The Two-Island Maldives Resort That’s The Island Of Firsts

The Maldives’ first private island international resort was the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Coming up on its 25-year anniversary, the resort is now a twin-island property and it’s celebrating all of its firsts plus getting ready for the February 2022 debut of a multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The two-island Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort is spread over the larger Rangali-Finolhu Island and the quieter, adults-only Rangali Island. They’re connected by a 1600-foot walkway over the shallow sea in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll.

You can stay in one of 151 villas and suites. There are both overwater and beachside villas — many with private pools — plus the unique Muraka villa which has an undersea bedroom. The resort has two spas, including a sublime overwater spa that’s 300 feet off the tip of Rangali-Finolhu, and a dozen restaurants and bars. Several large pools — some overwater and some next to the powdery white sand — await.

You’ll stay busy with ocean activities like sailing, paddling and snorkeling and on excursions that explore everything the Maldives has to offer. The 1192 island nation is known for its fantastic scuba diving, for opportunities to see and swim with gentle but immense whale sharks, and for the 20 species of whales and dolphins that frequent its waters. Or, stay closer to “home” by helping the in-house marine biologist with the resort’s coral planting project. (Here’s why you should choose hotels that support coral restoration).

If you’re able to arrive at the resort during daylight hours, you’ll take a 30-minute seaplane ride from the Velana International Airport in Malé. Those arriving after 4:00 p.m. take a short flight to a neighboring island and then a speedboat to the resort. A three-hour luxury yacht charter from Malé is also available.

Island of firsts

The resort has led innovation in the Maldives — and the world — including by being the country’s first two-island resort. As well, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has the world’s first undersea restaurant. Called Ithaa, the glass-enclosed restaurant sits 16 feet below the Indian Ocean’s surface and provides 180-degree views of the corals and fishes surrounding it (and perhaps of the occasional scuba diver too).

The resort is also the first in the world to have an undersea residence. The two-level Muraka villa (muraka means “coral”) has a bedroom sunk 16 feet below sea level. It’s encased in a 180-degree curved acrylic dome so you never have to take your eyes off the fishes. On the upper level, there are two sunny bedrooms and a deck with an infinity pool. You’ll have 24 hours/day butler service, a private chef, and on-call fitness trainers and spa treatments.

New for 2022

In February 2022, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s massive renovation will be ready. The multi-million dollar project includes a refresh of Rangali Island’s 50 overwater villas for couples and honeymooners plus a new adults-only gym. For families on Rangali-Finolhu Island, the Majaa Explorers’ Hub is expanded and has new activities and there’s a new Furaavaru Club for teens. Other revamps are in Rangali Island’s overwater spa, at the Dive Centre and three of the resort’s restaurants have makeovers.

Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president Luxury & Lifestyle of Hilton Asia Pacific and global brand head for Conrad Hotels & Resorts, said in a press release “… I am confident the resort will be top of mind for luxury travelers seeking to embark on a meaningful journey to create new travel memories in one of the most iconic destinations in the world when it unveils in 2022.”

Entry into the Maldives

Entry requirements for the Maldives are detailed on the Conrad Maldives’ website, the country’s FAQ for Tourists website and in these press releases. Currently, tourists need a negative nucleic acid or PCR test taken a maximum of 96 hours prior to departure for the Maldives and need to complete a Traveler Health Declaration form.