Maldives Travel Answers

Hi Kristi Not personally familiar with this Maldives property, but I know a bit about the Chaaya Hotels. It is a Sri Lanka chain that has kind of re-markeded itself from what used to be John Keels Holdings company. I do not know if they still are, but they at least used to be the largest holding company in Sri Lanka. They do have a an exquisite hotel built on the ancestral home of a prominent Sri Lanka family, (don't remember the name), in Kandy. I looked at their site in the Maldives, and it looks great, if somewhat overwhelmingly large. I know you posted before but do not think I gave any information then, Here is a bunch of stuff that might help. Use what you can and discard the rest. You may also want to visit Gillibob's pages for more, and perhaps a bit more updated information. *************************************** The Maldives are mainly a luxury destination of the highest order. The Maldives are a great destination often overlooked, however that is mainly due to very high costs involved. Sometimes the prices are just way out of the park. The Baros Island Resort, prices for instance, will jump from600.00 to1200 per night, depending on the day and month, and that is for the least expensive room, which is still a Deluxe Villa. An over the water villa (Water Villa), the price jumps to900.00 and up. Here is the Baros Island Resort webpage for review. http://www.baros.com/ If this works for you, then I highly suggest that you pre-book and do it now. Remember to include any of the activities that you may want to partake in as this resort is very popular. Also remember that all the resorts need either water transport or flights/heli transport. The Komandoo is a good choice as well. Cannot tell the present rates, but judging from the diving prices, they are likely in the same range as the new Centara. First you should be aware that June/July and well into August, are the monsoon season. Be prepared for a lot of rain. I do realize that those resorts that are open during the low season are likely attractively priced, but understand also that high season is quickly booked up, and the prices skyrocket. It is best to drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Know that water is expensive at the resorts. Be real careful in the ocean as swimming in the shallows can cause some serious cuts by the coral reef, and also not a good idea to walk barefoot in the sand due to small pieces of coral, (mainly due to storms and tsunamis), that can cut you.....and watch out for the Trigger fish amongst other things. (Do ask the staff). Do not attempt to bring alcohol with you, as this is a muslim country. It is available in the resorts but do not expect it anywhere else. It has been a while since I was in the Maldives. (I was a five star tour director), but I do keep up on things. If resort costs do not face you, then likely the resort will arrange transport. However, if you are considering using the dhoni as a water taxi, read on. Back then it was quite easy to rent a dhoni, and unless someone here says otherwise I would say that it is surely still possible today. It is almost impossible to go to the Maldives and not find yourself on a dhoni several times. Be aware of inflated price attempts though. ....further, do not forget to see a travel medicine specialist, for information on malaria tablets and such. Do not take advise on this issue from non-medical personnel, including us. If you are from the U.S., do not assume that your regular doctor knows what to tell you. Also take PLENTY of bugspray. Remember you are relatively isolated and cannot easily run to the store. If you go anywhere other than the resort islands, do dress relatively conservatively. Also, they may tell you that the water is drinkable, but I advise against it. By he way, the Adaaran Group has a fine collection of resorts in the Maldives. Take a look..... http://www.adaaran.com/ However, if I was going back, I would most certainly check out the One & Only group of hotels. Although I have not been to the one in the Maldives, I have been to several other properties by One & Only, including the Ocean Club in the Bahamas and the Le Saint Geran on Mauritius, - and judging from those experiences, I would not hesitate to go to their property in the Maldives. It is called the Reethi Rah. Check it out. http://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/ Hope this helps……d:o)