so here it is....hope you have a glass or 3 of wine
Trip Report 16th January - 6th February 2006
We flew down to Gatwick from Manchester on Saturday 15th and went to check in our luggage (cost an extra £5 per person) went up to the First Choice check in desks to see over 300 people attempting to check in for the Goa flight. Spoke to the information desk and a problem with the computer system meant it was paper based and could we come back in an hr…
This we did and the same lady who was so friendly despite being under extreme pressure, as the computers had just come back on line she would do it then and there….so off to the Ramada Plaza for a few be it expensive drinks….
Arrived at the airport and into the executive lounge for a few pre flight drinks (made me feel a lot better for the cost of the ones in the hotel)
Got window seats so it was just the 2 of us and found the leather seats to be very comfortable and plenty of room, the rear seat TV is a bonus and for an extra £5 the cabin crew will swipe the screen to allow you to have the same features and programmes as the premium seats.
Found the cabin crew that looked after us on the outboard journey to be very professional and courteous..when the drinks trolley came around I explained I had pre booked a bottle of champagne and the reply was when would you like it and I said when they had finished the bar service to which he said "no sir we are here to serve you when would you like it"…..I thought oh my god this what it should be like all the time..
My only complaint was after watching a movie and 6 hrs of who wants to be a millionaire (how is it you know the answer after you get it wrong) I had double vision…but what a away to pass the time.
Male Airport
Arrived at Male went via immigration (really must change the passport photograph) and collected cases and went out into the reception area and no sooner had we sat down and got the cold drink (funny no matter what 2 drinks you get it all ways comes to $10) we got the call to get on the boat….
Boat to Meeru
The boat was one of the older type, expect noise from the engines, but this and the motion of the ocean soon rocked us to sleep and 1hr later we arrived at the jetty and escorted to the Kakuni bar. The weather was over cast but very very warm so glad we decided to wear light fitting clothing for the journey..
Had a cold mint towel and a refreshing non alcoholic drink. Handed over our welcome package envelope by Wydham the First Choice Rep and found it to contain every item that was included in the ultra all inclusive pack that was running when we booked. This is basically a white voucher with the excursion's printed on and the villa number and expiry date.
Also all inclusive bands are attached at this point. (I had mine on the first setting and was able to slide it on and off for bed, shower etc, lost count of the times you scrape a delicate bit whilst in the shower)
Accommodation
We where supposed to be in Land Villa and had been allocated 205 (had actually e mailed Meeru 2 weeks prior to arrival and requested a villa in this particular location.) both me and Pamela had discussed that if any upgrades where available we would go for it as a special treat. We managed to sort out a Jacuzzi Water Villa and got number 719.
We met Rasheed and he escorted us to our room on the golf buggy which was great as the knee was starting to get painful, walking along the jetty the sun came out and all the colours of the ocean and fish could be seen….
The villa was sun rise facing (right hand side) and had a nice windy breeze on the veranda for most of the 3 weeks.
The Jacuzzi is easy to use and has a temperature control, remember when not using it to replace the cover or if it rains the thing will fill with rain water from the roof and change colour.
Not everyone likes to sit on the veranda and some like to sit on the beach, and since March 05. Meeru have taking peoples comments on board and have arranged for a number of spare sun lounges to be made available near to the Malaan beach area.
But as it is a popular snorkelling area these get taking over quite early (more on this under beaches) Welcome Meeting
5 hrs after arriving on Meeru we attended the welcome meeting in the Kakuni bar (at this point as someone mentioned on previous trip reports the slippers where well and truly on)
Found that the information giving out by Wydham considering that people had been travelling for a long period of time and where tired was conciese, he managed to get this info across quickly and was very knowledgeable he what the island had to offer (after sitting through these meetings on passed occasions which where very poor, this was the first that covered everything) Only slightly incorrect statement was when he covered the restaurants he says you have to sit at the same table for every meal, this is not the case for the Malaan but they ask that you sit within the same area just so the waiter knows you are there and are not kept waiting.
Restaurant
We had our meals in the Malaan as part of the village and thought it very quite and a lovely feel to the layout, the food covers every culture be it spicy, pasta, salads, cold meats., chicken dish's and on occasions fresh cut veal, beef, pork and fresh fish, I am not a big pasta person but the live pasta station was wonderful.
Still couldn't get over curry for breakfast, had to give it a try but without a beer it just doesn't do it for me.
Our waiter was Ibraham or "IbbY" he was very quite and after a couple of meals he soon new what you wanted to drink and had it ready for you, no sooner had you finished your starter etc he would have the dirty plate away. He was a really nice pleasant person and called us by our first names as if he had known you for years.
Ibby was off on our last 2 days and other waiters look after you, but they are not as attentive as they have their own tables to look after also…getting drinks and plates cleared away becomes very slow.. best bet is to take a drink in with you from the bar.
Once a week they have a wine special where you can sample the wine prior to buying it, a bottle of Cabinet Dhonju will set you back $9.
Had the pleasure of meeting the head chief Bryce who is from Canada and so full of enthusiasm he took time out to explain all he could about the food etc including the ins and outs of both the Malaan and Farivalhu restaurants and the conversation of the Farivalhu
Had a look around the Farivalhu restaurant and was amazed at the change that has occurred since March 2005 and the way the food areas are set out with slate walls and granite serving areas it is looking a lot like the Malaan in the village, as we left they where finishing off the round water feature in the centre of the restaurant….didn't eat here so can not comment on the food.
Uthuru Bar
Used this bar majority of the time and found it to have become more popular following our last trip and now has low chill out background music, found the following barmen/waiters worthy of mention.
Chandru Habib Waseem Yorvan
Nothing was to much trouble for them and they always had a smile and loved to have a conversation with you. The large big soft seats are welcoming and help to make you relax. ideal for watching the sunset
Dhoni Bar
Visited this bar for the live bands on 2 separate evening which where excellent (they are 3 bands on a 3 island circuit and 1 has their cd for sale in the shop) and for the disco evening.
Found some of the waiters to be somewhat lacking in the service department…on one evening while sat with Graham and Gill the waiter took 1 drink order and left with out asking the other 3 what they wanted and did this on 2 occasions, (he was to interested in watching the people dancing) another time found that service could be very slow even with only 4-6 tables occupied on an afternoon.
Don't get me wrong some waiters where very good and attentive. Its just how we found it.
A good thing is they now have plastic glasses for around the pool area so when you order a beer at the bar you need to mention you are not by the pool and you will get a glass.
They are also starting to smarten things up with complete change of light shades in bright colours rather than the dull shades they had before
Asian Wok
Still a firm favourite part of the island for us and a lovely place to sit and have a drink, we had lunch a couple of times with a club sandwich and a burger incl salad and French fries which came to around $17.
Hager Boat
Has to be our overall favourite, it may not look much during the day but at night all lite up and with the fish illuminated at the sides makes it special…we had 2 meals whilst on Meeru and had lobster on both occasions but different starters, highly recommend a bottle of Babish Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Excursions
Sea Plane Photo Flight
Did this trip on our last week and all I can say is I wish we had done this on previous visit's, you are taking by Dhoni boat out to the pontoon and the first thing you see are the Capt. and his co pilot sitting with there feet in the sea, they welcome you on board and a quick safety brief and off you go 20 mins around the atolls and a loads of circuits around Meeru.
It is done so both sides of the aircraft get the same views, at one point the Capt asked for cameras to be passed up front and he took shots out of the cockpit window, the sea is so clear you can sea Manta rays and dolphins which he decided to fly low enough for all to see, after the flight the Capt took peoples photos with the plane in the back ground and are then giving a laminated colour chart of the islands and distances by sea plane.
Love Boat
Depending upon which boat is being used depends on how many couples are out for the day, ours was max 8, saw manta rays but sadly no dolphins. Well looked after by the crew, so much food for only 8 of us.
Private Charter Schooner
As a way of saying thank you for the websites both myself Pamela, Graham and Gill where extremely lucky to have been offered a complimentary excursion on this Schooner which is available for private hire, it comes with 2 cabins and a crew of 5 to look after your every whim.
It took us out under sail to Manta point where we saw 20+ mantas, a small Robinson Crusoe Island for snorkelling. We even saw a turtle (similar to the love boat route but you can arrange your own route with Meeru) the boat is much bigger and spacious than the ones used on the love boat trip's .
This was organised by Rasheed and was extremely enjoyable and relaxing day out
Prices for this are on application (see my website for more info and photos this next week)
Special boat trips
Meeru are offering a number of free different boat trips away from Meeru, these last from 1 to 3 nights and offer all inclusive whilst on board, 1 of the trips is even offering complimentary champagne (this one depends on type of room). All Meeru request is that you vacate your room for the duration of the cruise and will accommodate you back into the same type of villa but not necessary the same location.
Special offers
Meeru are offering a number of trips to sister islands.
Helengeli for 3 nights, speed boat transfer and free upgrade to all inclusive whilst on the island.
Vakarufalhi for 7 nights, sea plane transfers, free upgrade to all inclusive (this offer was for the village villas only.
Kuredu for 3 nights, sea plane transfer, free upgrade to all inclusive whilst on the island. Spa Treatments
Had the jet lag massage which lasted 1 hour and was sheer bliss (included in the Hayes & Jarvis all inclusive)
Also had the his and her massage which again lasted 1 hour and a chilled bottle of Beaumet champagne.
Only question I have is how can someone so small have such strong hands, wouldn't want to get into an arm wrestling competition with them.
Room Service
The cost of having breakfast via room service costs a delivery charge of $5:00 per person, go for the sparkling wine breakfast at $40 per couple…well worth it and so much food. Good start to the day.
Laundry
Used the laundry for some clothes especially some ¾ pants that ended up with curry on them, left them out for the room boy and delivered same time the next day all for $10 if you wanted them urgently they can be done the same say for that little extra cost. Curry stain gone and not a crease in site.
Beaches
The beaches around are mostly soft sand with the exception of the Water Villa side which is broken coral, I managed to walk all around the shore / beach line of Meeru with out any shoes on, be it you have to pick your way carefully when there is more coral.
The beaches were swept after the high tide, but still saw the odd bit of rubbish floating on to the beach (child's nappy, couple of bottles, and a light bulb) I placed these apart from the nappy ! In a bin.
Be careful as you look out to see with the Hagern boat on your left approx 100m away and with the sea weed area to your front, there is a metal post 1"square and protruding about 8" out of the sand, it is identified with some red cloth tied around it.
Close to this I saw something glinting in the sand and I thought beachcomber time and as I cleared the sand away I found 2 drink glasses that someone had used the previous evening and had just left them partially buried in the sand, I thought of if someone had stood on them again some really adult behaviour……plastic glasses are available.
Wedding vows ceremony
Had the pleasure of watching Jeanette & Marks ceremony, it was a really hot sunny day not quite the out come for another ceremony 3 days later when the heavens opened during the ceremony, hats off to them they laughed about it, I suppose what else could you do.
Over crowding
There was some over crowding on the island, but the people whom I spoke to or overheard where more than happy with what ever package they ended up being offered from Meeru.( don't want to mention this to much as it didn't really affect me but Mark from Midsummer Norton was and was happy with his package and no doubt it will be in his trip report in a couple of weeks.)
Building Works
Will make mention of the info received with regards to the proposed works in May 2006 in a separate thread.
Some maintenance was being carried out while we where on Meeru…. flag poles erected as you walk from the jetty, a new wall near to the Dhoni bar, wall painted next to pool, even the digger was scraping back the top soil at the rear of the first Jacuzzi land villa while the occupants where a sleep on the porch. Some cementing near to the rear of the Dhoni bar….
Replacing the lamp shades in the Dhoni bar and completing the water feature in the Farifahu restaurant
Replacing a door in the Malaan restaurant in fact the sound of the electric screwdriver really spoilt our holiday….NOT….but unlike a past forum member I will not be complaining to my tour operator for a refund !!!! If I did I would donate all monies to charity.
Left the island at 7am on 6th February and saw the sunrise for the first time arrived at Male and joined the queue for check in and word soon spread that people over weight where being charged….our turn came and we where 1.8kg over which included hand luggage….I found this to be some what of a concern as when we left UK we had a combined weight of 44kg….4kg over.
After 21 nights we used all of the sun lotions, left all the read books and I even left the cd player for Mark Jones to use and pass on, also gone where the 2 football shirts and the 3 matchbox cars. In fact I had to alter the straps on the case.
The cost for us was $30:00.….$15 per kilo
Some one had to pay £90:00 on their credit card and got charged 15% extra for doing so !!!!
I think the scales need to be re calibrated, but the best thing is when you pay in a different area they give you the receipt and you have to hand this in to get your tickets….so what happens to the cash ???? Call me a cynic.
Flight home was uneventful apart from the 2 families adults who just sat watching the TV and allowed there children to climb over the seats, scream when they couldn't get their own way and make a nuisance of them selves. At one point the youngest child approx 2 years screamed for over 40 mins while mum & dad ignored him….well done to them for being responsible adults !! (all I kept thinking of was the scene from airplane when the passengers queue up to slap the hysterical women)
At the opposite scale well done to the couple who had an 8 month baby with them, I only heard 1 scream and that was as we where on approach to Gatwick They kept walking around making sure the child was happy and obviously had consideration for other passengers.
Don't want to start the children thing again but after this flight I would vote for a separate cabin for families at the rear of the plane. (and I have a very well behaved 8yr old) Observations
Lounges
The village end of the island is becoming very popular due to the snorkelling and the sun lounges are for the use of the Jacuzzi Water Villas (they even have the JWV stamped on them as does the ones that come with your room) I never had a problem with people using them but on a number of occasions people would come up put the towel on the lounge then go snorkelling and come back ages later dump the snorkel on the towel and head back to the opposite side of the island as it was near lunch then they would re appear couple of hours later do some snorkelling and then go home preventing someone using it for its intended use.
I know some people in the Jacuzzi Land Villas had to hunt down their lounges and ask for them back, they followed the track marks in the sand to the village end and even then the occupant using them complained !
Cigarette butts
Can not narrow this down to any particular nationality saw English, French, Dutch, Germans and East Europeans just discarding the cigarette buts into the sand. Considering it takes over 10 years for them to degrade and will kill fish and turtles if swallowed.
Only saw 1 person using an empty water bottle as an ash tray whilst on the beach, I know this is not mentioned at the welcome meetings and have asked if it could be mentioned, end of the day do these people discard the buts on to the carpet of their own homes ?
Feeding the Fish
It is mentioned at the welcome meeting, it is in the folder in your room and the signs around the island say don't feed the fish…..why do people do it ? Its not normal food for them and it encourages them to nip/bite people who go into the water.
Phone costs
Used the room phone for some calls back to the UK as the mobile reception was intermittent.
00:00:40 $2:68 00:00:49 $2:68 00:14:32 $38:04
Mobile phone coverage is with MD D-Mobile and you are able to make calls, send texts but picture messaging doesn't seem to want to work, when I get my mobile phone bill I will post the call charges.
Thongs
Never saw a single thong until Graham left the island then they all came out of the wood work…quote from Pamela "if I looked like that I would do the same" However she didn't say this when we sat on the beach and heard people talking and laughing, upon looking I saw what looked like a 50+ female with a t shirt on and no knickers going snorkelling ! Later on this lady walked passed and the t shirt had ridden up to reveal she was wearing what could only be described as a bit of string and a hanky covering part of her bum and no bigger than 4" with bright red burnt cheeks (sorry not her face).
Later on we heard that she was in the Dhoni bar with a bikini top on stood at the bar and the number of people who had decided to photograph the inside of the bar area at this time was increased ten fold.
Manners
Why is it no matter where in the world you go you will all ways come across rude ignorant people who will demand a drink, the bill, and be totally rude to waiters, chefs and staff.
A smile and a please & thank you (in what ever language) goes along way…. remember even after we have paid to come to the Maldives we are still guests in their country.
Treat those how you, your self would want to be treated.
Had the pleasure of meeting the following people:-
Graham & Gill (Mr & Mrs Magnum) Mark & Nina Malan & Ludovic Jerry & Alison Jeanette & Mark Helen & Paul Pop Pixie Andy & Heidi
Sorry its like war and peace just got carried away……
I will be updating my website this next few weeks with all the details of the trips with which boat and corresponding photos and various photos of Meeru and some other stuff etc, feel free to use any of them…..I have no copyright problems at all…
We are looking to rebook for next april ang going with friends and steve from Global has sorted out a fantastic deal and just waiting for his call this morning to book it.....
Pamela said to appologise for the state of the grammer and spelling but i said what the hell, they know me by now
Cheers
Steve
This trip report is (c)2006 Steve Brown, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced without permission. This report is protected under the United Kingdom Copyright, Designs and Patent Act 1998.
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