Best way to fly Australia to Maldives

[NM]

Re: Maldives logistics

So if you could go to the resort directly that's what I would do.

Yes, looks like we can. Certainly the Sheraton will do transfers from the late night MH flight, though I was hoping for 4 nights at Holiday Inn first, then 3 nights at Sheraton. I have sent email regarding late night transfer to HI, but its quite a bit further away from MLE (40 mins).

Note it's not a oneworld lounge so you'll only get in if departing MH in Business or have the appropriate MH status. OWE won't get you in. Officially anyway.

We are booked in Business Class all the way. I was surprised to be able to get U for all flights so easily.

Also, have you considered the Conrad? Not sure which loyalty programs you're using but it seems a popular choice if you're looking for a more varied F&B scene and can do without the faff of transferring between resorts - I assume having more variety of F&B is a driver for changing resorts as the hassle isn't really worth whatever points optimization you're hoping to achieve..

I have not checked Conrad yet. I do have some HH points, but not enough for 7 nights there. I only have enough SPG points for 3 nights (transferred from Amex and Diners Club cards). Have enough PC points for entire stay at HI, but it looks to be the lesser of the resorts being discussed, so wanted to try Sheraton as well.

Another consideration is the MH schedules which were pretty poor for MEL-MLE and caused a suboptimal connection at KUL (either another forced overnight or a 17 hour wait) but we simply booked a side trip to BKK prior to heading to MLE. I've not checked but hopefully they're better ex-BNE where you're based.

We are going QF from BNE-SIN which is a nice daytime flight with nice connections with MH to KUL and MLE. Return is MLE-KUL-BNE with MH, again with the KUL-BNE daytime and a nice morning connection at KUL. All booked in U class with AAdvantage miles.

If I wanted to shop for instance I'd have gone somewhere like LA.

At this stage AA has booked the flights using an partner award at 45K per person each way (180K total). But I expected it would need to be a OneWorld Explorer award since it involves QF and MH, costing 115K each (230K total). If they do change it to the OneWorld Award through the ticketing process (its pending now), then I will consider including a stopover in KL for some shopping on the way home. But the priority here is to just spend some time together without the usual time/schedule challenges that come with being parents, working and studying. So an hour walking on the beach in the morning and an hour snorkeling in the afternoon is about all we want to plan for

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Maldives logistics

Can Keith or anyone comment on the price we can expect to pay for F&B?

I'm looking at Conrad on points, which I believe is expensive for F&B especially the underwater restaurant @ (I think) circa $300/head. Conrad gives diamonds (and gold I think) breakfast, but can a lunch or evening meal package be pre-bought at a discount or is it just turn up and be fleeced.

What about drinks (water and softdrinks right through to coughtails). I'm guessing no F&B can be brought in as checked luggage.

 

[Keith009]

Great plan! We purposefully scheduled our stop in KUL after going to MLE rather than before as KL is all about shopping for me and I didn't want to have any baggage issues with the seaplane. Not shopping in our short BKK stop prior to MLE was hard, like a cold turkey esp with all the nice new malls...

The QF BNE-SIN flight seems pretty good for U class availability. MH runs exceedingly good value tactical campaigns for Business quite a bit so not surprised they've got good U availability - we paid just under $3000 per pax for our flights in D and that included the side trip to BKK (which cost $700 on their own - same PNR and ticket but priced as an add on). The downside is of course very restrictive fare rules, something like $800 for changes which meant it was easier for me to fly back to MEL rather than reroute the ticket to end in BNE when I moved.

 

[Keith009]

Re: Maldives logistics

Can Keith or anyone comment on the price we can expect to pay for F&B?

I'm looking at Conrad on points, which I believe is expensive for F&B especially the underwater restaurant @ (I think) circa $300/head. Conrad gives diamonds (and gold I think) breakfast, but can a lunch or evening meal package be pre-bought at a discount or is it just turn up and be fleeced.

What about drinks (water and softdrinks right through to coughtails). I'm guessing no F&B can be brought in as checked luggage.

Drinks weren't too bad at the W, like standard hotel pricing. More expensive than normal retail but not completely a rip off. coughtails were about what I'd pay at my usual haunts, anywhere between $15-25 per drink. Champagne - $120 for Veuve nv in- room minibar (full wine chiller that also included a good selection of very nice roses, reds and whites). Can't remember any other specifics. We (2 of us) budgeted at a high level about $800 per day for F&B plus a further $1000 per day for activities/spa (or it could have been the other way round) and came out slightly under in the end. The actual F&B items aren't too expensive when compared to regular upscale hotels/restaurants, we just tend to eat/drink in abundance, seemingly non stop when idling around!

We had free brekky for some reason even though not an official benefit of SPG Gold. But I'd be very surprised if your rate doesn't include brekky as a lot of the public retail rates I've seen have brekky included (unfortunately not for cheapskates on travel industry rates like us ). Brekky at the W was great - the buffet variety with the usual egg station plus bubbles. The room service options were also great - I couldn't get enough of the delicious wagyu burger.

We didn't attempt to bring in our own booze - way too much hassle in any circumstances.

edited to add: Sorry just noticed your question regarding pre-paying and discounts. I don't know about Conrad. But this doesn't appear to be an option at the W. In any case we didn't plan our meals in advance other than a BBQ at our villa and the private dinner on Gaathafushi island which hve to be booked in advance - we simply rocked up to whatever we felt like eating on the night, this is the Maldives after all and it is liberating not having to live to a schedule or pre plan anything (other than some popular activities). The Conrad may be different - it has far more F&B options and according to a mate who regularly stays there this means it's desirable to plan your meals in advance to ensure you can maximise your options and eat at your restaurant of choice.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Maldives logistics

we just tend to eat/drink in abundance, seemingly non stop when idling around!

I can't actually find fault with your logic!

Thanks for the info. Very much appreciated.

 

[Pumbaa]

Re: Maldives logistics

I've just increased my stay at the Conrad Maldives by one night. After a bit of extra reading I realised that it is 40 000 points/night when booking 4 days + and 37 500 points/night for the 6 nights +. So the difference is now just 25 000 points for another night at the Conrad. Seemed pretty much liked a no brainer!

6 nights Conrad in Jan next year = 225 000 HH points now or 475 000 HH points after the devaluation = $13 770 if paid in cash :shock:

It seems like if you have to burn Hilton points and have never been to the Maldives, now is pretty much the best time to book as the cost will easily double after March

 

[markis10]

Re: Maldives logistics

MH have some nice opportunities ex HKG to Male at times in J, keep an eye on their HKG site:

Male

Booking Period20 Feb 2013 - 15 Mar 2013
Travel Period 23 Feb 2013 - 24 Mar 2013
06 Apr 2013 - 30 Apr 2013

Terms & Conditions

From HKD
3,420


One Way
Book now

From HKD
4,880


Return
Book now

Hong Kong International Apt, Hong Kong Thu, 25 Apr, 14:45	Kuala Lumpur International Apt, Malaysia Thu, 25 Apr, 18:25	MH73 Malaysia Airline System Berhad	Fare Family: Business Promo Non stop
Airbus A330-300.
Kuala Lumpur International Apt, Malaysia Thu, 25 Apr, 20:45	Male, Maldives Thu, 25 Apr, 21:55	MH177 Malaysia Airline System Berhad	Fare Family: Business Promo Non stop
Boeing 737-800.

Male, Maldives Fri, 26 Apr, 22:45	Kuala Lumpur International Apt, Malaysia Sat, 27 Apr, 06:10	MH176 Malaysia Airline System Berhad	Fare Family: Business Promo Non stop
Boeing 737-800.
Kuala Lumpur International Apt, Malaysia Sat, 27 Apr, 09:15	Hong Kong International Apt, Hong Kong Sat, 27 Apr, 13:05	MH72 Malaysia Airline System Berhad	Fare Family: Business Promo Non stop
Airbus A330-300.

FARE BREAKDOWN

Passenger Type	Fare per person	No of passengers	Total Fare
Adult	4,920.00	x 1	HKD 4,920.00
Net price: HKD 4,920.00

Taxes and Surcharges

Air Passenger Departure Tax	HKD 120.00
Airport Fee	HKD 144.00
Admin Surcharge	HKD 78.00
Fuel and Insurance surcharge	HKD 2,550.00
Total taxes and surcharges:HKD 2,892.00

HKG-MLE: Business Promo Fare Family Benefits


MLE-HKG: Business Promo Fare Family Benefits


Total Air Fare: HKD 7,812.00

 

[Gold Member]

Re: Maldives logistics

Another option with AA miles Etihad First/business via AUH. Confirmed its a one award ticket within the middle east/sub-continent. So assuming direct connections without layovers in SIN or KUL, it's actually quicker from go to whoa and an on proper Long haul international premium beds. I will be booking 6 night at CR MLE shortly using AA miles for first/biz very shortly. And Remember, for some reason Conrad properties allow you to book awards out til 2015, so plan accordingly.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Maldives logistics

Total Air Fare: HKD 7,812.00

Wow, I'm really in awe at how some of you stumble across these fares. What is the secret?

markis10, you've now got me thinking about MH with a VS upper class points positioner combined with a HK mini break.

Hmmmm, wonder what Hiltons are in HK.................

 

[markis10]

Re: Maldives logistics

Wow, I'm really in awe at how some of you, with how you stumble across these fares. What is the secret?

markis10, you've now got me thinking about MH with a VS upper class points positioner combined with a HK mini break.

Hmmmm, wonder what Hiltons are in HK.................

Try Conrad in Macau - glad you get "VS" now

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Maldives logistics

It seems like if you have to burn Hilton points and have never been to the Maldives, now is pretty much the best time to book as the cost will easily double after March

Yep........!

 

[NM]

Re: Maldives logistics

Well I finally decided that since this is supposed to be an "affordable" quick break, using AA miles for flights and hotel points for accommodation, the upper end of the hotel resort options were out of the question for this trip. While the Conrad looks awesome, and I can get 4 nights stay using my HH points, just adding the US$507 per person for the return seaplane flights and then they high prices for F&B pushed it well beyond reach. We would also need to stay somewhere else for three nights (Sheraton was the plan) and pay speedboat transfers etc.

So in the end we decided for a single 7 night stay at one of the more middle-of-the-road properties. The Holiday Inn Kandooma Island looks like the right option for us. We don't need the "best" resort and certainly don't have the budget for F&B that others can manage, so HI looks more in our budget. Our costs should be limited to speedboat transfers (which do operate at night to match our MH arrival), F&B and a few activities. Our plan is to just spend plenty of time together, sitting in the sun/pool, a little snorkeling and plenty of reading and ... forgetting about life at home for a week.

 

[Keith009]

Re: Maldives logistics

I read from somewhere, maybe a trip report from another forum, that the HI does an alcoholic drinks package that is relatively afforable by MLE standards.

Be sure to book the overwater villas - they're fab; then again others prefer beach/garden type villas for easy beach access so YMMV.

Certainly 7 nights at a single resort is infinitely preferable to 4+3 at 2 different resorts - saves all the faffing about in between resorts.

Enjoy your trip - it's a spectacular place!

 

[Pushka]

We thought about the over water villas but when we were there in January it was the windy season and people in those villas were kept awake by the noise of water sloshing into the supports each night.

 

[Keith009]

Jan is in the middle of monsoon season I believe. On the flipside it'll also be cheaper as low season.

Try April - supposedly the best time of the year. The weather was beautiful when we went in early April. No issues with sea noise and we never got tired of watching the flora and fauna from our deck. It was also lovely to see the corals at low tide when we woke up each morning.

But there's really no bad time to visit the Maldives.

 

[NM]

Re: Maldives logistics

I read from somewhere, maybe a trip report from another forum, that the HI does an alcoholic drinks package that is relatively afforable by MLE standards.

Yes, they do a few packages apparently. One package is for basic food/beverage at the buffet restaurant, and an "enhanced" package that allows dining at any of the restaurants (3 on site). I can't find much detail about what the packages cost and they seem to be presented to you when you arrive for check-in. I would like to compare the costs of the packages verses meal costs. We would not normally expect to get great value from an 'all-you-can-eat/drink" package. While we enjoy a drink or two, our idea of a nice holiday is not being continually tipsy/drunk/hung-over.

At Conrad or Sheraton, breakfast would have been included (Sheraton its mentioned as included in the rate and Conrad as a HH Gold benefit). At HI, breakfast is not included. But with a late start to the morning, we could well setting for a significant brunch (buffet) and dinner and just a simple snack like fruit in between on some days.

Be sure to book the overwater villas - they're fab.

When booking on points, the only option is the Beach House. Many of the reviews from people who have stayed in both seem to prefer the beach house. But since its not an option for us, unless we score an upgrade, the beach house it will have to be for us.

Certainly 7 nights at a single resort is infinitely preferable to 4+3 at 2 different resorts - saves all the faffing about in between resorts.

Yep, and doubles the "transfers" costs, which are not cheap anyway.

Enjoy your trip - it's a spectacular place!

We plan to! Perhaps next year we may choose to return and try Conrad or W since that will be a "significant" number wedding anniversary for us. Thanks for your tips and report from your stay - its been very helpful.

 

[NM]

Jan is in the middle of monsoon season I believe. On the flipside it'll also be cheaper as low season.

Try April - supposedly the best time of the year. The weather was beautiful when we went in early April. No issues with sea noise and we never got tired of watching the flora and fauna from our deck. It was also lovely to see the corals at low tide when we woke up each morning.

But there's really no bad time to visit the Maldives.

Then we should be well away from Monsoon season. So hoping the weather will be nice for us in the northern autumn.

 

[kpc]

Jan is in the middle of monsoon season I believe. On the flipside it'll also be cheaper as low season.

Try April - supposedly the best time of the year. The weather was beautiful when we went in early April. No issues with sea noise and we never got tired of watching the flora and fauna from our deck. It was also lovely to see the corals at low tide when we woke up each morning.

But there's really no bad time to visit the Maldives.

Then we should be well away from Monsoon season. So hoping the weather will be nice for us in the northern autumn.

I'm not sure January is the wet monsoon season

When to go

The Maldives specialises in winter sun for Europeans, making high season December to April, when the islands enjoy the dry monsoon with little rain and lower humidity while Europe shivers. February to April is the hottest period and resorts are almost all operating at capacity during this period. Mid-December to early January comes at even more of a premium due to Christmas and New Year and prices are even higher. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also attract peak prices at most resorts, especially the Italian-oriented ones.
From May to November is the period when storms and rain are more likely. It’s still warm, but skies can be cloudy and the humidity is higher. This is the low season, with fewer people and lower prices, with the exception of August.

Weather in Maldives - Lonely Planet Travel Information
​

I have been doing a fair bit of research on the Maldives myself an am planning a trip in February 2014 looking at the Conrad.

 

[Pushka]

January wasn't wet. Just windy. And hot and sunny.

 

[Keith009]

Oops sorry ignore me, must have gotten it mixed up with some other destination!