As a Hyatt loyalist, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the new Alila Maldives, as I’m hoping to check it out in the near future. The hotel was initially supposed to open in 2020, but as is the case with so many hotels, the opening has been delayed.
Continue reading: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Opening April 2022 (Now Bookable)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I booked a stay in June when reservations temporarily opened a couple weeks back. Overwater villas are a cool novelty, but after having experienced a couple I prefer beach villas and am fine that is the only thing offered during my stay. Having a pool with every room is a nice upgrade from the Park Hyatt, and will clearly cannibalize their business. Stoked that I was able to book saver F on SQ LAX-SIN to start the journey.
You find the rooms to be lacking?. I'm sorry, what do you want? 18th century Persian rugs? Canvas paintings by local artists? A stripper pole? Looks perfectly fine to me and while it's stark from a practical standpoint the tropical/salt climate will bring havoc to anything more (though you don't identify what that is) so as to be that in two years people are complaining that the interiors are worn and the gorgeous decorative items (which I assume you crave) are now musty, moldy, and deteriorating.
I'm very happy to see an addition to The Maldives for Hyatt redemptions. The property looks quite lovely to me.
if you compare it with the rooms at patina I think you'll get the point lucky is (rightfully) making.
side note: the beach at patina looks really bad though (especially for the maldives). I guess it's a trade-off.
What about getting there? It won't be cheap on points or cash and was not easy to get to before, I can only imagine now between air space issues and COVID.
Now seems to be a good time to book award nights for next winter, as rooms for high season are loaded at 30k/night (standard rate) vs. 35k (high-season rate)
Travel to/from the Maldives is... at this point... virtually unchanged since before the pandemic. We returned twice in the last two years, opting for QR QSuites at 70K AA Miles PP each way. Not a short journey, but definately a comfortable one.
Patina location seems crowded. Stayed at the Ritz in September (great property), but can see the ongoing construction of the new islands in the area along with lots of boat traffic. The third resort, Capella, is rising from the sea. Never noticed the beach to be nice at either property, the spas are excellent at both with some really unique treatments. And it's fun to be able to hop between properties for a change in dining, landscape.
What’s the best route to get to this location from California? Any suggestions, thank you!
Hi DJ
Thanks for your insights! We won't end up at Patina. Ultimately even a perfect bungalow cannot compensate imho an artificial island and lacklustre nature. Similar issues with RC, but I'm sure it's a great hotel (Kerry Hill's last project..).
It just blows my mind that there are inexpensive hotels on some of the most gorgeous, picturesque islands - and vice versa. But never really a combination of both. We'll probably book either Alila, Joali or PH but none really, really excites us tbh (maybe we're too spoiled and/or critical and maybe we'll think differently when we're there).
To Mark Oliver: Completely agree re man-made island. We have now stayed at >10 resorts and the place we return to time and time again is Amilla. The villas at Joali are stunning but Amilla treetop villas are very special and extraordinary value. The island is one of the largest resorts from space perspective but not many rooms. Plenty of activities, large enough to get exercise (inner trail is around a mile) and very good F&B. This is our third stay in a year and we have already booked our next two returns! They have just joined SLH but not clear yet of WoH participation.
I also thought Alila looked underwhelming. It’s fine but nothing more from photos. However, rates are pretty reasonable at present and definitely not near the top end for the location o probably unreasonable to expect more design-wise. I really hope quality is significantly better than Alila Koh Russey though (the only hotel we have checked out after 1 night).
What specials did you receive? As Globalist? I am getting stone-walled on getting anything complimentary (i.e. soft opening rates includes breakfast, so Globalist benefits are superfluous). Any help will be great!
If you (or any commentator) had a choice of Park Hyatt Maldives or Alila Maldives on points as a Globalist, which one will you choose? Why?
I am primarily concerned about excursions and activities (snorkeling, seeing dolphins / turtles, richness of sea life, and learning about ecology).
Should Hanifaru UNESCO and Baa Atoll being nearby tipped the scales to Alila?
I am dreading the longer trip from Velana International to Park Hyatt as compared to Alila. Should that be a worry?
I am a newbie to the Maldives! I have already book flights to Male. Just need to firm up hotel reservations for early May 2022. Thank you for your help!
I have the same question. Would you book this resort or the park Hyatt Maldives. Thank you!