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Maldives Questions
Posted on 1/7/21 at 12:22 pm
Posted on 1/7/21 at 12:22 pm
We were slated to go to South Africa for a safari this month, but my significant other has become uncomfortable with the trip because a new variant of Covid has been discovered there. It is supposedly more contagious than the UK mutation. We are considering the Maldives instead. Three questions:
(1) My significant other's passport expires in June. Given the backlog created by the pandemic, it has been virtually impossible to get it renewed. However, the Maldives recently amended their tourist visa requirements so that a visitor's passport only has to be valid for one month after entry, rather than six months. Nonetheless, I am concerned the airlines won't be aware of this change and will prohibit her from boarding the flight. Does anyone have experience with an analogous situation? Has anyone been to the Maldives since it reopened?;
(2) Any lodging recommendations for the Maldives? We are currently considering the St. Regis;
(3) Has anyone flown Qatar airlines? What was the experience like?
Thanks.
(1) My significant other's passport expires in June. Given the backlog created by the pandemic, it has been virtually impossible to get it renewed. However, the Maldives recently amended their tourist visa requirements so that a visitor's passport only has to be valid for one month after entry, rather than six months. Nonetheless, I am concerned the airlines won't be aware of this change and will prohibit her from boarding the flight. Does anyone have experience with an analogous situation? Has anyone been to the Maldives since it reopened?;
(2) Any lodging recommendations for the Maldives? We are currently considering the St. Regis;
(3) Has anyone flown Qatar airlines? What was the experience like?
Thanks.
This post was edited on 1/7/21 at 12:25 pm
5
Posted on 1/7/21 at 1:02 pm to DmitriKaramazov
quote:
St. Regis
$$$$$
$$$$$ I have nothing to add just following as well due to planning a honeymoon in November
Posted on 1/7/21 at 1:08 pm to DmitriKaramazov
quote:
2) Any lodging recommendations for the Maldives? We are currently considering the St. Regis;
Are you a Marriott member and trying to redeem points?
We booked a stay for April 2021 and were choosing between Marriott properties. St. Regis looked the best as far as luxury but we decided on the JW. Reason being, the overwater villa was considered a standard room which meant the point redemption was lower.
$1,300+ a night villa for 75-85k points a night. We have enough to cover 4 nights. Coincidentally, after I booked I came across an article that listed the JW Maldives as a top 10 property in the world for best point redemption rates for Marriott.
...but if loyalty points don’t matter to you, forget everything I just said. Hope you have a blast
Posted on 1/7/21 at 1:52 pm to DmitriKaramazov
quote:
(1) My significant other's passport expires in June. Given the backlog created by the pandemic, it has been virtually impossible to get it renewed. However, the Maldives recently amended their tourist visa requirements so that a visitor's passport only has to be valid for one month after entry, rather than six months. Nonetheless, I am concerned the airlines won't be aware of this change and will prohibit her from boarding the flight. Does anyone have experience with an analogous situation? Has anyone been to the Maldives since it reopened?;
(2) Any lodging recommendations for the Maldives? We are currently considering the St. Regis;
(3) Has anyone flown Qatar airlines? What was the experience like?
1. When are you going? Standard passport processing time is 10-12 weeks, expedited is 6, and you can even expedite in person if you have travel within 3 days or something like that. My wife and I just renewed passports and all indications were that the estimated timings were accurate. I'd err on the side of renewal if it will be close.
2. We stayed at the Hyatt Hadahaa. I had Hyatt points we could use, so I was leaning in the direction of the Hyatt from the start. Further research showed that it was a place I'd consider staying at absent Hyatt points/perks.
We spent 6 nights in an overwater bungalow (was something like $325 to upgrade from points at the time) and really enjoyed it. The house reef was unbelievable. We spent untold hours snorkeling. The food was good and not as outrageously priced as I would have expected - though I should clarify this was based on a stay almost 8 years ago. Definitely highly recommend the Hyatt, but I'm sure there are many worthwhile places there. See some pictures below.
3. No, but I've flow Emirates and Etihad. They were both very nice, and Qatar is supposed to be comparable.
Final thought...It wouldn't deter me, but these resorts are pretty remote if you're concerned about Covid. To get to the main island from the Hyatt is an hour+ boat ride and flight should you need some sort of hospitalization. You're looking at another multiple hour flight to get back to a mainland if needed from there. Just something to be aware of.
This post was edited on 1/7/21 at 11:02 pm
Posted on 1/7/21 at 2:05 pm to JustinTI
quote:
JustinTI
Thanks. Helpful. We would leave in 15 days. Incredible pictures.
Posted on 1/7/21 at 2:07 pm to DmitriKaramazov
quote:
Has anyone flown Qatar airlines? What was the experience like?
Yes, in business class, and it was awesome. Made 15 hours from Doha to Houston truly enjoyable.
Posted on 1/7/21 at 9:22 pm to Ruxins Rascals
quote:
I have nothing to add just following as well due to planning a honeymoon in November
Do you already have your resort picked out? 4 years ago I went for my honeymoon and was able to find a handful of places that offered different promotions for honeymooners. We stayed at Constance Halaveli and loved it.
Posted on 1/24/21 at 9:53 pm to DmitriKaramazov
Looking at the St Regis now for my 40th. Birthday is in May but September fits my schedule better. Hoping Marriott Ambassador status helps with rooms.
Posted on 3/11/21 at 11:05 pm to CaptainJ47
Bump for updates
Posted on 3/12/21 at 7:19 am to CaptainJ47
I thought September was middle of rainy season and not a good time to go. I rescheduled from April to November at JW. Their base room is an overwater bungalow
Posted on 3/12/21 at 4:54 pm to JustinTI
quote:
1. When are you going? Standard passport processing time is 10-12 weeks, expedited is 6, and you can even expedite in person if you have travel within 3 days or something like that. My wife and I just renewed passports and all indications were that the estimated timings were accurate. I'd err on the side of renewal if it will be close.
The airlines don't mess around with passport requirements. I would move heaven and earth to get it renewed.
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