Featured
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island unveils first look following expansive multi-million dollar renovation
As the Maldives celebrates its 50th anniversary as a tourist destination this year, one of the idyllic islands’ first luxury resorts, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island officially unveils its extensive renovation with never-before-seen spaces offering beautifully reimagined accommodations including 50 new overwater villas, as well as food & beverage venues and Over-water Spa.
Following an extensive multi-year redevelopment, the resort’s now-complete refurbishments elevate Conrad Maldives Rangali Islands’ signature hospitality with thoughtful experiences and refreshed interiors.
Reputed for forward-thinking innovation in the design space as home to the world’s first underwater residence, the Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s refreshed offerings continue to showcase impeccable design capabilities that put a spotlight on the unique natural surroundings of the South Ari Atoll.
As part of its Grand Relaunch, guests of the twin-island resort can expect:
- 50 refreshed Overwater Villas in Rangali Island
- Revamped Over-water Spa and brand new Gym
- Elevated dining experiences with makeovers to three celebrated restaurants and bars
- Brand new Teens Club and enhanced Kids Club
- Overwater Villas in Rangali Island
The 50 refreshed overwater villas on the Rangali Island side of the resort have been revitalised to include stylish new interiors, combining integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to a private sun deck.
The updated villas demonstrate the resort’s signature style of simplicity and laid-back luxury through clean lines and muted tones that emphasise the breath-taking surrounding landscape.
Offering a minimalist aesthetic, the interior design gives the space a natural, bright, and airy feel intended to focus on the beauty just outside of the villa. Neutral hues and natural textures come together to highlight the stunning azure blues of the surrounding South Ari Atoll, and an open floor plan structure offers unparalleled views from every room. Exposed beams and matching wooden ceiling fans in the space are layered with various woodwork throughout augmenting the feeling of openness and elevating the classic Maldivian overwater villa, which originated at the hotel. Large mirrors are used throughout to maximise light and reflect the gorgeous scenery.
Characterised by spaces that transition naturally from indoors to outdoors, renovated villas offer brand new furnishings, appliances and reimagined interior architecture that elevates the hotel’s already-top notch accommodations. Promoting a sense of harmony with the environment, the new design aims to awaken but not overwhelm the senses and provide absolute privacy and exclusivity.
Over-water Spa
The new Conrad Maldives Over-water Spa preserves the overall look and feel of the celebrated spa while offering refreshed reception and treatment areas alongside brand new indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces.
The first of its kind to open in the Maldives, the Over-water Spa offers a fully immersive experience from start to finish, invigorating mind, body and soul through practices from soulful mediation to therapeutic pampering. As a result of the renovations, the passage between the resort and the spa will seamlessly transition guests through a portal into an open-air cocoon of wellness and elevated consciousness for a truly alchemizing experience.
In collaboration with ISUN, Conrad Maldives’ Over-water Spa has created an exclusive treatment offering comprised of 17 rituals inspired by the unique setting, bringing guests to a higher state of consciousness and wellbeing through connection with the natural environment.
To bring the vision of the refreshed spa to life, Conrad Maldives worked with Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, acclaimed firm that is celebrated for their work in hospitality and wellness design. For the interior design, Conrad Maldives once again partnered with Tokyo-born, New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki, who was the designer of the resort’s Muraka residence, the world’s first underwater villa.
In addition to the spa, a brand new and fully equipped gym will be available at the adults only island.
Restaurants and Bars
The hotel’s restaurants and bars have been thoughtfully enhanced to consider guest experience above all else. The renovated dining venues include Atoll Market, an all-day dining buffet restaurant featuring live cooking stations, Rangali Bar, a relaxed social hub offering lunch, dinner or cocktails, and Vilu Restaurant at Rangali Island, an open-air restaurant located on the edge of the lagoon.
Kids & Teens Clubs
Now offering expanded and refreshed facilities for guests across all generations, the hotel’s relaunch includes the unveiling of a brand new Furaavaru Club (Teens Club) and Majaa Explorer’s Hub (Kids Club). Located on the lively, family-centric Rangali-Finolhu Island, the new spaces occupy an expansive complex offering engaging experiences for adolescents and children.
RAAYA by Atmosphere has received its latest recognition at the Travel Time Awards, held in Moscow in August 2026, where the island resort was named “The Best Family Resort in the Maldives 2025”.
The award marks RAAYA’s second consecutive recognition from Travel Time, following its win as “Opening of the Year 2024”.
The recognition reflects the resort’s growing presence in the Russian travel market and its approach to family holidays in the Maldives, with a focus on shared experiences, exploration and activities designed for guests across generations.
Located on a private island in Raa Atoll, RAAYA is centred around the fictional story of Seb, a shipwrecked artist and adventurer whose narrative is incorporated throughout the resort experience. Guests can take part in island exploration, creative activities and ocean-based experiences, alongside family-oriented facilities and a range of dining options under The RAAYA Plan™.
The award was also presented during a visit to the resort by Russian film actress Katerina Shpitsa, known for productions including “Metro”, “The Crew” and “Poddubny”. During her stay, Shpitsa presented the Travel Time Awards 2025 accolade to RAAYA by Atmosphere General Manager Mario Stanic.
“Receiving this recognition for a second consecutive year is a proud moment for everyone at RAAYA,” Stanic said. “Winning the Travel Time Award 2025 for Best Family Resort is a wonderful recognition of what we stand for — bringing families together through shared experiences and lasting memories within a backdrop of a tropical island paradise.
“We are proud to create experiences that resonate with Russian families and families from around the world, offering a place to connect, discover and create memories together. We thank the awards team, our partners and our guests for their continued trust and support.”
The award adds to the international recognition received by RAAYA by Atmosphere since the resort opened in July 2024. The property has positioned its offering around experiential hospitality, design, family-focused programming and its castaway-inspired narrative.
RAAYA features 167 beach and overwater villas, a collection of dining venues and a range of land and ocean activities within its Raa Atoll setting.
With two Travel Time Awards in consecutive years, the resort continues to develop its position within the family travel segment in the Maldives.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives will welcome award-winning food creator Kabita Singh, the personality behind Kabita’s Kitchen, for a special culinary residency in October to mark International Chefs’ Day on 20 October 2026.
Known for making everyday Indian cooking accessible to a wide audience, Singh will move from her digital kitchen to the Maldives, joining the resort’s culinary team for a live cooking experience created for guests.
The collaboration will bring together Singh’s approach to Indian cuisine — centred on familiar flavours, accessible recipes and an increasing focus on wholesome cooking — with Sun Siyam’s Plant Based Bliss philosophy, which promotes the nutritional and holistic benefits of plant-forward dining.
As part of the International Chefs’ Day celebrations, Singh will cook alongside Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s culinary team during a live session in front of resort guests. The experience will feature a specially curated selection of vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious dishes developed in collaboration with the resort’s chefs and inspired by Singh’s own cooking philosophy.
Guests will have the opportunity to watch Singh prepare the dishes, learn about the techniques and stories behind them, and sample her interpretation of plant-forward Indian cuisine in a Maldivian island setting.
Kabita’s Kitchen has grown from a home-cooking channel into one of India’s most widely followed food platforms, with approximately 14.6 million subscribers on YouTube alone. Singh has built her audience through content ranging from regional favourites and vegetarian staples to festive dishes, street-food classics and everyday family recipes.
Her influence within India’s food and digital content sector was recognised at the inaugural National Creators Award in 2024, where she received the Best Creator in Food Category award, presented by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We are really excited to welcome Kabita to Olhuveli and bring a taste of Kabita’s Kitchen to the Maldives,” said Hassan Adil, General Manager of Sun Siyam Olhuveli.
“Food is such an important part of the way people connect, and this is about bringing our guests closer to the experience, watching Kabita cook, discovering the flavours and stories behind her dishes, and of course tasting them together. Her fresh, approachable style is a great match for our Plant Based Bliss philosophy, and celebrating International Chefs’ Day together with our own culinary team makes it even more special. We want dining at Olhuveli to be fun, social and full of moments that guests remember long after they leave the island.”
Located in South Malé Atoll, Sun Siyam Olhuveli is part of Sun Siyam’s Lifestyle Collection. The resort combines beach experiences, dining, entertainment, wellness and other activities within its broader island offering.
You & Me Maldives has been named Best Adults-Only Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) Awards 2026, recognising the resort’s positioning, guest experiences and continued focus on adults-only hospitality in the Maldives.
The award was presented during the TTM Awards & Gala 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August 2026, marking the conclusion of the 10th edition of TTM Maldives. The annual awards recognise achievements, innovation and contributions across the Maldivian tourism industry.
Located in Raa Atoll, You & Me Maldives has established itself as an adults-only retreat catering to couples, honeymooners, friends and solo travellers seeking privacy and tranquillity.
The resort combines its island setting with accommodation, personalised service and experiences centred on romance, wellness, gastronomy and exploration, creating an intimate environment designed specifically for adult travellers.
The recognition comes as You & Me Maldives marks seven years of operations and welcoming guests from around the world.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, we are deeply grateful to our loyal guests, partners, and dedicated team members who have been part of this journey,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.
“These seven years represent not only growth and success, but countless love stories, memories, and unforgettable experiences created on our island. Receiving the ‘Best Adults-Only Resort’ award at the TTM Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire team.”
The Best Adults-Only Resort award further strengthens You & Me Maldives’ position within the Maldives’ luxury hospitality sector, recognising its focus on combining an adults-only concept with personalised service and island experiences.
Looking ahead, You & Me Maldives plans to continue developing its concept and guest experience through new activities, offerings and services, while maintaining its focus on the adults-only luxury segment in the Maldives.
-
Awards1 week agoEllaidhoo, Hakuraa Huraa Maldives secure double TTM awards win for Cinnamon
-
News1 week agoThe St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort unveils ‘Chapter X’ for 10th anniversary
-
News6 days ago‘The Curse of the Vigani’ takes over Oaga Art Resort this Halloween
-
News6 days agoInterContinental Maldives marks brand’s 80th anniversary with Michelin-starred culinary collaboration
-
Awards1 week agoFinolhu earns five Luxury Childcare Association Awards nominations
-
News5 days agoSoneva’s Maldives waterslide reimagined as contemporary art in Stockholm
-
News6 days agoFushifaru Maldives unveils five-day celebration for ninth anniversary
-
Awards6 days agoBaros Maldives wins Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Resort at World Travel Awards