Park Hyatt Maldives to Become More Family Friendly?!
A few years ago for my husband's 40th birthday, we used miles and points to take an amazing luxurious around-the-world trip that we otherwise could have never even come close to affording were it not for award travel. Our biggest stop on our trek was at the Park Hyatt Maldives where we stayed in all three types of villas that they had at the time, with our favorite being the Pool Villas that were on land but had their own private plunge pools. That stay was amazing and one that we hope to repeat one day...maybe for my 40th in a few years.
We did not bring our then four-year-old daughter all the way to the Maldives on that trip, and I'm glad we didn't. While children are allowed, the resort really isn't overly family-focused and it is better suited, in my opinion, to adult trips than family trips, though of course families do visit and I'm sure they have a great time. I'd be more inclined to think that those with older children who could snorkel and actively participate in the boat excursions would probably have a great time, assuming they were okay being "stuck" with their family for days on end. However, there was no kid's club, family dedicated pool or splash area, playground, two-bedroom villas, or family-centric activities geared for the younger crowd that I noticed when we were there several years ago.
However, if word on the internet is correct, that may be changing at least a little bit. The Park Hyatt Maldives is in the process of building not only some larger Deluxe Park Pool Villas, and also a two-bedroom villa that is scheduled to be completed this fall.
I also spotted this article that says that "in addition to the resort's babysitting, yoga, snorkeling and junior PADI diving already offered for children, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa will launch a brand-new family offering, including daily kids activities, new kids' welcome packs and a complimentary babysitting service to allow parents to enjoy some quality time as a couple."
While it may not be welcome news to some who like the island to be as child-free as possible, I think this is pretty great. I absolutely love combining a family trip with adult time, and when resorts can figure out how to balance both they really get my attention. Given that we live in the middle of the United States, I don't know if we would bring our kids all the way to the Park Hyatt Maldives or not, but if there are larger villas, complimentary babysitting, daily kids activities, and more, it would be an interesting idea. This is especially true if we went in a few years when our older daughter would be a great age for the water activities, but our younger daughter may still need some more babysitting oriented services at times.
My understanding is that in the two-bedroom villas, the second bedroom will have twin beds and an additional bathroom, making it an ideal set-up for families. While I don't know how things will work with the two-bedroom villa, historically this property has been very good about allowing you to book a base level villa with Hyatt points or award nights and then pay a cash co-pay to upgrade to a different villa type. The price has gone up over time and may vary by season, but this Flyertalk thread states that the current confirmed upgrade rates are:
- To Park Pool Villa USD210 plus taxes of 23.2%, total USD258.72per night.
- To Park Deluxe Pool Villa USD310 plus taxes of 23.2%, total USD381.92 per night.
- To Park Water Villa USD410 plus taxes of 23.2%, total USD505.12 per night.
- To Park Sunset Water Villa USD610 plus taxes of 23.2%, total USD751.52 per night.
I have reached out to the hotel to try to get some additional info on the new villas and any other family-focused updates that are willing to share. However, before you get your heart set on this property I do just want to offer a reminder for those not familiar with this gorgeous part of the world that even if you stay on points and get to Male on miles, it is not an inexpensive place to visit. The plane and boat transfers from Male to Hadahaa alone will run you $520 per adult, $430 per child (ages 2-11 years old), and $160 for infants not requiring a separate seat. For a family of four that is easily close to $2,000 right there just to get from the main airport in Male to the small island where the resort is located. The Maldives is a very special and amazing place, but it is pricey even when you use awards, so just set your expectations appropriately before gearing the family up for this epic journey.
Before it is even said, I also want to acknowledge that I think part of the draw of this island is its remote location and calm vibe. If they do become more family-friendly and more families visit as a result, I trust and hope they will do it in a way that still permits those without kids (or even just without their own kids for a few hours) to feel tranquil and disconnected without getting a cannonball splash to the face. With planning, I do think that both vibes can simultaneously exist on the island, and I look forward to learning more about their plans.
Would you ever consider bringing your kids to the Park Hyatt Maldives if it became a little more family friendly?
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.