Conrad, Rangali Island, Alifu Atoll

The Conrad Rangali Island is a fully-fledged Maldivian fantasy resort, spread across two gorgeous islands.

The sumptuous individual style and chic design belie any lingering suspicion of a bland uniform chain approach this is a glorious effort in super luxury travel from the famous brand name.

The two islands have a distinct and separate feel. Rangali Island offers unmatched privacy and seclusion with its water villas and dense tropical vegetation. Its sister island, Rangalifinolhu, boasts beautiful beach villas offering light, open space and access onto your own stretch of white sand. With the different dining options and facilities available in both, there is more a sense of freedom than in many other resorts; and it is certainly one of the more diverse in character. While privacy can be assured, there is the option to be sociable if desired, far more so than at many other resorts of this calibre.

The water villas are self-contained and surrounded by a natural lagoon. The wooden interiors have a tropical feel while Philippe Starck fittings, ocean view baths and private sun decks complete the picture. In the superior and deluxe villas, guests have a private jacuzzi on the sun deck and surround sound DVD players.

The beach villas are very different in feel with vast interiors, glass walls and high ceilings giving the rooms an air of modern Asian luxury. The bathrooms feel akin to a garden open plan and beautiful. Cunning landscaping ensures total privacy. There are plush day beds, lush pillows and a sumptuous bed. The deluxe beach villas have a private pool and garden and are superb value at this level. The sense of space,light and contemporary Maldivian style, coupled with the beach access, make the beach villa option an excellent one.

However it is the quality of the dining options which make the Hilton stand out. From Ithaa - the famous undersea restaurant which offers fusion Maldivian/western cuisine five metres below the sea, to the Japanese style teppanyaki at the Koko Grill, the quality is mind blowing. Superb health food is offered at the over water Mandhoo Spa restaurant, while the Sunset Grill provides eating out under the stars. Wine Cellar dinners are hosted by the resident sommelier. There is serious gourmet pedigree here. All in all there are seven restaurants and three bars in which to dine. The main restaurant, known as the Atoll Market, offers food from around the world. A word of warning: alone among the resorts we recommend, we suggest bed and breakfast is the meal plan to take here. This resort is for people who want quality, varied eating options and dont mind paying for it while they go. Trust us: you do not want to feel limited in your eating options here! Ithaa and Koko can be booked before arrival. We will make those bookings on your behalf if you wish.

The water sports are extensive, and the Sub Aqua diving centre is well regarded. While the dive sites nearby are excellent, the local snorkeling is limited. Land sports are many and varied and there is a superb 30m infinity pool. The spa is entirely over-water and the Spa Villas offer yet another facet for those wanting to follow a complete programme. The Spa is open to all with a lovely range of treatments available. The glass floors of the treatment rooms give guests an entrancing view of the marine life below, while being pampered by the therapists.

This is a superb resort in all respects.

The Hilton is a 30min sea-plane transfer from Male International Airport.