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Magical Maldives: Experience a one-of-a-kind getaway in paradise

Whether you’re swimming alongside marine life or taking in the view from an overwater villa, this island paradise deserves a spot on your bucket list.

By Alina Dizik | September 4, 2024

Thriving coral reefs, blue water and some of the world’s most bespoke stays make this tiny island country in the Indian Ocean a true retreat. Visitors are awed by A-list worthy accommodations and seamless service, and underwater adventurers get a front-row seat to some of the world’s most unspoiled marine habitats, home to manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. Choose the right resort for your preferred travel style, and you’ll set the stage for a journey you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Atmosphere

Exclusive stays

Seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living with the luxurious beachfront villas at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Surrounded by lush gardens with a private pool just steps away from the sand and sea, the resort’s lavish suites and unique overwater villas craft the ultimate oasis. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, reserve The Muraka, a spacious, one-of-a-kind two-level overwater residence, where the main bedroom sits 16 feet (5 meters) below sea level. An outdoor deck with an infinity pool and 24-hour butler service rounds out this deluxe stay.

Total escape

For the quintessential Maldives experience, guests flock to overwater bungalows offering unbeatable views. At Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the resort’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to avoid disrupting nearby coral reefs, while pampering guests with outdoor infinity pools, overwater hammocks and terraces perfect for a rejuvenating morning yoga session. Small details, including a customized pillow menu, dining gazebos and shaded daybeds, make the overwater villas feel like a home away from home.

Dining

Island flavors

Pair fresh seafood with culinary influences from India and Sri Lanka, and the result is nothing short of magnificent. At Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, those unique flavors are complemented by stunning settings like Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first underwater eatery, where you’ll enjoy a multi-course meal as colorful fish swim by. Local culinary delights continue with specialty dinners like Lobster & Champagne Night or Maldivian Night complete with a traditional dance performance.

Private dining

Savoring a delectable meal while in a unique setting is surely a memorable occasion, but even more so when it’s an intimate experience. The concierge at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can arrange a private five-course lunch, hosted by the resort chefs on a secluded sandbank surrounded by the calm lagoon waters. From sunset dinners on a private yacht to dinner and a movie night under the stars, the resort’s private dining experiences wow even the most seasoned travelers.

Relaxation

Revive and restore

There are many approaches to wellness, and you can try them all at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Whether you’re looking to slow down and meditate, fit in a tennis match, take a private yoga class on the beach or join an adrenaline-pumping boot camp class, knowledgeable instructors work with your needs and wants. Personal trainers are also available for those who want to dig even deeper into their wellness journey. Don’t leave without indulging in a signature treatment at the overwater spa, like the healing Chakra Color Rituals.

Tailored treatments

Customize your getaway with the Maldives’ first-ever wellness concierge service. These wellbeing experts at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will guide you in choosing the best treatments and experiences for your needs. With a 24-hour fitness center, hydrotherapy pools complete with an ice fountain, refreshing facials and a range of shorter spa services tailored for younger visitors, there’s something for everyone. But first, reset your body with the Jetlag Revival, a massage that stimulates circulation, eases muscle tension and reduces swelling no matter how far you’ve traveled.

Adventures

Underwater thrills

Novice and expert divers alike can appreciate the Maldives’ approachable and responsible offerings to explore some of the world’s most vibrant sea life, coral reefs and fascinating wrecks. True adventurers can even go on a private tour swimming with whale sharks. These gentle giants can grow up to 60 feet long (18 meters) and live part time in the waters around Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Not ready for the deep sea? The warm clear water makes snorkeling in the island country equally enthralling.

Private boating

In a country that’s 99% water and 1% land, visitors love the endless array of options for aqua adventures and immersing themselves in the pristine surroundings. The concierge at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can arrange tailored excursions, including a private sunset cruise with a cocktail in hand or book a glass-bottomed boat for underwater views without leaving your seat. Anglers will revel in the opportunity for big game fishing on a chartered yacht or simply sailing on a traditional dhoni boat to explore volcanic atolls and hidden beaches.

Alina Dizik

Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications. She lives in Chicago and has spent time living in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. She has visited more than 50 countries.

Headshot of writer/author Alina Dizik

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