Its a beautiful place, lovely beach (very calm), blue waters, some excellent restaurants, in particular the Anchorage, Sea Salt, Beach bar. Staff is a mix of very friendly (Ruwan, Rama, Ishaq, Nimisha, Julia, Leena) and some who are content to just be. We had a wonderful time but if we were to go to Maldives again, would choose a different property
Key issues are
1. location, its too close to Male - always airplanes flying over, seaplanes ferrying guests, speedboats zipping around - its not the seclusion you imagine when going to Maldives.
2. It doesnt have a house reef - while the sea life in its own waters is great, its nothing compared to what lies in wait with a proper reef. Any snorkelling excursion to a reef however results in a significant cost ($175 per trip for family of four)
3. I had a huge personal issue with the SPG program, despite being a Platinum card holder & member since '99, was shocked to find if you book through a travel agent (even if the SPG site is showing sold out), you dont get points / tier points and worst of all, you're not even recognized as a Platinum member, getting none of the normal benefits during your stay (imagine airlines applying this policy ?). Complaints to the hotel and the SPG group have been to no avail. Also, have realized their 'Best Available Rate' Guarantee is worth...Its a beautiful place, lovely beach (very calm), blue waters, some excellent restaurants, in particular the Anchorage, Sea Salt, Beach bar. Staff is a mix of very friendly (Ruwan, Rama, Ishaq, Nimisha, Julia, Leena) and some who are content to just be. We had a wonderful time but if we were to go to Maldives again, would choose a different property
Key issues are
1. location, its too close to Male - always airplanes flying over, seaplanes ferrying guests, speedboats zipping around - its not the seclusion you imagine when going to Maldives.
2. It doesnt have a house reef - while the sea life in its own waters is great, its nothing compared to what lies in wait with a proper reef. Any snorkelling excursion to a reef however results in a significant cost ($175 per trip for family of four)
3. I had a huge personal issue with the SPG program, despite being a Platinum card holder & member since '99, was shocked to find if you book through a travel agent (even if the SPG site is showing sold out), you dont get points / tier points and worst of all, you're not even recognized as a Platinum member, getting none of the normal benefits during your stay (imagine airlines applying this policy ?). Complaints to the hotel and the SPG group have been to no avail. Also, have realized their 'Best Available Rate' Guarantee is worth nothing as it doesnt apply to Expedia, Orbitz, any other website, travel agents - so basically it seems I've overpaid everytime I've booked through SPG. I found people who paid 1/4th what I was paying at this property so would advise to go only through travel agents, when you get a good deal !More
Show less
