Thursday, April 2, 2009
book Sunset Grill Restaurant
Book them 2 weeks before your stay. We made the mistake of only booking once, then had to wait 3 days to get reservations again. 3 days is no big deal but, I thought that it wouldn't be a problem. We only ate at the Sunset Grill, not the Vilu, so that may be different, but I would book as soon as you can! Also ask for an outside table at the Sunset Grill, they are much better tables than the ones inside!
If you want to eat outside, on the sunset side at around sunset then these obviously book up first. If it's for a special occasion then book as early as you can. If you're more flexible about time & table then a couple of days in advance should be enough
Ithaa underwater restaurant price menus
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort - Maldives honeymoon
RESTAURANT MENUS 2009 dinner
Welcome Champagne Cocktail
“Sai” Tea Maldivian Tea Infused with Indigenous Plants & Herbs
Cold Starters
Raw Seared “Kanneli” Yellow Fin Tuna with Rihakuru Maldivian Fish Glaze,
Cracked Black Pepper, Dehydrated Lime Dust, Laced with Lime Oil
Cooked Seared Lamb Loin with Tahini, Toasted Black Sesame Seeds,
“Kulhafila” Maldivian Beach Grass with Lime, Onion & Salt
Seared Smoked Salmon Gravlax Style, Lemon Curd Curried Wasabi Mayonnaise
Sour Lime ; Chili Pickled “Ihi” Maldivian Lobster in Smoked Tomato Jelly
Hot Starters
“Assans” Double Duck Essence Infused with Maldivian Rampe Leaf with a Toasted Parmesan Chip
“Gulha” Lollipop Ground Fish Balls with Local Spices, Coconut, Onions,
Chili & Ginger, Lemongrass Skewered ; Shallow Fried
“Bajiya” Pan-fried Foot Long Samosa Filled with Vegetables, Yellow Curry & Dried Cumin
“Bondi” Dumplings of Deep-fried Marinated Ground Lamb & Rice Kibbeh Style
“Roshi” Selected Maldivian Flat Breads
Main Course
“Baith” Selection of Maldivian Rice
“Riha” Curry Deep-Fried “Raithmas” Red Snapper on Yellow Curried Dhal
“Tharukari” Vegetables Cinnamon & Mild Red Curry Flavored Fried Vegetables Tempura Style
“Asdhooni” Black Lacquered Baked Duck Breast Coriander Crusted
“Kukullhu” Poached Breast of Chicken Roll Filled with Stewed Dates & Pickled Lime on a Mild Maldivian Curry Paste Sauce
Kanbalhi” Roast Rack Lamb with a Cracked Pistachio & Arabian Red Powder
“Faru Man” Reef Fish Steamed & Served in an Oriental Nage with Oil Blanched Ponzu Vegetables
Grilled “Ihi” Maldivian Lobster Napped with Reduced Vanilla, Mint Cream & Gratinated with Hollandaise Sauce
Dessert
Candied Mango Mousse with Lemon Grass & Cardamom Essence
Frozen Yoghurt Mild Curry Flavored
Dark Maldivian Banana Muffin served with an Over Cooked Banana Compote & Cracked Meringue
Tropical Fruit Diced & Bamboo Skewered with Hot Candied Ginger, Chocolate Fondue
“Ithaa” Assorted Chocolate Dipped Rose Water Candies
Price at 170 $ per person for HB/FB Guests and 200 $ per person for BB Guests. Prices are in US $ and subject to 10% Service Charge
Full Board vs Half Board maldives
In my opinion, it is much better to go B&B then pay as you go for the rest. Sometimes you just want a main course or a simple meal so doing B&B only means it works out more cost effective and you don't feel obliged to eat loads because you've paid for it!!
We have been twice to Hilton Maldives resort and made the mistake the first time of booking a Half Board deal. There are three standard options in the Maldives
B&B - Bed And Breakfast Only.
half board - Bed, Breakfast, and Dinner.
full board - Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
my advice is B&B is the best to go for. That way, you can choose where you want to eat, as opposed to being tied down to the designated H/B F/B restaurants
With Half Board you can either eat in the main restaurant (which is buffet style with loads of choice) or take the set menu in the a la carte restaurant on the Water Villa island.
With HB you only get a credit towards the other restaurants such as the Sunset Grill and I'm not sure if you get any credit towards Ithaa (undersea).
there are too many wonderful places to eat to be restricted to Atoll and Vilu (Mandhoo island at the moment while the refurb is underway). not sure whether the saving you will make on going B&B will stack up against the costs of the meals once you get there but as Rex says, some nights you can have one starter between you and a main...the portions are so large that I defy anyone to eat 3 courses every night.
We have tried all the restaurants (Ithaa, koko grill ,wine bar, champagne and lobster, bar meals and private BBQ). They were all wonderul experiences and we have never had a bad meal
Depending on how busy it is when you go, you may want to book the Ithaa in advance? It's a fantastic experience and one not to miss.
Maldives Seaplane luggage allowance
seaplane allowance is 20k suitcase plus 5K hand luggage ,excess is charged at $2 per kg return, but if your handluggage has wheels they include that as well
it depends on what the arrangements are between the resort and the transfer companies. We have been to three resorts, and for one of them our luggage followed by boat, and the other two, our luggage either came with us on the seaplane, or followed on the next seaplane.hoping that there are no luggage problems, but will keep a change of clotes in hand luggage just in case
Conrad hilton resort Map of Rangali Island maldives
The Conrad Maldives is located on Rangali and Rangalifinolhu islands in the South Ari Atoll, 90 kilometers southwest of the capital city of Male
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
one week cost at conrad hilton maldives
The special dinners and spa treatments all mount up to a hefty bill at the end of your stay
two of us spent about $4000 USD, for a week at the Conrad hilton water villas hotel Rangali Island in the Maldives resort.we were on half board,We did every restaurant,it cost us about $400 per night. We had breakfast (which was included in our rate), did not have lunch and had dinner which came to about $250 to $400 per night.
Ithaa was very expensive but I loved going at night - it was fascinating and the rays were hugging the top of the restaurant. Koko Grill was our second most expensive dinner - almost as much as Ithaa. My tip is that it is not worth it. Much too expensive for what it is. Cost us about $550.
Also did several excursions inclusing fishing, desert island and the romantic bbq,We did do many of the "excursions" (about 1 a day) and had 3 spa treatments. go on the glass bottom boat ride, and went on the jet ski. Otherwise we tried not to go overboard, and enjoyed ourselves, but tried not to indulge too much.
Ithaa - $280 Dinner, $175 lunch
Shipwreck Dinner - $230
Candle Light Dinner - $260
Candle Light Dinner @ Sunset Grill - $190
Wine Cellar Dinner - $230
4 Elements Dinner @ Mandhoo - $85
Lobster & Champagne @ Ari Lounge Beach - $230
Koko Grill - $230
Seaplane transfers were $300 each
Don't forget to add 10% on to everything.
Hulhule airport hotel review
Hulhule Island Hotel is located on the airport island of Hulhule in the beautiful Maldives. Male, the capital of Maldives is just a 10-minute boat ride from the Hulhule Island Hotel.
I would rate Hulule Island Hotel as the Best Hotel in Male/Male Airport Island. It obviously comes at a higher cost, approx. three times more than other hotels in Male. However, the facilities at the hotel are excellent with a private beach and wonderful pool area where dinner is served in the open at night. Although the hotel is within walking distance of the airport, as shuttle bus is available on request
The twin room I stayed in was spacious, Due to its close proximity to the airport, it is frequently used by travellers transferring to outlying islands, and airline crew,Breakfast was a good quality buffet in an amazing setting at the top of the hotel, with water views on each side as the island is so narrow.
Location:
Male’ International Airport
Distance from Airport: 05 Minutes by Van / Bus
Number of Rooms: 88 rooms
Average price*:
$301
Transport: 05 Minutes from Airport by Van / Bus, 10 Minutes from Male’ by boat.
First Choice uk to maldives male flight review
I have flown First Choice from London. Flight OK, good legroom for economy, 34" pitch, terrible food and slow service. Apart from the meal, you had to pay for all drinks and nibbles - even a cup of tea. In order to be sure of sitting with Mrs Dibble we paid £20 each for the privilege. Personally I would avoid First Choice again, unless I had no choice
the premium is a total waste of money. First Choice is only slightly better than Monarch, I have flown Premium with both and honestly Monarch premium is better than First Choice's so called premium.
In Premium, First Choice have a little more leg space than in Economy (not to be compared with a real Business Class though) and free drink and food/entertainment upgrade. However, I've spoken to people who say it's not worth the extra and that Premium is often full when you can spread out in the back
Conrad Maldives Rangli Island Sunset Cruise
The Conrad Maldives is located on Rangli and Rangalifinolhu islands in the South Ari Atoll, 90 kilometers southwest of the capital city of Male’.
The infinity pool at the Rangli Island Hilton Hotel in the Maldives Accomodation (over water villa) amazing. It was VERY expensive once we got there. We only booked bed and breakfast so that we could visit each of the restaurants each night.
Luxury Lucky Dolphin Cruise
A 90-minute sunset trip on board the resort's luxury cruiser, Rehendi, to discover the dolphin, the most amazing aquatic mammal.
Dhoni Sunset Cruise
The ultimate romantic cruise aboard the dhoni, leaving the island at sunset. Lay back and relax on the cushions spread out on the sundeck of the boat while sipping fresh coconut milk.
Luxury Sunset Cruise
Hop on the luxury cruiser Rehendi, leave the island late in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset while sipping champagne and nibbling canapés.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Facilities
Baggage Storage
Concierge Desk
Foreign Currency Exchange
Gift Shop
Laundry/Valet Service
Multi-Lingual Staff
Room Service
Safety Deposit Box
Fishing
massage spa
Jet Skiing
Pool
Scuba Diving
Sight Seeing Tours
Water Skiing
tips on restaurants Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Some tips on restaurants Conrad Maldives (although I appreciate everyone is different).
In general, all special meals such as Ithaa, Private BBQ, Lobster and champagne BBQ,.. have to be booked early. Normal dinners at Sunset Grill, Vilu can be booked upon arrival at the Resort.
We went to the underwater restaurant for dinner one evening and, whilst it was a great experience, it wasn't worth the money. We paid over $700 for the set menu and a bottle of wine. We saw the resident manta ray gliding around the top of the restaurant but by this stage of our holiday we'd seen a few. Sooo, if I were you I'd save the money and perhaps go there for a cocktail during the day.
We ate at Vilu restaurant and REALLY enjoyed the set menu there - highly recommended. They bring you a different class of wine to go with each of the five courses
We also enjoyed the Sunset(seafood restaurant, but you can get steak etc) and found it to be really good value for money if you didn't order a bottle of wine and just had a couple of glasses instead. We ate at Atoll Market two nights (they encourage you to eat there on your first night).
Dream Island Excursion Rangali maldives
Dream Island Trip
This excursion follows in the footsteps of Robinson Crusoe with a visit to a nearby deserted island to enjoy a stroll along pristine white beaches or a snorkel among the myriad of fish on the reef, surfacing only for the specially prepared picnic lunch
If you are going there for your honeymoon, I would strongly suggest doing the Dream Island Excursion. You will definitely have to book that, 14 prior to your arrival. It is a wonderful experience and well worth doing (very romantic). Ask for the afternoon one, so you can enjoy the sunset while cruising back to Rangali and if your lucky, you can even see the dolphins. Don't forget to bring you snorkeling gear and an insect repellent!
adaaran prestige water villas pictures maldives
Jacuzzi on the sun deck
DAY BED ON DECK
Adaaran Prestige Water Villas situated in the RAA Atoll on the shore of the island of Meedhupparu, 20 lush villas stand in serried ranks above a blue calomel sea on the remote part of the island
We have been planning our Honeymoon for a long time,Whilst it's not cheap, I really can’t say a bad thing about it! From the minute we arrived at Male we were greeted by a representative who checked our luggage through to the seaplane and escorted us on a bus,we were taken to the Water Villas on the golf cart and given some wonderful iced tea
is it safe to sleep in Maldives water villa
It's more of a warning to weaker swimmers to take care than something to be very concerned about. The water around Maldives water villa tends to be only waist deep so it's more of a bother if you're actually in the water than upright with your feet in the sand.However if you can't swim then I'm not sure how much time you're going to spend in the water anyway. I'd recommend sticking to the very shallow water by the beach rather than the slighter deeper water around the villa. And of course, don't go anywhere near the water if you're on your own.
Underwater SPA Maldives Huvafen Fushi
underwater spa which offers 2 double rooms Enjoy spa treatments while surrounded by the Indian Ocean at Aquum Spa at HuvafenFushi Maldives, the world's first underwater spa.
and a separate relaxation area designed specifically for the best vistas of the surrounding sea life.
during exotic massage it is possible to observe tropical small fishes. where it is possible to relax and pass clearing procedures. At massage Maldivian girls with use of unique grassy oil with calming effect are being applied. Besides really unique Maldivian SPA procedures, everyone can appeal for yoga expert, who will help to result in composure
hilton maldives underwater restaurant picture
ITHAA" (PEARL) – THE HILTON MALDIVES the world's only aquarium-style restaurant.
The Restaurant sits 15 feet below the water offering 360-degrees of panoramic underwater views.
Excellent Service, Wold Class cuisine its a small restaurant with 8 tables. all around its glass, through glass you can see, sharks, manta rays and many types of fish. and restaurant is nice during dinner time, and there is brite light lit near the restaurant on ocean area. and fish get attracted to this light making u see lot of fish. the resturant is located in Conrad Maldives (fomer Hilton).
The restaurant is reached by a wooden walkway from the nearby over-water Sunset Grill Restaurant, and seats just 12 people for exclusive dining with a real difference
We went for dinner in April, total bill was approximately US$1,000. Yes, this is insanely expensive, although the underwater restaurant is good it, in my opinion it is not worth the price tag, I guess the lunch is half the price of the dinner (excluding wine),Food is really good, but it's really about the surrounding which is out of this world. Being blissed with rays and eels while sipping a great wine and eating gourmet cuisine, that's something you can't forget.
Hilton Maldives sunset Water Villa pictures
The Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island offers the following dining options:
Atoll Restaurant
Vilu Restaurant and Bar
The Vilu Wine Cellar
Sunset Grill and Bar
Ari Lounge
Sunset Water Villa Single Occupancy on CP Plan
USD 3630
Sunset Water Villa Double Occupancy on CP Plan
USD 3660
hudhuranfushi island resort Ocean Villa pictures
Hudhuranfushi Resort Maldives, Lohifushi Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives is located in North Malé Atoll, 25.7 km from the airport. It’s a mere 30 minutes ride by speedboat and1 ½ hour by traditional motorized boat, locally known as “dhoni”, The sand is very sharp and has lots of coral, so aqua/beach shoes are needed. The water is very shallow all of the way around the island but there are 2 big dug outs on the sunrise side of the island where you can swim and snorkel.The best place to snorkel is off the end of the Jetty by the Dive school –Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi we stayed in the Ocean Villas which I would definitely recommend! Here we had a wonderful honeymoon. I had a hot rock massage from the gorgeous day spa,we had our breakfast served on our deck overlooking the Indian Ocean. You also get a butler who is available 24hrs, he arranges your dinner, breakfast and will pick you up and drop you off in a golf cart, anywhere on the island – he can also arrange trips, and the Spa treatments can be taken in your room/on your deck too
Baros Maldives water villa pictures
Baros Maldives is 1 hour from the airport by traditional boat or half hour by speedboat
honeymoon series The villas are set on stilts in the lagoon or on the edge of the ocean. This was the actual view from inside our villa. What you can't see here is behind (and inside) was the HUGE bed, to the left a door which leads into the indoor shower (which you could access from the inside too) and to the right is a large lounger with a series of steps behind descending to the water.
This was our home for the duration of our time spent on the Baros resort in the Maldives. They are very funky indeed as they are built on stilts out in the Ocean. Inside you have a large room with a bed facing the water and a bathroom. Outside you get your own private veranda complete with sun loungers and steps into the Ocean. Baros only has 75 rooms on the whole island, of these 30 are water villas such as this one.
Dholiyadhoo island Maldives
located on Shaviyani Atoll, North of Male. Zitahli Dholhiyadhoo A stunning new resort in the Maldives which delivers 5 star deluxe service luxury villa and suites all with private plunge pools. Deluxe Aqua Villa personal wine cellar for those guests who prefer to relax indoors
Mauritius weather in may
May is a great time to visit Mauritius. You can expect that the overnight minimum temperatures will range between 19-21°C and by day, you should see temperatures up to 27-28°C. It certainly won't be cold but nor will it be really hot.
that's when winter starts to come in. This is the "cold" season there which is PERFECT weather if you come from outside the tropics. i.e. live in uk or usa. the summer (december) "hot" part of the year is actually almost too hot unless you are aclimated to tropical weather.
It's a known fact that both the western and northern regions of Mauritius record the highest temperatures and also receive less rain than any other part of Mauritius and so if I was you, I would check out a beach in these areas.
If you want to have minimal worries about the rain, then keep away from the south eastern part of Mauritious since shower activity combined with the gusty south easterly winds can make life miserable at the beach around this area in the afternoon.
If you plan to go surfing then check out Tamarin beach. Another popular beach for young people (not for surfing though) is Pereybere.
Sydney to the Maldives flight time
Flight time from Sydney to the Maldives Male International Airport is approximately 12 1/2 hours,There are no direct flights.you have to stop in Singapore and/or Sri Lanka.
Qantas fly to Singapore, where you can connect with a Singapore Airlines flight to the Maldives,The Maldives is approximately four and a half hours flying time from Singapore
so...8-9 hours from Sydney to Singapore, more if you have to stop in Sri Lanka.
London UK to Maldives flight time
Each time I have gone to the Maldives [from London] it has taken about 11 hours to reach Malé International Airport (on Hulhule) with a direct flight.
the maldives share the flight with the sri lanka flight and its a round trip
london/manchester.maldives.....sri lanka.london
it takes longer coming back cos going you hit the gulf stream over the middle east and that pushes the aircraft along.
obviously you,re against it going back and it blows the same way all the time so it can be anything up to two hours longer
and once you arrive at Malé you still have the travelling time to your resort whether by seaplane, speedboat or Dhoni
Thomson long haul flights to maldives review
we went uk to maldives the leg room was top notch and they had monitors in the seats passed the time away it was the best and i will get that next time if i can.
The long haul planes are brilliant. You will get leather seats, and an in-flight amenity pack, a touchscreen tv with loads of games and movies on, headphones and a meal. Plus if you're in economy you get 33" of legroom which is more than BA and Virgin.
If then you upgrade to the premium service you get at least 36" legroom (this is because of the First Choice/Thomson merger, Thomson planes are 37"), wider leather seats, winged head support, a luxury pampering pack, a bigger touchscreen tv, more movies, games and music, dedicated cabin crew, priority check in and boarding, free drinks (not champs though) and a four course meal.
The upgrade can start from as little as £99 per person on routes to Kenya and Dom Rep.
The upgrade is definitely worth it, plus in 2010 Thomson Airways will be one of the first airlines to take the brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane... so more to come!!!
Monarch long haul flight to the Maldives
the maldives flight is a round trip both from gatwick and manchester. it goes to the maldives, then sri lanka and u.k return.personally i don,t like monarch as an airline, 5 times i,ve done this trip (three with monarch, two times with thomsons) and some of the stewardesses are a little bit surly, could be they tired, its a 10 hour trip to the maldives, but you,re paying so thats no excuse.
Monarch is a low cost airline,yes the drinks are free on the flight, or they were, we last flew in 2006.
twice i,ve upgraded, and found the service a hell of a lot better than economy class. the leg room is more, individual seat back tv screens and the individual service, (dedicated cabin crew) makes the journey pass easier. you get the comp papers, welcome drink, hot towels, choice of menu meals, uk airport priority boarding, (it does,nt work at the other end though!!!)
yes its worth the money to upgrade, it cost us £90 each, each way, £360 total, but after the price of the hol, then it did,nt sem too bad. the cheap seats are 3, 4, 3, across the plane, going to 2, 4, 2, at the rear and you pay extra for leg room in economy,
yes if you can do it then up- grade if you have to travel monarch,
personally if you can go thomsons its a whole lot better