The Maldives have always been on my bucket list. With several Hilton free night certificates and a nice stash of points, I was able to snag 4 nights at standard award rates at the Conrad Maldives Rangali. While the nights were free, the cost of the seaplane transfer from the main airport and dinner were quite expensive. Overall, Jen and I had a wonderful time in this Island Paradise. From swimming with reef sharks to seeing a giant manta ray at night, here’s the full review!
Booking
As previously mentioned, I was able to snag 4 nights using a combination of free night certificates and points. I had 3 free night award certificates that I had previously earned from my Hilton Amex Business Card which no longer offers this perk and a sign up bonus on the personal no-fee Amex Hilton card. The remaining night cost 120,000 Hilton points which is the standard award rate at the property. If you’re booking on points, Hilton offers a fifth night free perk which can provide exceptional value.
As a side note, overwater bungalows are considered standard rooms at this property which is not the case at many other popular properties in the Maldives. If you’re visiting for the first time, the overwater bungalow experience is a must.
Arrival
Upon arriving at Male International Airport, Jen and I were greeted by the Conrad staff who took us to the local seaplane airport which contained a Conrad lounge. Seaplane transfers to Rangali cost a whopping $680 per person, but luckily I had an Amex offer for Conrad properties which saved me a couple hundred dollars. The seaplane transfer is a quick 40 minute flight.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the staff who provided refreshments including coconut water before leading us over the check in area. The Conrad Maldives Rangali is made up of 3 Islands with one reserved for the staff. Check in was located on the main Island of Rangalifinolhu which contained mostly land villas, while I ended up staying on Rangali Island. Since the Island can be pretty vast, there’s a complimentary buggy service that can take you anywhere on the property.
The Room
Jen and I ended up getting a sunrise bungalow on the secluded Island of Rangali. The sunrise villas face the other Island making the area in between both Islands a solid place to snorkel. I ended up hopping into the ocean almost every day straight from our bungalow.
The views from our room were spectacular and we were able to see a variety of marine life right below our bungalow. From sand crabs to black tip sharks, I was completely mesmerized by the abundance of aquatic life.
The room has a deck with an outdoor shower, several recliner seats, a staircase that takes you directly to the ocean, and a small dipping pool.
Amenities
There are multiple outdoor swimming pools — including infinity pools and a kids’ pool — plus a private beach with sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach-side activities like yoga or volleyball.
For wellness and relaxation, the resort offers a full-service spa (including over-water spa villas), a 24/7 fitness center with gym and yoga/fitness classes, and spa treatments from massages to facials. Adventure and leisure-lover perks include a watersports center offering scuba-diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, paddle boarding and many other ocean activities, plus boat tours and excursions to explore the marine environment.
Many of the amenities come at a cost, but you get free snorkel, paddle board, and kayak rentals. During our stay, Jen and I snorkeled several times. We also did a quick paddleboard session. Whether it’s a paid activity or just swimming in the reef, the beauty of the Maldives is simply breathtaking.
Dining
At the Conrad Maldives, you’re stuck on a pair of connect Island with limited dining options. While there are options for the big spender, I will recap every spot. During our Visit, Jen and I only tried a few places for dinner, while eating at the Atoll Market for their breakfast buffet.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
The world’s first all-glass underwater restaurant 16 feet below sea level, surrounded by coral reefs and marine life. Ithaa is not for the faint of heart as you can expect to pay easily over $300 per person. For those with Hilton points to spare, you can book a cocktail hour for 25,000 points per person. This isn’t great value, but better than cash rates for dinner.
Ufaa by Jereme Leung
Offers authentic Chinese cuisine inspired by the distinctive provinces of China curated by celebrity chef Jereme Leung.
Koko
A Japanese-inspired dining venue, offering a multi-course experience (often a prix-fixe or Omakase) .
🌅 Relaxed & Scenic Dining
Sunset Grill
Known for fresh seafood and prime steaks, grilled to perfection, often with local fish and premium imported meats (Angus/Wagyu). Located over water with balconies/pavilions — provides beautiful sunset views over the Indian Ocean, giving a relaxed yet refined vibe.
Jen and I ate here one night and the food was good with a big bill. Expect dinner to cost around $100 per person. We enjoyed our dinner here and had nothing but great things to say about the food and staff. Overall I think Sunset Grill is a great place for a pricier yet bougie experience.
Atoll Market
The Atoll Market serves a breakfast every morning that is well done and offers a plethora of Western, Asian, and local options. With the sand beneath your toes, you can enjoy the scenic morning with a complete breakfast and a variety of delicious yet refreshing fruits.
Vilu Restaurant & Bar
An Italian dining spot that also doubles as a Happy Hour or Canapes area for Hilton Elites, Jen and I snacked at Vilu every afternoon. Sitting a quick 10 minute walk from our room, Vilu offers fresh seafood with an Italian twist plus other classic Italian fixes. With splendid views and the sound of soft waves rolling onto the beach, Vilu is a great option.
Mandhoo
A tranquil over-water venue delivering health- or wellness-oriented cuisine, using organic or sustainably sourced ingredients often lighter but creative dishes. Ideal for a more relaxed, health-conscious meal at lunch or dinner — especially if you prefer balanced, thoughtful dishes rather than indulgent feasts.
🌙 Rangali Bar: Beach, Bar & Casual Meal Options (Laid-back & Social)
Poolside / beach-side bar with a relaxed vibe: cocktails, light meals or snacks, great for lunch, drinks, or casual evenings. Ideal when you want something low-key like a budget friendly dinner. Jen and I ate dinner here one night and it was more fast casual. If you’re planning to eat at any spot on the property, water is not free and can cost upwards of $15 a bottle.
Final Thoughts
Jen and I spent four unforgettable nights at the Conrad Maldives Rangali, booked using a mix of Hilton free night certificates and points, with overwater bungalows available as a standard award room. While the seaplane transfer and dining were pricey, the island’s beauty more than justified the splurge. From the moment we arrived, the staff made everything seamless, guiding us through the Conrad lounge and onto a quick 40-minute flight before we settled into our serene sunrise villa with direct ocean access, stunning marine life below, and a private deck perfect for daily swims. The resort offered abundant amenities—from pools and a full spa to complimentary snorkel and paddleboard rentals—and we spent our days exploring reefs, encountering reef sharks, and even spotting a giant manta at night. Dining ranged from ultra-premium experiences like Ithaa Undersea Restaurant and Koko to relaxed spots like Sunset Grill, Vilu, and Rangali Bar, each with great service but premium prices. Overall, despite the high costs, our stay was an incredible island-paradise experience filled with luxury, adventure, and unforgettable moments.
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