This is the start of our new Community Stories series, where readers can submit their own stories, and they'll appear in the Reader-Stories section of the site.
@ 1990_ -- What an awesome review, thanks for sharing! I've been curious about the new terminal, so it's awesome to see a firsthand report! May I ask, which resort did you stay at in the Maldives, and how was your experience?
Thanks, Ben! Stayed at the W Maldives, which was wonderful after their 2025 renovations. In short, it's a bit more refined now, but still very fun; and, an ideal spot to take advantage of Marriott's 5th-night free benefit. I can pull together another 'Reader Story' with photos from the visit if you'd like!
Please do share your take on the W! With points pricing being so high these days at the RC, StR, WA, etc, I'd love to hear about other properties that are worth looking into.
Will do, Khan! I'll draft another 'Community Review,' soon. (My difficulty is going to be narrowing down my favorite photos to just 5!)
@khan_voyage Hey Khan, I submitted my next 'Reader Story' reviewing the W Maldives today, so hopefully Ben and team will approve, publish later this month. Tried to be as thorough as possible. Bah!
@khan_voyage Hi Khan, my W Maldives review is now live at: https://onemileatatime.com/community-stories/w-hotel-maldives-review/ Hope you enjoy!
wow looks like a huge upgrade. went in 2022 and couldnt believe how bad the old terminal was
The new one really is (and the old one really was). Did you at least get to experience the new seaplane terminal (opened late 2022), or was everything still 'old-school' when you were there? Hope you had a good visit, regardless. Always reasons to return!
Great start to the community reviews. Thanks @1990!
I must say, since I saw a documentary about how the Maldives deals with its waste a few years ago (spoiler alert - it either got chucked in the ocean or dumped on a frequently burning island a few kilometres off shore, which also creates massive water pollution issues), I've found the draw of these tropical islands somewhat reduced.
No judgement, obviously; every country round the world is either dumping or burning its waste somewhere. It just seemed particularly problematic on a paradise tropical idyll.
Thanks, Jimmy K!
Actually, that burning island is just west of Malé—Thilafushi, the so-called 'trash island.' I do believe the Maldivians are trying to improve this; they plan to eliminate open burning, ban single-use plastics, etc. Still, it's a massive infrastructural hurdle for an island nation.
Thankfully, nearly all the resorts are far away from Thilafushi (except Centara Ras Fushi, it's too close), but you can see it in the distance even from 5-star properties like the WA (if you're on the north side), so... er, uh, just look to the south! Ya, that's the ticket! Bah!
All said, if you've ever had an interest in visiting, I'd still give Maldives a try at some point. Don't let Thilafushi (or new/old Male airport) scare you or anyone else away. Still worth it!
@1990_, nice review, adopt me! But seriously, I’ve been thinking of an overwater bungalow trip next year, which I’ve never done in 55 countries visited (and #56 Jordan coming up soon and I have my fingers crossed over my Dubai connection); do you recommend the Maldives for the first of such a trip? Or any other of the countries with overwater bungalows? Honestly, they all look similar to me but maybe new infrastructure gives the Maldives an edge.
*Preparing the adoption paperwork right now* LOL.
I'd say the Maldives is more accessible than most realize, but it still takes some effort to get to. Coming from N. America, the journey is going to require a stop somewhere (Europe, Asia, or the Middle East). Transit through the ME used to be the default choice, but that has been 'challenging' (especially, this past March–May); these days, things seem to be improving (so fingers crossed on your DXB connection!). Especially with this new terminal at MLE (far superior to the PPT airport in Fa'a'ā...), if you proceed with the Maldives, the only issue might be that you'll get hooked and never want to go anywhere else. (Admittedly, a good problem to have!)
As far as overwater bungalows go, I find the Maldives hard to beat (it has by far the largest supply and variety). However, French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Moorea, specifically) also has some solid options (and may be much closer if you're based on the West Coast of the US, Australia, or New Zealand). In the Pacific, I've used Marriott and Hilton points for the Le Méridien (renovated and rebranded as a Westin now—lagoon side with epic views of Mt. Otemanu), Conrad (wasn't as impressed with the view, but very nice villas), and the Hilton in Moorea (much easier to get to without an expensive domestic flight—just a quick ferry from the main island of Tahiti).
Elsewhere, I believe Fiji has a Marriott with a few overwater units, but I wouldn't bother with that. (Besides, I can attest that the Six Senses Fiji is a far better choice for a stay anyway, even without overwater bungalows.) If you're looking for somewhere closer to home (if you're US-based), I've never tried them, but I've heard Sandals has a few overwater bungalows now in Jamaica and St. Lucia. (Naturally, as '1990,' now I can't get their 'One Love' commercial out of my head... 'come to Jamaica and feel alright...' bah!)
Ironically, Frequent Miler found yet another overwater bungalow option (Hilton via SLH) in Indonesia: https://frequentmiler.com/telunas-private-island-a-new-way-to-book-an-overwater-villa-with-points-hilton-slh/ (Clearly, the room-type is an aspirational goal for many travelers. Not sure how that property compares, but it is closer to Singapore, so easy flights.)
Thanks for the tips @1990_; it seems Maldives it is if only because as you point out “it has by far the largest supply and variety.” BTW, it would be a funny adoption cause if going by your username, I’m older than you!
Bah! Good one, Ricky! We can call it 'unconventional' estate planning... you know, for 'inheriting' all those points and miles, someday.
That's another 'bonus' of these trips to Maldives; we tend to earn a lot of extra hotel points (on meals activities at the resorts, boat/seaplane, etc.), which helps fund the next trip back there!
Anyway, safe travels on your upcoming flights through DXB—hope Jordan is amazing! I still think fondly of my visit to Petra and Wadi Rum a few years back. You're going to have an incredible time.
Part 2 of my review on the new MLE Terminal 1 on 'Departures And The Koveli Lounge' is now live: https://onemileatatime.com/community-stories/new-mle-airport-departures-koveli-lounge/
was there just 2 weeks ago.. and beig a frequent visitor ( 2-3 times a year to local islands in S Ari Atoll for the Whale sharks) I was truly looking fwd to the arrival .... bluh
Still bussing flights in in the morning... argh.. looks like Qatar don't have priority on the jet bridge gates.... 3 Emirates, 1 Aeroflot (hmmm) got the bridges..
admittedly the bus takes you to the new immi hall - even though I was the only pax in 1st, I had to wait for the non AC bus to fill... an hour later and a tight domestic connection I made it...
Departure was from a gate YEAH ... and he lounge spacious
Have been to several resorts over he yesrs but am still in favour of local island stays (unless honeymoon).
Personally the overwater villas are over rated with ankle deep water to step into!
and if you stay in a resort I would recommend the beach rooms with very private views!
On an aside note do not buy the what the reps say is UNLOCKED Huwaei WIFI - it is LOCKED to Dhiraagu network and cannot be used anywhere! A mistake I made last year.. great for Maldives - bit not usable in Europe, Asia, ANZ
Huwaei cant inlock either!!
Wow! 2-3x a year! You are very fortunate! Glad you at least got to experience the new jet bridge on departure. From my trip, on arrival, I was on the first Qatar flight that day, and fortunately did get a jet bridge, though, I saw the second QR flight that morning had to bus-in. I think it just depends on who arrives when, other traffic, etc.
Ooh, a domestic connection! Did you take Maldivian or Manta? In addition to TMA, I've been on Maldivians quite old Dash-8 and their newer ATR72 (much preferred that one.) Which resorts have you been? Recently posted a review of the newly updated W Maldives: https://onemileatatime.com/community-stories/w-hotel-maldives-review/
oh and the old international terminal is now the domestic terminal - not too far to walk!!
Yes, it is! "officially re-named ‘Terminal 2,’ now handling domestic flight traffic"