Originally Posted by MaldivesFreak

I don't know about the percentage of resorts built within the last 5 or 6 years (and there are a lot of new resorts being built, from about 2015 there were plans for more than 20) but before that 95% of them were not man-made. The major exception being the One & Only.

As for Rangali, you've been there, haven't you?

Originally Posted by Traveler Dave

That is funny and un-informed. The price may be outrageous, but the yacht we took is anything but outdated.

Originally Posted by MaldivesFreak

Hmmm.....if you want a natural setting, choose Rangali (the Waldorf is 95% man-made. See the discussion a few pages back).
If you want variety and overwater experiences for your F&B, choose Rangali. The Waldorf has its fair share of 'interesting' dining options but none fully over water (Rangali has 2 + under water as well), some tacky, a ripoff and a bit silly unless you happen to be a bird (Terra, see the wiki for conversations about this venue). Jasmeen has mixed reviews, some say great, some say cheap imitation. Everything that Rangali has to offer is of much more substance and classy, and hey, it has beach dinners too (more than 3 options!).
If you want brand new and much better accommodations, choose the Waldorf (except if you're well off enough to stay at the Muraka, LOL!).
If you want consistently great service choose Rangali (although you may strike it lucky at the Waldorf like @alanslegal did). Remember, it's a new resort and even by November the consistency may not be up to true Waldorf standard.
The transfer fee is, in your case, reasonable, and that won't leave you feeling gouged. Pretty important for a honeymoon, however Rangali has the seaplane ride which you'll love - there's the Wow! factor because it really is spectacular flying over the atolls for an hour.
Rangali has a free Congratulations dinner (marriage cert not older than one year needed). Not sure about the Waldorf.
And finally, overall, the pricing is pretty overboard at the Waldorf if you really look into it and compare the two. At Rangali you'll feel much more relaxed about everything price-wise.

If I wasn't on a honeymoon and had been to this kind of place (semi-private / uncrowded tropical island destination) before and I had high standards for accommodation and I didn't care about money, I'd choose the Waldorf. If I were in your position, I'd make sure I'd choose the place that would give me the best and most consistent experience possible, and at this point in time Rangali would win easily. And as a bonus you'll be saving quite a lot of money and, in most areas, getting more bang for you buck in the process.

Hope that helps. If you end up deciding on the Conrad and want a dining plan for it let me know and I'll make one up for you.
Whatever you choose I wish you have a great time. Oh, and see the Rangali thread for how to arrange your international flights to maximize your time on the islands. Add a few nights to your itinerary if you can. 5 nights will fly by!

Originally Posted by jphripjah

I've stayed at Conrad Rangali twice and WA Ithaafushi once and I took a stab at comparing them in this post. I recommend getting a confirmation from the resort that you're getting the reduced transfer rate and printing that out in case the staff tries to charge you the full price at check out, as they did with me.





This certainly was not my impression, having been to both properties. Peacock Alley at WA Ithaafushi is more upscale and classier than Rangali Bar and Tasting Table is classier and in a more serene setting than Atoll Market. Atoll Market is very close to the ping pong table and water sports stuff and often has kids running around and just isn't that classy. The reviews of Glow and The Ledge have been very good and that was my personal experience also. I think most people who have been to both resorts would disagree that all the F&B offerings at Rangali are of much more substance and classy.