Frequent readers of this blog may have noticed that I primarily book most of my hotel stays with Hilton. I started dipping my toes into the ocean of miles and points thanks to corporate travel which meant that I had to stay at Embassy Suites and Hiltons quite frequently. While I still love the World of Hyatt program, I primarily bank my stays with Hilton, given their expanded global presence.
Maldives again, why?
My very first trip to the Maldives was about 19 months ago, in April 2022. We used our free night certificates (which had piled up due to covid-19 travel restrictions) and booked a stay at the Conrad Maldives. Overall, I really enjoyed my trip. The location of the resort, the upgrade to an overwater villa and the fantastic service meant that I was able to completely relax before getting back to the grind.
In fact, I even wrote a detailed blog post about whether it’s even worth it to go to the Maldives for most Americans, given how far it is from the mainland US.
Is the Maldives really worth it? Here’s my experience
Just like during the previous trip, I’ll once again be positioned in Mumbai. It’s really easy to fly from Mumbai to Malé, given how many direct flights operate everyday. Moreover, you don’t really have to worry about flying business or economy. It’s a tiny hop, just a short 2 hr 40 minute flight from India’s western coast to Malé.
A pretty short and straightforward flight
I decided to pay cash for my flights and was able to book a round trip flight on Air Vistara in economy for about $170.
3 options to fly direct, I chose Vistara as it suited out schedule perfectly
Hilton Amingiri Maldives
During our last trip, we stayed at the Conrad Maldives. While our experience was fantastic, we decided to try out a brand new property this time around. The Hilton Amingiri Maldives is a brand new Hilton property which just opened this year. Since I wanted to used my free night certificates, I called Hilton’s customer service number and booked a four night stay.
Thankfully, I was able to get the dates I really wanted and booked a 4 night stay from Dec 27-31. If you prefer to book with points instead of free night certificates, you can book using points as well. A standard room is priced at 110,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Compared to the Waldorf Astoria Maldives and Conrad Maldives, the Hilton Amingiri Maldives has plenty of availability, even during peak travel season
How to earn free night certificates?
Ever since it was launched, I’ve carried the Hilton Aspire Card in my wallet. For a card that charges an annual fee of $550, it delivers a ton of value if you frequently stay at high end Hilton properties. It’s primarily how I’ve used the card to maximize value from free night certificates. In addition, I also enjoy top tier Diamond elite status and a $400 resort credit, in addition to a $200 airline credit as well.
Diamond status from the Hilton Aspire card gives you the following benefits at the Hilton Amingiri Maldives
With the Hilton Aspire card, you get one free night certificate upon approval. Once you renew your card, you earn another free night certificate. Currently, the Hilton Aspire card is offering a limited time offer of 180,000 Hilton Honors points and One free night certificate after you’re approved and meet minimum spend. You can click here for a detailed review of the Hilton Aspire Card.
Click here for the ‘180,000 Hilton Honors points + 1 free night’ offer
The Pundit’s Mantra
Overall, I’m quite excited to try out a brand new Hilton property in the Maldives once again. I’m glad I was able to get availability at a particularly busy time of the year. I can put my free night certificates to good use as room rates per night are well upwards of $2,000!
I’m now looking forward to simply winding down and relaxing as another year comes to a close.
Where do you plan to travel before the end of the year? Tell us in the comments section.
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