Going to maldives and have a few questions

lynn44

llol_slim wrote: »

having never been full board and also knowign that there wont be that much to buy, only tips to give, how much roughly do you reckon I should be taking in way of cash?
I'm just starting to budget for everything now and havn't really got a clue how much I will need..
thanks

We took about $800 and still come back with about $100 and that was after upgrading to all inclusive on the second week, 2 trips to male and another island, mantee boat trip + and last night in a water bungalow..... have great time :j

llol_slim

thanks, we were budgeting £200 each which would amount to around $750/800 which would probably be overkill then.. would loose on the exchange rate converting back?

-=EDIT=-
i am sorry, i managed to miss your post (my subscription notification doesnt seem to be working very well)

Joscar wrote: »

OMG :eek: have just seen how long that reply was - so sorry to bore the rest of you, but I really did have a fab holiday.

wasn't too long, it was fantastic, as have all of the replies. Its really helpful to hear other peoples views, experiences and tips, it lets us know what to think about and expect but also gets us really excited!!

I am very interested in how you managed to get a free upgrade to a water bungalow as we are planning on waiting until we get out there, because we now know (thanks to this board!) that it is cheaper than doing it through first choice, so feel free to let us know how to get it for free!!

thanks again everyone

zhari

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

Thanks for everyones tips, particularly the shoes, i've had a look on Ebay and the wetsuit shoes are reasonably priced.

I do have a pair of Crocs though and wondered if these would protect my feet just as well.

Thanks

Ms C x

Hi just wanted to say that the crocs may not be the best shoes to take. We bought waterproof shoes that fitted snugly so that little bits of coral didn't get inside. The coral is very very sharp and the slightest touch can leave you with a sore patch/graze which can take a while to heal. The beach sandals werent good either as the sides are too open and you can get cut on the loose coral. Proper swim shoes or surf boots really are a good investment as you will use them constantly. Have a fantastic holiday, it really is paradise.

Joscar

llol_slim wrote: »

I am very interested in how you managed to get a free upgrade to a water bungalow as we are planning on waiting until we get out there, because we now know (thanks to this board!) that it is cheaper than doing it through first choice, so feel free to let us know how to get it for free!!

I am not sure it was down to anything we did. Many of the UK people we spoke to received upgrades, some thought it was because they dropped hints about birthdays and anniversaries. We spoke to the rep - Zahir - he said that the resort managers like to keep the British guests and the Italians separate as they like different types of holidays. The Brits were more reserved tend to stay in couples or small groups, the Italians were noisier. He said they thought giving the British guests upgrades to the bungalows kept them happy in the quieter areas. We did pay to upgrade from the cheapest accommodation to a beach cottage, the upgrade to the bungalow was complimentary. Though young children are not allowed in the water bungalows due to safety. I am not sure if Zahir had any influence, but being polite to him at the the airport and on the boat transfer would not hurt !

llol_slim wrote: »

having never been full board and also knowign that there wont be that much to buy, only tips to give, how much roughly do you reckon I should be taking in way of cash?
I'm just starting to budget for everything now and havn't really got a clue how much I will need..
thanks

In two weeks we spent $130 in tips and $70 on souvenirs, gifts and postcards. We only went on one one trip which was included in AI, most people would probably do at least 3 trips in 2 weeks. I think they were around $30 - $40 per person (dolphin spotting, day fishing etc) I think spa treatments were $60 - $80 per treatment.

http://http://www.vermillionmaldives.com/resorts/Dhonvelibeach.htm

When we stayed there the presidents of Sri Lanka and the Maldives visited, if it is good enough for them .........!!

If you are not AI and like a drink you will need extra, half a lager was $5, half a coke was $4. Even if you are not fussed about the alcohol, water is essential, 1.5L of bottled water was $4 and we drank 4 - 5 bottles each day between us. All prices have a compulsory 10% service charge.

Upgrading from HB to AI at the resort was $70 per person per day

llol_slim

joscar thanks loads for all that info, much appreciated!
We are all inclusive, so wont be spending too much on liquids which is good.
We will remember to be extra nice to the rep then, maybe get a free upgrade to a water bungalow That would be nice. I dont mind paying extra once we are there.
We already have a sunrise villa which (apparantly) faces the nicest part of the beach.
Question : Outside showers, are the toilets also outside?!!
Thanks again
Laurie

info_addict

Hi Laurie,

We stayed in the Sunrise Villas last May (06) and the toilet and WHB is outside but under cover, kind of under a lean to roof area. It is really only the shower that is fully uncovered and with plants around it. But the whole outdoor area is really clean and airy. Oh, there is also a hand held shower in the bath as well

Here is a trip report I did Dhonveli

Sam_Bee

JJinIraq wrote: »

T
I have booked us into the Maldives Hilton next. We are staying half board and have a Deluxe Beach Villa. Will be staying for 6 days 5 nights.

If I was about to go on a tour of Iraq JJ, I would also book myself into the Hilton Maldives before I went! Supposed heaven on earth.

Not a traditional Hilton at all (thank god!) but a stunning Maldives hotel. I don't bother with a/i as it does have big restrictions. Didn't include the £16 rum and coke from my minibar!

My tip for the Hilton: Book one night at the underwater restaurant BEFORE you go - as it can completely book up. Send an e-mail in advance to the hotel, or get your Tour Operator to do for your last night or something. Make sure you get written confirmation as well! I've heard complaints from people who couldn't book a meal there once they arrived.

I'm very jealous!

GRIGGSY

Hi just back this week from the Maldives and thought i would share a bit of information with people.

My husband and I upgraded for free to AI and I am so glad as otherwise we would of been spending around $100 a day on drinks - not all alcoholic. Although we were AI we had to sign our bills on a daily basis as some were HB on the island, and no bands to show who was what.
A rough guide to the prices for drinks are as follows:
Large bottle of water $3
Small bottle of Water $1.5
Coke $2.5/3 as were all soft drinks
Beer small (Lion, san Miguel) $3
large beer $5
Vodka shot $3
Cocktails varied from $7 to approx $20

With Half board we thought we would get free drinks with our meals but this was not included. Most of our bills was made up of water and soft drinks so it does add up.
With most places in the Maldives the mini bar was not included but we filled it ourselves with cans we had taken away from the bar to have on the beach.
Also you tend to get two free trips with going AI.

Hope this is useful to someone.

llol_slim

thanks griggsy, great to read your experiences, good to get an idea of prices.
Luckily we are all inclusive, but we've been told that we get a mini-bar in our room that will be filled for free, so we will double check this with FIrst Choice.
Thanks!
Only 5 months now and counting the days!!

sandy2_2

Griggsy, which tour operator did you go with