Mad about Maldives
Some destinations are easily checked off the map, but the rarest ones leave an imprint on the soul. As prolific writer Hans Christian Andersen said, ‘‘To travel is to live’’—and in Conrad Maldives, this comes alive, where nature unfolds as pure poetry.
The Maldives, and particularly Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, isn’t just a destination, but a quiet awakening. Nestled here are the shimmering lagoons and skies that kiss the sea, and I remembered what it means to be still. To be present. To fall in love with the world again.
The journey begins before we even touch the sand. Expectant, we boarded and experienced an exhilarating flight of a Twin Otter seaplane that hovers above the Indian Ocean like a whisper from the heavens. Bright emerald appears to rise, almost with a lullaby, from the sea in an iridescent scene, faint and almost unreal. The leafy emeralds swing, as if in an orchestra of breezes, under a sky that opens as wide and warm as the one it is. We stare in hushed silence, held in the sacred space between wonder and disbelief, as our hearts anticipate the adventure. Pinch me! Am I dreaming? Or is this Fantasy Island, with Ricardo Montalbán himself smiling from a distant wave, whispering, “Welcome…”
Our long-time dear friend from the Philippines Margaux Hontiveros, director of marketing and communications, welcomed us to a string of alluring islands, each glowing in tranquil harmony: the Maldives. Our feet touched the sun-warmed wood as we descended from the seaplane, our eyes adjusted to the picturesque beauty of a horizon where sea meets sky and where salt meets sun.
Moments later, we find ourselves falling into yet another tale, our speedboat hastily sailing across the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean towards what feels like the Isle of the Gods. While the wind brought a melody on its own (was that The Love Boat theme?), the turquoise waves envelop us like some sacred prayer. Here, time feels different. Each day stretches like golden threads, and joy erupts naturally from the rhythm of life.
And just when we believe wonder has reached its peak, we have reached Ithaa, the first undersea restaurant in the world, where we descend. At a depth of five meters beneath the sea, we experience grace around us as we dine under the sea itself, giving us a full view of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island water. Reef fish drift by like brush strokes in motion, and each dish arrives like an offering—delicate and divine. At this moment, we are not mere guests—we seem to become part of the ocean’s heartbeat.
And the latest offering that left us spellbound is the first undersea villa in the world, called Muraka. In addition to a bed, shower, and the other typical components of a hotel room, the Muraka takes luxury travel to another level with a private gym, a bar, an infinity pool, butler’s quarters, an ocean-facing bathtub, and most importantly, an underwater bedroom with unparalleled views of the ocean. The top floor, which is above the water, has a “relaxation deck” where you can sun yourself. The price tag? A cool $15,000 per night. Those who book this room get use of a personal chef and private boat, as well as automatic Hilton Diamond status.
Dining at Conrad Maldives is a celebration of one’s senses. Each gastronomic experience is wrapped in stories and the salt air, from flame-kissed seafood at Sunset Grill to beachfront intimacy at Koko Grill’s teppanyaki. Mandhoo nourishes body and soul with wellness cuisine beside the sea. Atoll Market brings global flavors to your barefoot mornings. And The Cheese & Wine Bar becomes a quiet haven of indulgence by candlelight. Here, every table offers a view, and every plate speaks a language of love.
As evening unfurls, we surrender to the spa—a sanctuary of scent and serenity. The gentle hands of the therapist seem to read not just muscle but memory. The air hums with notes of verbena and wild lavender. You close your eyes—not to retreat, but to arrive more fully. The island cradles you into a dream.
And then Conrad offers even more.
The newly renovated overwater villas redefine barefoot luxury—sleek, serene sanctuaries where the ocean enters with light and grace. The Overwater Spa, now more tranquil than ever, invites you to let go completely. The Island Wellness Retreats offer carefully designed journeys of renewal, featuring sunrise yoga, moonlit meditation, and nourishment that flows from plate to spirit.
Wellness here is not a program. It is a presence. A gentle unfolding. A remembering of who you are when the world grows quiet.
Because Conrad Maldives Rangali Island isn’t just a resort—it’s a rhythm, a retreat, a revelation.
It is, in every sense of the word, your nirvana—an unforgettable, unfiltered journey where time slows, the spirit soars, and you return not only rested, but restored.
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To know more about Conrad Maldives Rangali Island visit www.conradmaldives.com or email mlehi.maldives@conradhotels.com
