Maldives

[RooFlyer]

There is a thread from 2018 enquiring about good options to the Maldives; now closed. So, lets try again.

Could people suggest a good resort in the Maldives that is NOT eye-wateringly expensive and would be enjoyable for a few days? Like to have, but don't need an over-water villa; I don't dive or snorkel and if you are surrounded by sea, I don't need a pool at the villa. Adults only, ideally.

Just a nice, comfortable place to stay and chill out for a few days in the Maldives.

 

[Quickstatus]

A friend stayed at Club Med Kani. I think he is flying back today, so it’s a contemporaneous recommendation - he liked it, but it’s a Club Med

 

[tgh]

We have passed many over water set ups and travel adverts focus on flash aerials ; I have pondered the value of such.
There is just one narrow track leading to dozens of shacks with commensurate traffic issues..AND .. you are a mostly a
loooong way from sand land and the bar.
Leads to a personal disinclination to pay a significant margin to really be disadvantaged logistically to have a bit of ocean around.
Of course many others clearly disagree as the genre is very popular

 

[RooFlyer]

We have passed many over water set ups and travel adverts focus on flash aerials ; I have pondered the value of such.
There is just one narrow track leading to dozens of shacks with commensurate traffic issues..AND .. you are a mostly a
loooong way from sand land and the bar.

I agree. They may have porters, but also you may get people rolling their bags along the piers, making noise etc (let alone your very close neighbours ...). I'm happy just to bunk down on the shore, a short stagger from the bar and mess-hall.

 

[Irishbazz]

Maybe a bit late but VARU by Atmosphere is a good option all inclusive of food, drinks, mini-bar, and transfers by speedboat. Stayed there on May 21 and thoroughly enjoyed it

 

[Daver6]

@RooFlyer just noticed this thread. Are you still looking for input?

 

[RooFlyer]

@RooFlyer just noticed this thread. Are you still looking for input?

Yes, but only of moderate interest. I am scheming an Indian Ocean jaunt (incl Madagascar), but 2024 now.

 

[Daver6]

Firstly, I'm not so sure eye-watering prices and Maldives can be separated from each other. Both in terms of hotel costs and food and drinks. Staying somewhere where you have status and lounge access/free breakfast would certainly help though.

My only experience is the Conrad Maldives. We stayed there on points and as a diamond member at the time. This got us free breakfast and happy hour free drinks and canapes.

I totally understand the concerns when you see something like this at a resort


Nothing about that looks private, quite or convenient!

I think the Conrad excelled at the layout. It's spread over two islands connected by a foot bridge. On the one island the over-water rooms were spread into small groups so you wouldn't have the above experience. Each group of 6 or so would have their own land access.



The other island had the land based rooms which were very secluded. I think there was a small section on that island with overwater rooms but perhaps 20% the density of the above image and no where near as many. Ie, I wouldnt have concerns like I do above. Actually, found a picture I took



The potential downside is the resort is really spread out. I didn't mind getting walking in or you could call for a cart. I loved the fact that you rarely run into other guests. I felt they did this aspect really well.

If you have more specific questions etc, ask away.