A Twin Island of Barefoot Luxury
Rachel O’Hare enjoyed a sunshine escape to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
We have been very fortunate to stay in some beautiful resorts over the years. However, the exceptional natural beauty of the Maldives cannot be surpassed. The amount of “repeaters”, guests who repeat visit The Conrad Rangali, can testify to this. One guest I spoke to had visited no less than 30 times! During our stay, we met guests from Switzerland, United States, Singapore and the UK.
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, outside of the monsoon season. In March and April, you will enjoy hot dry weather and quieter resorts with lower humidity levels. The climate can be classed as tropical and temperatures sit between 25 and 31 degrees owing to the Maldives’ position on either side of the equator.
Landing at Male airport we were met on arrival and escorted to our seaplane by Faisal, part of The Conrad marketing team. The over ten-hour flight, stopping in Dubai, was soon a distant memory as we were hit by the turquoise, cloudless skies and the clear ocean. Boarding the seaplane felt as though we were embarking on a true adventure as luggage was loaded onto the craft.
The flight is a short, exhilarating trip taking in the geography of The Maldives. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is nestled in the South Ari Atoll and set over two idyllic islands, one being adult only. A 500m bridge connects the two islands and you are transported comfortably via golf buggies. The Hilton Group were the first international hotel group to land in The Maldives. The resort is reminiscent of a Bounty advert – a true, unspoilt paradise.
The resort features 151 beautifully designed villas and is home to The Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence. The Muraka is a truly unique three bedroom, two level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level. The Muraka is an influencer’s dream with tropical fish, turtles and exotic manta rays floating overhead you are encased in an acrylic dome. Perfect for a once in a lifetime honeymoon stay.
The island was chosen by Paris Hilton, great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton hotels. as her honeymoon destination.
We stayed in a surprisingly spacious sunset seafront villa with a pool and access to the sea via the deck making it possible to swim and snorkel around your hotel accommodation.
The rooms are finished to the highest standard with a plentiful supply of towels, robes and Byredo bodycare. Rooms are serviced twice a day by friendly, inobtrusive staff.
The Conrad Rangali has a choice of 12 diverse restaurants and bars offering a range of ambience. This includes the globally renowned Ithaa Undersea Restaurant and celebrity chef restaurant Ufaa by Jereme Leung specialising in Chinese cuisine. The resort also offers a cheese and wine bar.
The beach barbecues are to a high standard offering Lobster and Champagne nights and traditional Maldivian cuisine. The Conrad offers the largest wine lists in The Maldives, over 800 labels are offered in the wine cellar stored 2m below ground.
The area plays host to the country’s best diving, whale shark areas and sprawling coral reefs. We had the pleasure of assisting in planting coral reef. A conservation initiative that hopes to aid in the regeneration of the reefs around the resort.
Daily excursions to neighbouring islands are easily arranged. Snorkelling safaris, diving, windsurfing, big-game fishing catamaran sailing and cruising aboard luxury yachts are among the activities on offer.
For those seeking more thrilling seeking activities Rangali-Finolhu’s water sports centre and the unique activities on offer include the Jet Pack and X-blade experience.
Guests can use a 24 hour fitness centre or partake in yoga, tennis or simply relax in the resort’s two infinity pools.
Children are catered for with a world class kids club The MAAJA Explorers Club offers activities such as marine adventures, splash park, sports activities, cookery classes and arts and crafts. Teenagers can also relax and unwind in The Furaavu Teens Club offering video games and the latest film viewings.
On our last day, we visited the award-winning Over-Water Spa. The spa retreat offers guests an extensive range of treatments and wellness experiences, including a steam room and sauna. The treatment centred around the use of ISUN gemstone oils. The massage was a wonderful experience made even more relaxing by the glass bottomed floor in the treatment room. Enabling you to unwind in a tropical paradise. Guests can experience tailor-made experiences and signature couples’ treatments aroma therapy, Balinese massage, deep tissue massage or Lomi Lomi massage a traditional Hawaiian form of massage. Hair salon, nail and waxing services are also available. Guests can rewind in the relaxation lounge and the spa also offers a boutique. The spa offers specialist, Swiss skin and hair care from Valmont. The spa hosts five different treatment cabins which reflect its award-winning status.
We couldn’t recommend The Conrad highly enough; the food, attention to detail and levels of service were unparalleled. Our every request was catered for. Guests can truly unwind in what can only be described as paradise. We left feeling totally refreshed and pleased to have escaped the snow in the UK.
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