Rampant Discrimination
As an Asian woman, I found myself in a resort predominantly occupied by Caucasian guests. Upon our late arrival, we checked into our accommodation, freshened up, and headed to the buffet restaurant for dinner. Although we were seated and provided with a glass of water, oddly, our empty plates remained uncleared throughout our meal. Seven finished plates piled up, yet no one approached to clear them until we stood up to leave. Additionally, no staff checked on us to ask if our meal was satisfactory or if we needed anything. While I could understand a lack of attention during a peak occupancy period, it was apparent that the staff were actively serving Caucasian guests around us, including plate clearance, throughout our hour-long meal.
Reluctantly, we visited the restaurant again due to limited options. Wasn't this a clear case of micro-discrimination? If you are Asian, think twice before staying at this hotel.
Another disappointing experience occurred during our visit to the spa. Arriving 30 minutes early to take photos might have been the issue? Grace, a spa employee, greeted us with a stern face from the start, even seeming angry. Was it our early arrival that upset her? Despite this, we filled out the consultation form and proceeded to the treatment room. There, Grace insisted we start immediately with a male therapist available due to our early arrival. Being two women, we requested a female therapist, clarifying that arriving early was mainly for photography purposes, and we preferred to start at the scheduled time. Despite our repeated declines, Grace's insistence on a male therapist felt coercive. Her departure with an angry demeanor was unsettling.
Ultimately, two female therapists arrived, instructing us to lie down without any proper introduction or attempt to distinguish between us, despite our differing massage preferences and physical conditions. The session began without any prior washing of feet, and the therapists' indifferent attitudes and lackluster skills were shocking. Having experienced spa massages at various Maldives resorts, this was by far the worst. Beyond Grace's behavior and the therapists' indifference, the massage quality was significantly lacking. They seemed eager to finish the hour, not bothering to check if the temperature or pressure was comfortable.
Had the attitude and service matched even the basic standards of other spa centers, I wouldn't have felt so aggrieved, possibly leaving a tip. However, this was the worst spa experience of my life. From the moment we entered the spa, what did we do
wrong? Why was Grace so unwelcoming and insistent on us accepting a male therapist?
Upon revisiting the spa with a sales staff member, we encountered Grace again, who remained expressionless and failed to greet us properly. The other spa staff were equally unwelcoming.
We were shocked. Having visited many Maldives resorts, the complete lack of basic service and courtesy was astounding. I don't seek royal treatment, just the basics, yet it seemed like they were actively undermining the resort's reputation. This was my first stay at an Accor group hotel, and it left me not wanting to return, finding local brand services far superior.
Throughout our stay, all we wished for was to move on to our next destination.
Our butler performed his duties well, promptly providing a buggy upon request. However, his absence at the jetty during our departure, sending only a message due to being busy with other guests, was disappointing.
The only satisfaction came from the beautiful interior of our villa, the pleasant arrival experience, and the good hosting service from the sales manager.
Reflecting on these experiences, it's disheartening to see such a gap in service and hospitality, especially in a place as reputed as the Maldives. This resort, despite its potential, failed to provide the welcoming and attentive atmosphere that is crucial for a memorable stay.