# Conrad Maldives Rangali Island 2026 — Whale Sharks, House Reef

> Conrad Maldives Rangali Island 2026 review: 150 villas in South Ari, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, The Muraka, whale sharks, 7 restaurants, 30-min seaplane.

Source: https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/ · Last updated: 2026-11-10 · Language: en · Prices in US dollars (USD) unless stated otherwise

---

[Resorts](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/)/[South Ari](https://luxatolls.com/atolls/south-ari/)/Conrad

# Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Two islands, seven restaurants, Ithaa Undersea — and whale-shark snorkel trips four mornings a week in the heart of South Ari Atoll. Conrad's flagship, twice voted best hotel in the world.

5-Star Resort Seaplane 30 min 7 Restaurants

Atoll

[South Ari](https://luxatolls.com/atolls/south-ari/)

Villas

150

Transfer

Seaplane

Transfer Cost

~$675 pp RT

Packages From

Request Quote

Meal Plans

BB / HB / FB / AI

Secret Price

Secret Price Tailored to your dates

New! Quote Yourself Now · Get a Personalised Quote

More inclusions than direct

Opened 1997 · Renovated 2022

Conrad Rangali put the Maldives on the luxury map. Two islands connected by a 500-metre bridge, the world's first undersea restaurant, and South Ari's whale sharks on the doorstep. Opened 1997, rebranded Conrad 2007, renovated 2022. Seven restaurants, four meal tiers, and The Muraka undersea residence for the ultimate stay.

01 Villas· 02 Dining· 03 Inclusions· 04 Activities· 05 Reef· 06 Transfer· 07 Verdict·08 FAQ

Lux Pulse™Updated Nov 01, 2026 · [How we score](https://luxatolls.com/how-we-rate/)

Cooling Off

**306 new reviews** in the past 6 months across Google, TripAdvisor & Booking.com. Average rating **4.6 / 5** from 7,420 total reviews.

+18% review volume vs. prior 6 months

[How we score](https://luxatolls.com/how-we-rate/)

4

Awards since 2017

Twice Voted Best Hotel in the World

World Travel Awards

Top 100 Greatest Places in the World

TIME Magazine '18

Best Underwater Restaurant in the World

World Travel Awards (multiple years)

3 Global Wins

World Luxury Restaurant Awards '17

How It Compares

## Conrad Rangali vs. Other Resorts

Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property.

Budget · Ultra-Luxury

Adaaran Club

LUX* South Ari

Soneva Fushi

Conrad Rangali

Lively · Secluded

Kuredu

Lily Beach

Kudadoo

Conrad Rangali

Easy Access · Remote

Gili Lankanfushi

Anantara Kihavah

Park Hyatt Hadahaa

Conrad Rangali

Couples · Family

Komandoo

W Maldives

Siyam World

Conrad Rangali

Boutique · Large Resort

Makunudu (36)

Coco Bodu Hithi (100)

Meeru Island (286)

Conrad Rangali (150)

Poor Reef · Exceptional

Finolhu

Vilamendhoo

Conrad Rangali

Conrad Rangali

Reference resorts

Accommodation

## Choose Your Villa

150 villas across four tiers on two connected islands — from 76 sqm Superior Water Villas to the 550 sqm Muraka with its underwater bedroom. The dual-island layout separates beach and overwater living. Pool villas start at the Water Villa with Pool category.

Beach · 1 of 2

Beach Villas

From

$996

100–140 sqm · Average size

Beach Villa · Sleeps 4 · 100 sqm · No pool · $996

Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool · Sleeps 3 · 140 sqm · Pool · $1,•••

Overwater · 2 of 5

Overwater Villas

From

$1,•••

76–120 sqm · 30% smaller than avg

Sunrise Water Villa · Sleeps 2 · 85 sqm · No pool · $1,•••

Sunset Water Villa with Pool · Sleeps 2 · 86 sqm · Pool · $1,•••

Deluxe Water Villa with Pool · Sleeps 2 · 120 sqm · Pool · $1,•••

Premier Water Villa with Pool · Sleeps 2 · 95 sqm · No pool · $1,•••

Superior Water Villa · 76 sqm · No pool · On request

Family · 2 of 3

Family Villas

From

$1,•••

180–200 sqm · 44% larger than avg

Two Bedroom Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool · Sleeps 5 · 200 sqm · Pool · $1,•••

Two Bedroom Grand Water Villa · Sleeps 5 · max 4 adults · No pool · $1,•••

Two Bedroom Grand Water Villa with Pool · Sleeps 5 · 180 sqm · Pool · $2,•••

Signature · 5 of 6

Signature Residences

From

$1,•••

150–668 sqm · 3.1× larger than avg

Grand Water Villa · Sleeps 3 · 150 sqm · No pool · $1,•••

Grand Water Villa with Pool · Sleeps 3 · 250 sqm · Pool · $1,•••

Two Bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion with Pool · Sleeps 6 · 451 sqm · Pool · $3,•••

Three Bedroom Beach Suite with Pool · Sleeps 8 · max 6 adults · 668 sqm · Pool · $3,•••

Retreat Water Villa with Pool · 350 sqm · Pool · $5,•••

The Muraka Residence · Sleeps 8 · 550 sqm · Pool · $19,•••

Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities.

Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates. Every quote from us includes the 10% service charge, 17% GST and the $12 per person per night green tax, so the price we quote is the price you pay.

Pricing Get your secret price

Secret Price

Custom package · Your villa choice · Meal plan · Transfers

Sending

Quote Request Sent

We'll reply within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing.

Reference

Check your inbox for a confirmation.

Tailor your trip

Send

Lux Exclusive

Share your dates and preferences — we'll build a bespoke package with villa, meal plan, transfers and exclusive inclusions you won't find elsewhere.

More inclusions than booking direct

New! Quote Yourself Now · Get a Personalised Quote

Quotes handled by [Tym's team](https://luxatolls.com/about/) of Maldives travel professionals. 24-hour response.

Deal Alerts

Be first to know when **Conrad Rangali** has a deal — exclusive rates and upgrades, sent only when there's something worth sharing.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Season & Pricing Guide

Dec 20 – Jan 10 · Peak · Highest rates

Jan – Apr · High · +30–50%

May – Jun · Shoulder · +10–20%

Jul – Nov · Low · Best value

Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability.

Similar Resorts

[LUX* South Ari Atoll South Ari · Same atoll SPECIAL $1,472 / 5 nights](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/lux-south-ari/) [Vilamendhoo Island Resort South Ari · Great reef SPECIAL $1,449 / 5 nights](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/vilamendhoo/) [Diamonds Athuruga South Ari · Budget option SPECIAL $4,239 / 5 nights](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/diamonds-athuruga/)

Share your dates & preferences — we'll build your perfect package.

Dining

## 7 Restaurants & 5 Bars

Seven restaurants span two islands — from the all-day Atoll Market buffet to the 14-seat Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, five metres below the surface. Bars include Rangali Bar, an adults-only Quiet Zone, and an underground Wine Cellar. Ithaa and Ufaa carry supplements.

Atoll Market

International Buffet

Main buffet restaurant with live cooking stations that rotate nightly — never the same menu twice. Beachfront setting with indoor and outdoor seating, serving international and Maldivian dishes across all three meals.

Setting · Beachfront · All meals

Our tip · The live cooking stations change nightly — never the same menu twice

All plans

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Seafood

The world's first all-glass undersea restaurant, five metres below the surface. Only 14 seats, surrounded by a living coral reef. Contemporary European seafood with set menus. One of the most photographed restaurants on earth.

Setting · 5m underwater · Lunch & dinner

Our tip · Book weeks ahead — only 14 seats, 5 metres below the ocean surface

Supplement · [View menu](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/menus/ithaa/)

Koko Grill

Japanese Teppanyaki

Overwater teppanyaki restaurant with counter and table seating. The chefs work an open grill preparing Japanese-inspired seafood and wagyu. Sunset views over the Indian Ocean from every seat.

Setting · Overwater · Dinner only

Our tip · The teppanyaki counter seats are the best in the house

AI included · [View menu](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/menus/koko/)

Vilu

International

Relaxed indoor restaurant with one of the deepest wine lists in the Maldives. International menu with a focus on grilled meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials. A quieter alternative to Atoll Market.

Setting · Indoor · Lunch & dinner

Our tip · The wine list is one of the deepest in the Maldives

AI included · [View menu](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/menus/vilu/)

Mandhoo

Spa Cuisine

Garden-set spa cuisine restaurant serving the lightest, healthiest menu on the island. Clean flavours, local ingredients, and guilt-free portions designed to complement spa treatments and active days.

Setting · Garden · Lunch & dinner

Our tip · The lightest, healthiest menu on the island — perfect mid-stay

AI included · [View menu](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/menus/mandhoo/)

Ufaa by Jereme Leung

Chinese

Celebrity Chef Jereme Leung's signature overwater Chinese restaurant. Dim sum, Peking duck, and regional Chinese dishes served in a contemporary overwater pavilion. One of the few celebrity chef venues in the Maldives.

Setting · Overwater · Dinner only

Our tip · Celebrity Chef Jereme Leung's dim sum is worth the supplement

Supplement · [View menu](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/menus/ufaa/)

Sunset Grill

Steak & Seafood

Beachfront grill specialising in prime cuts and same-day catch from the resort's own fishermen. Charcoal-grilled steaks, lobster, and reef fish under the stars on the western beach.

Setting · Beachfront · Dinner only

Our tip · The freshest catch arrives daily from the resort's own fishermen

AI included · [View menu](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ConradMaldivesRangaliIsland_Dining_SunsetGrill_FoodMenu)

Rangali Bar

Cocktails

The resort's main social hub — an overwater bar with live music, cocktails, and sunset views. The widest drinks menu on the island, from classic cocktails to premium spirits.

Setting · Overwater · Live entertainment

Our tip · Live music and the widest cocktail menu make this the evening hub

AI Drinks · [View menu](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ConradMaldivesRangaliIsland_Dining_RangaliBar_LunchAndDinnerMenu)

The Quiet Zone

Cocktails

Adults-only overwater lounge designed for calm. Cocktails, mocktails, and light bites in a deliberately hushed atmosphere — the escape within the escape.

Setting · Adults-only · Overwater lounge

Our tip · Adults-only and deliberately hushed — the escape within the escape

AI Drinks · [View menu](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ConradMaldivesRangaliIsland_Dining_QuietZone_FoodAndBeverageMenu)

Wine Cellar

Wine Bar

Underground wine cellar with guided tastings, pairing dinners, and a curated collection spanning Old World and New World labels. Sommelier-led experiences bookable in advance.

Setting · Underground cellar

Our tip · The sommelier tastings are worth booking in advance

Supplement · [View menu](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/conrad-maldives-rangali/menus/wine-cellar/)

Aaraha Champagne Bar

Cocktails

Overwater champagne bar serving premium bubbles by the glass and bottle with gourmet canapés. A refined sunset alternative to the livelier Rangali Bar.

Setting · Overwater · Champagne & canapés

Our tip · The canapé pairings elevate this above a standard champagne pour

Supplement · [View menu](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/235daa172e.html)

Cheese & Wine Bar

Wine Bar

Intimate wine bar with a curated cheese selection, fondue, and tapas. Regular wine tastings led by the resident sommelier in a cosy, cellar-like setting.

Setting · Indoor · Tapas & fondue

Our tip · The cheese fondue for two is a unique Maldives experience

Supplement · [View menu](https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ConradMaldivesRangaliIsland_Dining_CheeseAndWineBar_CheeseSelection)

Meal Plans

## Dining Inclusions

Four plans from bed-and-breakfast through all-inclusive. Ithaa and Ufaa carry supplements regardless of plan.

| Plan | Restaurants | Alcohol | Minibar | ~pp/day |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bed & Breakfast | Atoll Market (breakfast) | — | — | Included |
| Half Board | BB + dinner at select restaurants | — | — | +$140 |
| Full Board | BB + lunch + dinner | — | — | +$200 |
| All-Inclusive | All restaurants + house beverages | House | — | +$250 |

Bed & Breakfast · Included

Atoll Market (breakfast)

Alcohol—Minibar—

Half Board+$140 pp/day

BB + dinner at select restaurants

Alcohol—Minibar—

Full Board+$200 pp/day

BB + lunch + dinner

Alcohol—Minibar—

All-Inclusive+$250 pp/day

All restaurants + house beverages

Alcohol · House · Minibar—

Meal plan prices are a guide only — generally an average across the year. Resorts can change them at any time, they often vary by season, and a plan sold in one season may not be offered in another. We'll confirm what's available and the exact price for your dates.

Experiences & Activities

## Your Days on the Island

South Ari Atoll is the world's best address for whale sharks — snorkel trips run four mornings a week, a short boat ride out. The PADI 5-Star dive centre, Nemo submarine, and 9-room Spa Retreat with overwater glass-floor pavilion round out a resort that caters to every pace, from adrenaline to absolute stillness.

Water Sports & Diving

PADI 5-Star Dive Centre · South Ari whale sharks · Nemo submarine

PADI 5-Star Dive Centre · Full course progression · Discover Scuba through Divemaster

Whale shark excursions · Snorkel trips four mornings a week · South Ari Atoll is the global hotspot

Nemo submarine tours · Undersea viewing without getting wet — rare in the Maldives

House reef snorkeling · 60%+ coral coverage · reef sharks, turtles, rays from shore

Kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding

Jet ski & motorized water sports

Catamaran sailing

Glass-bottom boat tours

**South Ari Atoll.** South Ari is the world's most reliable year-round whale shark destination. Conrad's PADI 5-Star dive centre runs whale shark snorkel trips four mornings a week alongside a full PADI curriculum from beginner through Divemaster. The Whale Submarine (Nemo) offers undersea tours for non-divers — one of only a handful operating in the Maldives.

Excursions & Cruises

Whale shark snorkeling · dolphin cruises · sandbank picnics

Whale shark snorkeling excursion · South Ari's resident population — encounters nearly every trip

Sunset dolphin cruise · Spinner dolphins · traditional dhoni boat

Sandbank picnic excursion · Private sandbank with champagne hamper

Local island visit · South Ari inhabited islands · markets and local culture

Sunset fishing · Traditional line fishing from a dhoni

Big game fishing · Wahoo, tuna, dorado, barracuda

Night snorkeling · Guided reef tour after dark — bioluminescence and nocturnal species

Manta ray snorkeling · Seasonal excursions to manta cleaning stations

Spa & Wellness

The Spa Retreat · 9 treatment rooms · overwater glass-floor spa pavilion

The Spa Retreat · 9 treatment rooms · overwater glass-floor pavilions

Couples treatment suites

Overwater yoga pavilion · Daily sessions at sunrise and sunset

Balinese & Ayurvedic treatments

Fitness centre · Full gym with ocean views · personal training available

Meditation & breathing sessions

Beauty salon

Hydrotherapy pool

**The Spa Retreat.** The Spa Retreat occupies its own island section with nine treatment rooms including overwater pavilions with glass floors — watch the reef while you're treated. Holistic Balinese and Ayurvedic therapies, couples suites, and a dedicated yoga pavilion on the water's edge.

Sports & Recreation

Tennis · gym · 2 pools · nightly entertainment

2 swimming pools · Main pool and quiet pool on separate islands

Floodlit tennis court

Beach volleyball

Table tennis & billiards

Nightly entertainment · Live bands, Bodu Beru drumming, DJ nights at Rangali Bar

Wine tasting evenings · Sommelier-led sessions in the underground Wine Cellar

Cooking classes · Maldivian and international cuisine workshops

Bicycle rental · Complimentary bikes to explore both islands

Kids & Family

Majaa Kids Club · ages 3–12 · Furaavaru teens · babysitting

Majaa Kids Club · Ages 3–12 · 8:30am–7pm · complimentary

Furaavaru teen programme · Ages 12–16 · snorkeling, photography, island exploration

Marine biology sessions for kids · Guided reef education and conservation activities

Babysitting · $20/hr · advance booking recommended

Children's pool · Shallow pool with supervision

Arts & crafts sessions

Treasure hunts & island adventures

Family snorkeling excursions

**Majaa Kids Club.** Majaa Kids Club runs daily for ages 3 to 12, from 8:30am to 7pm. Activities include marine biology sessions, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and supervised pool time. Furaavaru (ages 12–16) offers snorkeling trips, photography sessions, and island exploration. Babysitting is available at $20 per hour.

Resort Facilities

## What's on the Island

Checked against the resort's own information. If something you need isn't listed, ask us before you book.

- Dive centre
- Underwater restaurant
- Spa
- Gym
- Yoga
- Tennis court
- Kids club
- Teen program
- Wine cellar
- Lounge at Malé airport

Family & Kids

## Family-Friendly Features

Majaa Kids Club (3-12, 8:30am-7pm) covers arts, marine biology, and treasure hunts while Furaavaru gives teens 12-16 their own snorkeling trips and photography sessions. The Two Bedroom Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool and the Two Bedroom Grand Water Villa with Pool both have space for larger families. Babysitting at $20/hr and the Nemo submarine make this a resort where kids genuinely have their own agenda.

Majaa Kids Club

Ages 3-12 · 8:30am–7pm

Babysitting

$20/hr

Shallow Lagoon

Calm, shallow water safe for young children

Teen Program

Dedicated activities for teenagers

Highlights for Kids

Nemo submarine tours · Whale shark snorkeling · Marine biology sessions · Furaavaru teen programme

Family Villa Options

Two Bedroom Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool · Two Bedroom Grand Water Villa with Pool

Snorkeling & Marine Life

## House Reef & Underwater

8.5

Excellent House Reef

Lux Atolls Reef Score · top 10% of Maldives resorts

#### Shore entry · designated points on both islands

Whale shark trips 4 mornings a week · 60%+ coral coverage · reef sharks & turtles

South Ari Atoll is the global epicentre for whale sharks, and Conrad's house reef reflects the richness of the surrounding waters. Over 60% live coral coverage, reef sharks patrolling the drop-off, hawksbill turtles cruising the shallows, and eagle rays on the sandy flats. Whale shark snorkel trips into the nearby channels run four mornings a week — a short boat ride, not a distant excursion. Manta rays visit seasonally. The reef is accessible from shore with designated entry points on both islands.

Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports.

Regularly spotted here (+8)

Reef Sharks

Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks on the house reef drop-off

Sea Turtles

Hawksbill and green turtles — regular sightings while snorkeling

Stingrays

Eagle rays and stingrays on sandy patches near the reef

Tropical Reef Fish

Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish — excellent diversity on 60%+ coral

Octopus

Present on coral formations around both islands

Dolphins

Spinner dolphins on sunset cruises — reliable sightings in South Ari

Whale Sharks

Encounters year-round on the resort's snorkel trips — South Ari is the world's top destination

Manta Rays

Seasonal visitors at cleaning stations within boat range

Getting There

## Transfer from Malé

Thirty-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport, operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA). South Ari Atoll is one of the closer seaplane routes — typically a direct flight with no island-hopping. Return transfer is approximately USD 675 per person.

Seaplane

TMA seaplane

Velana Airport → Rangali Island (30 min)

~$675 pp roundtrip

Seaplane daylight only. Arrivals after ~3:30pm need airport overnight or domestic flight. We arrange both.

Resort island map — Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Our Take

## Who This Resort is For

Reviewed by [Tym Lewtak](https://luxatolls.com/about/), founder of LuxAtolls Updated Nov 01, 2026

Conrad Rangali wrote the modern Maldives playbook: Ithaa Undersea was the prototype for every undersea restaurant that followed, and The Muraka remains the only undersea residence on earth. Add South Ari's whale sharks, a renovated villa portfolio (2022), and seven restaurants spanning teppanyaki to spa cuisine, and the resort justifies its position among the world's most awarded hotels. The dual-island layout gives it a sense of scale few competitors match.

#### Ideal for

- Bucket-list seekers wanting Ithaa Undersea Restaurant — the world's first and most iconic underwater dining experience
- Whale shark enthusiasts — snorkel trips four mornings a week, year-round, with a PADI 5-Star centre on site
- Honeymooners and celebrators — The Muraka underwater bedroom is the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime splurge
- Families who want luxury depth — Majaa kids club, teen programme, and family villas mean children are genuinely catered for

#### Consider elsewhere if

- Budget travellers — villa rates start at $996/night before transfers and meals; this is firmly ultra-luxury territory
- Those wanting a boutique feel — 150 villas across two islands means a large resort footprint and dual-island logistics
- Guests who dislike supplements — Ithaa and Ufaa carry additional charges even on the all-inclusive plan

Why Book Through Lux Atolls

### More Than Just a Booking

What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA

Book with Lux Atolls

Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere

Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships

Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees

Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations

Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot

Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre

No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay

Book Through Others

Published rack rate — no negotiated extras

No package inclusions beyond the standard rate

Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout

Generic customer support with no local knowledge

One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations

Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person

Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process

Frequently Asked Questions

## Conrad Maldives Rangali Island — FAQ

**How do you get to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island?**

By seaplane from Velana International Airport, approximately 30 minutes. Seaplanes operate daylight hours only, so late arrivals may need an airport hotel overnight. Return transfer is approximately USD 675 per person.

**What is Ithaa Undersea Restaurant?**

Ithaa is the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant, sitting 5 metres below the Indian Ocean surface. It seats only 14 guests and serves contemporary European seafood. Booking well in advance is essential as it fills quickly. A supplement applies regardless of meal plan.

**Can you swim with whale sharks at Conrad Maldives?**

Yes. South Ari Atoll is the world's most reliable year-round whale shark destination. The resort runs snorkeling excursions to nearby encounter sites four mornings a week, with sightings on almost every trip. No diving certification required.

**How much does Conrad Maldives cost per night?**

Nightly rates start from approximately USD 996 for a Beach Villa in low season; water and pool villas cost more. Seaplane transfers add approximately USD 675 per person return. Meal plans range from included breakfast to all-inclusive at +$250 per person per day.

**What is The Muraka at Conrad Maldives?**

The Muraka is the world's first undersea hotel residence — a two-level structure with a master bedroom 5 metres below the surface surrounded by the living reef. At 550 sqm with a private pool, it's the resort's ultimate accommodation. Pricing is on request.

Secret Price

tailored to you

Quote Yourself · Get Quote

Get your secret price

Quotes handled by [Tym's team](https://luxatolls.com/about/) of Maldives travel professionals. 24-hour response.

Sending

Quote Request Sent

We'll reply within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing for your dates.

Reference

Check your inbox for a confirmation.

Tailor your trip

Send
