Saturday, June 30, 2012

Departure Lounge, Niyama resort, Trans Maldivian Airway

A number of high end resorts offer their own departure lounge at the sea plane docking area. Maldives sea plane services were under two major operator Maldivian Airway (red color) and Trans Maldivian Airway (yellow blue).
Niyama lounge is situated on the 2nd floor. Besides the refreshment, it offers a shower facility good for those after a long flight. The attendant has explained on the sea plane security and in just 20 minute time, you are escorted to the sea plane. Overall, from the pick up from Trader's to the sea plane, the service and efficiency is excellent.






6 comments:

Stella said...

So they are very tourist friendly.
Looks like a nice little harbor here.

syu said...

Thx for sharing your Maldives trip pics & info! I'll be going to Niyama in early Sept too!Could u pls kindly tell me what are their luggage allowance & weight limit per piece per person? And how do u arrange your seaplane transfer with them? Did u just showup the next morning at Male airport & someone will arrange the seaplane for u? Thx! :)

in the sea said...

Thanks again. You are welcome. You really need to care about the weights for each luggage packed. The allowance is 20kg per piece and 7kg for hand-carry for each person. However, the extra isn't much about US$3 for each 1 kg exceeded.
So will you stay over in Male? Supposed NIyama will have someone pick you up at Male Airport and escort you to the seaplane departure lounge, if you have a morning or noon flight into Male. Sea plane doesn't operate at night time. Did you inform your flight details to Niyama?

syu said...

Thx for your very useful travel info! Now I can pack my luggage accordingly try not to exceed the limit if possible.

Will arrive late night & stay at Trader Hotel in Male. I think I should contact Niyama directly then & make sure they'll make seaplane arrangment for me, can't count on my travel agent...

in the sea said...

Besides the weight issue, a heavy luggage is not good for travel since it will easily hurt your back or wrist...etc. Get more higher SPF sun lotion and more light wear. The resort is very casual and they don't have any formal dress code, but of course no swim wear inside the sheltered restaurant area.
It's good to stay at Male and Trader's is a nice hotel.
No worry about the transfer. Trader's should have your flight details with Niyama. They will well arrange that. You can simply remind them about your seaplane arrangement for Niyama. They will inform Niyama (that's what they did for me and well prepared for everything. So hassle free for me). They will tell you what time to check out (mine at that time is 8:30am) and what time to take the boat ride to meet the Niyama escort at the airport (about 9am). Then the seaplane will take off around 30-40 minutes later. You will have enough time for having a relaxing time at the Niyama lounge. The seaplane may have a stop at Vilu Reef resort, after 35-40 min. ride. The stop about 5 min. Then another 10 min. to Niyama. Don't worry. Even your agent didn't do anything, Trader's needs to know where to send you on the next day departure. They are very experienced in sending their guests to meet different resort escorts. I can say it's very smooth and almost no waiting time (maybe 5-10 min. for other guests. That time I met some other guests just getting off the Emirates flight from Dubai for an immediate connecting.).

syu said...

Great! Sounds like the airport & resorts are very organized in terms of getting tourists to their destinations. That's very important, esp most tourists have paid a fortune to stay at those 5 stars resorts, expecting a hassle free luxury vacation!