Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Is The Ultimate Family Friendly Eid al-Fitr Vacation. Here’s Why…
Doused in luxury with a backstory of firsts, Bazaar’s Nina Catt uncovers the resort’s many treasures as the dreamy property prepares to turn 25
There’s no place like home,” said Judy Garland as Dorothy in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz as she clicked the heels of her ruby slippers together, and hoped to return to her favourite place on Earth. While more often than not I can relate to Dorothy’s sentiment, when it comes to visiting the Maldives, the famous movie quote undeniably vanishes from my mind the moment the plane touches the tarmac in Malé, when my eyes are greeted by that turquoise ocean which is always a delight, regardless of the number of repeat visits.
A thrilling 25-minute sea plane journey across what can only be described as otherworldly waters transfers guests to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, a resort spectacularly scattered across two distinct islands – the first of its kind to be connected by a suspension bridge, where manta rays can be spotted schmoozing at night – each with its own personality.
Linked by the 500-metre bridge, the heart of the resort lies at main island Rangali-finolhu, entirely dedicated to families, and the hub for activities such as the abundant offering of water sports and boat trips, the children’s club and splash park, teen’s club, a number of award-winning restaurants and my personal favourite, an infinity pool that seamlessly melts into the ocean serving as catnip for photography enthusiasts.
There are 151 villas and suites, some nestled into lush foliage-cloaked private gardens that open to the sugar-white shoreline and others set on stilts, branching out from overwater jetties that fan-out over the sparkling lagoon – the first of their kind in the Maldives. The exact definition of refined neutrality, décor is chic and soothing – just as the designers likely intended – in an island-inspired colour palette oozing with Maldivian charm.
Many villas feature glass floors to observe the marine life from above. Advocating outdoor living with sun-drenched decks and al-fresco dining nooks, families have the opportunity to spend their entire vacation in complete seclusion, but stray you must, there are many treasures to uncover in this particular slice of paradise.
Those looking for the ultimate escape should check into the Muraka (meaning ‘coral’ in the local language). In true ‘firsts’ fashion sits a two-level residence where 45 steps down a winding staircase transports lucky guests beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean into an underwater master suite that will take your breath away.
Falling onto the satin sheets of the plush king-sized, gazing at the mesmerising view of the underwater world and its fishy occupants, one can be forgiven for momentarily pondering what would happen if a swift exit was required but fear not, the architects have of course thought of everything, as I discovered when shown the ceiling door hatch by way of a long, pull-down ladder that leads to a tunnel that pops out above the surface of the water. Very clever, I thought.
After observing in awe, especially at the underwater en-suite bathroom, I was informed that the villa boasts the world’s first undersea elevator to whisk you back up to the huge open-planned living/dining and bar area, where a further two bedrooms, gym, sun terrace and pool, plus extra accommodation for nanny or security entourages awaits.
Visiting the Maldives is all about being on or in the water, and it would be sacrilege to forgo such privilege at this atoll-strewn part of the world. Located in the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its fascinating flora and fauna, the surrounding waters are home to gentle giants, the whale shark – the only place in the world these majestic plankton-eating beauties can be spotted all year round.
Fun fact – while it would be easy for the whale shark to casually wrap its oftentimes two-metre wide mouth around a human being if it so chose to, the whale shark’s throat is actually no larger than a tangerine – great news to learn before I headed out to the open ocean, snorkelling gear in hand.
Back on dry land and if, like me, you can’t get enough of the menagerie of natural marine life, mealtimes are another chance to get up-close-and-personal with ocean dwellers. The resort is home to the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa – translating to ‘mother-of-pearl’ in Maldivian. Sunken five metres below the surface, the restaurant celebrates local flavours matched with a variety of chic beverages.
Next door is my second favourite feasting spot, Sunset Grill, with its perched-on-stilts individual dining pods set above coral patches where reef and nurse sharks come out to play at night, and dishes are served with the house’s mustard menu – from blackcurrant to wild herb variations. With 12 restaurants and bars including a grape and cheese cellar complete with sparkling volcanic-sand floor, there are plenty of options on offer for every day of the week.
Finally, what would paradise be without a spa? Or in this case, two spas – one situated on the family focused island and the other across the bridge on the adults-only side. Indulging in the resort’s wellbeing rituals is a must and the little ones needn’t miss out thanks to a devoted menu of treatments designed to bring peace to the mind, body and spirit, curated to be enjoyed as a family.
One can only imagine what ‘first’ Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is dreaming up next but one thing’s for certain, I can’t wait to discover it for myself upon my return.
One-bedroom water villas from Dhs7,500 per night with breakfast; Conradmaldives.com
Photography: Justin Nicholas and Yashrib Ahmed, courtesy of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island