Review of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

4 years ago

Review: 5 stars

Review: 5 stars

An amazing resort, with amazing staff and amazing facilities. We were prepared to be amazed, and we were! It is quite rare for a resort or hotel to excel in all areas, but when it does, the whole can become so much more than the sum of its part, and this was our experience; a truly wonderful holiday (escape) and one we will never forget.

Rangali is simply stunning; a wonder of nature, but what brings the islands to life are the staff. Stefano, the General Manager and Alex, the Operations Director could not have been more helpful and approachable; always around, always smiling and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure our stay was as smooth and as relaxing as possible, and all with the deftest of touches. And this approach, without exception, permeated down through all of the staff, from Aishath (senior management team), through to the restaurant and activities staff, and by no means least, housekeeping. Ali our villa keeper was a star; happy, reliably, thorough, responsive and a genius with flower and petal decorations.

We spoke to many of the staff over our 10 day stay in July and it was clear Rangali was the resort of choice. In large part, this was down to the staff accommodation and facilities (they have their own small dedicated island, with restaurant, laundry and sports facilities etc.) and the relatively large size (for the Maldives) of the 2 guest islands and variety of work available, but also to the management and how well the staff are looked after. Many of the staff we spoke to had worked on Rangali for 10 plus years and had no intention of leaving! This was one big happy family, which we very much felt part of - the saying look after the staff and the staff will look after the guests certainly rang true.

Another notable feature of Rangali was the number of restaurants and exceptional and consistent quality of both the service and food. With the exception of Atoll Market (the buffet restaurant, which was very good), this was Michelin star quality throughout in 10 days on full board the quality did not waver once, which is an incredible feat. Our only grumble was the excessively priced underwater restaurant (Ithaa); for a family 2 adults and 2 children this was simply probative (more as a matter of principle, than anything else) this was a real shame as the restaurant is a unique feature and the hotel should seriously consider making it more accessible.

Rangali offers a wide range of on-island and water-based activities and these were very well run. Over 10 days we didn t really stop; from snorkelling with Manta Rays, turtles and sharks (the friendly kind!), to jet skiing, visiting a local working island and joining up with Gareth and Elite Retreat for a serious bootcamp work-out on the beach (twice!!). And not least, the Spa; an oasis within an oasis!

We have travelled widely over many years and regularly stay at Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental but were pointed in the direction of Conrad Rangali by a long-standing contact at Trailfinders (London City, Richard Swinburne, look him up!) and were not disappointed.

We will be returning at the earliest opportunity.