Review: Park Hyatt Maldives Resort Overview

There was another GM since the Hyatt takeover of the property. The guy who oversaw the Hyatt takeover was GM when we visited in 2012, but he left in 2013.

@ Gene -- Hmmm, just did some Googling, and found this article:
http://maldives.net.mv/9261/julian-moore-appointed-as-general-manager-at-park-hyatt-maldives-hadahaa/

"With a career in hospitality spanning 30 years, Julian brings a wealth of experience to Hadahaa. He has a thorough understanding of leading luxury island resorts, managing new and existing properties, and has over five years experience in the Maldives. Julian also has vast knowledge of Hadahaa, having spent two years as General Manager of the property in advance of the opening."

So I could be mistaken, but...

I think you have a couple pictures in the wrong place. Spa and beach might be switched.

Good you connected in a different way than your norm and enjoyed yourself. I hear ya about thinking about life and stuff, usually happens to me too when Im stuck on a beach. Cheers buddy

I just did same. I must be confusing the GM and the M! The manager we met was family and much thinner. 🙂

@Gene the first Hyatt GM was Pierre Lang. He left after two years and was replaced by Julian Moore who managed the opening of the hotel when it was an Alilla Villas. So the GM that Lucky met is the 3rd GM since becoming a Hyatt. Basically a GM does 2 years on property and then will frequently move on, it's a great gig for awhile but not forever..

wheres the humans

@ Gary -- Ah. now it all makes sense! Thanks, Gary.

At least there's a stockpile of Nutella in the storeroom 🙂

Really cool to see the water station behind the scenes.

Hi Lucky,
Can you talk about ants/lizards/bug situation ?

My wife is really afraid of those and based on reviews from tripadvisor it seems to be really bad on the hotel. I have heard you can't even use outdoor sunbeads because of the number of bugs and ants.

Thinking of going here next June with some Alaskan miles via DXB. One questions about the silence: Suppose someone in an overwater bungalow wanted to "play" in their pool or on the deck...would you be able to hear that?

@ John -- Ummmm... as long as there are no "screamers" involved, I think you'll be fine.

@ Sam Jess -- I didn't think it's "really bad," but rather just what you'd expect in terms of wildlife at a resort in the middle of nowhere on a private island. There were ants, lizards, and bugs, though exactly as many as I was expecting for such a resort.

I feel underfed on details.

Was the sand the usual dull carbonate reef sand that doesn't burn feet or the prettier imported quartz sand that does? Did you try sandcastling with it?

How was the ocean swimming? Were the waves high or rough? Did you swim or snorkel out to the edge of the reef? How was the wildlife underwater? How deep does the reef water get near the beach?

Did it get cool at night? You've already said the overwater rooms were uncomfortably hot during the day in spite of air conditioning. Was it breezy at all or still?

With so few guests, was there an audience for nighttime activities like bonfires, dancing, jazz, mellow herbal indulgence, or late night communal hot tubbing? Were there even hot tubs?

Did the hotel have organized fun like sport fishing, guided SCUBA, visits from nearby island merchants with fruit and souvenirs, surfing lessons, or local folk music or dancing shows?

@Owen

If you're expecting to do anything besides water sports and boat rides, this is not the resort for you. Its reputation is as a couples/honeymoon retreat, so there aren't a lot of social activities.

@ Mwwalk - The loading system gets rather funny, especially when you're on mobile - but I think the pictures seem in the right place.

Do you ask the people.. "excuse me.. you are in my shot" and move them out of the way?? I don't see anyone else any of your pictures... 🙂 was it that deserted while you were there?

@Mwwalk, pictures in the wrong place! Call the cops. Seriously, get a life please.
@Ben, your blog, your choice what order you want to place the pictures.
Thanks for the review.

I found the 6 mini-cabanas at the head of the main beach one of the best spots on the island, with the 2 beach-closest benefiting from constant breezes even during hottest part of day.

@ Owen. answers inline:

Was the sand the usual dull carbonate reef sand that doesn’t burn feet or the prettier imported quartz sand that does? Did you try sandcastling with it?. Natural sand gorgeous and white (think NW Florida beaches). Hot during June midday sun, but walkable without sandals. All piers super hot- required sandals mid-day

How was the ocean swimming? Were the waves high or rough? Did you swim or snorkel out to the edge of the reef? How was the wildlife underwater? How deep does the reef water get near the beach?- The house reef encompasses approx 50% of perimeter of island (400-500 yards or more). Depth ranges from inches starting at beach to 150 feet at outer edge dropoff. Vast majority of reef less than 10 ft depth. Waves rough (2-3 feet with whitecaps) during high tide or high winds, calm other wise. Minimal undertow. The swimming/snorkeling is one of absolute highlights.. The most gorgeous reef and fish and coral I've ever seen anywhere (Caribbean, Hawaii, Cozumel not even close).. Equatorial sun burns shoulders through SPF 50 so reapply every hour. Coral razor sharp so plan your shallows snorkeling route from your OW villa ladder since coral rises above water line at low tide. Or pick one of OW villa-adjacent piers, snorkel thru the OW villas, then connect to other adjacent pier. Takes 90-120 minutes at leisurely pace. Two hours you'll remember for a lifetime

Did it get cool at night? You’ve already said the overwater rooms were uncomfortably hot during the day in spite of air conditioning. Was it breezy at all or still?. I'd say low 80s each night for lows.

With so few guests, was there an audience for nighttime activities like bonfires, dancing, jazz, mellow herbal indulgence, or late night communal hot tubbing? Were there even hot tubs? Thursday night is social dinner/maldivian theme (we skipped it). Pretty sure low key, including none of above activities

Did the hotel have organized fun like sport fishing, guided SCUBA, visits from nearby island merchants with fruit and souvenirs, surfing lessons, or local folk music or dancing shows?- no sport fishing, yes SCUBA, small nearby island tour available but low value per $ from reviews I've read.

@faux good answers.

Ben - I feel similarly to you about cities vs rural/beach destinations. Given that, how much time would you recommend someone stay here? Thanks.

@ Daniel -- That's a toughie. If it were easy to access I'd say three days is plenty. But given what a journey it is to get there, I'd probably say five or so days is perfect, since you need some time to just get over exhaustion.

@ lucky Thanks!

Have you ever considered the W Resort Maldives? Any comparisons you've heard? We are going to Maldives for 4 nights and can't decide between the two. Rates are roughly the same. We are Hyatt Diamond / SPG Platinum. Been to Park Hyatt before and loved it, but can't decide if worth trying the W.

Whats the best way to get to the Island from the airport. Does the hotel charge for the transfer, if so How Much?