Building works in Dhonveli, Maldives..(Nov-Dec) advice please?!

llol_slim

Our friends are going to the Maldives (Dhonveli) and have just received a letter saying there will be building work going on during November and it should be finished at the beginning of December so that will deffinately effect them and maybe us.

They go from 26th November to 10 December, we are there 10th to 24th December.

They complained and managed to get transferred to a more expensive island for £100 (should be £600) as they were not allowed a complete refund.

We arrive on the 10th December so might effect us but we haven't yet recieved a letter.

Is anybody else going or got any advice as to what we can do?

We really dont want this to turn out to be a holiday from hell, as its costing us in the region of £3500.

NB : We are both going through First Choice

saveapenny

Firstly they could have insisted on a full refund FC cant stop them getting one. They will more than likley wait till closer the time to let you know because they might not know themselves if its finished or not. Have you tried calling them?
Which resort is it? and have you already search the internet for more info or have you e-mailed the hotel for more info?

llol_slim

sorry, i had to break it down into sections!!

saveapenny wrote: »

Firstly they could have insisted on a full refund FC cant stop them getting one.

they could? Is it too late now? How would you go about doing this?

saveapenny wrote: »

They will more than likley wait till closer the time to let you know because they might not know themselves if its finished or not.

They let our friends know, who go a couple of weeks before so i assumed they would tell everyone at the same time.

saveapenny wrote: »

Have you tried calling them?
Which resort is it? and have you already search the internet for more info or have you e-mailed the hotel for more info?

I'm about to call FC now, its Dhonveli Beach resort, and I have searched the internet and could fnd nothing and thanks, I will also email the actual hotel, if i can find their contact info.

llol_slim

Just called First Choice, thre is nothing on my account on their system, I assume that's because they haven't sent us the letter.
After a 10 minute wait on an 0871 number.. not so good.


I cant seem to find contact info for the resort either, so I suppose I will have to wait a few days see if we get the letter.
What would happen if we dont get a letter and we go and there's building work going on?

Sam_Bee

Whereas Saveapenny is right, the fact they have a much better island for £100 more (if it is really £500 they are saving) they I wouldn't bother.

But for you, have you tried contacting the resort directly - might be more helpful than FC? Although I did a cursory search on t'internet, I couldn't find contact details or the hotel website for you though.

llol_slim

well, agreed if we can upgrade then we will as well!!

I think i have found the email address of the resort and have tried emailing them, will see if anything comes back.

I am (understandably i think) worried as we are spending alot of money on the holiday, its our first proper holiday together and I just want it to be perfect.

I think I will go into our local FC as well to see what they say and see if I can find a phone number of the resort.

Does holiday insurance cover building works?

saveapenny

Found this for you http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298332-d594693-Reviews-Dhonveli_Beach_Spa-North_Male_Atoll_Kaafu_Atoll.html someone as posted the resorts telephone number on there and what the hotel said
Looks liek the buildoing work to the hotel is nearly finished but they intend to start the reef work in December which inculde dredging the reef by the water bugalows and adding new bolders.

I would print it off and take it with you. + Call them and ask them to send you an e-mail confirming the dredging and then take that along with you

another post on HT http://www.holiday-truth.com/holiday_truths/hotel_reviews/7377/Dhonveli%20Beach%20and%20Spa/

Hope this helps

saveapenny

I have just been on to the FC web site and for the other couples dates there is notification when you go through thte booking so it might be worth keeping an eye on that too http://www.firstchoice.co.uk/maldives/

llol_slim

thanks both so much, its so nice to have helpful people I have seen the warning on the FC website and am waiting for the resort to get back to me.
Its a good job we have friends who are going, other wise we wouldn't know about this.
I have called our local first choice and they are looking into it and she said she will ring me back.
I will go in there tomorrow to find out more info, but in the mean time I will find out wher e we stand with regards to upgrading/getting a refund.

People on trip advisor are saying that the water may be murky and have rubbish clarity. Kind of kills the enjoyment of snorkelling..

meerustar

The Maldives are amazing ... I wouldn't care if they were drilling 24/7 right next to my room as long as I got to see that white sand and blue ocean from my villa once more.

(I do understand your worries, I'm just jealous as I want to go back)

llol_slim

meerustar wrote: »

The Maldives are amazing ... I wouldn't care if they were drilling 24/7 right next to my room as long as I got to see that white sand and blue ocean from my villa once more.

(I do understand your worries, I'm just jealous as I want to go back)

well, I suppose I do sound like a diva.. I'll be wanting freshly squeezed volcanic filtered body temperature sparkling water with no bubles next..

But it is a bit worrying, you expect certain things from the maldvies: white sand and crystal clear water..

take away one and well makes us sad and has put us off. I think we will be upgrading!
nobody wants workmen on their beach ;-) well.. maybe the people out of the diet coke advert do, but I dont!