Luxury escape in Maldives

Carla Puverel, General Manager, Conrad Maldives, shares that after extensive refurbishment, they will soon be ready to welcome guests at Rangali Island, their adults-only island. It will be big attraction for the Indian market.They will also be opening a teen club after revamping the kids’ club.

Nisha Verma

Carla Puverel mentions the relaunch of Rangali, which is their adults-only island with 50 water villas, of which 38 will have swimming pools and 12 have whirlpools. “These are the first water villas in the Maldives, built 27 years ago. They are undergoing extensive refurbishment and renovation. We should have them open by the December end or early January.”

Activities for Indians

Puverel shares, “A lot of Indian travellers love jet skis and water sports. There are also new eFoils, electric surfboards with a motor and a paddle boarding too. Also, we do many cooking classes and cocktail mixing. The adults-only bar, swimming pool, and beach are in high demand. We are also opening a teen club after revamping the kids’ club. ”

Travel agent engagement

For travel agents, Conrad Maldives does many virtual Fam trips. “It’s really important, as it allows us to show them the property and walk them through, as opposed to a general presentation with slides, “she adds.

They also have Indian chefs and meet all types of dietary requirements. “We have a tandoori station in our main restaurant. We can prepare different items for breakfast, and tailor-made menus. ‘Ithaa’ undersea restaurant is in demand by the Indian market. It’s the first underwater restaurant in the world with a special menu, and we can pair it with wine or mocktails, “Puverel offers.

Different experiences

Puverel believes that the location of the resort is their main USP. “We are very close to Whale sharks, which can be spotted all year round. Also, one can watch manta rays from now till July, standing on the bridge between the two islands, which is an amazing experience. Our main draw card would be our 12 restaurants, particularly for the Indian market, which likes options, variety, and space, ” she claims.

Among the many experiences, Puverel claims that the whale shark trip in the area is special. “Swimming with these gentle giants is a bucket list experience. One can dive or even snorkel with them. We are reinventing all the time and we work a lot with our marine biologist, who does many activities for the kids too,” she reveals.

M!CE and business

While the property doesn’t have meeting rooms, they do cater to niche groups as well as M!CE. “Out of India, we will be looking at YPO groups or small incentives, which may start again from mid-January next year, “she shares.

New developments

They will also relaunch their spa, along with a new gym and an outdoor area with battle ropes and TRX. “It will be a more interactive gym. There will be a focus on wellness, but we will go beyond yoga and stretching,” she adds.

Puverel also says, “The Muraka is a first-of-its-kind, three-bedroom, two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged five metres below sea level. It’s something special and tailor-made. We have a lot of last-minute travel, especially from India, where people come in their private jets. She adds that the Muraka is ideal for one-of-a-kind experience.