Incident 1
Only the westerners were offered coffee and tea during breakfast. The asian guest were not even asked if they would like any of the aforementioned. So how reliable is my assertion? As I wasn't offered(I am asian), I personally asked the asians sitted around me if they were offered. I asked at least 4 asian couples to be extremely sure. They all answered in the negative! I highlighted my concern to the onsite manager who in turned reply that he was unaware of such an occurence. However, his conjecture was that the westerners were mostly retired and were staying for at least 2 weeks whereas the asians were likely to stay for only 4 days, hence the staff were likely to know the westerners drinking preference better. My response to that was; is it that difficult to even offer coffee or tea to all guest and how did this simple question even relate to the duration of ones stay.
Incident 2
Anybody who's even considering the resort please do note that the hotel predetermines the time you are allowed to leave the island upon checking out. For example my flight out of maldives was 11.25pm and the boat that they arranged for me out of the island was 8pm. Do note that the check out time is 12pm. Hence I would have had to spend like 8 hours in the bar. BORING MUCH? Having booked the last flight...Incident 1
Only the westerners were offered coffee and tea during breakfast. The asian guest were not even asked if they would like any of the aforementioned. So how reliable is my assertion? As I wasn't offered(I am asian), I personally asked the asians sitted around me if they were offered. I asked at least 4 asian couples to be extremely sure. They all answered in the negative! I highlighted my concern to the onsite manager who in turned reply that he was unaware of such an occurence. However, his conjecture was that the westerners were mostly retired and were staying for at least 2 weeks whereas the asians were likely to stay for only 4 days, hence the staff were likely to know the westerners drinking preference better. My response to that was; is it that difficult to even offer coffee or tea to all guest and how did this simple question even relate to the duration of ones stay.
Incident 2
Anybody who's even considering the resort please do note that the hotel predetermines the time you are allowed to leave the island upon checking out. For example my flight out of maldives was 11.25pm and the boat that they arranged for me out of the island was 8pm. Do note that the check out time is 12pm. Hence I would have had to spend like 8 hours in the bar. BORING MUCH? Having booked the last flight out on purpose was to visit the capital city such that I was able to experience how the locals live their life's in the purest form. I explained to the reception of the aforementioned reason and was told that I could change my boat timing only if I pay an additional $45USD per pax. Do note that I had already paid for the transfer. I was like this additional charge on top of the transfer fee is unreasonable simply because firstly I did not agree to the 8pm departure time and secondly I had given you reasonable 30 hours in advance to make arrangements and not an unreasonable 3 hours. I asked them why wasn't I consulted on my preferred departure time? I had been to resorts in Bali and Fiji but this is the first time a hotel is instructing me what time I am allowed to leave? The reception and the onsite manager insisted that it was hotel policy and when asked for the policy in its written form, nothing could be evidenced. Further speaking with the onsite manager, he admitted that such practice is to ensure that the resort milks as much money as possible from each guest. Hence, if I were to stay till 8pm, I would have to eat lunch and dinner at the resort and he would probably make another $40USD from me and my partner. I explained to him are you sure you want to treat your guest who has paid at least several thousands (and yes that includes your asian guest who stays only for 4 nights) in such a manner just to earn that extra $40USD who is likely to be very unhappy when he/she departs, that's just financial shortsightedness at its best I told him. In the end, I guess I used some legal expertise to avoid paying the $45USD. To sum up, the monetary value here is not the key issue. Rather, paying the $45USD was as good as giving in to injustice, unfairness and it gives the green light to the resort to continue such unfair practices.
Incident 3
I have never ever seen a reception that is so rude. They sulk and give you the WTF you doing here face. Its that bad. I had seen this brought up on tripadvisor previously. Well, I did experienced it.
Conclusion
Even though the water villa was not too shabby and the snorkelling was awesome, the fact that the resort treats its guest, especially the asians in such an unbelievably unprofessional manner would dissuade me from ever returning. I have also informed my friends who were about to book thulhagiri, to refrain from doing so. And guess what I'm not even a picky vacationer. Need to buck up big time. PS- I am writing this minutes after reaching home. It just highlights the severity of my displeasure.More
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