Known for some of the best beaches in the world, the Republic of Maldives is the ideal romantic destination for an unforgettable honeymoon. Wander barefoot along reef-fringed beaches in the shade of tropical coconut palms or intermittent sandbars to truly appreciate the country’s breathtaking beauty. Soft white sand, warm turquoise waters and hypnotic panoramas form inimitable picture-postcard-perfection.
The Maldives is a nation of almost 1,200 islands that cross the equator covering 90,000 square kilometres, of which less than 300 square kilometres is dry land. The islands form a double chain of 26 atolls. From above, they form verdant tropical crowns surrounded by white sandy beaches and clear shallow waters that plunge to the darkest blue and hundreds of metres.
The magic of the Maldives is not only above water; it’s home to five per cent of the planet’s reefs and several UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves. The magnificent underwater gardens burst with life, endless tropical fishes, brightly coloured soft and hard corals, and large pelagics such as the graceful manta rays and giant whale sharks. Whale sharks grow to well over 12 metres and are instantly recognisable by their docile nature, broad, flat heads and white and grey checkerboard skin.
The country depends on healthy reefs and ecosystems. Conservation efforts are in place to protect the increasingly fragile environment and rich biodiversity, including designated nature reserves to protect mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Several resorts manage their own programmes that promote reef regeneration and rehabilitation of turtles.
Tradition and island living have shaped the unique culture of the Maldives. Their delicious cuisine uses the local natural ingredients of fish and coconut. The Maldivians are master boat-builders, and the traditional dhoni has developed from extensive journeys to and from Sri Lanka and the various sea conditions. Dhivehi is the spoken language, an Indo-Aryan language with its origins in Sanskrit. Thaana, their script, was developed from Arabic numerals in the 1500s.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali is a unique resort that will leave you with unforgettable honeymoon memories. The twin island is located in the South Ari Atoll, renowned for its abundant flora and fauna and inspiring surroundings. The resort is a true explorers playground surrounded by some of the best diving and snorkelling in the country; you’ll find whale sharks, dancing manta rays, dolphins and turtles on almost every trip. The friendly and intuitive Maldivian team provides you with the very best service connecting you with modern-day luxury and distinctive culture.
The impressive surroundings never disappoint; it was the first resort to sustainably build stilted over-lagoon villas. Conrad Maldives features 151 beautifully designed villas and is also home to The Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence. The resort has an extensive collection of overwater, beach and pool villas; if you want a completely unique stay, you can choose to stay in more than one room type to experience the essence of the Maldives. A 500-metre bridge links the peaceful Rangali island to the more spirited Rangali-Finolhu Island. For complete lavish privacy and wellness, you can also stay in the Spa Retreat, an overwater destination villa, 100 metres from the tip of the main island.
Ithaa is the underwater restaurant entirely submerged by the Indian Ocean with 180-degree panoramic views of the vibrant coral gardens and inquisitive marine life. The underground wine cellar houses over 15,000 bottles and 950 labels of perfectly temperature-controlled wines. Celebrity chef Jeremy Leung helms the first truly authentic Chinese restaurant in the Maldives. There are numerous multi-award-winning beach dining venues featuring the best local and international cuisine across the two islands.
The Maldives affords you the ultimate in sea-based activities. Just 25-minutes by boat, you can swim with the gentle yet mighty whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, one of the few places in the world you can see them year-round. The resort has a luxury yacht for snorkelling safaris and a search for endangered turtles, pods of playful dolphins and shoals of marine life. You can visit local islands to experience some of the local ‘coral’ architecture, open-air classrooms and authentic island living.
Enjoy each other, the white sandy beaches, guaranteed sunsets, and a little spot of Mother Nature’s magic.
For more information, please visit https://www.conradmaldives.com/.
