John Grover

Review of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

FANTASTIC SERVICE, WONDERFUL FACILITIES, GREAT CUI...

FANTASTIC SERVICE, WONDERFUL FACILITIES, GREAT CUISINE AND A TRUE LUXURY EXPERIENCE, MANAGED IN A 100% COVID SAFE MANNER

Considering the time of our visit, I have separated my review in to 2 parts: Part 1 deals with the excellent safety provisions in both the Maldives, and the resort WRT COVID. Part 2 deals with the wonderful experience we enjoyed.

PART 1
The COVID measures at Male airport were excellent, as they were on our EK flight from Dubai. The hotel staff met us as advised and took us to their dedicated lounge. We then transferred by seal plane to the resort - at all points strong COVID measures were followed.

At the resort everything was sanitised and masks worn b the staff. Temperature were taken regularly and people showed good vigilance and practices.

The team arranged our return PCR test which was performed at our convenience on the island - the results were back within 24 hours and were readily accepted by Emirates.

In summary we felt 100% safe during the journey and at the resort in these COVID times.

PART 2
We stayed in a luxury beach villa. Beautifully appointed, with direct beach access, it's own pool, it was spacious and immaculate. It was also a short walk to everything. For those not wishing to walk a buggy could be summoned at short notice. The room had excellent Wi-Fi, UK 3 pin plugs, USB outlets and a Nespresso coffee machine and capsules. We were also well supplied with drinking water.

There report had 5 restaurants / bars open so we had plenty of choice. All were excellent and the staff really knew the menus. Some high spots were the grilled lobster at Sunset Grill, the Chicken and Risotto at Mandhou, the 7 course undersea meal at Ithaa, the fondue in the wine cellar, and our regular lunch of the Keralan Fish Curry at Rangali bar. Great wine selection at all outlets - the St Clair Sauv Blanc especially good. The chef met us on a number of occasions and created a special desert on our last night. First class wining and dining.

We dived most days and also went on the Whale Shark trip. This was all run by Ocean divers - an expat led business in the island. True luxury diving and some great dive sites to enjoy (quiet now so take advantage). We saw 4 whale sharks on that trip - you snorkel as they stay near the surface.

The staff, led by the charming manager Carla, were excellent. They contemplated your needs and went the extra mile at all times.

We arrived as guests but left as friends.

We can't wait to return.