[ARCHIVE 2014 to 2017] Conrad Maldives Rangali Island {MDV}
#31
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
LOL! I don't think CM knows about the 5km-long coral graveyard that is the entire Western region of the lagoon. We never saw people snorkelling or swimming outside any of those villas without some kind of bouyancy aid as if you aren't wearing one and you try and stop for a rest and let your feet touch the bottom you're gonna be sorry, hence my little road from the aforementioned graveyard back to #339 came in pretty useful. My girlfriend isn't a good swimmer and the life jacket gave her confidence but having sharp coral everywhere around you with the thought of "I mustn't let my feet touch the bottom under any circumstances!" *pant* *pant* didn't help in any way whatsoever, that I can assure you.
Take 'em. They're very light and don't take up much space at all so you won't regret it. Actually, you don't need sandals at all as CR has them in each villa. It's barefoot on land all the way so you only need the one pair of shoes for the trip to and from the US/Can. Which villa(s) have you got booked, Fredd?
Take 'em. They're very light and don't take up much space at all so you won't regret it. Actually, you don't need sandals at all as CR has them in each villa. It's barefoot on land all the way so you only need the one pair of shoes for the trip to and from the US/Can. Which villa(s) have you got booked, Fredd?
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Jan 3, 2014 at 9:39 am
#32
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,486
Take 'em. They're very light and don't take up much space at all so you won't regret it. Actually, you don't need sandals at all as CR has them in each villa. It's barefoot on land all the way so you only need the one pair of shoes for the trip to and from the US/Can. Which villa(s) have you got booked, Fredd?
#33
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Sorry, I wasn't very clear on that. I meant which type of villa(s) have you booked?
#34
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,486
#35
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Ok, so there's roughly a 50-50 chance you'll be on the sunset-facing (Western) side of the lagoon that I mentioned above. Check out the map if you want to have a look at where those particular villas (315-330) are.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6ifxa2nf6...20Map.pdf?dl=0
Enjoy your trip!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6ifxa2nf6...20Map.pdf?dl=0
Enjoy your trip!
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Oct 29, 2015 at 10:15 am Reason: Link updated
#36
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,486
Ok, so there's roughly a 50-50 chance you'll be on the sunset-facing (Western) side of the lagoon that I mentioned above. Check out the map if you want to have a look at where those particular villas (315-330) are.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/us0dvrflf...d%20Map_v5.pdf
Enjoy your trip!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/us0dvrflf...d%20Map_v5.pdf
Enjoy your trip!
#38
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: Lots, some no/low status some high status, can't be bothered to list them :-)
Posts: 1,951
#39
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: IAH TX USA
Programs: AA PLT LT & 2MM, HH D, MAR PLT EL LT
Posts: 484
I never received an offer to upgrade. I did check inventory, but it appears that the resort is sold out for my dates.
Is anyone else there Feb 2 to 10?
Is anyone else there Feb 2 to 10?
#40
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: HH Diamond, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 549
Can someone describe the dress codes for CM? Like what do you guys wear to breakfast and dinner? If different restaurants and special dining events have different policies, please let me know.
Thanks
Thanks
#41
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Men must wear long trousers to Ithaa. Other restaruants don't have a strict dresscode however they advise not to wear swimwear...not that you would.
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Jan 5, 2014 at 9:18 pm
#42
Company Representative - Conrad Maldives
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Rangali Island, South Ari Atoll, The Maldives
Posts: 394
Essentially, swimwear belongs on the beach/poolside only and never in any restaurants at any time. During the day, if you want to eat after swimming, then shorts/t-shirts or a beach coverup dress/sarong (not too see-through) are fine.
In the daytime, shorts, t-shirts etc are fine in all restaurants except Ithaa where we'd prefer people to dress up a little more.
In the evening, no shorts.
In Vilu, Mandhoo, Sunset Grill, Ithaa, Koko Grill and the Wine Cellar, we'd prefer long trousers and shirts rather than t-shirts (although I know tailored shorts tend to be allowed too).
Bare feet are fine in all restaurants at all times, with the exception of the Wine Cellar where you'll need a pair of sandals or similar because it's cold down there. We'll give you fluffy slippers if you forget to bring a pair with you.
For gentlemen, jacket and tie are never required anywhere, unless you really want to but bear in mind almost of all our restaurants are outdoor or open to the outside and therefore not air conditioned and it's still a good 27 degrees and humid at night.
For ladies, the choice of dinner wear is wide open and we see everything from beautiful, full length designer gowns to linen trousers and a casual top.
In an ideal world, people would dress up a little in the evenings because this is a luxury resort, but there's no absolute, definitive dress code because it all depends.
#44
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SAN, DFW
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 307
My wife and I dressed appropriately for Ithaa for lunch as we had been advised to do. We were extremely disappointed to find that 75% of the other guests that day were in swimwear, board shorts, t-shirts, bikini tops etc. No one said a word to them about their dress.
#45
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK oop north
Programs: BMI Diamond Club RIP,BAEC Silver
Posts: 1,692
Half Time Score
Just a few notes from the sun lounger on the deck of our Water Villa by way of a half time report if you like! We are halfway through our stay so time to contribute a few of our thoughts. Incidentally , if anyone has any question about a standard OWV please PM me in the next day or so and I’ll happily try and answer any Q’s whilst in residence to speak.
Reservation
7 nights on points std beach villa pre devaluation. Asked about confirmed upgrade 3 months ago and accepted the offer. Requested end sunset villa and request satisfied on arrival, thanks to suggestions from all on this.
Arrival
We preceded CM with 12 days touring in Sri Lanka and were due to catch BA2042 from CMB to MLE with a STA of 1525. No problem I thought……. Before Breakfast at the Hilton CMB I checked our BA flight….. a delay of 2 hours with an email confirming a new check in close of 1530 at CMB… Now with the onset of a mild panic attack I emailed CM res asking if we would be ok for an evening domestic flight or whether I should try for seats on an earlier UL flight
Usaid emailed back in less than 10mins to advise no evening dom flight that day, it does not run every day! Perhaps an amend for the sticky. Latest Dom Flight was 1735 so we would likely have to overnight at MLE unless we could change to UL. We managed to get seats on the 1345 UL flight and hot footed it to the airport and got here no problem, much kudos to Usaid here as I was assuming incorrectly that we could have made it same day with an evening dom flight and speedboat. Incidentally, I phoned and emailed BA that morning, couldn’t get through on the phone , endless queue and no email response yet. The usual lousy BA customer service response time.
On arrival the CM rep whisked us to the CM lounge after a long sticky wait at immigration,carousel and Xray check and we were on a seaplane within the hour. Met at the dock by Anees who tookus on a buggy to the main reception and gave us a lengthy intro…. I knew virtually all he imparted through reading every page of this thread these last 9 months! Nofault of his tho’.Then back across the bridge to our OWV where another reception desk was pointed out to us as we passed by.This is where Anees is evidently based. I wonder why check in doesn’t take placehere?
The Villa
Where to start? Having never stayed in a hut above the waves before, we are blown away. Neither of us is easily impressed but we are so glad we upgraded all nights from beach villa. The privacy,view,sealife from your deck, snorkelling with masses of reef fish and a turtle,fab! The Villa itself is finished to a very high standard and the housekeeping is impeccable with the staff helpful and friendly.
The Resort
It really is 2 resorts, one island (ours) 5 star and one the main island 4 star. The main island is busier and the beach villas in close proximity with the sunrise beach rather poor with concrete breakwaters and no afternoon sun. Lagoon side is much better. The interior is also fairly densely packed with services and the staff accommodation. A boring walk inland on the main island to and from reception I reckon. The little island is by comparison tranquillity and stunning views everwhere.
Anyway enough for now, off for a snorkel
Reservation
7 nights on points std beach villa pre devaluation. Asked about confirmed upgrade 3 months ago and accepted the offer. Requested end sunset villa and request satisfied on arrival, thanks to suggestions from all on this.
Arrival
We preceded CM with 12 days touring in Sri Lanka and were due to catch BA2042 from CMB to MLE with a STA of 1525. No problem I thought……. Before Breakfast at the Hilton CMB I checked our BA flight….. a delay of 2 hours with an email confirming a new check in close of 1530 at CMB… Now with the onset of a mild panic attack I emailed CM res asking if we would be ok for an evening domestic flight or whether I should try for seats on an earlier UL flight
Usaid emailed back in less than 10mins to advise no evening dom flight that day, it does not run every day! Perhaps an amend for the sticky. Latest Dom Flight was 1735 so we would likely have to overnight at MLE unless we could change to UL. We managed to get seats on the 1345 UL flight and hot footed it to the airport and got here no problem, much kudos to Usaid here as I was assuming incorrectly that we could have made it same day with an evening dom flight and speedboat. Incidentally, I phoned and emailed BA that morning, couldn’t get through on the phone , endless queue and no email response yet. The usual lousy BA customer service response time.
On arrival the CM rep whisked us to the CM lounge after a long sticky wait at immigration,carousel and Xray check and we were on a seaplane within the hour. Met at the dock by Anees who tookus on a buggy to the main reception and gave us a lengthy intro…. I knew virtually all he imparted through reading every page of this thread these last 9 months! Nofault of his tho’.Then back across the bridge to our OWV where another reception desk was pointed out to us as we passed by.This is where Anees is evidently based. I wonder why check in doesn’t take placehere?
The Villa
Where to start? Having never stayed in a hut above the waves before, we are blown away. Neither of us is easily impressed but we are so glad we upgraded all nights from beach villa. The privacy,view,sealife from your deck, snorkelling with masses of reef fish and a turtle,fab! The Villa itself is finished to a very high standard and the housekeeping is impeccable with the staff helpful and friendly.
The Resort
It really is 2 resorts, one island (ours) 5 star and one the main island 4 star. The main island is busier and the beach villas in close proximity with the sunrise beach rather poor with concrete breakwaters and no afternoon sun. Lagoon side is much better. The interior is also fairly densely packed with services and the staff accommodation. A boring walk inland on the main island to and from reception I reckon. The little island is by comparison tranquillity and stunning views everwhere.
Anyway enough for now, off for a snorkel