I stumbled upon an interesting complaint on social media about the Park Hyatt Maldives. This is fascinating on a variety of levels. For one, there’s the core complaint, which actually seems largely valid. But beyond that, there are some influencer and “points farm” angles that I also find noteworthy. Let me explain…
In this post:
Racial bias, safety issues, no accountability, at Maldives resort?
Hong Kong-based Instagram influencer @berlinsun has 317K followers on the platform, and recently shared his honeymoon experience at the Park Hyatt Maldives, which he calls “half heaven, half hell,” as he “almost died.” Here’s how the video is captioned:
To all my fellow Hyatt Globalists, if you’re considering Park Hyatt Maldives for your next trip — DON’T. As someone who logged 155 nights with Hyatt in 2025, I trusted the brand for my honeymoon. What I got was racial bias, life-threatening safety issues, injuries, and zero accountability from the hotel or corporate. Paid $800 to upgrade to an overwater villa, and it only got worse. My video has all the proof. Hyatt, we deserve better than this.
You can watch the video below, but just to cover what I’d consider to be the primary complaints:
- They weren’t happy about how long the transfer to the resort took, as they landed at Male Velana International Airport at 11:30AM, and didn’t make it to the resort until after 7PM
- Upon arrival at the resort, they were introduced to their Chinese host, and one of the first things she said is “when you take pictures, don’t photograph me”
- They then felt that the resort’s approach to welcoming guests was racist, because those speaking English were explained all the resort features by their host, while the Chinese host didn’t explain anything
- Upon arriving at their villa, the host once again asked not to have any pictures taken of her, at which point he became a little more angry, reminding her that she was supposed to make their vacation better
- Despite letting the hotel know that it was their honeymoon, there were no honeymoon decorations of any sort in the room
- The following night, there was such a loud buzzing noise in the room that they assumed a drone was flying outside, but they then discovered it was just a combination of the wind outside plus a problem with the air conditioning system, reflecting bad maintenance; unfortunately the resort couldn’t fix it, despite the best efforts, and maintenance work being performed at night
- The next day they met the general manager, who said he wanted to provide them compensation, so he offered them a complimentary massage; as it turns out, they were given just a 30-minute massage, shorter than any treatment even available on the menu
- They then moved to an overwater villa (which they had paid to upgrade to), which is where things took a turn for the worse; they found that the ladder leading into the water had no anti-skid measures, and because he didn’t notice it the first time around, he fell from the top ladder, causing him to hit the bottom of the water, and injure his arm and leg, and he points out how if he had hit his head, he could’ve died
- The property’s facilities are aging and not well maintained, because as his husband walked on the deck, his foot was stabbed by one of the splinters that was sticking out (side note — how revealing is his speedo that it has to be blurred?)
- Upon being presented the bill at check-out, they discovered that the hotel didn’t provide any additional discount or compensation for the lapses, and they became irate; eventually the hotel offered a $100 per night reduction on the $800 upgrade fee
- There was no time to negotiate further, and they were told that if they didn’t pay now, they’d miss the boat, and wouldn’t be able to leave the same day, so they ended up settling the bill
- The traveler suggests that management on the island is “absolute hell,” and has contempt for Asians
My take on these Park Hyatt Maldives honeymoon complaints
To start, I think there’s a lot of merit to the complaints these guys have about their honeymoon. I think some feedback is rather petty and detracts from the core issues, like complaining about having to wait for a few hours at Male Airport for the transfer, as that’s just a reality of the logistics of getting to resorts in the Maldives.
I also understand how they’re not happy to not have their honeymoon acknowledged, though personally I find people are a bit needy in that way, always expecting hotels to roll out the red carpet for their special occasion, even though people are making it up half of the time (not that they were doing that here, but…). Still, not having anything in the room is disappointing.
Then there are some things I’m a little conflicted about. It sounds like the host was really unprofessional with not giving them a tour of the island. Regarding her repeated requests not to be photographed, that seems a little extreme. Like, it does seem like these guys were recording everything during their vacation, and maybe they were a bit over the top. But this just seems like a rude way to welcome someone to the island.
Besides that, the other complaints seem valid to me. A room shouldn’t be that loud, and there absolutely should be some anti-skid measures for a ladder into the ocean.
And that brings us to the concept of “points farms,” which I recently wrote about. They reference how the hotel charges $4,000 per night (which… seems on the high side, but whatever). You know who’s paying $4,000 per night? Just about no one, I’d say. You know who’s redeeming 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, thinking they’re staying at a $4,000 per night hotel? Well, a good percentage of guests.
That’s not intended to be shade, but this is exactly what I was talking about with the “points farm” concept. So many points hotels have really high sticker prices, which make people think that they can expect an experience comparable to what you’d get if you were paying that in cash.
However, the reality is that the sticker price is paid by few, and instead, the average daily rate is a fraction of that. As a result, service (and service recovery) aren’t up to the level of what you’d expect from a property of that caliber, and that creates this strange cycle of confusion and frustration. The Park Hyatt Maldives is located on a gorgeous island, and it was great 10+ years ago, though it’s my understanding that it is a bit past its prime.
A hotel not affiliated with a points program would never be able to get away with such poor service recovery, because they actually have to win business and brand loyalty with every stay. Meanwhile for this World of Hyatt Globalist member who had 150+ nights last year, guess where he’s going to keep staying? Hyatts… and the hotel knows that.
Lastly, this is a tangent, but I think this situation also sums up why I struggle with social media, and the fake narrative that people put out there. So many people travel with social media “clout” as a major priority. Of course people want to make everything look perfect, because social media is designed to create FOMO.
If you look at their posting during the trip, it was nothing but positive things about the resort, and about how the room “exceeded every expectation.” All the posts make it sound like heaven on earth… only for them to return from their trip, and claim it’s half heaven and half hell, and they almost died?
I’m not meaning to single them out here, this is how a lot of people use social media, after all. It’s just that the lack of authenticity around what people share online makes me not want to take part.
Bottom line
A gay couple from Hong Kong celebrated their honeymoon at the Park Hyatt Maldives, though it didn’t quite go as planned. From service issues, to safety issues, to poor service recovery, they claim the resort was “half heaven, half hell.” I think a lot of their complaints are valid, though I also think there are some lessons here that are worth discussing.
What do you make of this Park Hyatt Maldives honeymoon experience?
Why would you post this rage bait? Oh, right, Now I remeber who's blog this is.
Hi Ben - very interesting observations about the “points farm” concept. I do believe that may be the root of the problem here while the rest is distraction.
This “influencer” takes “first world problems” to a new level (which is especially ironic because, according to some of the comments here, he is not actually from the “first world” but is instead a recent arrival.) Sad but not surprising that his complaints have to be...
Hi Ben - very interesting observations about the “points farm” concept. I do believe that may be the root of the problem here while the rest is distraction.
This “influencer” takes “first world problems” to a new level (which is especially ironic because, according to some of the comments here, he is not actually from the “first world” but is instead a recent arrival.) Sad but not surprising that his complaints have to be bolstered by a bogus accusation of “racism.”
I believe in karma and this guy and his “husband” of many years will reap what they sew eventually. But I guess good entertainment for now.
Let's be clear The Maldives is not LGBTQ+-friendly in law, as same-sex acts are criminalized under Sharia law with punishments like imprisonment and lashes, but tourism operates differently, with private resorts often being safe havens where LGBTQ+ couples vacation discreetly, though public displays of affection (PDA) should be avoided, especially on local islands, and transgender travelers face greater risks.
Legal Situation:
Criminalization: Same-sex sexual activity for men and women is illegal under Maldivian...
Let's be clear The Maldives is not LGBTQ+-friendly in law, as same-sex acts are criminalized under Sharia law with punishments like imprisonment and lashes, but tourism operates differently, with private resorts often being safe havens where LGBTQ+ couples vacation discreetly, though public displays of affection (PDA) should be avoided, especially on local islands, and transgender travelers face greater risks.
Legal Situation:
Criminalization: Same-sex sexual activity for men and women is illegal under Maldivian law, with potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, and corporal punishment (lashes).
No Legal Recognition: The Maldives does not recognize same-sex unions or offer legal gender recognition.
Correct. So frankly I have a little sympathy for ltbg clients who go to a country which hates them. They need to hide and seclude themselves in their resort.
So if that’s their choice, shouldn’t complain complain
Maybe I got a great deal, but I've reserved a Deluxe Pool Villa in March for less than $1,700/night (not including the 10% service fee and 17% tax).
Not sure the Hyatt brand is at the correct level for a Maldives resort. It is more of a business person brand and mid tier level.
Who says “first honeymoon”????
Something is very off. I suspect these two are typical social media grifters.
As a gay person myself I find it outlandish they call a person not wanting to be photographed and a forgotten tribute to their marriage “discrimination”. It’s more like the hotel didn’t care to do this on a points redemption booking which if their are not sold out yields them peanuts.
They need to get a...
Who says “first honeymoon”????
Something is very off. I suspect these two are typical social media grifters.
As a gay person myself I find it outlandish they call a person not wanting to be photographed and a forgotten tribute to their marriage “discrimination”. It’s more like the hotel didn’t care to do this on a points redemption booking which if their are not sold out yields them peanuts.
They need to get a life and get a real job. Once they head to a job site every day they might just develop a bit more empathy for felling humans and feel less entitled.
You summed it up perfectly.
To help Ben’s click count I will give anyone interested the lowdown on my Maldives experiences. Even if there are those who are not interested, I’m still going to blather on. Tim, eat your heart out as this is not a Delta post, Ok!
My first landing was on the Addu Atoll, the southern most island. At that time it was known as RAF Gan, however, today it is classed as an International Air Port....
To help Ben’s click count I will give anyone interested the lowdown on my Maldives experiences. Even if there are those who are not interested, I’m still going to blather on. Tim, eat your heart out as this is not a Delta post, Ok!
My first landing was on the Addu Atoll, the southern most island. At that time it was known as RAF Gan, however, today it is classed as an International Air Port. I doubt that many will have heard of the Blackburn Beverley. It was a four engine, single tail boom, unpressurised, heavy lift transport aircraft. I was on a ‘student jolly’ from my flight training school.
This trip was shortly after the Maldives gained independence from Great Britain in 1965. Furthermore, the trip was destined to change my life in many ways. My first parachute jump was from the aircraft in Aden. Those “Red Devils” of the Parachute Regiment, dared me to jump. I became hooked. Then due to a Merlin engine failure on our approach to Gan, we had to suffer a two week wait for a replacement. I spent every possible moment swimming and diving off the reefs. Sub aqua diving in those days was a little known activity and was undertaken using the twin hose rig.
One was sad to leave Gan, after my first foray, however, I did return many times during my flying career. The changes were slow at first but then became more apparent as time went on down south. One might either love or loath what the Maldives has become today. For my part I have no real experience of the modern tourist driven holiday destination and can only hope that it can survive the devastating effects of climate change.
President Trump and I know that climate is the biggest con job ever.
Adolf Draft Dodger, knows absolutely …. nowt-about-owt! …. Anyone who thinks like Adolf, then is so stupid as to admit to such, is opening themselves up to a world of ridicule. Think on Sonny-Jim, seriously now ….
President Trump and I know renewable energy is another con job. I am delighted that he dodged the call up, so he could be the greatest leader the world has ever seen.
Some of the complaints are minor but on a vacation where nothing is going your way, the minor inconveniences become “of course the robe is scratchy in this dump” and you start to feel like nothing is up to par. Hotel needs to correct course and fix issues.
I honeymooned there in August of 2021, I don't believe much of what they said. I will definitely agree that the steps from the overwater villas were dangerous, I was pretty surprised, they were metal(chrome-like, I think) steps with algae growing on them. The resort is definitely ageing, but well maintained and still luxurious.
My experience though was that the service was impeccable, it really made the resort, every single person at that resort...
I honeymooned there in August of 2021, I don't believe much of what they said. I will definitely agree that the steps from the overwater villas were dangerous, I was pretty surprised, they were metal(chrome-like, I think) steps with algae growing on them. The resort is definitely ageing, but well maintained and still luxurious.
My experience though was that the service was impeccable, it really made the resort, every single person at that resort treated us like we were special. I can only imagine how annoying these 'influencers' were, and they probably expected lots of freebies for being influencers, but guess what, everyone is an influencer now. These guys are ridiculous.
My first time commenting on this blog (been reading it for decade+) because this claim sounds so ludicrous.
I was literally just there a few days ago (still in Maldives at another resort)... been globalist + diamond member for years, and the service there has been one of the best I experienced. The management team is exceptional and the staff were some of the best I've seen anywhere.
The villas we stayed at (we...
My first time commenting on this blog (been reading it for decade+) because this claim sounds so ludicrous.
I was literally just there a few days ago (still in Maldives at another resort)... been globalist + diamond member for years, and the service there has been one of the best I experienced. The management team is exceptional and the staff were some of the best I've seen anywhere.
The villas we stayed at (we stayed at 3 different villas among 5 people) were flawless. The plunge pools were cleaned meticulously. I used the overwater villa steps many times to get out after snorkeling. So did my 4 year old. Never did I think I was in danger.
I would be surprised if they were racists. I saw many Chinese couples there really enjoying their time with their Chinese host / dive guide. Saw them cater to big Russian family who seemed very happy. We are not Chinese, but of Asian decent and never were we even remotely discriminated against. We ended up taking pictures together with my host on my last day, who was awesome.
When I read this, I thought this was about the older gentleman that passed out during breakfast during my stay at first. Next morning, I saw the GM eying the same guest from far away with nurse + onsite doctor behind the coffee bar just incase it happens again. Yeah.. the staff / mgmt are that great.
Don't believe everything you read online Ben. Especially these wannabe Chinese influencers. They are the worst.
As with anything you view on line, unless it is from a very trusted source, the reader must have a very jaundiced eye to separate fact from hyperbole from outright fiction. Social Media is notorious for taking a kernel of truth and wrapping it in manipulated half truths and outright falsehoods that align with the poster’s narrative. This rant appears to be just another example. My takeaway is that the resort appears to be past...
As with anything you view on line, unless it is from a very trusted source, the reader must have a very jaundiced eye to separate fact from hyperbole from outright fiction. Social Media is notorious for taking a kernel of truth and wrapping it in manipulated half truths and outright falsehoods that align with the poster’s narrative. This rant appears to be just another example. My takeaway is that the resort appears to be past its prime, some subtle and not so bias may be present, and service recovery was not ideal. The rest is just clickbait.
Their issues are 10 times worse than what happened to you in Greece, you made 10 times bigger drama out of that. Should we talk about that
Ben what is the recourse for Hyatt Globalists who don't go to social media but go to Hyatt to only be ganged up by management in Europe and then reach to the US management only for them to acquiesce to Europe. Our problem was in a London cat 6 hotel, we live in the USA, but even Hyatt USA Consumer affairs wouldn't touch it. CEO Mark Hoplamazian would not touch it, nor would the VP...
Ben what is the recourse for Hyatt Globalists who don't go to social media but go to Hyatt to only be ganged up by management in Europe and then reach to the US management only for them to acquiesce to Europe. Our problem was in a London cat 6 hotel, we live in the USA, but even Hyatt USA Consumer affairs wouldn't touch it. CEO Mark Hoplamazian would not touch it, nor would the VP of Operations Edan Ballantine who was open with us and promised to look into the matter but then sent it back to Michel Morauw VP in Europe and Laila Marinello.
Should we go to social media? Or should we write this complaint to your column?
We have already been cast aside and ostracised by Morauw, who contacted Anderson Hernandez, Senior VP of Contact Centers to write us a threatening letter based on false fact and defamations
Yes we wrote to Flyer Talk, we've been a member for many years. Within minutes we were bombarded with negatives, tearing every issue apart, no doubt they must be Hyatt agents searching online.
We were going to write this issue to you, but decided to hold off. Way too much negativity towards us.
All we could ascertain checking things online, the Dir of Operations Konstantinos Karampelias of Great Scotland yard hotel, was fired a few months after the incident. Went to another hotel in London to join up with his former GM, that lasted a few months and now he is back in Greece.
But Hyatt did nothing but allow intimidation and domineering from Michel Morauw towards us. People make fun of Russia and China, but forget corporations wield huge power over their clients.
This was a real power play. And that was against a mature couple who had over 850 nights since 2022.
They speak Mandarin so are clearly not from Hong Kong. They seem to have a business in Hong Kong related to IVF - getting gay couples babies from the US?
How's that have anything to do with complaining about a bad hotel stay? Please enlighten us.
It shows they have an agenda well beyond strictly giving honest opinion on travel experience. Hence the "racism" accusations.
Rehash of/homage to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Cathay_Pacific_discrimination_scandal
If they are from Hong Kong, the only way a gay couple would be having a honeymoon is if one of them has another passport (USA, UK, Australia etc) because gay civil partnerships or marriage is not legal here.
There are plenty of countries where you can get married without being a local citizen ("having a passport").
I cannot agree more. Another insta narcist reel. Humans fenced in the shiny insta bubble conflict with reality. First i see there is a written happy honeymoon linen, simple but obvious prep.
As a gay myself i would try to be as patient as possible in a moslem country when it comes to expactation about a gay marriage. I see 2 new rich guydollys behaving like paris hilton. Dull & boring
Makes me think of when the millennials used to say "but did you die?!"... Seems the answer is no.
I’ve stayed at PH Maldives, and enjoyed it, thoroughly. Yes, you often need to take a domestic Maldivian flight, then a boat transfer to get there (depending on your international arrival flight, you often do arrive at the resort by sunset). New MLE terminal is magical, by the way (was just there!)
As for this influencer’s harsh critique, it does seem pretty scammy; many of the ‘issues’ are likely because of mismanaged expectations. As for...
I’ve stayed at PH Maldives, and enjoyed it, thoroughly. Yes, you often need to take a domestic Maldivian flight, then a boat transfer to get there (depending on your international arrival flight, you often do arrive at the resort by sunset). New MLE terminal is magical, by the way (was just there!)
As for this influencer’s harsh critique, it does seem pretty scammy; many of the ‘issues’ are likely because of mismanaged expectations. As for slipping off a ladder, yeah, umm, pretty sure we sign our lives away with those disclaimers for the overwater bungalows. Is it worth it for the Maldives? In my opinion, yes.
There has been an influx in flights from mainland China, Hong Kong, etc. Saw China Eastern and Sichuan at MLE. That’s new. Usually mostly ME and European carriers, Sri Lankan, Indigo, SQ, MH, etc.
I am just impressed Hong Kong has gay marriage now.
Well I guess we know who the bottom is.
Fun aside: When arriving into MLE, airlines often warn of local customs, such as that ‘pornography and dogs are not allowed, without a license.’ Like, oh, good to know; thanks for specifically reminding us, as we prepare for landing. *seat and tray table up, burn stack of Playboys, quick veterinary euthanasia, and…ready*
Ultimately it’s just a Hyatt, and expectations should be tempered. Next time stay at Kudadoo; or even better holiday in Bali, where nobody cares that you’re a same-sex couple, and there are actually things to do outside the resort because you’re not stuck on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere.
Find us a way to do Kudadoo (or Cheval Blanc, or either Soneva) on a mere 35-40K points per night, like the PH, and I’ll drop everything and head back to Malé tomorrow.
Gay sex, let alone same sex marriage, is illegal in Indonesia; as is any sex outside marriage for opposite-sex attracted people.
Almost only applies when playing horseshoes. In this case, you either died or you didn’t. I’m gonna go with you didn’t.
I spent 10 days there this summer and the management was fantastic, service recovery on a few issues was fast and perfectly executed, and the entire team could not have been lovelier. Probably 80% of the hotel at the time were Chinese guests so I can hardly imagine targeting them.
The entire thing seems exaggerated. As to the transfers, was there weather in the area? What exactly was the issue?
Cute aside; when I stayed there, they called their resident sea turtle ‘Ben’… should’ve asked if they’re fans of OMAAT!
Thanks. That’s the excuse I need to dissuade the missus from going.
“Honey, what’s the point of going, if we’re going to served by our countrymen, and the guests are mainly our countrymen?
Unless they’re pricing themselves the same as Up North travel, which they’re not.”
Thanks. That’s the excuse I need to dissuade the missus from going.
“Honey, what’s the point of going, if we’re going to served by our countrymen, and the guests are mainly our countrymen?
Unless they’re pricing themselves the same as Up North travel, which they’re not.”
Isn't it interesting that he adds English subtitles to his Instagram post to make sure everyone knows what he is trying to say while his "racist" Chinese host picked English to speak to them knowing they travel around the world frequently?
You know that an influencer is an over-entitled asshole when he has to wait until after this stay to go on Instagram to complain about this instead of politely asking the host: "Would you mind speaking to us in Chinese?"
150+ nights? Living in HK? UrCove ghost stays? Pass the popcorn …
I understand some of the complaints while others were perhaps a bit entitled. 1. The nightly price of 4k is actually true if you go during Xmas/ New year time frame. Berlin arrived on January 3rd which indeed is the highest priced period of the year. Personally I would not had gone there during that time especially if I were paying cash since couple weeks later in Jan, an overwater bungalow is priced $1300/nightly. Since...
I understand some of the complaints while others were perhaps a bit entitled. 1. The nightly price of 4k is actually true if you go during Xmas/ New year time frame. Berlin arrived on January 3rd which indeed is the highest priced period of the year. Personally I would not had gone there during that time especially if I were paying cash since couple weeks later in Jan, an overwater bungalow is priced $1300/nightly. Since he’s a social media influencer, I assume his work days are more flexible. Although his husband may not have that luxury. 2. The hotel greeter at airport was more enthusiastic about the white couple because the couple is older and more likely have money to give away as tips. Asians are not known to give tips because that’s not in their culture. Of course neither is Europeans. But there is higher chance of older white couple is from US which means solid tips so I bet that’s why they got better treatment from airport hotel greeter. 3. No honeymoon decoration is indeed disappointing. I’m sure he saw the decoration on social media and was expecting the same. When Hyatt didn’t provide that, then of course guests would be disappointed. Is it entitlement? Yes. But if hotel isn’t going to do that consistently, then they should do it at all because consistency is part of a well run hotel. 4. To have a noise so loud at middle of the night is absolutely wrong. One pays to stay at a hotel to have a good night rest and having loud noise certainly doesn’t let one to sleep soundly. This is def on the hotel and they should either comp that night or refund minimally 50% of the nightly rate via cash or if they paid with points, then via points. To give out 1/2 hour massage is a very weak compensation to say the least and a very bad look for the hotel. 5. Falling on ladder into ocean is on him. I always grab onto those ladder for dear life as I go down on them. Maybe because I’m not a great swimmer. How can one just slip down on those kind of ladder is beyond me. I don’t think it’s hotel’s fault that he slipped on the ladder. 6. His husband stepped on a protruding nail on their deck is unacceptable. That tells me this hotel has not been great at up keeping their facility. All in all, these points hotels are great until service recovery is needed. I prefer my Cheval Blanc, Four Seasons, and Rosewood of the world. I was once upgraded to a presidential suite for a service recovery. I still have fond memory of that Four Seasons resort.
Another social media narcissists.
1) If a complaint was that the hotel didn’t put anything in the room for their honeymoon, who put the giant “Happy Honeymoon” arrangement on their bed shown in their post?
2) What does “first honeymoon” mean in their post? Are they taking additional trips they’re going to call a “honeymoon”? This is another example of what Ben describes with people overstating their honeymoons, anniversaries, etc. and making it hard for hotels to take those...
1) If a complaint was that the hotel didn’t put anything in the room for their honeymoon, who put the giant “Happy Honeymoon” arrangement on their bed shown in their post?
2) What does “first honeymoon” mean in their post? Are they taking additional trips they’re going to call a “honeymoon”? This is another example of what Ben describes with people overstating their honeymoons, anniversaries, etc. and making it hard for hotels to take those statement seriously.
3) What does it mean they spent “months planning”? This is an overwater resort in the middle of nowhere. It takes a few minutes to book flights and a hotel. There are no excursions to plan, etc.
Maybe there are some legitimate complains here (I guess the loud room, and poor recovery from the hotel in terms of massage and bill issues… But the idea that a ladder in the ocean might be slippery is common and not the hotel’s problem). But if there are real complaints, nobody can tell because of all the melodramatic bs they covered their posts in.
it's a unique flex to say an entire resort is racist because your Chinese-speaking host is bad at her job.
Travel influencers are generally an insufferable lot seeking out drama
I didn't watch the video, but how do you not assume that a ladder into water is slippery and hold on tightly with your hands (whether going into water or not)?
Dude obviously has a case of Munchausen syndrome where he finds glee in people feeling sorry for him. These are all petty complaints at best. If he did any amount of research, he would have learned that the transfer from MLE to the resort takes several hours. Also the ladder not having any anti skid measures is his own fault for not noticing. Does he not use his arms when navigating a ladder? If his foot slipped, his arms still should have caught him.
Maybe this has nothing to do with it...BUT...as a gay man I probably would NOT celebrate my honeymoon in a country where homosexuality is illegal and criminalized.
@Sam, while in their shoes I might go there, but I wouldn't announce it was my honeymoon or expect recognition. While the expats will likely understand, the locals would not.
Those dudes ruined the white sheets.
Not sure why the shade here. Businesses charging luxury prices should deliver luxury experiences.
Between this and the Conrad massage injury, a vacation in the Maldives is sounding less and less like paradise.
Each of those recent posts felt pretty scammy. Maldives is doing just fine; new international terminal at MLE and new seaplane terminal are major improvements. Most resorts there are some of the most luxurious and pleasant experiences you can have in luxury travel. For 35Kish Hyatt points per night, or a fifth-night-free redemption at Conrad Rangali, you can’t go wrong. Yet, these two outliers found a way to make it bad. That’s just it though; they’re outliers.
"side note — how revealing is his speedo that it has to be blurred" - Probably not revealing enough ;)
You know what they say about Asian attributes. Their feet don't look very big either!
Can't say I can relate much... of 140ish Hyatts, this is my favorite, and it ranks as one of the 5-10 best hotels I've ever visited (granted I have yet to venture into FS/Aman, so maybe the highest of elite will laugh at me). In fact, I'd put it well above St. R Maldives and slightly above WA and Conrad Maldives.
I can see the no skid issue, and I've had a wide variety of...
Can't say I can relate much... of 140ish Hyatts, this is my favorite, and it ranks as one of the 5-10 best hotels I've ever visited (granted I have yet to venture into FS/Aman, so maybe the highest of elite will laugh at me). In fact, I'd put it well above St. R Maldives and slightly above WA and Conrad Maldives.
I can see the no skid issue, and I've had a wide variety of butler experiences (easily the worst was at St. Regis) so I could give them a little benefit of the doubt when it comes to thinking they should have better.
Yes, it takes forever to get to, but you ain't seeing the approach lights to the Male Airport from your patio at night or reading the underbelly of an arriving Emirates 777 (ahem, WA).
Gary Leff’s favorite hotel!
Is it?
Actual Gary, or the imposter pretending to me Gary and others on here?
maybe you shouldn't make fun and judge another couple's experience. The place is a dump I've been. Also a honeymoon is a special occasion - coulnd't they at least put a cake or something in the room. Have compassion for others. These hotels are so cheap lately it's sickening whether its a points stay or cash. Is your marriage OK?
@ John -- I'm not sure in what way you think I'm making fun of them, because that's definitely not my intention? I think I expressed in the post that many of their observations and points of frustration are totally valid?
@Ben.
You say that the boat transfer is part of getting to a Maldivian resort. True, but...
I've been to the Maldives 4 times, always arriving in the morning, and always reaching the resort by early afternoon.
Not once have I reached at 7pm. That sounds absurd.
Unless they didn't share their flight details with the resort beforehand? Seems very unlikely.
FWIW the resorts I've been to are Cheval Blanc, Alila, Kudadoo and Reethi Rah.
@ K4 -- The Park Hyatt is one of the furthest resorts from Male. It's not like the resorts you've been to, where people typically take a seaplane to the resort. Instead, you take a scheduled Maldivian turboprop flight to another airport, and then an extended boat ride.
Many people love the Park Hyatt for how secluded it is, but it's also not for everyone. If you want a simple transfer, the Park Hyatt isn't the place to stay.
@Ben
Thanks, ok, makes sense. I think if I recall correctly getting to Alila was also a turboprop plus boat, but perhaps not as far or better scheduling?
CB and Kudadoo were definitely direct seaplanes.
The Park Hyatt was originally an Alila. It was probably the same hotel?
Getting to the airport at 11 and then getting to the hotel at 7PM is not a few hours. In what universe do you consider this a few hours? One can fly from London to NYC subsonic in less time.
@ justindev -- I said they had to wait a few hours, not that it took a few hours. They arrived a little before 12PM, and their flight boarded at 3PM, which was... a few hours. The transfer to the Park Hyatt Maldives is more complicated than to other resorts, given how far it is from Male. It requires taking a non-seaplane flight, and then a speed boat. If you're looking for an easy transfer...
@ justindev -- I said they had to wait a few hours, not that it took a few hours. They arrived a little before 12PM, and their flight boarded at 3PM, which was... a few hours. The transfer to the Park Hyatt Maldives is more complicated than to other resorts, given how far it is from Male. It requires taking a non-seaplane flight, and then a speed boat. If you're looking for an easy transfer to the resort, the Park Hyatt isn't for you.
Also, the hotel has its own timezone that's an hour ahead of Male, so you have to adjust for that as well.
@BenS
Thanks for the further clarification.
I have been to the Maldives twice, and on both occasions, I made sure to avoid such complicated transfers.
justindev, thank you for replying to my earlier questions on Ben’s other Maldives post (about the Conrad); I made it to MLE, and really enjoyed the new international terminal. So much better than the original. Wow.
"Racist" "I almost died" - all words to generate a visceral reaction and therefore in my book completely discredits the guy
There's no recognition of any same sex relationship in China. He must have gotten married outside China, so once back in the country, his marriage is unofficial.
Just a few (mostly irrelevant) observations:
- I was very happy to see a gay couple and rarely a mention of that. There are still many places where this is a lifetime of struggle.
- Chinese and Indians are a super large growth segment - no business (leave alone a hotel like Park Hyatt in Maldives) will discriminate against them. I am not saying his host meet his expectations, but this cannot be...
Just a few (mostly irrelevant) observations:
- I was very happy to see a gay couple and rarely a mention of that. There are still many places where this is a lifetime of struggle.
- Chinese and Indians are a super large growth segment - no business (leave alone a hotel like Park Hyatt in Maldives) will discriminate against them. I am not saying his host meet his expectations, but this cannot be a systemic problem
- I love when things go wrong in a honeymoon (or better still wedding planning). Life is going to be full of unplanned surprises and the only control we have is how we react to it.
- Speedo blurred - classic Ben observation :)
Social media is a cancer. This is yet another example of why.
So, FMBWI, as this is a social media platform, are we to be considered cancerous too?
@Aero
Yes. Most definitely, if one were to make this judgement based on some of the posts that I have read. It is most apparent when Ben's post is about a minority, especially if said minority is black or hispanic.
Another Chinese person that lacks style and grace trying to appear relevant and important. They don't belong to the civilized society. China has their own tropical resorts where this guy should stay and have access to unlimited ramen cups and flip flops. Last time I checked homosexual relationships/marriage were severely penalized in China, which lacks even basic human rights. That couple should consider themselves super lucky not to end up in Muslim jail in Maldives,...
Another Chinese person that lacks style and grace trying to appear relevant and important. They don't belong to the civilized society. China has their own tropical resorts where this guy should stay and have access to unlimited ramen cups and flip flops. Last time I checked homosexual relationships/marriage were severely penalized in China, which lacks even basic human rights. That couple should consider themselves super lucky not to end up in Muslim jail in Maldives, which in itself a super backward and savage society.
He is not from Hong Kong. He is a mainland Chinese
A mainland Chinese what?
Would you have a problem with saying an American? A Chinese is just fine, as is a Japanese. Stop looking for victimhood credits.
Because there are two different cultural groups. They dont even speak the same language!
Influencers are a NO!
Influencers who are homosexual and expect to be treated well in quite a strict Muslim society, are a resounding NO! NO!
No. What is a "no no" is the blatant homophobia of certain countries - and this homophobia should be dealt with, quickly and decisively.
Grzegorz, so, who will police the world to rid it of the homophobia countries …. the U.S. China or Russia?
Maldivian resorts are not a "quite strict Muslim country", please get your head checked and then dunk it in your bathtub after. If you're going to try to act like a snob taste and sense are base requirements.
So Connor, you would risk breaking the laws of a Muslim country which has adopted Sharia Law? Such laws affect same-sex sexual activity and can be harsh and strictly enforced.
More fool you, Gunga Din if you choose to flaunt those laws. Maybe it is you who needs to “Get your head checked and then dunk it in your bathtub after” …. Yes?
Connor gets it. Resorts in the Maldives are not Sharia at all. Like, I wouldn’t go to a local island wearing a speedo like that, but, at the PH, totally fine. You should see the Russians in the Maldives; talk about skimpy bathing suits. I mean, I get it, soak up the sun before you return to Siberia, but, wowza, that’s a lot of skin.
Ben, in terms of the "revealing" Speedo in the video, isn't it fair for someone to want more privacy on the internet than they expect in a private overwater villa in the middle of the ocean?
@ Evan -- Sure, people should do whatever floats their boat. However, it doesn't seem like privacy is very important to them, and they've posted dozens of pictures in speedos. So I'm just curious what's going on here, exactly... not that it matters.
If it doesn't matter why did you mention it?
@ Steve -- Someone can pose a question without the answer being of any consequence. For example, people might be on an airplane and hear a noise or see something they're not familiar with. It's not really any of their business, and it doesn't impact them directly, but that doesn't mean they can't ask a question and be curious.
I'd argue this case is much more extreme, since they specifically chose to upload the video and blur something.
In the 1970s there was a bumpersticker: "Kill Your Television".
plus ça change
Wait, the bed has honeymoon written on it. It was acknowledged. What loser scumsucker compensation clinic types.
Also, forget homophobic or asianphobic or whatever - is there an obnoxious influencer phobia?
Um, Maldives has strong anti-LGBTQ+ laws criminalizing same-sex sexual activity under its Penal Code. 2 Gay guys then go and complain about being treated differently? Is it right? No. But why go to a different culture you knowingly is strong anti-LGBT and expect a different outcome. Your article could have led with .... gay couple goes to a Sheria law country ... and feels discriminated against.
Yeah, while true (‘on the books’), in-practice, that country runs on tourism, the alcohol and hedonism flows freely at these resorts, and there’s little concern from Sharia at the PH. That said, mhm, I wouldn’t force gay or Jewish people to visit, if they’re concerned. Please consider Thailand, Seychelles, Fiji, Tahiti, Mexico, Caribbean, Mediterranean, etc. All lovely places, too. (Sorry, Indonesia, Bali included, should be welcoming, but also has similar concerns.)
Yeah, while true (‘on the books’), in-practice, that country runs on tourism, the alcohol and hedonism flows freely at these resorts, and there’s little concern from Sharia at the PH. That said, mhm, I wouldn’t force gay or Jewish people to visit, if they’re concerned. Please consider Thailand, Seychelles, Fiji, Tahiti, Mexico, Caribbean, Mediterranean, etc. All lovely places, too. (Sorry, Indonesia, Bali included, should be welcoming, but also has similar concerns.)
But that’s the point, isn’t it? Why do gay folks, Ben included, head to places like the UAE, Qatar, the Maldives when there are really endless holiday destinations that welcome you with open arms. Why spend your hard earned cash in these sorts of places? Ben tried to explain himself in pasts posts, and ultimately it’s a case of each to their own, but for the life of me, I don’t get it.
My favorite part of the video is when he shows them transferring (in a boat, or the plane?) and dozing off, except he was awake to film it. LOL! Give the man an Oscar!
It’s not rare that even modest constructive feedback and criticism to luxury travel experience are considered tone deaf, as you (and many business class reviewers) had to add disclaimer that any business class trips should be appreciated, so I couldn’t really blame him.
Plus, they probably wanted to give the property a chance for service recovery, and also, if they posted the criticism in real time, they could be confronted by the property, especially...
It’s not rare that even modest constructive feedback and criticism to luxury travel experience are considered tone deaf, as you (and many business class reviewers) had to add disclaimer that any business class trips should be appreciated, so I couldn’t really blame him.
Plus, they probably wanted to give the property a chance for service recovery, and also, if they posted the criticism in real time, they could be confronted by the property, especially the hostile host, being very awkward - Also as you experienced for providing a real time feedback on a flight.
Sidenote, I recently had a similar experience in a Park Hyatt, while not dangerous, and hotel provided service recovery along the issue, at the end of day, the stay was ruined by improper maintenance, and hotel didn’t go nearly enough to provide adequate service recovery.
Now I call Park Hyatt’s tagline Luxury is impersonal, and will only stay with them unless the points value is better than comparable properties.
Most Park Hyatt’s I’ve stayed at are excellent, including this one in the Maldives, and also, those in Europe. Compared to comparable high-end brands with the other major American conglomerates (think, Waldorf-Astoria, Conrad, St. Regis, Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental, etc.), PH’s tend to be better value for points redemptions, so it’s usually a crowd favorite for this ‘community.’
OMG this Mainland Chinese wannabe influencer (he called himself a Hong Konger up because he lives there now, and amongst mainland Chinese, there is a perception that you are of higher society if you have residency in Hong Kong) is horrible - he is super entitled and thinks the world revolves around him and his hubby (I am surprised it is their honeymoon because they have been married for years )
Also he has...
OMG this Mainland Chinese wannabe influencer (he called himself a Hong Konger up because he lives there now, and amongst mainland Chinese, there is a perception that you are of higher society if you have residency in Hong Kong) is horrible - he is super entitled and thinks the world revolves around him and his hubby (I am surprised it is their honeymoon because they have been married for years )
Also he has many content in Chinese on how gay should behave so that they look more masculine, which I think is atrocious and just shows how gays in mainland China have to put up a façade.
@ Gerald -- They have wedding pictures from several weeks ago, so are you sure they didn't get married recently?
hi Ben, the gossippy side in me went to flip through his Red Note posts and indeed they shared a save the date for their wedding so I could be wrong that he had been married - which stemmed from them having a surrogacy kid three years ago which led me to thought that he have married three years ago on order for the surrogacy (he actually ‘runs’ a surrogacy consultation business on the side...
hi Ben, the gossippy side in me went to flip through his Red Note posts and indeed they shared a save the date for their wedding so I could be wrong that he had been married - which stemmed from them having a surrogacy kid three years ago which led me to thought that he have married three years ago on order for the surrogacy (he actually ‘runs’ a surrogacy consultation business on the side for same-sex couples in China who wants a baby - this guy just screams with so many plausible ‘intentions’)
"Also he has many content in Chinese on how gay should behave so that they look more masculine..."
He should watch his own social media videos and maybe take some lessons from them, because had he worn a bikini I would have thought he was a Kardashian.
@TravellinWilly, LOL