Conrad Maldives
The day has come!!!
Check-in for the Trans-Maldivian Airways (TMA) plane that flies you to Conrad Maldives was at the Arrivals section of the MLE airport. We looked for the Conrad booth amidst the myriad of other resort booths. Once we found them, the attendants there confirmed our reservation and then proceeded to take our luggage and escorted us to the TMA check-in counter to get our boarding passes and tag our hand luggage. No fuss about luggage weight considerations as we had initially feared. At this point, they were not 100% sure yet whether it was going to be a direct flight to Conrad, or what the actual departure time was going to be (only an estimated 930-945am mention). It appears to me that TMA pools as many passengers as they reasonably can in order to really maximize their flight capacity.
We got our boarding passes after about 10 minutes, after which we were then taken by Conrad’s shuttle to the seaplane airport and Conrad lounge to wait for our flight.
Personal shuttle that took us from MLE main airport to the TMA seaplane terminal
Conrad Lounge, Male Seaplane Terminal
Conrad starts to give you hints of what’s to come via their MLE lounge – from the service, to color pallete, space design, and the food offerings – good impressions on us. I also managed to sneak in a 10-minute complimentary chair massage before we were asked to head downstairs to prepare for the flight.
Conrad MLE Lounge entryway
I could stare at this the whole day! Okay maybe just for an hour 
Conrad MLE Lounge - kids play area
After about 1 hour in the lounge, the staff asked the passengers to go downstairs to board. After a sudden downpour held us for 20 minutes longer in the gate area, we were on our way.
Our fearless crew – in shorts and flip flops
It was our first time experiencing a seaplane flight! While noise from the propellers and the smell of jet fuel were expected, taking off from the water was a whole new thing to absorb and marvel at. For those unfamiliar, be also prepared with very ‘cozy’ seating (you will actually get to see the cockpit and pilots if you sit up front, or the luggage if at the rear) and no air conditioning during the 30-minute flight. Maybe CX can fly this route someday?
The views were just amazing!
Without realizing it, we were soon descending to Conrad Maldives. One more new thing for us: the seaplane landing! It was a lot smoother and shorter than we had imagined.
Conrad’s welcome detail - look at them, making us feel important!
After a short taxi, the seaplane headed towards the small welcome port built between the two islands Rangali and Rangalifinolhu, connected on both sides by solidly constructed bridges. The building was large enough to also hold a small lounge and hold lots of luggage.
View from inside the port's waiting area lounge
Our personal concierge introduced himself and welcomed us to the resort, and explained a few details while walking towards the reception area. He offered his card which had his mobile phone number, and encouraged us to call him at any time we needed assistance. Nice, personal touch.
Walkway towards the main reception area at Rangalifinolhu island
Cold towels and pineapple-lemongrass coolers (yum!) were provided as we completed the check in procedures.
Outdoor seating area in front of the main reception
Main reception
Conrad Maldives King Beach Villa
We spent the first 3 nights on a King Beach Villa. Thanks to FTers' suggestions, my earlier request of a 200+ unit was granted; we were assigned 214 which is the middle of a 3-unit set (213 or 215 are “end” units), although we didn’t really notice any issues with this. The walkway and entry porch to villa 214 is shared with 213.
Shared walkway and entry porch
The king beach villa was huge! The drinks/amenities/fridge was located by the entrance door.
There were separate outdoor bath (covered) and shower (open) areas, with a dual vanity section adjacent to it and part of the main villa. The small atrium between the shower/vanity and bedroom sections provided additional natural lighting.
The closet was a good size, although one odd thing about its location is that it’s in the non-air-conditioned section of the villa (atrium, vanities, shower/bath, entryway), but actually had AC vents that did cool it. Because of this, you had to make sure you did not leave the closet doors open, otherwise AC for the whole villa would automatically shut off.
Past the non-AC section would be another door to the bedroom, and along the hallway to it was the water closet.
The bedroom was spacious, and the infamous purple wall was there
Not a big issue in my opinion; it kind of works with the rest of the lime/purple/tropical theme. Both the bed and the seating areas were very comfortable. Outside the bedroom was a patio with tables, 2 cushioned lounge chairs and 2 standard chairs. We also had our own walkway to the house-reef side of the island, but the walkway wasn't 100% private since you can slightly see the walkways of the adjacent villas through the shrubbery, but no big deal.
Walkway from villa 214 towards the beach
As an HH Gold member, fruit, chocolates, and champagne welcomed us. We also got slightly creative with it
When life gives you fruit and champagne, make mimosas!
For those who might find it useful, internet speed was decent, and it was reliable enough.
Next up, the Conrad Maldives King Water Villa...