You’ve seen the photos. A glass-domed bedroom submerged under the Indian Ocean, where a shark casually glides over your pillow. It looks like a CGI render from a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually just Tuesday at Conrad Rangali Maldives Island.
Honestly, most people think this place is just about the "underwater thing." They see the Instagram clips of Ithaa or The Muraka and assume the rest of the resort is just a backdrop for those two viral spots. That’s a mistake. After the massive multi-year renovations that wrapped up recently, the island—or rather, the two islands—has become a lot more complex than a one-trick pony for underwater selfies.
If you’re planning a trip in 2026, the landscape has changed. Prices are up, the "family versus adults" divide is sharper, and the sustainability push is no longer just a brochure footnote. It’s a real-deal operation.
The Two-Island Identity Crisis (And Why It Works)
Most Maldivian resorts are a single speck of sand. Conrad Rangali is a bit of a rebel. It’s actually two distinct islands connected by a 500-meter wooden bridge that feels like a treadmill with a better view.
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Rangali-Finolhu is the big one. This is the "family island." It’s where the action is: the main pool, the kids' club, and most of the restaurants. If you have kids under 12, this is your home base.
Then there’s Rangali Island. This is the smaller, quieter, adults-only sibling. It’s where the water villas live. If you’re looking for "quiet luxury" where the only sound is the water lapping at the stilts, this is where you stay. The resort is pretty strict about this; guests under 16 aren't allowed in the water villas on this side, with very few exceptions like the Rangali Ocean Pavilion.
What it Really Costs to Sleep with Sharks
Let’s talk about The Muraka. This is the world’s first underwater residence. It’s a two-level architectural flex that cost about $15 million to build.
Staying here isn't just "expensive"—it's "sell-your-startup" expensive. In 2026, you’re looking at roughly $15,000 to $50,000 per night depending on the season and the package. For that price, you get a private butler, a chef, your own gym, and a dedicated speedboat.
Is it worth it?
If you have the money, sure. The master bedroom is five meters below sea level. There’s something deeply humbling about watching a manta ray while you’re brushing your teeth. But for the rest of us, the "budget" way to see the fish is booking a lunch at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant.
Expect to pay around $240 for lunch or $390 for dinner. It only seats 14 people. You need to book at least two weeks out—honestly, make it a month if you're going during peak season. They’ve kept the menu tight: Maldivian lobster with vanilla beurre blanc and Wagyu tenderloin with truffle jus are the heavy hitters.
The 2026 Reality Check: Logistics and Hidden Costs
The Maldives isn't a "show up and relax" kind of place. The logistics can be a headache if you don't prep.
- The Seaplane: You don't just walk out of the airport and into your villa. It’s a 30-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport. It costs about $700 per adult for a return trip. It’s beautiful, but it's an extra cost often buried in the fine print.
- The New Year’s Tax: If you’re there for New Year’s Eve 2026, be prepared for the compulsory gala dinner. It’s roughly $1,093 per adult. You’re paying for the experience, the fireworks, and the sheer audacity of being in the middle of the ocean on Dec 31st.
- The Drone Rule: Like many high-end resorts, they have a strict drone policy to protect privacy. If you were planning on getting that epic overhead shot for your YouTube channel, check with the staff first. They usually have designated spots or times.
The Renovation Shift
The recent 2024/2025 renovations changed the "vibe" of the standard villas. They moved away from the heavy, dark woods of the early 2000s and went for something much lighter and more Mediterranean-meets-Maldivian.
The Grand Water Villas now feature private whirlpools and huge sundecks with direct lagoon access. One thing guests often miss: some of the renovated Beach Villas actually removed the bathtubs in favor of massive open-air rain showers. If you’re a "bath person," double-check your room category before you commit.
Sustainability isn't a Suggestion Anymore
Conrad Maldives has gone surprisingly hard on the eco-stuff lately. They’ve partnered with Parley for the Oceans to kill off single-use plastics. You’ll get a stainless steel water bottle and a tote bag made from intercepted ocean plastic when you arrive.
They also have a coral nursery near the dive center. You can actually "adopt" a coral frame. A marine biologist helps you attach fragments to a structure, and they send you photos of it growing over the years. It’s a cool way to feel less guilty about the carbon footprint of that seaplane ride.
Actionable Tips for your Trip
If you’re serious about Conrad Rangali Maldives Island, don’t just book the first overwater villa you see.
- Split your stay. Spend three nights in a Beach Villa (better snorkeling access and lush jungle vibes) and three nights in an Overwater Villa (the classic Maldives dream).
- Use Hilton Honors points. This is one of the best value-for-points properties in the world. Even if you can't book The Muraka with points, a standard room can often be snagged for 120,000 points, which is a steal compared to the $1,200+ cash rate.
- Check the whale shark season. The resort is in the South Ari Atoll, which is one of the best spots to see whale sharks year-round. Book a snorkeling excursion specifically for this—it’s more life-changing than the underwater restaurant, honestly.
- Pack "Smart Casual." The dress code at Ithaa is smart, but everywhere else is "barefoot luxury." You don't need heels. Most people spend the week in linen and flip-flops.
The island is a balancing act. It tries to be a family playground and a romantic sanctuary at the same time. Usually, that fails, but because of the physical bridge between the two islands, Conrad actually pulls it off. Just make sure you pick the right side of the bridge for your sanity.
To get the most out of your stay, contact the resort's "Island Hosts" via email at least 30 days before arrival to secure your Ithaa reservations and coordinate your seaplane timing with your international flight.