Review: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – on Hilton points (Part 2)

Here is part two of a readers review of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island focusing on the different types of accommodation.

Part 1 of our Conrad Maldives Rangali Island review is here.  Parts 3 and 4 will follow tomorrow.

The original version of this report, which includes some additional photos, is here.

King Beach Villa

The King Beach Villa has been refurbished since my last visit. A new sofa-bed is located on the right at the rear area, where the outside fountain used to be, creating a much larger living area.

The previously polished stone on the floors and shower wall area has been completely replaced with rough granite, this not only looks good but works very well to prevent the floors from being slippery when having wet feet.

The new bath tub is slightly smaller which reduces the amount of water and time it takes to fill it up.

The walk in wardrobe is spacious. The safe is large enough for a 14″ laptop.

Overall I think the changes really enhance the accommodation. For a closer look inside a new refurbished King Beach Villa, you can find an official video on youtube.

Deluxe Beach Villa

Whilst we would have been very happy to stay in a newly refurbished King Beach Villa, for our return to the Maldives we fancied staying in a Deluxe Beach Villa overlooking the reef.

We entered the property through a wooden door into the garden with a decorative fountain.

Outside is the large bath (takes a while to fill) – this has a view through the property to the beach.

This is the large outdoor shower (complete privacy assured).

Twin basins.

The attention to detail that staff demonstrate remains high and is always impressive.

This is the living/sleeping area. We received welcome chocolates, wine and fruit.

View from the beach towards the patio with the private plunge pool, approx 1.2m deep, in the garden.

View out to the east of Rangalifinolhu, overlooking the main reef.

Retreat Water Villa

The Retreat Water Villas are located at the far north of the main island, accessed over a wooden jetty at the Spa Retreat, a resort within a resort.

This was our Retreat Water Villa (the villas in the distance are the incredible Sunset Water Villas)

Entrance area, sofas and desk, patio doors to decking.

Spacious bed and sleeping area. It’s the little extra touches that make such a difference.

Bathroom, changing area, including good wardrobe space, note the view through to dedicated private spa treatment / exercise room.

Private Spa room with twin treatment beds.

Bath with views out over the lagoon, bi-fold doors allow it to be open air.

Private Deck area with Sun Loungers.

View from the jacuzzi deck over the lagoon, Quiet Zone & Vilu restaurant in the distance.

Sleeping juvenile Lionfish under our Retreat Water Villa. We also noticed it being used as a nursery by many other fish. More underwater pics in part four of this review.

I believe the Retreat Water Villas are scheduled for a refresh in the next year.

All in all, we thought staying above the water was a terrific experience. However, you might be surprised to read that even if offered a free choice, we’d still want to experience both a Beach Villa and a Water Villa on any future visit. We like both equally for different reasons and having the variety of the two different types of accommodation is a really good way to appreciate different parts of the resort.

Our snorkel buddies stayed in one of the Superior Water Villas on the smaller island of Rangali. These are also currently undergoing improvements, replacing the wooden floors and general redecoration.

Transport

The electric powered buggy cars are particularly useful when staying in a Retreat Water Villa (given their relatively remote location).  I’d suggest phoning reception to order a buggy 20-30mins in advance.

If available and convenient, take the Dhoni across the calm lagoon, it’s a free scenic boat ride and gives you great views of both islands and the bridge that spans the resort.

Parts 3 and 4 of this Conrad Maldives Rangali Island review, which include some amazing scuba diving photos, start here.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit and debit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.

You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.

We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 30th April 2025, the annual fee on the basic Hilton Honors debit card is halved from £60 to £30. The sign-up bonus is also easier to earn – you need to spend £1,000 either in the UK or abroad within three months. The usual bonus rule requires you to spend the full £1,000 outside the UK.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

10,000 bonus points, Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review

There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.

Holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton Honors points is 1:2.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Hilton Honors points.