Amidst the azure oceans and sun- kissed sands of the Maldives lies a realm of enchantment: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. While this paradise is renowned for its exclusivity and lavish amenities, it is the essence of holistic wellness that sets it apart from its peers. Here, amidst the pristine waters and lush foliage, guests are treated to a priceless gift that transcends the limits of traditional luxury.

The Maldives is renowned for its turquoise waters and tropical climate, but high-end travellers expect even more. To meet these demands, hotels offer ultra-premium, exclusive, authentic, and exotic experiences. For instance, guests can stay in villas on private islands, arrive via private jets, and indulge in unparalleled amenities.

However, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island goes beyond these extravagant offerings. While staying at this resort, guests are treated to a hyper-personalised stay; this includes warm smiles from their tribe of 400 staff members, home-grown fruits & vegetables, organic recipes at the much-celebrated spa retreat – Mandhoo Spa Restaurant, and several unique underwater experiences which satiates the soul while relaxing the mind with never seen before scenes. Such a fantastic experience transcends the traditional definition of luxury and sets Conrad Maldives apart as one of the most heavenly destinations on these islands.

For me, the journey to this heaven began as soon as I landed at the Male International Airport. I was escorted to their private seaplane lounge, where the check-in formalities were done so I could head straight to my room once I landed at the resort. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, a 30 mins scenic sea-plane ride got me to this twin island property. Before I could be smitten by the beauty, it was the warm welcome with traditional music that got me hooked on to the place and its people.

The property spans over three stunning islands, with two – Rangali, (it is a quiet zone and an adult- only island) and Rangali Finolhu Island (this part of the resort is a hub of the exquisite restaurants and water activities), while the third island is for their hotel staff. As I arrived, I was whisked away to the adult-only island where my Deluxe Water Villa awaited, boasting of breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and a private infinity plunge pool on the deck. The personalised name card on the door and palm leaf decorations on the bed were just the beginning – this hotel was awarded Best Bed Decoration among Maldivian hotels for three consecutive years. As they say, devil lies in details, I was besotted by the personalised handwritten note from the GM, the premium wine and nuts to refresh me from the travel, and the uber-luxurious Mojave Ghost toiletries.

These in-room luxuries were enough to incite my curiosity to explore the resort. A swift ride on a buggy transported me to the bustling reception on the other island. I was pleasantly surprised to learn of the myriad dining options – a dozen in all (Yes! Total of 12 restaurants across the resort) and the several ‘firsts’ the resort boasts of. The most popular and highly recommended was their underwater restaurant – The ITHAA Undersea Restaurant, which is Maldives’ first underwater restaurant, and one even gets a certificate of experience after dining there. The hotel also boasts of The Muraka – the final word in the name of luxury. It is a three-bedroom villa, with Maldives’ first underwater bedroom. This luxurious abode comes with a personal chef and butler. This three-bedroom residence stands as a testament to the wondrous enchantments of this land. Another must, as suggested by the staff, was their under-water wine cellar, which avowals of collection of 15000 unique blends from across the globe.

However, I was immediately drawn to the Spa – which is interestingly called Over-Water Spa, as it is literally situated on the water with glass floorings across all treatment rooms.

The Spa blends breathtaking nature with literally the most impressive menu of spa rituals. Imagine savouring the ocean breeze while practising yoga in a stunning pavilion or meditating on a deck surrounded by lush greenery while one can indulge in rituals like Shirodhara, Vedic Marma and or the one that I chose – Gemstone Therapy. Here, the power of your own unique and natural gemstone is used to heal your body, mind and senses. I was asked to fill in a questionnaire which suggested my matching gemstone – Rose Quartz. My massage was then done with oil infused with the power of this beautiful heart-shaped natural stone.

In addition to having a resident wellness practitioner, the resort brings in visiting wellness specialists for an even more enriching experience. During my stay, Mr. Ranjith Saj from Kerala was available, and I had a wonderful morning session of Qi-Gong with him that was both relaxing and invigorating. Later that day, I participated in a full-moon meditation that transported me to a truly tranquil space. Spa-goers can enjoy tailored holistic offerings, including facials, body wraps, and 17 rituals incorporating living water, essential oils, and gemstones for a quantum healing experience.

At Ufaa, Chef Jereme Leung’s traditional Chinese menu, and Atoll Market’s elaborate buffet of global cuisines, a relaxed body and mind are always treated to equally wholesome meals. As a vegetarian, finding decent food options can be challenging, particularly in such destinations. However, Director of Culinary Dwayne Krisko and his team went above and beyond to ensure that the best vegetarian dishes, with the most unique flavours, were prepared just for me. I was pleasantly surprised to discover so many variations in the menu of their organic restaurant – Mandhoo Spa Restaurant to the underwater eatery ITHAA Undersea Restaurant. Even as a pure vegetarian, I had a plethora of options to choose from across all 12 – restaurants where I dined during my four-night stay that would spoil anyone silly.

Lastly, what touched my soul the most was their initiative – Travel with Purpose. Apparently, this year’s report on luxury travel trends brought out by international consulting firm Deloitte says, that 80% of luxury travellers prefer to travel more responsibly. This includes adhering to sustainable practices during their stays or volunteering with an immersive conservation program. I too got my chance to give it back to these endless vast oceans by planting baby coral reefs back to sea. The resident maritime biologist Filipa guided me through the process and then dived in the ocean to plant these baby corals. Besides this, the resort has an active exchange program with locals, where the ladies are brought into the kitchen to cook local delicacies, the craftsmen are called to sell local products and students are hired to do internships with the teams.

As I had entered the room for the first time after check-in, my heart was immediately lifted by a personalised nameplate that read “Welcome Home!” The warmth remained and enveloped me as I left. The resort had provided me with a miscellany of luxuries that nourished every facet of my being. From delicious food to captivating stories and soulful music to profound musings, the team catered to my every desire with unapologetic grace. Departing the realm, I felt a rejuvenation of my very essence that stirred my soul like never before.