Wireless Internet
There are no PCs on the island for guests to use, but there is wireless Internet available for a fee. As a result you'll need to bring your own device - I'm typing this out on my iPad using the wireless for example. Access can be bought from reception on a day by day bases or in blocks of time. It works through a user ID and password and alas doesn't support multiple devices. As a result you can't use your iPad while your wife use her iTouch for example. Speed is good and most places on the island have coverage, but it works best in the central areas around the Aqua Bar and the Reef Restaurant.
Prices
24 hrs of Internet costs $5.50 + service + tax. If you buy three or more days worth at a time this drops to $5 + service + tax. I had read before arriving that there was 30 minutes included for free everyday. This may have been so, but is definitely not the case anymore. Some tour operators may offer a package that includes the Internet, but the cost will be rolled in somewhere. The charges are added on to your room bill for settlement at the end of your stay, so you don't need to pay upfront.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Day 4: Taxes and Tiping
Althoug Centara is an all-inclusive island there are some occasions where you will need to pay for things. Notably this includes Internet charges, scuba diving trips, and premium food and drinks. Currency on the island is exclusively US Dollars, and the only item I've seen priced in the local currency, the Maldivian Rufiyaa is a stamp. Luckily it's 12Rf face value is about $1, so that's what they charged me.
Taxes
Everything you pay for on the island that isn't bundled with your package will be subject to General Sales Tax (GST) at 6%. If you are American you'll be used to paying money on top of an advertised figure but if, like me, you're from the UK you'll need to start factoring it in.
In addition to the GST the island also charges 10% service charge on most purchases. I say most, as items bought in the island shop don't have this added, probably as you aren't receiving a service. At the dive school though, on which I will write a dedicated blog entry shortly, a dive will cost $50 plus service plus GST. Often you'll hear this shortened to "$50 plus plus" and written as $50++. To be fair though the service you'll receive, based on my experience, will be excellent and 10% isn't unreasonable for the care and attention bestowed.
Tipping
Tipping is an emotive subject, so I'll tell you what I have previously been told about the Maldives in general. In short tip only three people and between $10-$20 per person. Now, we've been diving on the island so we have a few more people looking after us than normal so we'll likely break the first rule, and stick to the second.
For most people your likely candidates for receiving a tip are thee boy room who tidies your villa/suite, your waiter and your barman. No hard and fast rule though and if you like the three guitar players who keep the diners entertained then there's no issue with tipping them.
Taxes
Everything you pay for on the island that isn't bundled with your package will be subject to General Sales Tax (GST) at 6%. If you are American you'll be used to paying money on top of an advertised figure but if, like me, you're from the UK you'll need to start factoring it in.
In addition to the GST the island also charges 10% service charge on most purchases. I say most, as items bought in the island shop don't have this added, probably as you aren't receiving a service. At the dive school though, on which I will write a dedicated blog entry shortly, a dive will cost $50 plus service plus GST. Often you'll hear this shortened to "$50 plus plus" and written as $50++. To be fair though the service you'll receive, based on my experience, will be excellent and 10% isn't unreasonable for the care and attention bestowed.
Tipping
Tipping is an emotive subject, so I'll tell you what I have previously been told about the Maldives in general. In short tip only three people and between $10-$20 per person. Now, we've been diving on the island so we have a few more people looking after us than normal so we'll likely break the first rule, and stick to the second.
For most people your likely candidates for receiving a tip are thee boy room who tidies your villa/suite, your waiter and your barman. No hard and fast rule though and if you like the three guitar players who keep the diners entertained then there's no issue with tipping them.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Day 3: Sunbathing
One of the first things I like to do on holiday is catch up on some sleep and do some sunbathing. So here's how it all works at Centara.
The Beach
Obviously, being an island there is a beach. If you are in a Beach Suite you will have your own loungers on the beachfront, made of white plastic. If you are in a water villa you'll have your own loungers over the water, made of wood. If you are in a water villa but want to relax on the beach then unfortunately your choices are limited. There are a few loungers scattered around, but nothing formal. Furthermore there isn't a beach bar to speak of, since the resort management have prioritised service at the pool instead. It's a gap in my opinion as you can't recreate that relaxing on a desert island feel that I would have assumed was all part of the Maldives experience.
The Pool
The pool is between the Coral Bar and the Reef Restaurant, so once in situ you don't have to walk very far to do anything. One day I left lunch and took nine pace to get to my pool side lounger. The brochures show lots of loungers round the pool (Kuoni, I'm looking at you) whereas in fact there are just 31 of them, which isn't enough basically. Equally the same photos show multiple parasols whereas now there are fewer of them but they are bigger and fixed. Clean towels are provided everyday however and there's waiter service for drinks, so you barely have to lift a finger. Due to the limited number of parasols you'll need to be by the pool before 9am which does limit the chance of a lie in. There seems to be plenty of people who reserve their loungers and then go for breakfast, which I don't agree with, but it's a case of join them or miss out.
Water Villas
If you are in a water villa then you get your own sunbathing space and loungers. Again dedicated sunbathing towels are left in your room everyday, so there's no need to waste your luggage allowance bringing them to the island. Depending on which villa you get you'll either have the morning sun or you'll get in the afternoon and thus the sunset too. For the Luxury Water Villas morning sun is avaialble at numbers 72 - 80. Afternoon sun is from numbers 47 -71.
Suntan or sunburn?
Due to a lack of pollution and closeness to the equator the sun is very strong in the Maldives so sun protection is a must. Don't, like me, be fooled into thinking you can escape it by sitting in the shade - you can't. You will know your preferred SPF rating, but whatever you do bring more than you think you'll need. If you run out your only chance of buying some more is to buy it from the island shop where it costs $26 for a 300ml bottle. And no I'm not kidding! Plus, this being the Maldives there is then 10% service fee on top, plus a further 6% general sales tax. In short, it's much cheaper to buy an extra bottle at the airport and not need it than get caught out.
The Beach
Obviously, being an island there is a beach. If you are in a Beach Suite you will have your own loungers on the beachfront, made of white plastic. If you are in a water villa you'll have your own loungers over the water, made of wood. If you are in a water villa but want to relax on the beach then unfortunately your choices are limited. There are a few loungers scattered around, but nothing formal. Furthermore there isn't a beach bar to speak of, since the resort management have prioritised service at the pool instead. It's a gap in my opinion as you can't recreate that relaxing on a desert island feel that I would have assumed was all part of the Maldives experience.
The Pool
The pool is between the Coral Bar and the Reef Restaurant, so once in situ you don't have to walk very far to do anything. One day I left lunch and took nine pace to get to my pool side lounger. The brochures show lots of loungers round the pool (Kuoni, I'm looking at you) whereas in fact there are just 31 of them, which isn't enough basically. Equally the same photos show multiple parasols whereas now there are fewer of them but they are bigger and fixed. Clean towels are provided everyday however and there's waiter service for drinks, so you barely have to lift a finger. Due to the limited number of parasols you'll need to be by the pool before 9am which does limit the chance of a lie in. There seems to be plenty of people who reserve their loungers and then go for breakfast, which I don't agree with, but it's a case of join them or miss out.
Water Villas
If you are in a water villa then you get your own sunbathing space and loungers. Again dedicated sunbathing towels are left in your room everyday, so there's no need to waste your luggage allowance bringing them to the island. Depending on which villa you get you'll either have the morning sun or you'll get in the afternoon and thus the sunset too. For the Luxury Water Villas morning sun is avaialble at numbers 72 - 80. Afternoon sun is from numbers 47 -71.
Suntan or sunburn?
Due to a lack of pollution and closeness to the equator the sun is very strong in the Maldives so sun protection is a must. Don't, like me, be fooled into thinking you can escape it by sitting in the shade - you can't. You will know your preferred SPF rating, but whatever you do bring more than you think you'll need. If you run out your only chance of buying some more is to buy it from the island shop where it costs $26 for a 300ml bottle. And no I'm not kidding! Plus, this being the Maldives there is then 10% service fee on top, plus a further 6% general sales tax. In short, it's much cheaper to buy an extra bottle at the airport and not need it than get caught out.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Day 2: Orientation
Finding your way around
So you've arrived at Centara Grand Island Resort, Maldives and having made the 3 minute boat ride form the sea taxi pontoon to reception you are hopefully now sat on a sofa with a welcome drink in hand (mango juice with mint cordial - very nice)
Firstly reception is attached to the Aqua Bar, which also happens to be one of the best locations to watch the infamous Maldivian sunset. Behind you are the Luxury Sunset Villas, to your left the Azzuri Mare restaurant, and in front of you the main island with the watersports centre being most obvious.
When you are given your room key (electronic) you are also given a map, which looks exactly like this:
The main restaurant, where breakfast is served, is on the North of the island and is called the Reef Restaurant and sits alongside the Coral Bar. The island is tiny so nowhere is more than 10 minutes away even if you had a villa right out on the edge.
Eating and Drinking
An important part of any holiday should, in my opinion, involve enjoying the local food and drink. At time of writing (April 2012) Centara is fully inclusive, meaning you can go your whole holiday without buying and food or drink. Of course like all inclusive packages there are certain items that aren't included. Items from the mini bar in your room being a good example, ,nor premium beers, wines or spirits. Here's a summary of the drinks position:
Lager
The local lager is called Lion Lager and is brewed in Sri Lanka. It's nice and reminds me of the Corono/Sol type of beers in the UK. In the bars, this your only all inclusive choice, but in the restaurants you can order Tiger or Carlsberg on your inclusive package. Corona is chargeable as are some of the other premium brands. There is no beer/bitter nor Guinness.
Vodka
All inclusive brand is called Petrov, which sounds Russian but is actually The Netherlands. Grey Goose and Absolut are available for a charge.
Gin
Gin is called Dry London Gin, but again, is from the Netherlands. Bombay Sapphire and Gordon's available for those wishing to upgrade.
Wine
Red and white is by the South African brand Two Oceans and the sparkling wine is by Kraeur. All very pleasant and I've certainly paid for worse in UK pubs over the years.
In summary, the all inclusive options are very good and I've been pleasantly surprised by how good they are. If you want to upgrade then you can and the choice is extensive so all tastes are catered for. Given how expensive alcohol can be in the The Maldives, I think this is a real advantage of holidaying in Centara.
So you've arrived at Centara Grand Island Resort, Maldives and having made the 3 minute boat ride form the sea taxi pontoon to reception you are hopefully now sat on a sofa with a welcome drink in hand (mango juice with mint cordial - very nice)
Firstly reception is attached to the Aqua Bar, which also happens to be one of the best locations to watch the infamous Maldivian sunset. Behind you are the Luxury Sunset Villas, to your left the Azzuri Mare restaurant, and in front of you the main island with the watersports centre being most obvious.
When you are given your room key (electronic) you are also given a map, which looks exactly like this:
The main restaurant, where breakfast is served, is on the North of the island and is called the Reef Restaurant and sits alongside the Coral Bar. The island is tiny so nowhere is more than 10 minutes away even if you had a villa right out on the edge.
Eating and Drinking
An important part of any holiday should, in my opinion, involve enjoying the local food and drink. At time of writing (April 2012) Centara is fully inclusive, meaning you can go your whole holiday without buying and food or drink. Of course like all inclusive packages there are certain items that aren't included. Items from the mini bar in your room being a good example, ,nor premium beers, wines or spirits. Here's a summary of the drinks position:
Lager
The local lager is called Lion Lager and is brewed in Sri Lanka. It's nice and reminds me of the Corono/Sol type of beers in the UK. In the bars, this your only all inclusive choice, but in the restaurants you can order Tiger or Carlsberg on your inclusive package. Corona is chargeable as are some of the other premium brands. There is no beer/bitter nor Guinness.
Vodka
All inclusive brand is called Petrov, which sounds Russian but is actually The Netherlands. Grey Goose and Absolut are available for a charge.
Gin
Gin is called Dry London Gin, but again, is from the Netherlands. Bombay Sapphire and Gordon's available for those wishing to upgrade.
Wine
Red and white is by the South African brand Two Oceans and the sparkling wine is by Kraeur. All very pleasant and I've certainly paid for worse in UK pubs over the years.
In summary, the all inclusive options are very good and I've been pleasantly surprised by how good they are. If you want to upgrade then you can and the choice is extensive so all tastes are catered for. Given how expensive alcohol can be in the The Maldives, I think this is a real advantage of holidaying in Centara.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Day 1: Male to Centara Grand Island Resort
Transfer from Male International Airport to Centara
Arrival in Centara requires a compulsory seaplane taxi transfer and, as far as I can tell, this is the only way to arrive. Luckily it's a well run service and also quite good fun.
Once you've landed your operator rep should usher you to the desk of the seaplane company. The largest is the Maldivian Airtaxi Company and they run the world's largest fleet of seaplanes, in this case twin engined Otters.
As you may already have heard, there are some fairly stringent weight restrictions on luggage for these transfers. In short your allowance is this:
- 20kg max for one piece of regular luggage
- 5kg max for one piece of hand luggage
So that's one suitcase and one handbag/camera bag basically. Interestingly this is below a typical commercial airline allowance and BA, for example, allow their customers 23kg plus up to two pieces of hand luggage.
In theory any discrepancy over this limit attracts a $4USD charge per KG fee. However when we arrived there was general bedlam and so even though our suitcases were 22.7KG and 21.9KG respectively (it shows on your luggage tags), plus I had some extra hand luggage in the shape of our diving regulators, we weren't charged, although I would have been quite happy to pay. As always, your experience may differ.
After that your bags are put on a lorry and you get on a bus and you both drive around the perimeter or the airport, to get to the seaplane departure point.
And here's the BA plane (G-YMMF) as seen from the bus transfer.
Once, there electronic screens there indicate the next flight to Centara, 235 in our case, and if you have a long wait, there's a cafe to buy yourself a drink.
Once the flight is ready your bags are loaded on to the plane and you climb aboard, stowing your hand luggage away from the seat. The transfer isn't direct, since the plane calls at Lux* Maldives first (http://luxislandresorts.com/en/maldives.aspx). Getting there takes 25 minutes and on leaving Lux* it's a further 5 minutes to Centara.
On landing the plane taxis to a floating pontoon where a boat arrives to meet you. Your bags are transferred to the boat, you follow them and boat then gently carries you to the island.
Arrival in Centara requires a compulsory seaplane taxi transfer and, as far as I can tell, this is the only way to arrive. Luckily it's a well run service and also quite good fun.
Once you've landed your operator rep should usher you to the desk of the seaplane company. The largest is the Maldivian Airtaxi Company and they run the world's largest fleet of seaplanes, in this case twin engined Otters.
As you may already have heard, there are some fairly stringent weight restrictions on luggage for these transfers. In short your allowance is this:
- 20kg max for one piece of regular luggage
- 5kg max for one piece of hand luggage
So that's one suitcase and one handbag/camera bag basically. Interestingly this is below a typical commercial airline allowance and BA, for example, allow their customers 23kg plus up to two pieces of hand luggage.
In theory any discrepancy over this limit attracts a $4USD charge per KG fee. However when we arrived there was general bedlam and so even though our suitcases were 22.7KG and 21.9KG respectively (it shows on your luggage tags), plus I had some extra hand luggage in the shape of our diving regulators, we weren't charged, although I would have been quite happy to pay. As always, your experience may differ.
After that your bags are put on a lorry and you get on a bus and you both drive around the perimeter or the airport, to get to the seaplane departure point.
And here's the BA plane (G-YMMF) as seen from the bus transfer.
Once, there electronic screens there indicate the next flight to Centara, 235 in our case, and if you have a long wait, there's a cafe to buy yourself a drink.
Once the flight is ready your bags are loaded on to the plane and you climb aboard, stowing your hand luggage away from the seat. The transfer isn't direct, since the plane calls at Lux* Maldives first (http://luxislandresorts.com/en/maldives.aspx). Getting there takes 25 minutes and on leaving Lux* it's a further 5 minutes to Centara.
On landing the plane taxis to a floating pontoon where a boat arrives to meet you. Your bags are transferred to the boat, you follow them and boat then gently carries you to the island.
Day 1: Arrival
Leaving the UK
British Airways fly direct from the UK to Male three times a week, and run a Boeing 777 on this route in a three class formation. As a result there is no First Class, despite what Seat Guru says.
Economy is laid out in a 3-3-3 seat config which is a bit odd and a nuisance if you are a family of four, since one of you will be sat away from the others. This is clearly a problem on this route as there was an announcement to that effect. Equally if you are in a couple you are likely to have a stranger sat next to you, which doesn't make for an ideal start to one's honeymoon
If you are lucky enough to be able to swing for Premium Economy or Club World (or have wisely used you Avios to upgrade) then you find seats in 2-4-2 configuration, which is much better for both honeymooning couples and families of four.
10 hours later you arrive in Male where you'll be ushered through some slow immigration and then a baggage x-ray machine. This was the queue that we faced after getting off our plane..!
British Airways fly direct from the UK to Male three times a week, and run a Boeing 777 on this route in a three class formation. As a result there is no First Class, despite what Seat Guru says.
Economy is laid out in a 3-3-3 seat config which is a bit odd and a nuisance if you are a family of four, since one of you will be sat away from the others. This is clearly a problem on this route as there was an announcement to that effect. Equally if you are in a couple you are likely to have a stranger sat next to you, which doesn't make for an ideal start to one's honeymoon
If you are lucky enough to be able to swing for Premium Economy or Club World (or have wisely used you Avios to upgrade) then you find seats in 2-4-2 configuration, which is much better for both honeymooning couples and families of four.
10 hours later you arrive in Male where you'll be ushered through some slow immigration and then a baggage x-ray machine. This was the queue that we faced after getting off our plane..!
As well as checking for the usual, they will also confiscate any alcohol so don't be tempted to either bring some from the UK (duty free or not), nor take any off the plane. On our way through somebody had wasted £60 on a double box of Veuve Clicquot from Gatwick duty free, which seems a dreadful waste to me.
Once through you then enter a large space which has the desks of all the tour operators and assuming they all work the same (ours was Kuoni) you'll be ushered off to either your seaplane or speedboat transfer.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Day 0: Introduction
I am very lucky to have just got married to a beautiful lady, Helen, on the 30th March 2012. The Maldives was always top of our list for a honeymoon destination and Centara came highly recommended by some friends, who happen to work in the travel industry.
However there was very limited practical information available on the Internet especially regarding the cost of things and what you need to take with you. So I have decided to pull all this together so that others can benefit.
I write this from room 76 at Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa and will include as much as I can to help my fellow travellers.
In the meantime we have dinner reservation, so this is a short start.
Happy travels
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