Originally Posted by camdiver

We have made 8 trips to the Maldives since 2008 and 7 to the Conrad. Obviously we love it. We've stayed in over the water villas but prefer the beach villas on the sunrise side. Have stayed in some with a pool but have decided we don't need a pool with such a beautiful beach and ocean. The villas have been redone since our last visit and they are spacious, well designed, and lovely. Service was top notch as always. We had some wifi and phone issues that are going to be addressed in the near future but, hey, we are on vacation and try to stay away from the phones.

Yes the reef is sad compared to the gorgeous reef that we were used to for 6 visits but we saw hopeful signs of new coral growth and even two anemone colonies complete with clownfish and plenty of other fish including good sized black tip sharks cruising by (completely harmless). On our dives we saw beautiful coral, sea fans, etc. once below 10 -15 feet. We have always visited in late February or March but took a chance and did early-mid September for 12 days ( part on points, part cash). Not a drop of rain and we felt it was less humid with a nice breeze most of the time. We went diving everyday except the day before leaving and loved the dive operation. Super service on land and sea. The boat captain we have seen each year and is a true gentleman. Great dive masters and, I think more fish than any previous visit. No mantas (wrong season) and we've seen whale sharks many times before so we didn't go this time but fellow divers reported seeing them. Still some of the best diving anywhere especially paired with the luxuries of the Conrad.

We love Sunset Grill, Uffa and Vilu and ate there most evenings. Ate at Rangali for all breakfasts because of the selection and we always ate early because of catching the dive boat. Didn't do any special dinners as we have before. Had a room service dinner in our villa which was great. I do have two criticisms: Pushing bottled water at the beginning of each meal. We usually had 5-6 bottles of "Conrad" water in the villa. Why can't they offer that water and then if customers want imported water, fine.... .Let them pay for it. We never purchased bottled water. Would rather have beer or wine. Secondly, the closing of Rangali bar for ordering food after 5:45. If you've been physically active all day and don't want to have a full gourmet meal one used to be able to go to the bar at 7-8:00, have a drink and order a burger, fish, or split a pizza and it was wonderful. Can't now and families must have a tough time with little kids. Those are the only two things I would change. We always enjoy the Vilu cocktail hour and mostly walked the bridge back to the villa because of how beautiful the whole place is. We've stayed in beautiful places all over the world after 54 years of marriage and lots of travel but we keep coming back to Rangali and will continue to do so. If you haven't been.........come.