Hotel Review: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island | Luxury Resort & Spa
- Points and Places
- Feb 27
- 6 min read
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - A Perfect Stopover in Paradise
The Maldives is often seen as a dream destination for many travelers, and for those traveling between Southeast Asia and Europe, it makes an ideal stopover. Not only is it an incredibly beautiful location, but it’s also home to a variety of luxury resorts, many of which are part of hotel loyalty programs such as Hilton and Marriott. These chains offer an enticing opportunity to redeem points for a luxurious stay in paradise, making it a great option for savvy travelers looking to make the most of their rewards.
We had accumulated a significant stash of Hilton Honors points during the course of the year, so we decided to use them for a five-night stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. One of the best perks of the Hilton Honors program is the fifth-night-free benefit, which we were able to take full advantage of. Booking our stay was a breeze, and we secured the reservation without any issues. The total cost for our stay was 380,000 Hilton Honors points, a tremendous value considering the cash price for the same five-night stay could exceed $1,000 per night. Even if purchasing points, the cost would have been about $2,000 for five nights, which is still a great redemption for a luxury resort like the Conrad Maldives. For 2025, the rates for either a beach villa or an overwater villa are set at 120,000 points per night or around $800 USD.
Since we were traveling with our two kids, we opted for a spacious beach villa, which offered direct access to the beach and extra room for the family. If it had been just my wife and me, we likely would have chosen an overwater villa for the unique experience, but with kids in tow, the beach villa was a practical and comfortable choice.
Getting to the Resort
Getting to the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is part of the adventure. The resort spans multiple small islands, and reaching it involves an additional leg of travel after landing at Malé International Airport (MLE). From there, guests take a seaplane to the resort, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the trip. The Conrad Maldives arranges the seaplane schedule based on your flight arrival time, but since the seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, late arrivals require an overnight stay in Malé.
Our flight from Singapore arrived late, so we spent the night at the Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale, a comfortable but unremarkable hotel close to the airport. It was the perfect spot to rest before our luxurious island escape began. The following morning, we dropped off our luggage at the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) counter at Malé Airport and were escorted to the Conrad’s private lounge near the seaplane terminal. The lounge offered complimentary snacks and drinks, providing a relaxing atmosphere as we waited for our flight.
When it was time to board, we hopped on a seaplane for a scenic 30-minute flight to the resort. The experience was intimate, with two barefoot pilots flying the plane and passengers' luggage stacked in the back. The noise from the seaplane was significant, but earplugs were provided to make the journey more comfortable. The stunning aerial views of the turquoise atolls below made up for the noisy ride.
On our return trip, the seaplane made stops at two other resorts, giving us even more opportunities to take in the breathtaking aerial views. Flying barefoot and seeing the pristine islands and reefs below made this part of the journey unforgettable.
Arrival & First Impressions
Upon arrival at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, we were warmly greeted with gelato—an unexpected but refreshing treat after the long flight. The resort embraces the concept of "barefoot luxury," with sand floors in many areas, inviting guests to slip off their shoes and fully immerse themselves in the relaxed atmosphere of the island.
As Hilton Gold members, we received a briefing on our benefits, which was a nice touch. Unfortunately, our villa wasn’t quite ready upon arrival, so we spent the first hour unwinding on the beach. Although it wasn’t ideal, it hardly felt like an inconvenience, and the gentle ocean breeze and stunning surroundings made it a pleasant way to wait.
Once our villa was ready, we were whisked away by buggy to our home for the next five nights. Our villa was everything we had hoped for—spacious, elegantly designed, and perfect for our family of four. It featured a large king-size bed, two smaller beds for the kids, and an outdoor shower and bathtub that my wife enjoyed every evening. The best part was the direct beach access—just a few steps from our back door led us to our private slice of paradise.
Our side of the island provided views of a neighboring island, while the deluxe villas on the opposite side offered unobstructed ocean views. The resort spans two islands connected by a bridge, which can be crossed via golf cart or ferry. A third smaller island serves as a staff and operations hub, ensuring that the resort runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Dining at the Conrad Maldives
As Hilton Gold members, our family enjoyed complimentary breakfast each morning, which quickly became one of the best hotel breakfasts we’ve ever had. The spread was extensive, with fresh pastries, international dishes, champagne, and even ice cream. Our kids were in heaven, and we found ourselves eagerly anticipating each meal. We ate outside, but we had to remain vigilant as local birds were quick to snatch any unattended food! To this day, we still compare every hotel breakfast we’ve had to the one at the Conrad Maldives. It has only been rivaled by another Conrad property, in Tulum, Mexico.
The resort also offered a delightful afternoon tea with small bites, which became a daily ritual for us. It was perfectly timed between breakfast and happy hour, giving us a chance to recharge before the evening activities. Speaking of happy hour, the Conrad offers complimentary drinks each evening, and we made it a tradition to head to the bar, sip on our favorite beverages, and watch the sunset.
Dining on a private island like the Conrad Maldives inevitably comes at a premium, especially for a family of four. We were intrigued by the resort’s underwater restaurant, but the prices were far beyond our budget, so we opted for more affordable options. Snacks at the bar or a casual meal at one of the resort’s other restaurants provided more than enough variety and flavor.
Activities & Adventures
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers a wealth of activities to keep guests entertained, whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone who prefers a more leisurely pace. We stuck with the basics, enjoying paddleboarding and snorkeling, both of which allowed us to explore the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. For those looking for a bit more excitement, the resort offers jet-skiing and hoverboarding though we stuck to watching others attempt hoverboarding with mixed success!
While the house reef was affected by coral bleaching, the lagoon still provided plenty of marine life to see. We encountered small reef sharks, graceful stingrays, and a variety of colorful fish, which made for an exciting snorkeling experience. Even though the reef was not as vibrant as it could have been, the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close was a major highlight of our stay.
Final Thoughts: Would We Return?
The Maldives is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the premier resorts in the region. However, despite its seclusion and beauty, at its core, it is still just another beach getaway—albeit a stunning one.
Traveling as a family, we noticed very few other kids around, which led us to think that our children may have enjoyed a more bustling beach in destinations like Italy or Greece, places that are easier and more affordable to reach with points.
Would we return? Absolutely. However, next time, it will be just my wife and me. We met several couples who return to the Conrad Maldives yearly, which speaks volumes about the resort’s appeal. That said, with so many other top-tier points properties in the Maldives, we’re tempted to try something new next time. The Waldorf Astoria and St. Regis are high on our radar for future visits.
For couples looking for a romantic escape, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is pure perfection. And for points travelers, it remains one of the best luxury redemptions in the world.
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