Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Announces Construction Of First-Of-Its-Kind Undersea Residence

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Destination Resort Invests $15 Million to Develop a Unique Sleeping Under the Sea Experience Debuting Q4 2018

The master bedroom on the upper deck offers sweeping views of the ocean
The master bedroom on the upper deck offers sweeping views of the ocean

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island announced today the submersion of what is believed to be the world’s first undersea residence, which will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. The result of a significant $15 million USD investment, this revolutionary concept will transform the Maldives experience for travelers who want to be truly immersed within the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. As the first international hotel brand to enter the Maldivian market 20 years ago and home to the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to pioneer and innovate with the groundbreaking introduction of the undersea residence.

Undersea villa Corridor
Undersea villa Corridor

Aptly named THE MURAKA or coral in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, the undersea residence gives guests an intimate and immersive experience of one of the Earth’s most breathtaking marine environments. Muraka is designed to blend into its environment, giving guests’ unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean at every turn. With vibrant colors and a diverse array of marine life all around, Muraka’s residents will be able to sleep alongside the wonders of the abundant and colorful marine life that inhabit the sea.

The underwater bathroom looks out onto the floor of the Indian Ocean
The underwater bathroom looks out onto the floor of the Indian Ocean

“Driven by our inspiration to deliver innovative and transformative experiences to our global travelers, the world’s first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea,” said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the undersea residence. “THE MURAKA marks our second venture in underwater architecture and technology, next to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this month. Through our rich history of being a trailblazer in innovative luxury hospitality, we are proud to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge design, technology and architecture.”

The deck, anchored on the end of the villa, is perfect for watching the sunrise

Envisioned by Crown Company Director Ahmed Saleem, and realized by Mike Murphy, leading engineer at M J Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specializes in aquarium technology, the undersea residence is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface. The undersea suite features a king size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five meters (16.4 feet) below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment. With the adoption of state-of-the-art technology, Muraka’s distinct design is akin to Ithaa’s with the curved acrylic dome, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the wonders of the Indian Ocean’s intricate marine life.

 

The lower deck floor plan

Muraka’s upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset for optimal viewing pleasure. On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise and is complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts a masterfully appointed ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon. In total, Muraka can accommodate up to nine guests.

 

The upper deck floor plan
The upper deck floor plan

“Through our development of the world’s first undersea residence, we continue to shine a light on the Maldives as a luxury destination as well as a cultural and natural wonder for global travelers,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “We are excited to present Muraka’s unique sleeping under the sea experience to our future guests, providing them with an extraordinary seascape of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.”

“We are excited to see THE MURAKA bring to life the contemporary design, leading innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that serve as the foundation for the Conrad brand, said Martin Rinck, Global Head, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “With the development of the world’s first undersea residence, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before.”

Located in the Maldives’ best diving and snorkeling spots, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has created a space that invites and inspires with a distinctive design that flows harmoniously with the natural environment. The resort features purposefully designed villas and suites, 12 award-winning restaurants and bars, two spas and a selection of culturally inspired experiences set against the awe-inspiring Maldivian surroundings. With the introduction of the world’s first undersea residence, Conrad Maldives continues to evolve the diversity of experiences offered to guests.

For more information and for reservations, please visit http://www.conradmaldives.com/

 

About Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
A celebration of design and human spirit, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island expresses an accord of form, function and innovation in driving hospitality trends that has set the benchmark in its style. Rejecting trends in design to create a space that invites, and inspires with a distinctive design that sits in perfect harmony with the natural environment. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an inspirational backdrop featuring intuitive service, infinite connections and a distinctive mix of once-in-a-lifetime experiences making it an extraordinary destination for couples and families to discover paradise. Join the conversation and #ConradMaldives  # TheMuraka. Instagram @conrad_maldives, Facebook @conradmaldivesrangaliisland, Twitter @conradmaldives. Soak in Rangali Island by visiting our YouTube channel and immerse in a 360-degree view.

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart luxury travelers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly intersect. Conrad offers its guests an innovative way to Stay Inspired through curated collections of 1-hour, 3-hour or 5-hour experiences, available through www.stayinspired.com. Guests can manage their stay through the Conrad Concierge service in the Hilton Honors mobile app, getting access to pre check-in and room selection, to ordering in-room dining and mobile checkout, all from their own mobile device. Consisting of over 30 properties across five continents, Conrad is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Connect with Conrad by booking at www.conradhotels.com or through the Hilton Honors mobile app. Learn more about the brand by visiting news.conradhotels.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@conradhotels).

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island appoints new Spa Manager

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Susanne Fisch joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is delighted to announce the appointment of Susanne Fisch as the resort’s new Spa Manager. Susanne joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island from OBLU By Atmosphere At Helengeli Maldives.

Susanne brings a wealth of experience to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, further enhancing its impressive array of wellness offerings. Hailing from Germany, Susanne earned her qualifications completing a degree in Hotel and Hospitality Management from DCT University Centre Switzerland / Lynn University. Over the years, Susanne has honed her skills travelling the world whilst working in spas across Asia and Europe.

Susanne has a Yoga Teacher Training Course from Yoga Alliance and is a certified Health Coach from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and is set to bring a diverse mix of wellness influences to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Susanne will be responsible for overseeing and leading the continued development of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s two Spas, The Spa Retreat and The Over Water Spa. “I’m thrilled about being part of the team at Conrad Maldives”, said Susanne. “We have so many talented people in one place and so much experience from all over the world making it a great environment for creativity and new ideas.”

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Susanne is currently focussing on ensuring the highest levels of service delivery by aligning all spa menus, specialist treatments and therapist training to make the best use of the award winning products used at both spas; leading British spa and skincare brand ELEMIS at The Spa Retreat and the sought after Swiss brand, Valmont at the Over Water Spa. Susanne is currently looking to revitalise the Spa offerings at the resort allowing guests to consult with therapists to choose a range of treatments to suit their personal needs.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to two unique spa experiences, The Spa Retreat on Rangalifinolhu Island and the Over Water Spa on Rangali Island. Combining expertise from around the world with carefully selected products and therapies influenced by the environment, the two spas offer unique and effective experiences to suit the needs of every individual.

To learn more about or connect with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or call +960 668-0629. For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit news.conradhotels.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Appoints Stefano Ruzza as General Manager

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island announced the appointment of Stefano A. Ruzza as the resort’s General Manager. Ruzza will be responsible for overseeing all of the resort’s management, operations and business development to continue positioning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island as one of the leading luxury resorts, and brand of choice for travellers to the Maldives.

Ruzza joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island from the award-winning Conrad Koh Samui in Thailand where he held the position of general manager and was responsible for resort management, operations and leading the sales and marketing team. Prior to Koh Samui, Ruzza was general manager at Hilton Namhae Golf & Spa Resort in South Korea where he was instrumental in driving service standards and introducing new food and beverage concepts to the South Korean market.

Originally from Switzerland, Ruzza holds more than 20 years of international hospitality experience with over 17 of these within Asia. His career has taken him to countries such as India, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.

Ruzza graduated from the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHL) in Lucerne. He is an Italian-Swiss hotelier who can fluently speak English, German, Italian, French and Spanish

As one of the Maldives’ leading resorts and one of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship properties, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island requires strong forward-thinking leadership. Ruzza is known for his dynamic, personalised and creative approach, and describes his leadership style as consultative, strategic and focussed. With these qualities Ruzza is well placed to oversee the award-winning resort’s 12 restaurants and bars, 150 villas and suites, two spas, two islands and over 500 team members which make up this pioneering operation.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Unveils Striking New Beach Villas

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Reinforcing its position as a champion of smart luxury, the iconic Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has emerged from refurbishment as one of the Maldives’ most applauded resorts.  In a strategic move to continually attract guests, the resort has invested US 3.2 million in redeveloping its award-winning beach villas which are set to launch this October.

The redevelopment has seen a full renovation of 34 beach villas and bathrooms and this was followed by the development of the Maldives’ first authentic Chinese restaurant Ufaa heralded by celebrity chef Jereme Leung. This award-winning concept is a culinary journey through China, which takes inspiration from the picturesque island surroundings.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island general manager Lyle Lewis said the villa refurbishment is aimed at engaging with customers to ensure Conrad Maldives was top of mind when deciding where to stay.  

“We are one of the most recognised brands in the Maldives’ hospitality market and with the launch of the beach villas we aim to further cement the resort’s position as one of the leader’s in the market. Each beach villa has been completely refurbished to a luxurious haven of comfort and style, and features spacious living areas that are illuminated with natural light and offer private access to the palm fringed beach,” states Lewis.  

The beach villas nurture a sense of relaxation through distinctive features including floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading directly to the beach, a skylight to provide a naturally illuminated space, and a new bathroom featuring the signature outdoor shower and bathing pavilion. The standout feature of the villa is the extension of the bedroom area which gives guests the option to create a second bedroom by simply closing the curtains to encircle the space. The second bedroom is ideal for young children, teens and parents craving a little bit of privacy.  

Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Celebrating its 20th anniversary of operations in the Maldives, the resort joined Hilton Worldwide in 1997 as Hilton Rangali Resort and Spa, and was rebranded to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island in 2007 as the flagship resort in the company’s luxury portfolio. The refurbishment of the beach villas follows the substantial works completed in 2014, which saw Conrad Maldives Rangali Island develop Ranfinolhu Island which houses 570 team members, and is arguably one of the leading team member accommodations in the country.    

The refurbishment is a precursor to the resort being announced as one of the top 10 resorts in the Indian Ocean as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards, announced on 18 October 2016. Voted by people who love travel, the resort was one of the award winners selected from more than 300,000 survey takers who submitted millions of ratings and 75,000 comments. This wonderful accolade follows the resort’s award-winning year which has seen the resort receive the Maldives’ ‘Leading water villa resort’ and the Indian Ocean’s ‘Leading hotel’ at the 2016 World Travel Awards. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the world’s most recognised and celebrated resorts, and continues to demonstrate a commitment to industry, leadership and innovation.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.  

Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Beach Villa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty programme where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including the digital Conrad Concierge app and complimentary Wi-Fi at 26  Conrad hotels.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island wins seven awards at the first annual World Luxury Restaurant Awards

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, is delighted to be the recipient of seven prestigious accolades at the Annual World Luxury Restaurant Awards, held at The Grand Kronenhof Hotel in Pontresina on June 18, 2016.  In recognition of the resort’s outstanding food and beverage offerings, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was awarded the following accolades at the World Luxury Restaurant Awards:

  • Mandhoo Spa Restaurant – Country Winner for ‘Luxury Scenic Setting’
  • Ufaa by Jereme Leung – Country Winner for Chinese Cuisine, Continent Winner for Best Head Chef
  • Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – Country Winner for ‘Fine Dining Cuisine’, Global Winner for ‘Luxury Scenic Setting’
  • Vilu Restaurant – Country Winner for ‘Best Wine Selection’, Finalist for ‘Fine Dining Cuisine’
  • Koko Grill – Country Winner for ‘Ambience/Romantic Atmosphere’  

Recognised globally for its excellent food and beverage offerings at its 12 restaurants and bars, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a true gourmand’s delight, providing an array of international cuisines in a truly inspired setting. Conrad Maldives is world renowned for setting benchmarks in resort dining in the Maldives, being the first to create an undersea restaurant, Ithaa, the first to build an underground wine cellar, the first to establish a cheese bar, and the first to invite world-class chefs and winemakers to its islands.  

With 78 categories, the World Luxury Restaurant Awards recognises restaurants across the globe for their culinary excellence and memorable experiences, as well as assessing the quality of the atmosphere and service. The awards aim to provide luxury restaurants with increased recognition, as well as introduce them to potential new guests, both local and international. Votes come from both guests and industry experts, thus providing a balanced and unbiased outcome based on the food experience as a whole.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is delighted to add these awards to its growing list of accolades received in 2016, with the resort’s commitment to excellence also demonstrated through its success at the World Travel Awards earlier this year, where it was recognised in two highly coveted categories: ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel’ and ‘Maldives’ Leading Water Villa Resort’. These awards were voted for by travel and tourism professionals worldwide and recognise hotel leaders across the globe.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.  

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including the digital Conrad Concierge app and complimentary Wi-Fi at 26  Conrad hotels.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Continues to Enhance its Inspired Health and Wellness Offerings

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is continuing to distinguish itself as one of the Maldives’ leading resorts by setting the trend for wellness and well-being in the destination. Providing more than just a ‘fly and flop’ holiday, the resort continues to evolve its healthy dining and wellness options, as well as offering an array of Stay Inspired experiences; a nod towards the booming world-wide health, wellness, and fitness trend.  According to Global Wellness Data, the number of wellness tourism trips is expected to grow twice as fast annually in comparison to international trips overall. Increasingly, guests are looking to return from holiday feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated and this what Conrad Maldives excels at.

Mandhoo Restaurant Fish Feeding, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Mandhoo Restaurant Fish Feeding, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Mandhoo Spa Restaurant

Arguably one of the most beautiful dining spots in the Maldives, set on stilts in the lagoon, Mandhoo is an over-water restaurant serving organic dishes designed to balance your energy flow. Based on natural elements of air, water, fire, earth and plant the menu uses local, organic ingredients to energise, nourish, detoxify, relax, and fortify the body. Executive Chef of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Marco Amarone’s cooking technique pays close attention to specific tastes, temperature, moisture level, and density as they all affect the mind and body in different ways. To accompany the selection of these delicious and nutritious dishes, Mandhoo offers a Lassi drink selection based on traditional Indian recipes, enhanced with fresh fruits, herbs, and spices. These ingredients are known to promote digestive enzymes, and aid digestion.

Breakfast Boosters

Conrad Maldives understands that it’s important to start the day the right way. The resort now provides guests with specialty morning juices at a dedicated breakfast juice bar in Atoll Market. The menu was designed by a professional nutritionist and naturopath and provides a combination of protein, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals –  all vital to good health. Guest favourites include:

  • Potassium Power – Carrots, spinach, celery ribs, and tomatoes crushed with parsley
  • Some Like It Hot – Fresh tomatoes, green and  red bell peppers, radish, and Tabasco
  • Summer Special – Fresh mangoes, cool spearmint leaves, low fat yoghurt, and honey

Hydroponic Herb Garden

As part of the resort’s strong commitment to sustainability, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has introduced a hydroponic herb garden, growing produce carefully chosen by the resort’s gardening team after researching what crops can be effectively grown using a hydroponics system in a tropical climate. The garden is now able to sustain all 12 restaurants and bars with ingredients including hot basil, mint, butter lettuce, lollo rosso lettuce, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and green capsicum. The use of the garden eliminates the cost of importing these items into the country.

Treatment rooms at The Over-Water Spa have glass floors so guests can watch fish swim past below them during the treatment, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Treatment rooms at The Over-Water Spa have glass floors so guests can watch fish swim past below them during the treatment, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Stay Inspired Experiences

Travelling is about more than just a destination; it’s about how you spend every moment. To ensure that guests make the most of their time in paradise, Conrad Hotels & Resorts has curated 1, 3, and 5-hour itineraries, so guests can make the most of their stay. Guests looking for a one-hour wellness experience can visit the meditation pavilion, where long time yogi Manesh Johny will help achieve inner tranquillity with either a sunset or sunrise yoga class. Manesh incorporates various elements of Flow, Hatha, and Vinyasa yoga for the ultimate in relaxation. For those with five hours to spare find inner peace and tranquillity with a one-of-a-kind Zen revelation at The Spa Retreat.  Located on the tip of Rangalifinolhu Island The Spa Retreat is a destination spa complete with 14 water villas and Mandhoo Spa Restaurant. The spa features an array of Maldivian indigenous therapies and treatments. The signature treatment is quintessentially Maldivian and inspired by the beauty regiment of the local women. The 90-minute treatment includes a massage using heated coconut sticks and an organic body scrub made from pineapple and papaya. Guests can follow their treatment with lunch at Mandhoo ultimate feel-good experience

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

Double treatment room at The Spa Retreat, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Double treatment room at The Spa Retreat, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly through www.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including the digital Conrad Concierge app and complimentary Wi-Fi at 26 Conrad hotels.

To learn more about or connect with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, please visit www.conradmaldives.com or call +960 668-0629. For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit news.conradhotels.com or follow us at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island launches exclusive “Money-Can’t-Buy” stay package with Hilton HHonors Access

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With the launch of Hilton HHonors Access in Asia Pacific, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is proud to unveil “A Maldives Island Adventure”, an exciting new experience that is available for redemption using Hilton HHonors Points at HHonors.com/auctions from May 3, 2016.

Hilton HHonors Access is a global campaign set to inspire travellers to get out, see the world, and take part in exclusive experiences by joining its award-winning loyalty programme, Hilton HHonors. It features unique money-can’t-buy hotel packages and experiences spanning sports, music and culture, ranging from attending a Sumo tournament in Tokyo, to attending a Yamakasa event in Fukuoka, to taking part in a beer tour in Sydney via the HHonors Auction Platform. Hilton HHonors members who live in or are traveling to Asia Pacific can redeem Hilton HHonors Points for the following experience packages between May 3 and 20, 2016.  

Hilton HHonors unites the Hilton portfolio of brands to drive value for members, Team Members, owners, operators and partners alike. Free to join by visiting HHonors.com and easy to use, it is the world’s premier guest loyalty programme.  

As an additional incentive to join, all Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will save time and money and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most including free nights, complimentary Wi-Fi and Digital Concierge, Conrad’s forward thinking Concierge app.  

Hilton Hhonors members can redeem points at the Hilton Hhonors Access site for the ultimate Conrad Maldives Rangali Island experience which includes:

  • A four night stay in the resort’s luxurious Sunset Water Villa
  • A traditional Maldivian fishing experience with the executive chef who will cook the days catch and serve it at a private dinner on the beach
  • A private afternoon of wine and cheese matching and tasting with the resorts sommelier and Cheese Master
  • A noodle and Dim Sum making class with Chinese celebrity chef Jereme Leung’s trained chefs at Ufaa followed by lunch
  • A luxury sunset cruise across the Indian Ocean  

Hilton HHonors starting bids will start from 150,000*.  

*Prizes are valid now until 20 December 2016 and are subject to the resort’s availability. Blackout dates also apply from 1 May to 30 June and 29 September to 10 October 2016.

Marco Amarone joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island  has announced the appointment of Marco Amarone as the resort’s new Executive Chef. Marco joins Conrad Maldives Rangali Island from his homeland of Italy, where he co-owned a restaurant with the Marcopolo Group of Restaurants, Cuneo.

Marco AmaroneMarco brings a wealth of experience to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, further enhancing its impressive array of food and beverage offerings. Having earned his culinary qualifications from IPSEOA Ippolito Cavalcanti hotel school in Naples, Italy, Marco is also a Culinary Master within the U.R.C.L Italian Chef Federation. Over the years, Marco has developed his cooking skills in countries including the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Portugal and Bermuda; enabling him to bring a diverse mix of gastronomical influences to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

“With a wealth of experience in food and beverage management and the culinary arts, we are confident that Marco will be a great addition to our leadership team and help us take the Conrad Maldives experience, for both our guests and team members, to the next level” says Lyle Lewis, General Manager at Conrad Maldives. “His strong culinary background and worldly experience make him a great asset to the resort and its award winning cuisine.”

Marco will be responsible for overseeing and leading the continued development of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s outstanding culinary offerings at its 12 restaurant and bars, which include the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa Undersea Restaurant and the Maldives’ first celebrity chef Chinese restaurant, Ufaa by Jereme Leung. An epicurean delight, the resort boasts over 20,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines, 100 varieties of cheese, as well as Michelin starred chefs in residence and an expert sommelier.

Further cementing Conrad Maldives Rangali Island reputation as a food and beverage pioneer in the destination, the resort has recently partnered with world renowned cocktail mixologist Grant Collins, who has curated an innovative new cocktail menu exclusively for the resort and will be holding master-classes for guests on set dates throughout 2016.

Culinary highlights in April will include a Grand Spanish Dinner taking place in the Wine Cellar on 5 April 2016, whilst guest Japanese master-chef Ricky Kamiishi from Iketeru Restaurant located at Hilton Kuala Lumpur will be treating guests to a degustation menu or a la carte options at Koko Grill from 1 – 15 April 2016. Wine connoisseurs can be educated in biodynamic wines by Mr. Marco Caschera, the Brand Ambassador from Vincent Giardin wines in Burgundy, who will also be on resort in April. A highlight of the month will be the iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant celebrating its 11th anniversary in spectacular style on 15 April 2016 with a seven course degustation menu, paired with Grand Cru Burgundy from Domaine Vincent Giardin.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Hotel is located in the Alifu Dhaalu Atoll of the Maldives. The Maldives comprises over a thousand islands, with stunning reefs and remote, exotic locales. The coral, sea life, and warm waters of the Indian Ocean make the area one of the world’s best diving destinations. Arrivals at the Male International Airport are met by Resort’s staff and take a 30-minute seaplane trip to the resort.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers three different resort experiences spanned across two islands: guests can enjoy the quintessential Maldivian hideaway on tiny Rangali Island while also having access to the facilities of the larger and livelier main island which is linked to it by a 500m bridge. The third resort experience is at the Spa Retreat, an overwater destination spa that operates as a resort-within-a-resort.

For relaxation, guests can find bliss in the resort’s two spas, dine in the 12 restaurants and bars, enjoy an extensive range of excursions, diving and watersports options, and snorkel the resort’s vibrant coral reef which is just steps from the beach.

At Conrad, guests will experience a sense of style and luxury that connects with the charm of the Maldivian surroundings, in an open and inviting way, tailor-made for pleasure.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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The world’s first undersea restaurant invites the world to celebrate the occasion on April 15, 2015 One decade ago, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island was spectacularly ‘sunk’ five metres into the waters of the Indian ocean and ever since it’s been the mecca for lovers of food, culture and architecture the world over. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Conrad Maldives will be hosting a Twitter Chat on Wednesday April 15, 2015 which will take place at 3pm GMT (10am EST). Conrad Maldives Rangali Island invites the world to join the conversation and celebrate the birthday of this world famous dining location by sharing their memories of Ithaa on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Throughout the week of Ithaa’s birthday, users are invited to share their photos and memories using the hashtag #IthaaTurns10 users.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Sitting like a pearl beneath the waves (Ithaa translates as ‘pearl’ in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi) the curved acrylic walls which give 180-degree panoramic views sets the trend for  unique dining. It became the world’s first aquarium-style undersea restaurant – indulging diners with stunning views of the surrounding lagoon, reefs and tropical fish. Consistently recognised as the most beautiful restaurant in the world, Ithaa is fast becoming a 21st Century travel icon, so it is no surprise it is regarded as one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive places to eat. “We are all excited to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of such an iconic restaurant” said Lyle Lewis, general manager, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “I can think of no better way to celebrate such a momentous occasion than by sharing it with the whole world.” Envisioned by Mr. Ahmed Saleem of Crown Company PVT, owning company of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Mr. Saleem was inspired whilst travelling in Bali in 2001 and five years later Ithaa was brought to life by Mike Murphy of M J Murphy Limited in New Zealand who specialises in aquarium technology and at a cost of US $5 million, Ithaa took 85 tonnes of sand ballast (in sandbags) in order to be sunken onto the ocean bed. It wasn’t long before it became a cultural phenomenon and world-leader in beauty and cuisine that continues to intrigue and impress to this day. Program of Events

  • Memories of Ithaa – April 13-17, 2015

During the week of Ithaa’s 10th birthday, the resort will be posting content across its social media channels, inviting the world to share their memories of Ithaa and post photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • Ithaa’s 10th Birthday Twitter Chat at 3pm GMT (11am EST) on Wed April 15, 2015

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (@ConradMaldives) invites the world to celebrate Ithaa’s 10th anniversary through a live Twitter Chat. This global discussion will encourage fans of Ithaa to share their memories, photos and stories of this world famous and iconic restaurant. Follow @ConradMaldives on Twitter and join the chat using #IthaaTurns10 on Wednesday April 15, 2015 at 3pm GMT/10am EST

  • Exclusive Winemaker Dinner presented by Château Margaux  – April 15, 2015

To coincide with the date the restaurant first opened its doors – April 15 – Ithaa will host a Château Margaux sommelier dinner. The unrivalled wine estate of Château Margaux dates back to the 17th Century and is renowned for its grapes as its prices. A bottle of 1787 Château Margaux was sold for $225,000 making it one of the world’s most expensive wines. This is the first time Château Margaux has been invited to host at Conrad Maldives. For more information about Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, visit www.conradhotels.com/maldives