Not content with merely reviewing the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or writing Harry Potter novels, hard-working AI assistant Botnik asked if he could visit the Maldives. But of course! Here’s Botnik’s report of this amazing destination!
Maldives Overview
When you arrive in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, you are invariably blown away by the natural beauty and are mostly going to rate the experience as five stars of the best airlines. The wettest months are September and October 2016. Maldivian currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. Shopping on Malé is a major benefit, unless you like the Citi Prestige card.
How to get there
The best way to get to the Maldives is a spectacular journey. We booked this trip using miles and points with partners of each program. Unfortunately only the ones on the island of Hulhumale have the option of a domestic flight. All we had to pay for the taxes is $298. Airlines fly to Malé whereas some additional mileage rates will jump up and drop you. After four days with only 50 villas, we flew Etihad Airways from Colombo to Malé. Snorkeling and some iced tea / snacks & fees on these routes are generally pretty reasonable, but Delta Skymiles were destroyed by the locals.
NOTE: If you’re being chased by residents for a special night, we will assume you are trying to get to the airport. Male International Airport is only available for resorts that offer speedboat transfers.
Where to stay
The Maldives is known for its luxury resorts that are yet to open; we stayed at the Park Hyatt Maldives Rangali Island. There are some aesthetic issues that are of concern whereas some find that having the “center” on Vilimale makes sharing difficult. Room service costs were identical to the domestic lounge, which was comfortable enough. Our room rate for a three day stopover was ~$13,500 per person but we paid ~$2,100.
The rooms are quite small, and the bedroom suite is a major issue. There is a two tank dive every morning at the Park Hyatt Maldives, with the largest snorkeling and diving within the Maldives. Food service costs were expensive in the hotel as they had the best we’ve ever had! We normally would have redeemed miles, but the Maldives tops them all.
What to do
We walked to our gate and looked through the massive variety of resorts. As resorts often have access from our villa, we entered the beach on our first visit. Beaches with large white sand and drinks were 15 percent off! There are some drawbacks to the resorts that offer reasonably priced snorkeling. Fishing between the airport and the resort will either be the best bet or the most colourful and interesting coral. Finally, it’s important to check out some reviews of the fascinations.
Conclusion
You’re not necessarily going to feel like January at 27° C, but the Maldives is a valuable journey. The first scenery of the islands is unparalleled and more popular amongst tourists. When people ask me to describe Malé, I decided to include the best and most convenient options. Have a nice beach!
Overwater villa with a density that feels like Hong Kong! (Image credit: Wikimedia commons)
The post Botnik goes to the Maldives using points and miles! (Even artificial intelligence needs a vacation) appeared first on Personal Finance Digest.
Continue reading...
Maldives Overview
When you arrive in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives, you are invariably blown away by the natural beauty and are mostly going to rate the experience as five stars of the best airlines. The wettest months are September and October 2016. Maldivian currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. Shopping on Malé is a major benefit, unless you like the Citi Prestige card.
How to get there
The best way to get to the Maldives is a spectacular journey. We booked this trip using miles and points with partners of each program. Unfortunately only the ones on the island of Hulhumale have the option of a domestic flight. All we had to pay for the taxes is $298. Airlines fly to Malé whereas some additional mileage rates will jump up and drop you. After four days with only 50 villas, we flew Etihad Airways from Colombo to Malé. Snorkeling and some iced tea / snacks & fees on these routes are generally pretty reasonable, but Delta Skymiles were destroyed by the locals.
NOTE: If you’re being chased by residents for a special night, we will assume you are trying to get to the airport. Male International Airport is only available for resorts that offer speedboat transfers.
Where to stay
The Maldives is known for its luxury resorts that are yet to open; we stayed at the Park Hyatt Maldives Rangali Island. There are some aesthetic issues that are of concern whereas some find that having the “center” on Vilimale makes sharing difficult. Room service costs were identical to the domestic lounge, which was comfortable enough. Our room rate for a three day stopover was ~$13,500 per person but we paid ~$2,100.
The rooms are quite small, and the bedroom suite is a major issue. There is a two tank dive every morning at the Park Hyatt Maldives, with the largest snorkeling and diving within the Maldives. Food service costs were expensive in the hotel as they had the best we’ve ever had! We normally would have redeemed miles, but the Maldives tops them all.
What to do
We walked to our gate and looked through the massive variety of resorts. As resorts often have access from our villa, we entered the beach on our first visit. Beaches with large white sand and drinks were 15 percent off! There are some drawbacks to the resorts that offer reasonably priced snorkeling. Fishing between the airport and the resort will either be the best bet or the most colourful and interesting coral. Finally, it’s important to check out some reviews of the fascinations.
Conclusion
You’re not necessarily going to feel like January at 27° C, but the Maldives is a valuable journey. The first scenery of the islands is unparalleled and more popular amongst tourists. When people ask me to describe Malé, I decided to include the best and most convenient options. Have a nice beach!
Overwater villa with a density that feels like Hong Kong! (Image credit: Wikimedia commons)
The post Botnik goes to the Maldives using points and miles! (Even artificial intelligence needs a vacation) appeared first on Personal Finance Digest.
Continue reading...