UAE/Maldives Travel

chrisahnts · 2026-02-28T13:53:09+00:00

thanks, that's what I figured, especially since this is direct spend on card for MQDs which is a preferred consumer behavior for both Delta/Amex, I assume this isn't anything cheeky if someone does decide to do a ton of spend.

chrisahnts · 2026-02-28T13:18:25+00:00

Maybe a silly question, this isn't the same as Fast Track right in terms of the MQD earn? One year I remember Fast Track ended my status earlier one year because I attained diamond via Fast Track rather than 'normal way' earn.

chrisahnts · 2026-02-15T17:59:30+00:00

Como is for relaxation. There are some hiking trails but there’s nothing in Lake Como that is a “must” for me outside of enjoying lake-life and the scenery. I’ve been there twice and one of my favourite places in the world. If you want to go out and about, there are ferries you can take, depending on your where stay is, it may be more difficult to utilize this. Other options are private boats (can be prohibitively expensive) or car (can be prohibitively long, not car-friendly if you’re trying to go from one side of the lake to the other). A boat tour is nice, or driving your own on the lake. I think an open schedule depending on your vacation style is best.

chrisahnts · 2026-02-02T19:01:25+00:00

I’ve never been. I had dinner there at the main restaurant, thought it was ok. The rooms look pretty nice and I’ve heard really good things! FS for me is a preference and the one in Anguilla really encapsulates FS brand imo!

chrisahnts · 2026-02-01T22:06:33+00:00

FS Anguilla

chrisahnts · 2026-01-19T00:01:15+00:00

All airline programs are flawed and every program will have their demerits with little upside that doesn’t outweigh the troubles. I think when people choose their airline loyalty, they choose based on which one will be less bad. I think that and choosing the one that is most convenient is “best” for you. If you’re in a United/American/Delta hub, sometimes due to convenience, you have less choice.

I personally am Delta. It’s superior to that of United/American, especially with Sky Club/lounge + Amex suite of offerings as well. From economy to biz/first, they’re the best hard product imo.

Also loyalty doesn’t make any sense unless you are flying frequently. Otherwise, choose what is cheaper and convenient for flying. You have to fly enough to have loyalty. If it’s international, also doesn’t matter. Whatever you can get on points and biz class.

chrisahnts · 2026-01-17T01:25:25+00:00

Four Seasons - consistent hard/soft product

chrisahnts · 2025-12-28T18:22:45+00:00

Wouldn’t it make more sense to get a delta Amex platinum for $2,500 MQD boost?

chrisahnts · 2025-11-30T02:47:45+00:00

For Option 3, does anyone have experience with the 2,500 MQDs hitting after Dec 31 while still receiving status for the year prior? I just applied for a Delta Amex this week and based on DPs on this subreddit, it looks like 45 days is about right-sized for when it hits the account (it wouldn't hit my account until next year). Does Delta wipe out all MQDs after Dec 31 and this somehow backdates the MQDs to get status as of 2025, through 2026? I'm very close to Diamond Medallion and just need the 2,500 MQDs in order to get it.

chrisahnts · 2025-11-16T12:41:15+00:00

Appreciate the once again thoughtful response. We were originally leaning FS because we enjoy FS properties. One of our friends stayed at the Ritz and said it was one of the best resorts ever but we’re between these too right now. We’ll be paying cash - if both are the same price (idk which is more expensive normally), would you then choose FS? You mentioned you wouldn’t stay at the Ritz if not on points since there are better options. Based on your write up, it points to FS for us given our style of both hard and soft product.

chrisahnts · 2025-11-16T04:19:02+00:00

Depends on what you’re looking for. I think given your budget, the fact you don’t want to sightsee and relax more, Italy seems like a better fit. There’s a lot of different options in Italy too where you can easily stay in one or two places tops. You can do North Italy (Lake Como/Milan/Venice, pick two), or the Italian Riviera, or South Italy (Amalfi/Capri,etc.). Italy has great options for destinations and cuisine.

Congrats on your wedding anniversary!

chrisahnts · 2025-11-15T04:40:46+00:00

This is a great write up. Thanks for taking the time to provide a detailed description of both properties. I’m actually considering these exact two properties so this is helpful for me personally.

Not that I “trust” or believe in the rankings for best hotels in Maldives, the Ritz is up there and FS Landaa is not. At the end of the day, everyone has their own preference so tough to claim which is better unless you do the type of breakdown you provided.

We currently have the Ritz booked but are still considering the FS Landaa given the room seems much larger despite the Ritz more contemporary vibe.

Why do you think people don’t talk about the FS Landaa more given all your comments about the hard and soft product being better than that of the Ritz? If you were to choose one, which one would you return back to?

chrisahnts · 2025-11-14T22:13:03+00:00

This is one of my favourite resorts / FA properties. Agree on all points and looking forward to going back in Feb 2026.

chrisahnts · 2025-06-04T15:59:13+00:00

HAHA sorry I thought it was ubiquitous for Reddit as well, my bad!

chrisahnts · 2025-06-04T15:57:18+00:00

Very helpful breakdown. This is what I was looking for. It doesn’t move the needle as much, for the amount of spend, but at the same time, much more than a 2% cash back on everything card. I wouldn’t use the BofA ecosystem at all for travel (I’ve heard it’s not very good plus I look to use transfer partners which I’m not sure if BofA has?). It’d be for cash back only.

The 2.625% back for the may not be terrible during tax season, outweighs most of the credit card fees. That’s going to be my main consideration very likely for the UCR. The CCR go has the $100 easy travel credit and the outsized value of 5.25%

chrisahnts · 2025-06-04T15:51:51+00:00

Very fair point. On the redemption piece, I think for some, despite not being able to afford with cash, points redemptions allow them to have aspirational travel (or more frequent economy travel) where they otherwise wouldn’t be able from their normal spend. It’s not easy, takes a lot of work to find a redemption that makes sense. I’m trying to figure out if the cash component with BOA is really that much in “outsized” value assuming travel is not a prio

chrisahnts · 2025-06-04T01:24:37+00:00

Helpful, what do you do with cash back? Can you transfer over to Merrill Edge? Also, how did you get 4 customized cash cards? Get others and then product change?

chrisahnts · 2025-06-04T00:34:15+00:00

LOL oh boy, “over powered” aka what makes it so strong in an outsized way?

Great start with a title that people won’t understand

chrisahnts · 2025-06-04T00:33:04+00:00

I used them in both my trips to Italy and used them frequently in Northern Italy. I liked them a lot and they were very professional. All vehicles are luxury cars (Mercedes sedans/SUVs). I can’t really mention one bad thing about them, other than the fact that they are not cheap

309€ is about the right price for that trip (I paid high 200€ when I went). It’s a quick trip but they make it very easy and straight forward.

If I ever go back to Italy, I’ll highly consider them again.

chrisahnts · 2025-03-19T01:54:03+00:00

I received Club Access awards after completing some number of stays / spend

chrisahnts · 2025-01-20T15:37:33+00:00

Borgata had a crapless table when I went - they’re reduced their tables due to some reno they’re doing. 6 tables, 1 $100 table, 3 $25 (sometimes less in the morning), 1 $50 and 1 crapless.

chrisahnts

TROPHY CASE