Having entered into the collective imagination of travelers with the Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant, today the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is continuing to push the envelope. In November 2018, the Conrad brand, part of Hilton’s luxury portfolio, will complete another pioneering first when it opens the nation’s first undersea villa. Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, tells us how he is maintaining the resort’s reputation for turning fantasy into reality.

How has the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island risen to become emblematic for both Hilton and the Maldives?
In November last year, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island celebrated its 20-year anniversary, and its 10th year under the Conrad brand, the luxury brand of the Hilton portfolio. Our owners were the first in the Maldives to bring in an international chain, making Hilton the first international brand to operate in the Maldives. After the Hilton Maldives Rangali opened, many other international brands followed. Our owners became the pioneers of hospitality in the Maldives. From this property, a whole range of firsts came forth. This is the first resort in the Maldives to have an undersea villa, set to open in November 2018. We also had the very first bridge in the Maldives and pioneered the iconic over water villa design, set on stilts in the lagoon. Our resort is popular for the world’s first undersea restaurant. Our respect goes towards the owners who had the courage to build this dream. Read More