Conrad Rangali, Maldives

On the tip of South Ari Atoll, Conrad Rangali is one of the original Maldives resorts and boats a number of firsts – first overwater villas, first underwater restaurant and first underwater villa – over its 30-year history. Spread over two islands (three if you count the staff island) this luxury resort enjoys a fabulous setting with superb beaches, a great house reef and stunning views.

Outstanding facilities  

Marine enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunity to explore both over and underwater. The scuba diving is excellent and there’s snorkelling straight from the beach. Jetskis are a fun way to reach other parts of the lagoon and there are plenty of excursions on the resort’s many boats. There is big game fishing and although fly fishing isn’t specifically offered, it is possible to take a boat to some superb lagoons and flats nearby. See our recent blog for more information.

There are two glorious spas (one on each island) and several excellent restaurants and bars to choose from. A highlight on the dining front is Ithaa, where guests enjoy gourmet food under the ocean – a ‘must do’ during a stay here. Kids and teens are well catered to with fun club areas. There are two swimming pools, a tennis court, two gyms and a yoga platform. If you simply want to relax there are plenty of private spots on the picture perfect white sand beach to enjoy with a book.

Heavenly mix of overwater and beach front accommodation  

Rangali-Finolhu Island (or Main Island as it’s more commonly known) offers a mix of overwater and beach villas. The beach villas come in one, two and three bed categories and are havens of tropical luxury. Extremely spacious and elegantly furnished they feature inside and outside showers and all manner of modern luxuries. With plenty of outside seating, plunge pools and private access to the beach they reflect the sophisticated nature of the resort. The airy overwater villas (both one and two bedroom options) are similarly luxurious, with floor to ceiling windows making the most of the views over the lagoon, reef and beyond.

Rangali Island, lush with tropical vegetation, is a short walk across the bridge, and an adult only enclave. Extending into the ocean are a series of jetties off which sit the beautiful overwater villas. As luxuriously appointed as those on the main island guests can choose to have sunset or sunrise vistas. At the very tip of the island are the two huge, very private villas. One has two, and the other three, bedrooms.

Finally, The Muraka, the first underwater villa in the Maldives. This feat of architectural engineering, straight from the pages of a James Bond novel, is as spectacular as it sounds. Above ground are two bedrooms, a private kitchen, spacious dining and living area, and an extensive deck and pool. Head downstairs and you enter a magical underwater bedroom enveloped by the ocean. Huge glass windows reveal multi coloured fish, coral and all manner of marine life – your own private aquarium.

On the edge of the atoll     

Conrad Rangali sits towards the southern edge of the South Ari Atoll and is a short 30 minute seaplane ride from Malé.