer on Speedboat(cheaper than SEaplane), and choose just Bed n Breakfast, and if possible travel from Mid May onwards.

A couple of resort(that comes with beach/water villa) that might suit your budget are Anantara Veli/Dhigu, Coco Palm Bodu hithi, Baros, Taj Exotica. These are mid end resorts.

If u really wants to travel by Seaplane, some mid end ones u can try out are Hilton Irufushi, Veligandu, Mirihi, Zithali, Vilu reef, and perhaps Conrad as well.

Hope I had help by streamlining some resorts for your selection.

 

[poorthing]

So what abt the timing of the flight? Normally ppl will go for the early flight or night flight? Then is it necessary to stay at male city for one night. What I understand is if we tking seaplane, it's better to stay one night so that the next day will be able to catch the early seaplane. So wat if we opt for a resort that can be rch by speedboat, r we still required to stay a night at male city?

 

[ryo]

Hi,

There used to be only night SQ flight.. but now there are morning flight. If you are traveling as a couple, can opt for night flight... Night flight will be more tiring for sure.

Yes indeed, seaplane only fly in daylight. Speedboat does travel at night but it's a waste as that night to chargeable(1 nite charge).
Thus, my advise is if you're traveling as a couple a wish to lengthen your stay in a resort(regardless of speedboat or seaplane), opt for 1 night stay in Male and do the transfer to the resort on the following morning.

IF you wanna to choose a male hotel, just go for relax inn. It is one of the cheapest and most convenient hotel available. IT's just a 3mins walk from the Male jetty.

So have u narrow down on which resort you're planning to go?

If it's the 1st time there in Maldives and u don't mind spending like USD350++ per pax for the seaplane flight, do go for it... it's a thrilling and exciting experience.

Cheers!

 

[koumyou]

Hi,

I am planning to go Maldives during mid Sep next year for honeymoon. I am quite lost with so many choices. Thus, I hope someone can give me advises.

Currently, I set my budget at S$10k for two pax. The following are my criteria
1. Duration - 8 Days + 7 Nights
1. Seaplane
2. Hopping between Beach & Water Villa
3. Probably I will be looking to do some activities

Is my budget too tight? The criteria above can be change. Thanks a lot!

 

[ryo]

Hi Koumyou,

Based on my rough calculation, you should be looking at a resort that cost about USD550 per night after factoring in SQ flight for 2(S$2k), seaplane for 2(USD700), meals and cost for activities(USD1500), overnite stay in Male(USD100).

Sept is shoulder period whereby lots of resorts are already charging 1.5X or more of low season rates. However there are some who will maintain low season's rate till end Oct.

I think sticking to 7 nights is a good thing, you'll never get enough of Maldives, probably u can fixed this criteria and work with others.

Seaplane can easily takes up 1 night stay rates as it's about 2-3X more ex than taking a speedboat....but it's really an experience that you wouldn't forget.

A switch between beach villa/water villa is a great way to enjoy the best of both world and to save some cash too.

Just go for bed&breakfast can save you alot as well....plan your activities properly so that you'll not overdo your budget. Allocate about USD700 for meals(dinner), and another USD700-800 for spa/excursion etc.

Currently, most resorts/agent might not have rates for next year Sept.... so currently, try to scout around for a resort that you would really like to go and adjust your budget accordingly.

However there are some that already have rates. I'll just list down a few that suits your budget.
1)7 nites Hilton Irufushi (about USD3500 for BV & WV stay).. inclusive of breakfast, seaplane + free nites
2)Olhuveli Resort(about USD3400 Speed boat,DWV & BV, free upgrade to full board and free nites)
3)Taj Exotica(about USD4300 - speed boat,Water villa, breakfast)
4)Vivanta by Taj(about USD3100 - Breakfast speedboat + free nites BV & WV)

These are some resort that I can find currently that suits ur budget and with next year Sept rates. All of them are mid-range resorts.

However, if you wanna to stay in a more posh resorts, you can reduce your nites stay... but I think staying for a longer nites is more worth it, to enjoy the beauty and relaxing Maldives.

Hope it helps... just let us know if you have other resort on mind and I'll calculate for you to see if it will fit into your budget.

 

[koumyou]

Wu, Thanks a lot! Probably I will continue to source for resort early next year, when most resorts have rates for next year Sept.

 

[ryo]

Hi Koumyou,

no problem... glad to help out. Mean time u can just look around for your dream resort. By early next year, most resort would have their rates published.

If u need other help on tips and tricks, can either write her or alternatively, I've setup a facebook group with the old gang here.... just pay a visit to > Fly-me-to-Maldives. It's an open group whereby visitor would share resources, photos, tips etc....

Happy researching! Cheers!

 

[koumyou]

Hi,

Thanks for the invitation but i couldnt find it.

 

[ryo]

Hi Koumyou,

Check out the links. ... Cheers!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17842997238/

 

[poorthing]

Hi Wu,
after checking prices of most hotels. i agree that going in may really give better rates than in apr. We might change our mind going in May instead. We decided to go for seaplane if possible.. Thus we will be staying in Male hotel for one night. Do u think we opt for the morn flight or night flight?

The hotels that we considered are Anantara Veli, Hilton Irufushi and velassaru. We did consider Mirihi but it has no bath tub.. What about W Retreat & Spa? Saw your fotos in fb abt this hotel, it looks nice. Isit suitable for couples going for HM?

 

[ryo]

Hi Poorthing,

Yes Indeed... Most resorts Mid May till Mid july, rates are cheaper.
Since this is your 1st trip. To take it easy, I would suggest a morning flight instead. No hassle since you'll be transfer to seaplane lounge after u have landed. The view from the seaplane at noon is much more nicer than other part of the day.

However if u really want to maximize your time at the resort by asking for early checkin, go for the SQ nite flight, stay 1 nite in Male, and ask for the earliest seaplane flight transfer(could be as early as 630am). You'll find it more tiring as you need to reach seaplane lounge as early as 530am.

Very interesting,.. I got lots of ppl who wanted to go Mirihi but think twice after they found out that there's no bathtub. The weird thing is whenever I go for biz trip, I'll the bath tub in the hotel....while in Maldives, I only use it once...as most of the time I'm either out swimming, suntan etc.. anw, it's a preference, and more is merrier!

Ok among the 3 resort you choose, only Hilton Irufushi is by Seaplane. The others are reachable by speedboat. Anantara is the "oldest" here... while the other 2 are newer.

W Retreat & Spa are perfect for couples. You'll not have any screaming baby as they do not allow young kids there. All villas will comes with a plunge pool, bathtub, separate shower, superb signature king size bed(best I ever slept on), Bose surround system(both indoor&outdoor),lots of living space, superb house reefs... and free drinks/ice-cream around the island.... and the list goes on n on n on..... The only cons is the price. It's been creeping higher even since. I reckon that now the lowest cat room might set u off at about USD900 per nite.

If you are willing to part with your money, W is a very good choice. You'll never go wrong with W. At this rate category, you can also look at other resorts(seaplane) such as
1)The Regent, Maldives
2)Angsana Velavaru Ocean Villa
3)Conrad Maldives > Still 1 of my favorite.
4)Soneva Laamu

 

[geejye]

Hi Wu,

We plan to go Maldives at mid Jan 2012. What resort you recommend? Our budget will be USD900 with full board. Is Kuramathi ok?

 

[ryo]

Hi Geeyje,
Kurumathi rates is about US500 nett onwards for full board. Seaplane is additional about US300 nett per pax. Your budget is well within the rates. Any idea why u have chosen Kurumathi?
This resort is popular with the europeans...price wise I think is at the high side. Another equivalent resort u can take a look is Veligandu. Also popular with Europeans esp UK. I think Veligandu is slight cheaper.
For meal wise, esp Maldives, I would recommend max half board if u are a normal eater. Most ppl never take lunch... So breakfast n lunch will just be fine. Thus u can save this amount and divert into other usage such as spa or excursion.
Actually USD900 is a pretty healthy amount... So how long u are intending to stay over there? Perhaps I can see if there's otherore suitable resort that I can recommend. Do u have other preferences such as nice beach, house reef, more excursion etc or a preference of water villa instead?Will this be a honeymoon for you?

Let me know more so that I can give you more resorts that might suit u more. Cheers!

 

[geejye]

Hi Wu,

Thanks for advise. Actually we plan to spend 4 nights there.. Our first year anniversary..

We prefer water villa.

 

[geejye]

Besides, how you recommend to book the resort? Through tripadvisor?

 

[missyyee]

Hi Wu, I've decided to book air tickets and Mihiri for May 2012. Can you advice when and how to go ahead with the booking?

 

[ryo]

Hi Geejye,

Alternatively, you can take a look at Vilu Reef Maldives. Its entry Water villa is about USD640 nett full board. That's about USD100 less than Kurumathi. There's even a new water villa with pool in Vilu reef that cost about the same as Kurumathi's entry water villa.

I would actually recommend you to probably extend to 5nites or more(or do a beach/water villa stay to enjoy the best of both world), at Vilu reef and take just Half board, since you got a higher budget. Water villa occupants always like to go to the beach for tanning, and enjoy the beach... thus, if you can stay in say 2 nites there would be good, as the beach is right at your doorsteps.

Do bear in mind that the seaplane flight is an additional USD425 per pax.

Tripadvisor is a place for tourist to leave a review. There r some agent there quoting the rates but it's too expensive. I normally book thru a travel agent in MAldives, call Impex. So far book from them for my past 3 trips. Price is generally lower than most online/local agent.

Check them out at www.mal-dives.com.

 

[ryo]

Hi MissyYee,

Wah... so you have already decided on Mirihi?

Anyway, as far as I know, booking them thru direct is cheaper. Likely they will upgrade you to half board.
SQ ticket wise, I think can probably wait for a while till early next year. Normally SQ will have a discount for 2 to go rates.

If you want to have a peace of mind, can start enquiring Mirihi about their occupancy during May. Since normally May is a low season, there should be villa available.... but do bear in mind that they have only 36 rooms.

 

[ryo]

Difficult to post photos of Maldives here.... so do join our facebook group for more photos of various resorts..... currently standing at about 8 different resorts in MAldives.

>Conrad, Lily beach, Vilamendhoo, Mirihi, W Resort&Spa, Komandoo, Velassaru, Coco palm Bodu Hithi...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17842997238/

 

[geejye]

Hi Wu,

Thanks for your advise. It's too bad that water villa with pool in Vilu Reef fully booked during my schedule.

For booking through Impex, should we after directly email the resorts we book for confirmation and arrangement for seaplane?

Thanks again for your help!!

 

[ryo]

Hi GeeJye,

No issue.. glad to help out.

I see....hmm... not surprisingly...Since Jan is round the corner and it's high season.

For booking through any agent(i.e. Impex), they will arrange the accommodation and all transfer automatically. (The background work like this... once agent make a booking with resort, resort will do the transfer arrangement). Anyway, to double confirm, I'll always write to the resort directly to confirm my room booking and make sure the transfer(seaplane)date is confirmed. You'll not able to know the actual timing of the seaplane until your arrival at the Male Airport. However, you can request for certain timing(say morning,noon etc) with the agent(but it's not guaranteed).

Just take note...If you're going for a resort that requires seaplane transfer, and if you travel on a nite SQ flight, you'll need to stay in a overnite hotel. If your flight is morning SQ flight, then you'll be transfer to the seaplane lounge right after arrival.

Cheers!

 

[missyyee]

Hi Wu,

Hehe... yes, I've already fell in love with Mirihi when you introduced me to it.

I've checked with them with regards to the occupancy, and yup, still available on the dates I'm going.

Any specific stuff like particular rooms ideal for sunrise/set to take note of?

I might be silly to ask this... I'm a person with motion sickness so will I get giddy spells staying in those water villa and I'm afraid the current might be too strong. (don't mock at me!)

 

[ryo]

Hi MissyYee,

Really hope Mirihi will be up to your expectation. However I think even for seasonal traveler, Mirihi still score high marks. There's several post in FB on MAldives, many folks voted Mirihi as the ultimate location.... surely for a reason.

If u reserve the stretch of water villas along the island(length), I think is room 7 ~20, you'll have a beautiful view of both Sunrise and Sunset. These rooms are nearer to the restaurant and main lobby area. I stayed in Room 18 during my 2006 trip, and the view is stunning. Go for the higher numbers one, ie room 14-20, you should have house reefs nearer to your sundeck. Lots of fishes will come to you in the morning for food.

At times you'll see baby shark or Eagle/dolphin Rays swimming pass.

Don't go for the room no 21-36 as these are the rooms that have stronger current. Generally low season, from May onwards, the sea will be slightly rougher.

The beach, however will be nicer on the other side of the island, and at the arrival jetty. Nice white powdery sand. Along the water villas and beach villas area, it's more of dead corals and stone. So you want a nice sun tan and just a stroll on the nice beach, you'll have to walk to those area.

For Snorkeling, stunning house reefs surround the entire island... just make sure you don't go too far. The house reef will break the strong wave, but beyond that, current will be stronger.

For Mirihi, must go for their lamb chop, lobster....really very nice.(It makes me hungry now). Spa is one of the best I had been too, and it's not as expensive as other resort.

Non-motorised Water sports are free, so go do some kayaking.

If u know how to wind surf, better still.

Who is the one handling your email request? If it's the reservation manager name Anthony, you are in good hands, just make sure they got your booking. Mean time, just look out for SQ promo, and you're off to go! Yeah!!

HAve a nice weekend!

 

[dewdew]

hi MissyYee/Wu,

I'm now staying in Mirihi water villa rm 34 and I think it's stunning! I'm still able to see a nice sunrise and sunset, most importantly, the sun at the sun deck is gd! its a nice choice if u like sun tanning like me. Finally a nice private place to have an even tan! Maldives is such a nice place, the house reef at Mirihi is a sea paradise! Will definitely come back again for the whale shark dive! (Gotta miss it this time round)

 

[missyyee]

dewdrop,

U're tempting me soooooo badly now! Haha!
I can't wait for the house reef!

 

[ryo]

Hi Dewdrop.. You are there in Mirihi now?? Wahhaa...Envy!!!
I see.. room 34 is at the semi circle WV formation right?
Oh yeah... I used to be a sun tanning freak,and both me and my wife had the best "indian" tan while we are there in 2006. The funny thing is, we have a very nice tan but no sun burn.... hahaha. unlike Singapore.

We always joke that Maldivian sun is different.
Oh yes... Mirihi's house reef is very famous.. 1 of the best in Maldives and lots of resident fishes and turtle. It's famous for its shore dive, don't even need to have boat.
Is it a Whale shark "season" now? yeah... I missed diving there, been to lazy and relax to dive even though I brought my dive equipment there. wasted.

Enjoy your stay and have lots of fun and tanning....HAve u tried the lamb cutlet there... can "Ta Bao" my me please? kekeke.... just kidding.

YEs... I will be back there too... hopefully soon...of all the beach resorts that I went, I missed Mirihi the most though it's simple and not much facilities...

PLease if u have FB, join our Maldives group and share your photos of Mirihi.. link below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/17842997238/

ok... back to Work... Sianx.

MissyYee,

You'll enjoy snorkeling there in Mirihi.... best if u can dive. Go for it... if u don't have a cert, try out the intro dive course.

Cheers!

 

[dewdew]

Hi MissyYee/Wu,

Mirihi is really nice and yes, I'm here at Mirihi now! But sad to say, today will be my last day here and am packing to head back to reality

I only have four nights here so didn't get to try the lobster and lamp chop but my husband and I went for the wine gourmet dinner at Muraka and it was nice. They also have nice fresh oysters during the seafood theme dinner at Dhonveli and my husband and I ate more than a dozen! Hehee...Other than that, the food here is not fantastic and most of them are quite salty.

WV rm 34 is at the semi circle formation area and I found that the reef at this area is better but then again, if u do snorkelling around the island like we did, it doesn't matter much whr u stay. I guess all water villas in Mirihi are gd! I never did so much snorkelling in my life! Haha...the water and reef here are simply irresistible! I guess this is the season for whaleshark cos there are cruises to the area quite often in the week. I didn't manage to go for it as we need to do a check dive before we set off and I'm not confident to do it straight away at the whaleshark dive site since I have not dived since last yr at Bali. But the other dive sites are great as well! Simply love Maldives and Mirihi!!!

 

[ryo]

Hi dewdrop...

Oh man.... I know you feeling. I felt terrible on my last day also, but look forward to the next trip will brighten u up!

AH... Muraka the Overwater restaurant, with lots of Batfish swimming around.

I had a lobster theme dinner there too.... love the restaurant setup and the outside deck for sunset view.... Ahh.... I want to go back!!!

Yes indeed, Mirihi do not have exceptionally nice food(Lobster n lamb chop are out of the world though)....but believe me, it happen to all other resorts. Salty. Not fantastic but it's already been compensated by the beautiful environment.....

Mirihi's house reef is really superb...and only a few resort have such a vast reef formation. Same for me.... snorkel and sun tan non stop. Have u check out the powdery beach area around the arrival jetty. Roll on it before u go...Lol

It's a pity u never see any whale shark.... I never see one in Maldives too... but it's a good reason for us to return isn't it. Mirihi will be going renovated soon, have u check out when will it be? I heard it's 2013. But I really would like to return before the reno(sure price increase after reno)... and then compare the diff after reno... haaaa.

Really Glad that to hear u like Mirihi so much.... Guess I'm not the only one who likes the simplicity and beautiful little resort.

HAve a safe trip back!!

 

[dewdew]

Hi Wu,

Yes the feeling is awful, going to leave this paradise island! I never expect to have great food from any island resort, so that's fine with me. Mirihi is really a nice small island and people here are so friendly. Because there isn't any tv or much entertainment here, time seems to pass by very slowly and that's superbly great! We have great relaxing time here. Here is more like a small family staying together and everybody knows each other. I'm not sure about other resorts in Maldives but Mirihi is definitely worth the stay.

I happened to stay in one of the beach villas for the 1st 2 nights though initially we have booked the water villa for all 4 nights. Well, i guess its part of the sales gimmicks, the resort staff offer us 'downgrade' to beach villa for 2 nights but upgrade from nothing to half board for all 4 nights and he promised he will give us the one of the best water villas. Its actually quite a great deal and since we won't spend much time in the room during the 1st 2 days (we arrived at Mirihi around 2pm and 2nd day is our diving day), we accepted the offer. Well, beach villa is nice, but when you check into water villa, you won't go back for beach villa! Esp if you like snorkelling and private sun tanning! haha...

I actually know Mirihi through this forum and thanks for your great recommendation Wu!We will definitely be back for the whale shark...its a promise!

Just checked with the staff here about the renovation, seems like its not confirmed yet. Initially she mentioned its 2013 but after a check, she said it may be 2015. Hmmm, maybe the resort is so popular that they are delaying the renovation!

Oh by the way, we did roll on the white powdery beach! ^^

 

[ryo]

Hi dewdrop,

Ya... know exactly what u mean...I hate that feeling of going home as well.

Nevertheless, I reckoned you have wonderful 4 nites there.

Ah I see... u saw my recommendation eh... Heng ah.. you like it. kekeke...

Yep, same for my stay, Mirihi is just like a little kampong where everyone are like neighbors and friends. You'll never have such kind of feelings in other big 5 stars resorts. I've been to other resorts in Maldives... Conrad, W and coco palm. I never had such feelings. Though it's still nice, and posh... something is missing. It' that Kampong and peaceful feel. THere's a receptionist called Sunish...we still in touch on FB... say hi for me if you knew him .

I believe you might caught in a fully booked situation there. That's why they downgrade u to beach villa. It happens sometime in Maldives but generally I think Mirihi doesn't mean it. Yeah.. though beach villa setting is the same as the water ones, it's still not too bad. But I prefer if the BV is on the other side of the island where the spa is... at least better beach condition over there.

You are absolutely right.... time seems to stand still more as compare with other resort. Likely due to the lack of entertainment... but that's what make it so special. Though it lack of facilities/entertainment, and I was there for 8 nites, I don't feel bored at all... never feel so peaceful in my life while in Mirihi. I hope I can stay even longer for my next trip there!! I Just need to save more for that trip.

Who knows there might be a chance that we or some eager traveler/forumer would like to join in a group trip in future!!

Can be quite fun. I want to swim with the whale shark also!!!

AHhhhhh..... I really missed that white powdery beach!!!

Not surprise at all... I heard many voices telling them not to renovate. It's really good enough!! It might not be the same after renovation. BTW, how much are they charging now per nite? did u go direct or thru agent?

It's 105pm now in Male... issit 1205pm in Mirihi right? When is your seaplane flight home? quick... last min lamb chop meal(which I did back in 2006)...Haaa.

Warmest Regards to u!!

 

[dewdew]

Hi Wu,

I'm back in SG...back to reality...sigh...still recovering from the loss of the paradise! haha..

Mirihi did not downgrade us due to no room availability. We questioned the staff on this too when he suggested us changing to beach villa for 2 nights. He assured us that a water villa rm 14 had actually been arranged for us already and he was giving this suggestion because he wanted us to enjoy the free breakfast and dinner during our stay. We are still able to stay in the WV if we want. No obligation. Another thing he mentioned was that he was able to arrange a better WV (compared to rm 14 as he claimed that rm 34 is one of the best WV there). After some consideration, we accepted his suggestion. It was a good choice actually though beach villa is not as great as water villa. It actually rained during our 1st 2 days and sky wasn't that clear. So nothing much to lose! Its a pity we did not spot any sea turtle there but we did see eagle ray, sting ray and squid in the house reef! What a sight! Hmmm..my heart is still with Mirihi...!!!

 

[ryo]

Hi dewdrop,

Welcome back!!

Hahaha....in fact right now in office, I can feel your loss. Have a good rest, arrange your photos and feel Mirihi again.

Hmmm.... actually quite weird in their offer. I see not reason for such arrangement. I might be wrong though.... maybe they want u to experience beach villa as well? Normally if u bug them, upgrading to half-board is an easy task. It's given FOC to early bird booking and repeat visitor. Anyway, as u said, u have fun and enjoy the stay... there's really nothing to complain about. Beach villa is at least closer to the Dhonveli and anba bar area...don't have to walk so far for meals...

I missed the powdery sandy reception, bar area... it's by far the best design ever. Anyway, came from the same designer as Conrad.

Wonderful.... eagle rays are hard to spot... yeah stingray and squid is common even at nite.

Well.... My Heart is still there in Mirihi as well... hope u never step on it. hahaha...

I've just check next year low seasons rate, water villa HB @ USD400. It's a steal when they kept rate during this time esp, USD down. Really tempting... My 1st trip there in 2006 is @USD270 BB (USD is about 1.6)... Furthermore I don't do lunch. Their rates literally never fluctuate much.... hmmm... really tempting...

 

[dewdew]

Hi Wu,

Tempted to go back to Mirihi huh? hehe...Its a great reward for seeing the spotted eagle rays swimming around the house reef. We only managed to spot once after so much snorkelling..haha. Oh, and we saw a beautiful blue jelly fish too! The experience there was simply wonderful!

Its near to peak period now and i believe that Mirihi is fully booked during this period of time. The guest names on the doors were changed immediately after the respective guests have checked out the rooms. Thus, I did suspect that its part of their sales tactic to let us try the beach villa too...haha..but anyway, you are right, beach villa is much nearer to the dining area and we did complain a bit about the distance we needed to walk from our WV rm (located at the far end!) to the dining area, esp when our bodies were aching from so much snorkelling! haha...

Wonder when will i be able to visit Maldives again? It is very nice..but at a price too.

 

[ryo]

Hi dewdrop,

Hope u are feeling better today.... time will heal and bring back yourself to reality....alternatively, can start to "plan" for your next trip there(even though it might take a few years... it's like bluffing myself...haaa)... This is how I overcome that... That's why sometimes I "hate" to visit Maldives.

Yeah... I think both me n my wife misses Mirihi more than the others. .. really tempted to go back ASAP. Just for the reefs, my pet fishes there by my sun deck(we greeted them every morning) , powdery sand, lamb chop n lobster, and the kampong feel.. and many more.

I think Mirihi is the only one that puts guest name on the door... love it...it's a nice touch.

hmmm...hopefully I can return there next year during my 10th year wedding anni, but as u say, it's a price to pay.... really not cheap at all.
Anyway just planning,thinking and day dreaming are really fun and exciting too... hahahah...

 

[poorthing]

Oh I'm still deciding my resort.. Haha
Kp changing my mind.. Hilton iru is nice but we wan to spend on spa n luxury food.. Now my fiancé is deciding on mirihi. Cos u all mention that they have beautiful reefs.. We might be gg diving, my fiancé might be tking his owd there.. So maybe will split room gg for 2N beach n 4N water villa. Is there any romantic dinner like candle lit dinner or private chef BBQ dining at the mirihi? What abt vilu reef or anatara Veli?

 

[ryo]

Hi Poorthing,

hahaha.... it's ok... becos now there's so many resorts in Maldives....literally spoilt with choices.

Hilton irufushi is more like a Big, full fledge resort with all the things, facilities there. Same as Vilu and anatara Veli. The got more facilites there.
Mirihi is a bit niche. A small 36 rooms that emphasize on it's natural beauty, blessed with exceptionally beautiful reefs and beach. You'll definitely have less crowd over there. Rooms are still very decent and cosy though. Spa is one of the most affordable in Maldives and I simply love the Spa session there as compare to other big resort I've been.

There are special dinner that you can arrange over there, be it private BBQ dinner by the beach, in villa, private island dining as well as private dinner on their Yatch. I did a Yatch dinning experience there in 2006. They'll prepare a private BBQ session on their yatch and cruise u out to the sea. Before dinner, you'll enjoy seeing the sunset, with finger food and Champagne.... the BBQ spread is plentiful and impossible to finish.
Alternatively you can also join in their Muraka oversea restaurant theme dinner. Love eating there too.

It's advisable for your hubby to take up OWD in Malaysia first, as it's much much cheaper and you don't waste your precious time in MAldives going thru the course... it can be really tiring. Once u have a local OW license, just simple go there have a intro dive and you're off to go for their dive site. It's also a place where you can find Whale sharks...

If you're into nature with beautiful reefs and beach, private couple time in a small, non crowded resort, Mirihi will be the most affordable, ultimate resort to choose.
You don't have TV to waste your time there, you'll not have luxury items to prevent you from going out to enjoy the beauty, you'll not have nice swimming pool to stop you from snorkeling in their vibrant Reefs..... It's purely enjoying the closes Maldives experience. Period!

Have u seen the photos of Mirihi I took? it's in our FB group... alternatively you can visit Mirihi's website to see their Virtual your ...

http://www.mirihi.com/photos.html

I'm dreaming about going back there again.....

 

[poorthing]

So normally where to book the resort stay is safe n cheaper?