Highlights of the Luxurious Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort
For a true luxury travel experience, look no further than the Conrad Maldives. This little piece of paradise is surrounded by fifty shades of blue and is the backdrop for the most relaxing holiday you could imagine.
The journey all begins when you land at Male Airport and are escorted to the Conrad Lounge at the Seaplane Terminal (read our Conrad Lounge & Seaplane Transfer post here). After a 30 minute seaplane flight you arrive at the resort and are greeted by your personal guest service agent who looks after you for your entire stay. From there it is up to you to make the most of this exclusive resort.
Dining at Conrad Maldives
For a small Island resort there are a lot of different food & beverage options ranging from casual to fine dining. We didn’t get to visit them all but below are the ones we did manage to take a look at.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa is one of the main highlights of the Conrad Maldives and is the world’s first undersea restaurant. Located 16 feet below sea level, this is a truly unique fine dining experience.
This amazing restaurant is open for a four course set lunch menu at 12.30pm and a 7 course set dinner menu at 6.30pm (children welcome for lunch but not dinner). Be prepared to pay for this experience however as the dinner sitting will set you back US$325.00 per person plus taxes and service charge.
If visiting Ithaa is on your bucket list but not really in your budget range, there is a cocktail hour from 11.00am to 12.00pm which is a bit cheaper at US$75.00 per person and includes one glass of champagne or mocktail as well as a plate of canapés.
You can watch our YouTube video from inside Ithaa here.
Sunset Grill Restaurant
Open for dinner daily from 7.00pm, Sunset Grill is an open-air restaurant that specialises in seafood while guests can enjoy wonderful romantic sunset views.
Mandhoo Restaurant
Offering organically grown produce, Mandhoo is an over-water restaurant that specialises in energising, nourishing and detoxifying the body. Open daily for lunch and dinner (except Mondays).
Don’t miss the fish feeding sessions that happen daily at 1.30pm at Mandhoo (see our YouTube video here).
Atoll Market
Open for breakfast and dinner, Atoll Market is the only buffet restaurant on the resort. Atoll Market is home to eight different kitchens featuring Japanese, Asian, Italian, Western and Indian cuisines. If you are a Hilton Honors Diamond member the buffet breakfast is complimentary and we have to say it is probably one of the best buffet breakfasts we have experienced. There is a vast array of food choices and we always love a sparkling wine with breakfast!
Rangali Bar
Located beside the main pool, the sandy-floored Rangali Bar is the heart of the Conrad Maldives where you can enjoy lunch, dinner or a few cocktails during happy hour (half price drinks from 5.00pm-7.00pm). The extensive food menu will have something for everyone to enjoy while they sit back, relax and listen to some live music.
Vilu Restaurant
Offering a Mediterranean inspired menu, Vilu Restaurant is open daily for breakfast and for dinner on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There is afternoon tea served at Vilu for all Hilton Honors Diamond members from 4.00pm to 5.00pm as well as a cocktail hour with complimentary alcoholic drinks and canapés from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.
The Quiet Zone
Nestled beside the adults only pool, The Quiet Zone is open for lunch daily and for dinner everyday except Saturdays. There is also a half price drinks happy hour from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Activities at Conrad Maldives
While you might just feel like relaxing when staying at the Conrad Maldives, there are a few activities you might want to try out.
Pools
The main pool is located next to the Rangali Bar and was pretty quiet while we were there with hardly anyone using it.
Right next to the main pool is a little kids pool, only suitable for a very small child though.
Watch our main pool YouTube video here.
The Quiet Zone features an adults only infinity pool, but be sure to get there early in the day as this little area is quite popular.
Water Sports Centre
The water-sports centre is located near the Rangali Bar and it’s here that you can try out one of the many water based activities such as jet skiing, wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing, catamaran sailing, water skiing or even explore the island by paddle boat.
For the thrill seekers, the exciting jetpack experience is also available.
Ocean Sports & Dive Centre
Visit the Ocean Sports & Dive Centre to organise any snorkel or scuba diving excursions where you can witness all that the beautiful Maldivian waters have to offer. There are also a variety of half and full day boat cruises available as well as day and night time fishing adventures. There is a glass bottom boat if you would like to view the amazing under water coral and marine life without having to get wet.
Sports & Fitness
Fitness might not be the first priority for a lot of travellers but for those that like to keep up an exercise regime while on holidays there is plenty to do at the Conrad Maldives. With a fitness centre that is open 24 hours a day, you can hire a personal trainer or take part in one of the scheduled fitness classes.
You can also head to the beachside yoga pavilion for private or group yoga classes.
Other activities include table tennis, beach volleyball and outdoor tennis.
Spa Retreat & Over Water Spa
The Spa Retreat is an over water full service spa complete with hair salon and manicure room which specialises in holistic spa and beauty treatments.
Over Water Spa is home to glass-floored treatment rooms providing a unique spa experience. After having a treatment you can relax in a private pavilion featuring a jacuzzi out in the deck. Then it’s time to sit back and relax and finish the experience with a nice cup of herbal tea.
Relaxing around the Conrad Maldives
If you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of the Water Villas you will find it relaxing enough just by being out on your private deck. There is nothing more calming than listening to the sound of the waves gently lapping against the Villa. You can read our seperate post on the Deluxe Water Villa we stayed in here.
Even the Beach Villas give you direct beach access where you can relax and enjoy your own little piece of paradise.
When out wandering around the resort, you will come across more little hidden relaxation spots.
Of course sometimes a bit of retail therapy is a great way to relax and there are shops to cater for that as well!
Even if you don’t feel like walking around the resort (especially across the bridge between the two islands) you can call for a buggy which will transport you around.
An alternative way to cross the islands is hop aboard the Conrad dhoni which runs regularly.
When out exploring the resort it was always nice to find a few friendly creatures along the way.
For more information on the luxurious Conrad Maldives go to www.conradhotels3.hilton.com
