Hello,
My husband and I are planning a trip to the Maldives from 25 to 28 August 2012. We will be arriving from South Africa.
We are currently booked at the Mirihi Resort, South Ari Atoll. Is anyone familiar with this resort? We'd really appreciate some reviews/comments.
Also, we were told that seaplane transfer is US$700 for 2 of us, round-trip. We think this is a little pricey and would like to know if:
1. Is this a good rate or are we getting ripped-off?
2. Is there any other mode of transfer from the Mahe Island Airport to the hotel?
We've emailed the hotel and plan to call them up as well, but thought to post here in the hopes of getting real, unbiased advice.
Lastly, apart from chilling by the beach, water sports and basically enjoying life, is there anything else to do or any place of note that is a must-see in the Maldives?
Many thanks in advance!
3 night stay at the Maldives - Hotel review & transfer suggestions pls!
Recent Activity
View all Asia activity »
- 1 white sand beaches in thailand
- 2 Elephant Visit in Chiang Mai
- 3 Udaipur, India
- 4 Which flight from BKK to Chiang Mai should I take?
- 5 National Diet Building and Imperial Palace tours
- 6 Hong Kong - how long to see highlights?
- 7
Beijing To Tibet, Mt. Everest And Nepal All In 10 Days
- 8 Weather in Bangkok & Phuket in September
- 9 Suggestions for Asian visit Feb. 2014, incl. Singapore
- 10 9 PM arrival in Narita
- 11 where is best place to exchange left over Chinese RMB's for US dollars
- 12 Photography Trip to Vietnam
- 13 Kanchanaburi - Toi's Tours
- 14 Thailand-Japan-China (is it a bad idea?)
- 15 Trip plans to SE Asia for 2014 coming together! Int'l flights purchased!
- 16 11 days in Japan, JR pass question
- 17 Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan tour suggestions
- 18 where to go in SE Asia
- 19
4 days with Orangutans Balikpapan + Camp Leakey
- 20 Proposed Sri Lanka Itinerary - any opinions welcome
- 21 Kuala Lumpur - Doubletree (Hilton) or Renaissance (Marriott)?
- 22 which hotel in Bangkok in July?
- 23
Uzbekistan: A Lesson in Silk Road Hospitality
- 24 Siem Reap from San Fran in winter 2013 FIRST TIME to Asia
- 25
trip report to tajmahal agra india
The sea plane cost sounds about right as I recall it cost us around that price for our last trip a few years ago. I'm not sure how far your resort is from Male but if they are advising you to travel by seaplane then that is probably the best option. If the resorts is close enough then you could opt for the boat transfer.
August is still rainy and being during the low season you should have few other guests around the hotel. Last time we were there it was in August as well.
Not much else to do except relaxing at your resort and listen to the rainfall, when it rains.
To get from Male's Ibrahim Nasir International Airport to Mirihi, you need to take the seaplane. The resort does not offer guest speedboat transfers, as they would be too long, and after a long haul flight not too pleasant, in our opinion. The seaplane flight, however, is an experience in itself - you get to see the amazing islands, just like turquoise and white dots - scattered over the ocean below...
the price sounds like an average return seaplane price - we don't think you're being ripped off here - and it is worth it!
While on the resort, Mirihi is famous for its beautiful housereef - so, of course, you will simply need to don your mask and snorkel and explore the underwater world.
You can check with the resort if you have time before or after your seaplane transfer to or from the resort to do a Male' tour. This way, you get the chance to experience the bustling life in the city, have a look at the lively fish market, the Friday Mosque, the President's Palace, and much more.
All resorts usually offer excursions, as well. You may wanna go island hopping, and experience some local islands close by Mirihi, or stop by a deserted island for a relaxed BBQ lunch or dinner, and so much more.
All in all, the Maldives has a lot to offer, most guests are surprised how quick time flies by, while you're enjoying yourself thoroughly with all the activities on offer!
Thank you, Hanuman & AtollParadise, for your valuable input.
AtollParadise, you make me wish I was already in Maldives with your description of it.
We'll go ahead and book the seaplane then.
If anything else that's interesting to do in Male comes about, do let me know.
Comment has been removed by Fodor's moderators