Kath,

I guess first you have to decide upon the island you want to stay at as that may restrict what operator you use as they don't all cover every island. For example I would love to go to Thudufushi but it is only offered by Kuoni who are usually reasonable expensive.

For my 2006 maldives holidays I found the best prices for both islands to be with Hayes and Jarvis.

Many thanks CIMMN

One of the ones I fancy is Meedhupparu Island Resort in Raa Atoll.

Which ones have you stayed at ?

Kath HT Admin

Meed is one of the more popular islands and is offered by a lot of big operators (First Choice, H & J, Thomas Cook) so there is scope to play one against the other for a better price.

One word of warning though - do not use a company (EG Thomas Cook) that uses Monarch Airlines unless you intend to upgrade to Premium as the cramped conditions on the plane are awful. First Choice use there own revamped lang haul planes which are excellent and H & J offer either First CHoice airlines or a scheduled airline like Emirates if you want.

We have spent the last two Christmas's at Lily Beach and booked to go to Veligandu in May. However Hayes and Jarvis (who I booked Veligandu with) came out with some fantastic prices for Lily Beach (£2100 for both of us for 2 weeks) so I saved £1000 and switched from Veligandu to Lily Beach as I know how lovely it is and we're sure to have a great time.

Tracy

Tracy - many thanks for the info

Lily Beach, I thought that might be out of my price range. You got a good price there.

Do you know when Hayes & Jarvis go on sale for 2007 ?

Kath HT Admin

Sorry Kath, I don't know.

I wouldn't have thought it would be long though as they are owned by First Choice and they are already selling there 2007 holidays. When are you thinking of going?

Probably May, Tracy.

Thanks for all your help
Kath x

I have heard many good reports about

http://www.theglobalsuitcase.co.uk

Many people say he offers unbeatable deals to the maldives.

Michelle

Many thanks Michelle

Kath x

I have booked for 2007 with Steve at Global Suitcase (he can offer cheaper Kuoni and Hayes & Jarvis) and he responds quickly.

Good luck

We have booked with THOMAS COOK for our 3rd visit to The Maldives.

Again we are off to SUN ISLAND (one of only a few 5 star resorts, which is actually cheaper than many 3 or 4 star resorts). If you price a holiday up on their website and print it off, then go in store - they will give you the same price as the website (sometimes saving you over £500) and they throw in FREE insurance as it is their own holiday and not booking through another company.

As a price guide, this is what we paid for October:

2x ADULTS with room upgrade to Superior Deluxe (14 night) = £2830

Price includes Seaplane Transfer Upgrade & FREE GOLD Insurance --- But if we was to price it up instore it would have been £3350 excluding insurance (saving £520) and the insurance would have been around £90 each

Also if you book online you have to pay extra for the insurance...

Think I will take a look on there website now.

Thanks

Kathx