A mere mention of Maldives brings to mind stunning, picturesque beauty, often perceived unbelievable to those who haven’t seen it for real. No surprise that leading hotel and resort chains of the world are making a beeline to be a pearl in this beautiful jewel of the Indian Ocean. But the one resort that has been the front runner in bringing about major innovations around tourism in Maldives is the Conrad Rangali Island. Innovations that have transformed the way luxury has been perceived on beach destinations. Innovations that have redefined the idea of a romantic getaway in the post Covid world.
The resort with many firsts to its list. Besides being the country’s first two-island resort, it was the first ever International brand to arrive in Maldives; the first brand to have built over water villas on stilts in the country; the first to have underground wine cellar; the first in the country to have the glass enclosed undersea restaurant, Ithaa and also, the first hotel in the world to have underwater residence, The Muraka.
Spread across two stunning private islands, connected by a 3,200-foot wooden bridge over the shallow sea in the Indian ocean, the resort offers you the ultimate Rangali experience with its awe-inspiring surroundings and impeccable service.
The resort is an explorer’s paradise surrounded by the lush tropical greenery and some of the country’s best snorkeling and diving areas with unparalleled access to Indian Ocean. You can swim with whale sharks, majestic manta rays anytime of the year or spot dolphins, gorgeous turtles and a sprawling coral reef in just a 25-minute speedboat ride from the island.
Conrad experience as you arrive
Located in the South Ari Atoll, you reach the Rangali island by a 30 minute seaplane ride from Male’s Velana International Airport. But your Conrad Maldives experience begins even before you reach the Rangali Island. To make sure you have the most seamless arrival, Conrad offers its complimentary private lounge at the Male airport to lounge on the comfy beds and enjoy their curated buffet selection before you board the sea plane to the twin-island.
Upon your arrival to the island, your private butler escorts you to your villa while explaining the about the elements of the hotel. You are also made part of a whatsapp group right after you check-in for a smooth coordination.
Stay designed for Families and Adults
Conrad Rangali Island is made of 151 beautifully designed villas spread out across both its island, besides The Muraka, the world’s first stand-alone three bedroom undersea residence, submerged over 16 feet below sea level.
You can choose to stay either in the larger Rangali-Finolhu Island (designed for families) with an easy access to all the amenities or else stay in a quieter adults-only island for more privacy. You can commute between the two islands through an electric buggy available to you on a prior two-minute notice.
There is a choice of beach villa or water villas in either of the island.
The beach villas display contemporary interiors, a pretty private courtyard with outdoor shower area, and some with an access to a private plunge pool.
Alternatively, there is a choice in water villas too, with pool or Jacuzzi overlooking the Indian Ocean, featuring a contemporary design with a lounge area, walk-in-closet, sundecks with steps leading to the water, a double vanity bathroom with ocean-view tub and a rain shower.
Another impressive feature of this Maldivian resort is that as part of their sustainable practice, it doesn’t promote single-use plastics. For example, basic amenities like shampoo and conditioners come in refillable dispensers, drinking water is served in reusable glass bottles and the keycards are made of wood, instead of plastic.
The property almost feels like you are in your private island since there is a lot of privacy offered to the guests even in the most basic rooms.
Gastronomic Experience
The island resort is also a true gourmet’s delight. It would be reasonable to travel to Conrad Rangali Island just for its food.
You will be spoiled for choice with the 12 world-class eating options across the twin island. One of the star attractions being the Ithaa, world’s first underwater restaurant located five meters below the water level.
While you can eat your breakfast at the Atoll market (only buffet restaurant) or Vilu restaurant and bar, there is Mandhoo Spa on the stilts that serve organic dishes inspired by the five elements for the health conscious.
For authentic Chinese, you must try Uffa, spearheaded by the celebrity chef Jereme Leung; or the Koko grill for your Japanese cravings. There is Rangali Bar as well for all day dining and an open- air Quiet Zone Bar in the Adults Island for some fabulous drinks.
Curated Excursions
Conrad Maldives curates interesting excursions to explore the nature, culture and traditions of the Maldives.
You can choose from a range of interesting activities such as exploring the coral garden and its inhabitants; a sunset cruise to spot dolphins; or snorkeling safaris to search turtles, beautiful reefs and colorful marine life; or else sign up for the sunset fishing in a traditional way. If you are looking for some adventure, Conrad team also offers a variety of motorised and non-motorised water sports, including the exhilarating Jet blades and water Jetpacks.
Wellness for Mind, Body & Soul
While at the Conrad Maldives, you can’t miss the personalized wellness offerings by the resort. The Island resort provides a curated, locally-inspired wellness experience to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. You can either choose to opt for sunrise/sunset yoga classes with the therapeutic sounds of the waves as the music background or book an appointment with their in-house Ayurveda doctor for a desired treatment or else opt for a relaxing massage in their picturesque over water spa rooms that feature a transparent glass floor.
And while you take out some “me-time” for yourself, your kids can have an amazing time at the Majaa Explorer Hub, a kids club that offers a splash park for the little ones and also conducts a variety engaging activities on arts and crafts, culinary workshops, sports and marine life.
Things to consider
- Sea plane fly only in the day, so if you are arriving Male International airport after 4 pm, you will have to spend a night at Male before you depart for the resort, the next morning.
- There is also a speed boat transfer and an over-night luxury yacht cruise option for the evening arrivals.
