TravTalk India Online Magazine
Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, shares why the resort is the perfect getaway for Indian travellers looking for a holistic leisure experience, while making sure that they cater to small group business as well.
Nisha Verma
Maldives has reopened for Indians after the devastating second wave of the pandemic, and the island nation is seeing a rush of tourists from the subcontinent again. Agrees Carla Puverel, “India is a key and important market for the Maldives, being an ideal distance for travel and offering travellers a tropical escape in less than 5 hours of flying. At present, the arrivals from India have increased significantly, and August was a positive month for The Maldives, with the Indian market continuing to be one of the country’s top travel hubs.”
Ever since it’s opening, the resort has gained a well-deserved reputation as a pioneer, known for offering exciting and inspiring experiences that enhance the guest experience. Puverel informs, “One of our most exciting editions is The Muraka, a first-of-its-kind residence which sits above and below the surface of the Indian Ocean, with the master suite located underwater. It’s this kind of experimental approach that sets Conrad Maldives Rangali Island apart.”
The resort offers a twin island experience set across Rangali and Rangali-Finolhu. “There are unforgettable offerings, including the mesmerising sight of Manta Rays at night from the 500m bridge, Whale Sharks, marine life, corals, naturally pristine beaches, spacious villas and the total seclusion and privacy that affluent travellers often seek. We also offer an extensive choice of 12 dining options including the award-winning Ithaa, the world’s first undersea dining restaurant,” she shares.
To promote it further in the Indian market, Puverel shares that they have diverse activities and excursions on offer, and lots of entertainment on the resort. “We are extremely active on social media, run various digital campaigns and host many virtual tours for our partners. Our hotel representation in India through ISA Tourism Pvt Ltd, is actively engaged in ensuring that we build strong relationships with our travel partners in India.
For M!CE, they have had queries for small niche groups for late 2021 and in 2022 as of now. Puverel says, “If we can address them and welcome the small niche groups, we will. YPO from India has always been a great supporter to the Maldives.”
Meanwhile there has been the addition of new Deluxe beach villas and Grand water villas. “They have elevated and enhanced our resort and villa product. They are far bigger, have high ceilings for added sense of space, and bring elements of the area’s natural beauty into our guests’ living space. The furnishings have been refreshed to be more relevant, and the space has an increased sense of seclusion – it has proven incredibly popular with our guests and, as a result, we have seen a significant upswing in private dinners in the villas on the beach or the deck overlooking the water,” shares Puverel.
Rangali Island will be relaunched at the end of December. “It is our all-water villa adult Island, and will be popular with the Indian market for honeymoons and extended weekend getaways. The ‘Teens club’ is opening in December.” she announces.
