Talk to me about All-Inclusives in the Maldives

loro929

After a lot of going back and forth and researching (we really were set on the Seychelles for a while), we finally decided that our HM destination will be the Maldives. That being said, we are considering hotel options. One of the great things that is more common in the Maldives, and that is not as readily available in the Seychelles are resorts with an All Inclusive Option. 

We need to book this within the next week or so (we are travelling in August) and are having a difficult time deciding on a hotel. So far, we have been looking at LUX* Maldives, Centara Grand Island Resort and Chaaya Island Dhonveli. Has anyone had any experience with any of these?

They all seem to have amazing reviews on TripAdvisor, so I was curious if anyone had any personal experience and could offer any insight regarding any of these hotels or your experience in general in the Maldives?

Jells2dot0

I think you're going to find ZERO people on here who have been. It's just so far and expensive for most people to consider.

I think I've mentioned that I have been planning on going there for awhile. I got quotes about 11 years ago and then divorced. I tried to go when we went to the Seychelles, but the flights didn't work. I then wanted to have my DW there, but weddings aren't legal and I refused to go down that road. Then, I got sick. Lol so, we're aiming for our 5th anniversary. However, I have not heard anything about the resorts you mentioned. None of the ones I have considered are AI. We're leaning toward the W, Cocoa Island an/or Velaa. We'll probably do 2 resorts over 7 nights there (plus 7 nights in the Seychelles and 3 nights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha)/p>

Are you working with a TA? Hopefully they can guide you to the one that best suits your needs.

loro929

Jells2dot0 said:

I think you're going to find ZERO people on here who have been. It's just so far and expensive for most people to consider.

I think I've mentioned that I have been planning on going there for awhile. I got quotes about 11 years ago and then divorced. I tried to go when we went to the Seychelles, but the flights didn't work. I then wanted to have my DW there, but weddings aren't legal and I refused to go down that road. Then, I got sick. Lol so, we're aiming for our 5th anniversary. However, I have not heard anything about the resorts you mentioned. None of the ones I have considered are AI. We're leaning toward the W, Cocoa Island an/or Velaa. We'll probably do 2 resorts over 7 nights there (plus 7 nights in the Seychelles and 3 nights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha)/p>

Are you working with a TA? Hopefully they can guide you to the one that best suits your needs.

Yes, I think you did mention that a while back! 

We have been consulting with a TA, but to be honest, in the area where we live it is difficult to find a TA who has actually been to the resorts that are being recommended. For instance, the last one we met with actually googled the weather in August when we were chatting. Nothign against using google, I do it myself all the time, but when booking a vacation that requires both a long distance and a bit of investment, I want to know that the recommendations are coming from experience. 

Also, I may not have been too precise when I mentioned AI resorts, it is not that the entire resort needs to be AI, but, along with B&B options, half board and full board options, we are looking for places that offer the AI option, which seemed like the way to go for our peace of mind. 

Jells2dot0

For the Maldives, I absolutely recommend working with someone who is an expert and that means most likely having to do the work over phone, e-mail, or Skype. I work with agents all of the time that are not local. You just have to do your homework. I think reaching out to Linara Travel, Tahiti Legends, or Classic Vacations should help! They are specialists, especially Linara. They are always mentioned in T&L or Conde Nast as the experts and it's who quoted my trip that I never took.

loro929

Jells2dot0 said:

For the Maldives, I absolutely recommend working with someone who is an expert and that means most likely having to do the work over phone, e-mail, or Skype. I work with agents all of the time that are not local. You just have to do your homework. I think reaching out to Linara Travel, Tahiti Legends, or Classic Vacations should help! They are specialists, especially Linara. They are always mentioned in T&L or Conde Nast as the experts and it's who quoted my trip that I never took.

Thanks for the tips. I will definitely look into them! I have been consulting myself some sites, such as Purely Maldives, but it seems like the packages they propose are more geared to UK tourists.

Jells2dot0

Yes, the Maldives are very UK/Europe centric because of the flights.

jenna8984

@loves2shop4shoes Is this maybe where you went a few months ago?