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| Why I keep returning to the Maldives |
| by Brian Kelly |
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Hey everyone,
I’m back from an epic trip to Italy, Spain and the Maldives — mostly on points. One question I’m often asked is, why go to the Maldives when it’s so far away from the U.S.?
As someone who has now been six times — along with several trips to Tahiti, Hawaii and the Caribbean — I can say there’s just something really special about the Maldives.
Yes, it takes forever to get there, so I only recommend going if you can redeem points for business- or first-class seats. I generally fly one of the Middle Eastern carriers, and this time I flew Emirates from Madrid to Dubai to Male. On the way home I flew Qatar Airways’ first class from Male to Doha and then Qsuite business class from Doha back to New York City.
It’s a long way, no matter how you slice it. I recommend going for as long as possible if you do go — I went for eight nights — because it’s going to take you a day or so to adjust, and then on your last day, you may have to leave in the morning as I did.
I’ve stayed at the Conrad, St. Regis, Park Hyatt, Baros, Waldorf Astoria and now Patina Maldives and the Ritz-Carlton. I can say the new Fari Islands Resort, where the Patina Maldives and Ritz are, is incredible. (I was hosted by both of the hotels on this visit.) I met many TPG readers who told me they used their points at a great value to book their stay here!
I recommend staying for at least five nights to get the fifth night free. It’ll cost you about 500,000 points for a five-night stay that would cost over $12,000 if you paid using cash. You are getting more than 2 cents per point in value for Marriott points, which TPG values at less than 1 cent each. The Ritz-Carlton is generous with award availability, and I love using MaxMyPoint to search for hotel award inventory. This tool works for many hotel chains, and it is totally free.
At the Patina and Ritz, there was no shortage of things to do — from paddleboarding to the incredible spa (check out the Watsu water therapy), submarine rides and scuba diving. But, some days, you just need to chill and read a book.
I took Dean on this trip, and the staff was amazing. The kids clubs were fun for him, and the food everywhere was really excellent, even for a baby’s discerning palate.
What I will say is this — can you find a very nice beach closer to the U.S.? Absolutely. But there is something about being on a remote, car-free island in the middle of the Indian Ocean with world-class scuba diving and ample opportunities to experience relaxation and incredible sleep that keeps me coming back again and again.
Not only is it great for honeymoons, but it’s also great for families — just choose your resort wisely. If you need help deciding where to stay and what to do in the Maldives, the experts at Elsewhere offer personalized trip-planning services.
Have a great weekend,
BK
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| Photo Credit: SHUTTERFISH.PHOTO. |
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