Friday March 29th, 2024
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Saudi Royal Pisses Everyone Off

Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud books three WHOLE islands in the Maldives, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of holidays.

Staff Writer

A Saudi prince has caused uproar by booking out three entire Maldive islands and ruining hundreds of holidays. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud is thought to have taken over the resorts of Anantara Veli, Nladhu and Anantara Dighu from February 19 until March 15. The 78-year-old is thought to have paid $30 million to block book the resort for himself, 100 bodyguards, a floating hospital and a luxury yacht. The move has angered scores of holiday makers who have now had their holidays cancelled thanks to the stunt.

One would-be visitor took to holiday review site Trip Advisor to vent their anger. "Our reservation was cancelled with NO notice and we were informed only AFTER we contacted them. Back in December we booked the Anantara Veli in an overwater pool villa for a four night stay in early March. Three weeks prior to our departure we emailed the Anantara Veli to confirm our airport pick up and a few other details. As a result of our email to Anantara and a call to our booking agent we finally learned that the hotel had simply cancelled our reservation and, I assume, those of many others. They did this without apprising us of this cancellation."

A spokeswoman for the Anantara resorts insisted all their guests were happy with the alternative accommodation they had been offered. She said: "At Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, the wellbeing of our guests is always our primary concern and we consistently seek to address and allay any queries or concerns that are brought to our attention. Whilst we are not at liberty to discuss individual reservations or visits, we would like to share that on the rare occasion that a change occurs in the status of a booking, we try our utmost to ensure the guest's satisfaction throughout the process."