Maldives / Dubai

[MinnieM]

These are two great destinations that we would like to visit.

Has anyone been to any of these places or done both at the same time?

There seem to be so many hotels/islands to choose from :confused2 we would love to hear from anyone that has had a great experience from either of the places :spin:

[ccarcher]

We went to the Madives probably around 10 years ago now to the North Atoll Island of Kuredu

Without doubt the most wonderful holiday ever for us, so peaceful, quiet and somewhere you cant really describe unless you have experienced it for yourself

A place where you literally wear no shoes for the length of your stay, an open air bathroom (there are walls no roof !!), and you have to bring home all of your plastic bottles or leave the remainder with staff as they have no way of getting rid of it

Days are spent walking around the whole island in less than an hour, snorkelling diving or boat trips, or just lazing on a pure white beach with drink in hand, and you will need plenty of them as you literally melt on the equator

Evenings are a meal, a few drinks with other guests, watching the most amazing sunsets, and one or two organised activities

it may not be everyones cup of tea, but the islanders and workers will do absolutley everything to ensure you have an amazing time,and it is luxurious of a sort

Kuredu was a great island and has been improved significantly over the years (my brother in law goes in August)

They now have water bungalows, and even a 9 hole golf (par 3) golf course, and a fair amout of water sports, and a good selection of restaurants

However it is a full 5 hours speed boat (thats what they call it) journey from the airport on Male, and your luggage will arrive later on a seperate boat !!

This in itself was also an amazing experience with dolphins swimming alongside the boat for most of the journey, and just watching the sky darken and the stars appear, a welcome relief from the baking afternoon sun

Bare in mind the Indian Ocean can also be rough at times, our journey to Kuredu was like a mill pond the whole way

However on the day of our return the ocean was extremely rough, and we were so glad we had maaged to book ourselves 2 seats on the sea plane for the 40 minute flight back to Male

Even a Royal Navy diver who we had got to know stepped from the boat GREEN

This again another amazing experience, especially having to wade out to the seaplane to board as it was so rough on the day you are travellling home

Just talking about it makes me want to return something I will definately do with my children before its too late for them to visit this beautiful place

because thats the one sad thing in all of this, in that many of the islands are dissappearing, and will be gone within the next 50 years

[MinnieM]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed response; it has been very useful.

Thanks again :thumbs-up

[ccarcher]

No problem hope it helps

I believe that there has been a fair amount of development across all of the islands since we went, but they still retain that remoteness that makes them unique and still one of the most beautiful places to visit

hope you get to take them in

by the way on router our flight stipped at Bahrain for a refuel, so you may be able to include a stopover somewhere else on route

[Hal]

One of our secretaries went to both on her honeymoon in Nov. She preferred Dubai. I haven't been to the Maldives but you can find my trip report on my recent trip to Dubai here (http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=189031). :wavey:

[ccarcher]

One of our secretaries went to both on her honeymoon in Nov. She preferred Dubai. I haven't been to the Maldives but you can find my trip report on my recent trip to Dubai here (http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=189031). :wavey:


Both very different locations and I love them both for different reasons

Dubai I find very commercial and never far away from a crane with all the current development etc will be the new Vegas

The Maldives even the most commercial of the islands or Atolls are still very unspoilt and your never far away from the sea of bare feet in the sand

Not eveyones cup of tea but if you like the idea of a desert island and can accept its short comings, then you will probably love them

[ccarcher]

One of our secretaries went to both on her honeymoon in Nov. She preferred Dubai. I haven't been to the Maldives but you can find my trip report on my recent trip to Dubai here (http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=189031). :wavey:


Great report on Dubai by the way Hal

[marioner]

Maldives absolutely beautiful but wouldnt want to spend more than a week there, not much to do but chill and I can only do that for a week, but a definate must to visit.
My sister also went there in Sept for honeymoon and said a week was enough, they were really restless on the second week.

[Hal]

Great report on Dubai by the way Hal
Thank you :thumbs-up .

:wavey:

[ccarcher]

Maldives absolutely beautiful but wouldnt want to spend more than a week there, not much to do but chill and I can only do that for a week, but a definate must to visit.
My sister also went there in Sept for honeymoon and said a week was enough, they were really restless on the second week.

I was quite happy to just chill listening to my personal cd player back then over 10 years ago now before the days of Ipods, or walk the island


Take only Photos - Leave only Footprints - The Maldives

[scottfeltham]

hi,were going to the kuredu in april ccarcher
luckily enough the seaplane comes with the cost
im glad youve given it the thumbs up:wavey:
all ive got to do is pay for it now
scott:confused2

[ccarcher]

hi,were going to the kuredu in april ccarcher
luckily enough the seaplane comes with the cost
im glad youve given it the thumbs up:wavey:
all ive got to do is pay for it now
scott:confused2

That was over 10 years ago that I was there but from what I have seen its only got better :grin:

Hope you like tuna especially curry for breakfast but as I say that was then :(

And avoid buying mars bars and pringles in the shop they cost more than gold bars !!

I think you should opt out of the seaplane at least one way just to experience the boat trip ;)

One tip make sure you pack shorts in your hand luggage to change into on arrival as your luggage does not arrive until a good few hours after you by some local rowing boat, especially if your arriving by seaplane

Have a great time and if I guy called Ian is still there as Island / Entertainment manager (he was a scot used to play for motherwell or someone) say hello for me

[Catherine]

hi,were going to the kuredu in april ccarcher
luckily enough the seaplane comes with the cost
im glad youve given it the thumbs up:wavey:
all ive got to do is pay for it now
scott:confused2

We were booked into Kuredu in April in a water villa the 23rd i think, however we have amended it to next year. Our friends have decided to get married in August so we had no choice, with NY and Egypt already booked for this year.

It looks amazing and we where really looking forward to being guests especially the SANGU end.

[Lily]

I took myself off the the Maldives for my first ever holiday about 15 years ago and I of course nothing else could match it. I love Florida but the Maldives was not to be missed. I stayed in the Ari Atoll it was called Ari beach and was very laid back. It was very comfortable but not like some of the high class islands out there. The island took about an hour to walk around and you would think the beach would be busy but you can always find a quiet spot. If you decide to go you will love it to bits.

[misaps]

2 years ago I took my DW for a surprise trip to the Hilton Maldives (now the Conrad Maldives) for her **th and it was absolutely amazing, total relaxation and pure indulgance.

If lazing on a beach with the only interuption is the waiter bringing you a drink or some fresh fruit is your idea of heaven then it's a must visit place on this earth........and before they all sink under the rising sea level :(

If that bores you to death then Dubai will make up for it :)

Good option is to do Dubai first for a few days then finish off somewhere in the Maldives (only a 4 hour flight)

[MinnieM]

Thanks for all your replies .. they have been a great help!

Both places sound lovely and I think we want to do both .. only thing is the costs as both seem to be quite pricey.

We have a few house things that need attending to this year so might have to put it off until next year! I have printed these comments of for future use!

Thanks again

[lainey5565]

I just wanted to say....the Maldives has been my most lasting memory of a holiday EVER!
I love Florida, but the Maldives were amazing. Nothing to do but relax, I was a bit dubious before we got there thinking I would be a bit bored but it was just too beautiful to get bored - I love looking back at our photos because I cant believe I have been lucky enough to have been there :grin:
We stayed on Medhufushi which I think is in Ari Atoll - and we had the beach to ourselves every day :d:
Its one place I cannot wait revisit - but it will have to be when DD is older I think
Elaine

[Trollied Flyer]

Hiya I got back from the Maldives on Tuesday,, weather was brilliant,, all the locals on the islands/resorts are so helpful and cant do enough.
Eating out in Male is so cheap and the food quality is high.
I only stayed on the Airport Island, but some of the other islands we visited were spectacular!!! Breath taking!
My favorite was Thurlaargri (not sure thats spelt right)
If you like total relaxation Maldives is the one,, you boat everywhere, dont see a car for a week!
There is an amazing excursion on a sea plane,, costs 170 dollars each and drinks and food are included, you get to see the islands,, truly stunning!
First Choice and Thomsonfly go out there once a week,,, emirates and singapore also fly to the Maldives
Few Pics:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008067.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008059.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008035.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008026.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008021.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008016.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a200/oneandysinton/MaldivesJan2008012.jpg

[MinnieM]

Thanks for putting up the pics ... it looks absolutely stunning!