Review: Emirates First Class 777-300ER Dubai to Male

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300ER First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

We boarded from the Emirates First Class lounge which basically means you get your boarded pass scanned at the "gate" in the lounge, talk an elevator down to the concourse and walk straight to the jet bridge (cursory boarding pass glance on the way).  The boarding area had already been cleared out so when we stepped on the plane, we were amongst the last passengers to board.

This flight was scheduled to be operated by an older version of Emirates' First Class Suite.  The flight to Male is under 4 hours during the day so that didn't matter much to us.  We were pleasantly surprised when we stepped onto the plane to see Emirates' "new" first class.  The seat is essentially the same as the A380 seat - just a little bit narrower.

Emirates 777-300ER First Class

Mini bar in the air

Since we flying into Male, we both selected window seats (1K/2K) so we could enjoy the views.

Dom, Date,  Arabic Coffee

Review: Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300 First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

The drive from Al Maha to DXB took around 40 minutes in light traffic.  It was early on Saturday morning when we pulled up to Emirates premium check-in at DXB's massive (and awesome) Terminal 3.  The premium check-in experience isn't really that in my opinion.  It's massive in scale, there's an enclosed porte-cochere with exhaust from idle engines and tons of people running around.  Nothing like the Singapore Airlines First Class check-in at Changi or Lufthansa's First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.  Definitely an area where Emirates can/should step up their game.

Emirates First Class Lounge DXB Entrance

We were happy to get inside and quickly made our way to the first class check-in desks where we were assisted with very little words and zero smile.  Perhaps due to the fact that it was early on a Saturday.  Bags checked to Male and boarding passes issued, we walked down the corridor to the dedicated first/business immigration and security.  I missed taking a picture of the business class check-in section...there must have been 100 desks.  Emirates really does "connect the world."  Unbelievable.

Which flight is Jennifer Aniston on?

Review: Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai (2015)

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300 First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

After a phenomenal flight on Emirates we were first off the A380 and through immigration in a matter of minutes.  We hit the ATM and duty free to grab a bottle of scotch given that liquor is about the only thing not included at Al Maha.

Since we didn't check bags we were outside of customs 30 minutes after exiting the plane.  It was a sunny and warm day in Dubai as we met our driver in the arrivals hall.  I had pre-booked transportation (our driver was waiting for us with a name placard) through the hotel which I would highly recommend.  Round trip transport cost around $150.  The resort is a 45 minute drive from the airport.  The last 15 minutes you're driving through conservation park over dirt roads with little light.  Our return trip was going to be very early in the morning so we were glad to have someone that was used to navigating the route.

Welcome to Al Maha

Before I get into the review, a little background on Al Maha.  The resort is situated in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve which is essentially a protected park owned by the government.  While others can use the park, Al Maha is the only hotel located within the boundaries.  The park is pretty massive - encompassing 225 square kilometers which is nearly 5% of Dubai.  The resort plays a pivotal role in managing the park's ecosystem and sharing all that the park has to offer with others.

2015 Year in Review: Flights

It's hard to believe it's almost 2016!  I'm done flying for the year so here's the year in review.  You can read about my 2013 and 2014 flying history if you'd like.

In 2015, I traveled a fair amount for work (8 trips) so racked up enough miles to keep my United Premier Silver status.  Nothing to jump up and down about but it's better than nothing.  I took 7 long haul flights (all award tickets) and flew over 88,000 miles after flying 65,000 in 2014 and 87,000 in 2013.

I booked almost a dozen award tickets across the year and flew on several new carriers (Emirates, Maldivian, and British Airways.  I don't have anything booked for 2016 so will have to get on that over the holidays!

Here are some of the highlights from 2015:

• Visited 11 countries (4 new)
• Visited 2 continents (Europe & Asia)
• Flew on 12 airlines (United, Singapore, Thai, Asiana, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Maldivian, Emirates, British Airways, Delta, Frontier, and American) 
• Flew 46 segments
• Flew 88,415 miles
• Visited 27 airports in 12 countries and 7 US States
• Shortest flight was London to Amsterdam at 231 miles
• Longest flight was Dallas to Dubai at 8,040 miles
• Four flights over 7,000 miles
• The best flight of the year was definitely Emirates First Class DFW to DXB

And maps...courtesy of the Great Circle Mapper:

2015 International Travel

2015 Domestic (and Canada) travel

Review: Emirates First Class A380 Dallas to Dubai

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300 First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

I can't begin to describe the excitement of boarding our Emirates A380 flight to Dubai. While I've had the opportunity to fly almost 20 international first class segments, this would be the first time flying Emirates...on the A380...with the shower spa...and the on-board bar.

Time to fly

For those that don't want to wait until the end of the post...this was my best flight ever.  I think Emily will agree.

Happy wife at the bar

Have you seen the Emirates Jennifer Aniston commercial?  Flying anything but Emirates seems like a nightmare going forward.

Review: Amex Centurion Lounge DFW

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300 First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

After dropping Perry off for her vacation Tuesday evening, we finished packing and went to bed as early as possible for our 3AM wake up call.  We caught the 5AM American Airlines flight to DFW which was completely uneventful.  We landed a little before 8AM and made our way over to Terminal D and to the Centurion lounge which is located on the upper level near gate D-17.  We didn't check bags on the way out so transferring was a quick walk and an Airtrain ride.

American Express Centurion DFW

We had visited this Centurion outpost before on our way to Istanbul.  I'd say this one is the best in the system (I've visited SFO, LAS, LGA, and DFW) given the spa.  Access to the lounge is complimentary for Amex Platinum and Black Card holders.  A day pass is $50 for all other Amex cardholders.

Centurion DFW Entrance

We made our way to the far end of the lounge - through the buffet and bar to the area with a handful of chaise loungers.  The loungers were all occupied so we set ourselves up at the one of the tables for breakfast.

Centurion DFW loungers with a terminal view

The 2+ hours we spent in the lounge flew by.  We grabbed some breakfast (food is excellent, btw) and had a couple of cappuccinos while catching up on work/email before the flight.

Centurion DFW Bar

Centurion DFW Buffet

Emily visited the spa for a manicure prior to our departure where you can choose (complimentary) from a few different treatments.  I took a quick shower to prepare for the flight where I would take yet another shower.

At T-50 we headed down to concourse to stretch our legs and watch the fashion show our Emirates crew board the aircraft.

Coming down the runway

Up close

We're rarely in Dallas but if we are, we're headed to the Centurion.  It's among the best lounges in the US and the food, bar, and spa provided a great start to what was a phenomenal longhaul flight to Dubai.

Happy Thanksgiving from Singapore

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you that are celebrating today.   After an unbelievable (much, much more on this coming soon) stay at the Park Hyatt Maldives, we're enjoying a couple of days in Singapore before heading home.

Park Hyatt Maldives Water Villas

We were both blown away by the Park Hyatt and both of us are very excited to return in the future.  What an incredible place.  It certainly isn't easy to get to and for me, that is part of the charm.

Maldives sunrise

Sunrise stroll

As always, thank you for reading and sharing your feedback with me.

Stairway to (snorkeling) heaven

It is a lot of fun to share my stories with all of you and I can't wait to share more about this incredible journey.  It is truly remarkable how miles and points can open up the world - making it possible to travel half way around the world in unbelievable comfort to experience a place like this.

Quick Thoughts on Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

I'll have a full trip report forthcoming but wanted to provide a few initial thoughts on Al Maha.  The place was perfect.  Like all around perfect.  I can't think of a single thing wrong with the the resort.  In fact, I think it's the finest resort property I've stayed in.  Thanks to Starwood, it's far more accessible through March of 2016.

Al Maha Resort & Spa entrance

Two nights was great although three would have been ideal.  More than that and I think we would have been bored.  The room rate (whether on points on paid) includes three meals and two activities per day.  You can take your meals in the restaurant or in your suite.  Everything we ate was outstanding.  Alcoholic beverages are the only thing not included.  No kids are allowed.  This is not your average all-inclusive resort in Cancun.

Camel ride sundowner

We participated in three activities - a drive through the park, camel riding, and dune bashing.  I would highly recommend all three.  The location is truly special (more on this in the full trip report) and like nothing else I've seen before.

Unique view from the lobby

Because I'm such a well known blogger we're lucky, we were upgraded to a royal suite which at nearly 2,000 square feet, was certainly more than we needed.  But it was great to have more space to relax, a bigger pool, and two bathrooms.

Our "royal" suite

The service was a 10/10.  They nailed Emily's gluten allergy like few places have.  Transport to/from DXB was well coordinated, all of our activities were set and confirmed prior to our arrival by our awesome field guide (Niko).

Taking a break from dune bashing

I would highly recommend Al Maha and I'm confident we'll be back soon.  Stay tuned for a full trip report.

Starwood & Marriott Make it Official

By now you've all read about the merger between Starwood Hotels and Marriott International.  Starwood's been for sale all year and it's been a pretty crazy time with plenty (IHG, Wyndham, Hyatt, etc...) of suitors mentioned in the news.  Interestingly enough, I never once read about Marriott being a potentially acquirer.

Everyone's speculating about what will happen to Starwood's brands, SPG program, and the current American Express credit card relationship.  While it's great to speculate, this is a $12B+ merger and it's going to take years to fully integrate both companies.  Marriott's been coy about their plans for all of the above and I expect it will take quite some time before we learn more.  The merger isn't expected to close for 6-9 months and if the airline integrations of the past few years are any indication, it's going to take awhile to even come up with a plan.

Marriott is a giant company with nearly 3x the hotels, 20 brands with many in the limited service category.  Starwood has the better loyalty program, credit card, and is focused on the higher end market.  So the merger makes a ton of sense in that both companies are complimentary to each other.

It's highly likely that the Marriott loyalty program survives and the Starwood American Express relationship (another blow for Amex) is shuttered given that Marriott is the acquirer and will essentially be the surviving entity.

If that happens, I'll be sad to see the program (wonder what will happen to my lifetime gold status?) and the longest tenured credit card in my wallet go.

But this is business and we knew it was coming all year.  I hope Marriott decides to keep Starwood as a brand but not sure that's the best long term business move.  At this point, all that we can do is speculate on what will happen and continue to earn/burn as normal.  I'm doing just that at the moment - wrapping up a phenomenal stay at Al Maha (more on this later) outside of Dubai.  What I wouldn't do is panic and blow all of your points.

Al Maha Dubai bedroom

I'm not going to change my loyalty or credit card approach in light of the merger.  Starwood will still be my primary program and the Starwood Amex remains in my wallet until further notice.

Chase Freedom Offering 10x at Amazon!

Chase is out with another great offer for Chase Freedom card holders.  The Freedom card rotates 5x earning categories (quarterly) on up to $1,500 in spend.  For Q4 the bonus is available at Amazon and Zappos.

10x at Amazon and Zappos

Chase recently announced that Freedom card holders would be able to earn 10x on an extra $1,500 in spend between 11/23 and 12/31.  This is above and beyond the 5x earnings from 10/1 through 11/22.

So hypothetically you could earn 22,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards (if you paired a Chase Sapphire or Ink Business Card with your Freedom) on $3,000 in Amazon/Zappos spend.

Not sure I'll be able to get to $3K in spend but I will definitely be waiting to make some key holiday purchases until 11/23.  Earning 10x cashback that can then be converted to United, British Airways, Hyatt, etc... points is like earning more than 20% back on your holiday (or everyday) spend.  This is a pretty phenomenal deal.  Kudos to Chase for stepping up their game at the end of 2015!!