Conrad Maldives: Reshaping the Concept of Luxury

30 Water Villas Will Undergo a Complete Transformation in 2011

Setting the standard for luxury travel in the Maldives for over 15 years, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island raises the bar once again with the complete renovation of 28 Water Villas and two Premier Water Villas starting May 15. Expected to last for six months, the renovation work will transform the villas into ultra-luxurious contemporary over-water retreats with additional decking, private pools, entirely new furniture and sublime bathrooms with picture windows overlooking the ocean.

“Rangali Island is the smaller of the resort’s two islands,” says Regional General Manager Carsten Schieck, “and it offers the natural setting for the pure beauty and luxury that guests expect to find in the Maldives. The complete renovation of our Water Villas will ensure that these rooms retain their position as some of the most outstanding villas in the country.”

During the renovation, 28 Water Villas will be taken apart and completely renovated from the inside out, while two Premier Water Villas will see subtle updates on the interior. The layout of the Water Villas will become an open plan, giving a sense of space. The highlight of the architecture is the desk which is set over glass panels, giving the impression that it is floating over the water below.

The décor of the new Water Villas features elegant natural tones of wood and soft whites with gentle shades of lavender and green. Understated, recessed lighting adds to the contemporary feel.

As part of the renovation, half of Rangali Island; one restaurant, Vilu; and one of the resort’s two spas will be closed. The rest of the resort will continue to operate as usual with guests having the option of dining at eight restaurants and bars. The Spa Retreat on the main island will offer the full treatment list from the Over-Water Spa during its six-month closure.

Rangali Restaurant and Bar

In all Water Villas, guests will enjoy the latest in modern amenities including flat screen satellite TVs, CD stereos with iPod connectors, DVD players, “Nespresso” tea/coffee machines, mini bars and International Direct Dialing (IDD) telephones. The renovated villas are expected to open on November 1, 2011 with room rates starting from $1,000 per night for two.

With the Spa Retreat and Beach Villas on Rangalifinolhu Island and Water Villas on Rangali Island, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers the widest choice of accommodation in the Maldives, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of different experiences without ever leaving the resort.

Can you imagine sleeping in this room surrounded by the sea? This is definitely a dream come true experience!

A special thank you to Conrad Maldives for giving us information about the renovations to their beautiful resort and allowing us to use their photos.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations  for honeymooners and families. As the owner of  Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca   or phone 403-477-0643

Save on Your Honeymoon

I came across this article listed under travel tips in the Wedding Bells website (www.weddingbells.ca) written by Leeann Yee. It has some really good hints on keeping the costs down for your honeymoon. Wedding Bells magazine and website has some great ideas and tools for couple planning their wedding. You will want to check it out!

How to make sure your honeymoon doesn’t break the bank. By Leeann Yee

Photography courtesy Viceroy Bali Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

It may be one of the biggest (or most extravagant) trips you’ll take in your lifetime, but there’s no reason you need to go over budget to do it. Plus, it may be one of the only vacations you’ll take where you’ll be guaranteed special treatment, so live it up! Read on to find out how to make the most of your honeymoon dollars.

Shop for Honeymoon Packages

1. Tons of resorts offer honeymoon packages, which often include little extras like champagne in your room, candlelight dinner or even couples’ massages. You’ll often get more than the average client because yes, it is your honeymoon and you deserve to get pampered! Sandals is a great example of an all-inclusive resort that offers fantastic value for your honeymoon budget.

2. If you’ve always wanted to stay at a certain hotel (like the Ashford Castle in Ireland or The New York Palace), go directly to their website or call them up and ask about honeymoon package deals. Tell them you’re newlyweds and during your special stay you might even get a bonus not advertised online, like a room upgrade, discount on an extra night or even complimentary champagne.

Ask your Friends!

3. Your friends were there for you on your big day, so why not ask them for advice on honeymoon locations? This way not only will you get a first-hand, intimate account of a destination, but you may come across a place you’ve never heard of! Plus, you’ll probably get insider tips on where to find the best cocktails and spectacular waterfalls!

Research, Research, Research

4. Just like getting your friends to give you first-hand advice, researching your honeymoon will save you time and hassles. Knowing about the destination you’re off to will help you avoid costly tourist traps, overpriced attractions and overrated accommodations.

Register for your Honeymoon

5. Nowadays you can register for just about anything and that includes your honeymoon. A honeymoon registry, whether at a specific destination, like Disney, or a registry website, like thebigday.com, it’s a great option for your guests who will love knowing they’re contributing to that trip of a lifetime. Just remember to read everything the registry has to offer, including the fine print!

Do you have a Points Card?

6. Now’s the time to put your travel card to good use. If you don’t have one, consider signing up for a credit card with points that are accumulated with every purchase and put everything wedding-related on it (and watch your points rack up!). Then use those points towards your honeymoon. Just be sure to pay that monthly statement off to avoid costly interest.
7. Are you or your husband a member of any hotels? Frequent travellers often get deals when they accumulate points from staying at the same chain, like Starwood or Marriott. When it comes time for your honeymoon, you’ll find that membership will give you even more privileges and deals.

Go During the Off-season

8. Certain months are prime for travelling, such as the summer months and anytime around the holidays. One way to save on your honeymoon is to go during the off-season. Shop around. You could pay $400 for a stay that may cost $700 during the high season. Of course don’t ignore the warnings of monsoon season, but if you time your honeymoon right, you may get all that you wanted for a fraction of the price, and maybe some additional goodies, too!

Have a Stay-cation

9. Not everyone wants to travel the world for their honeymoon, or perhaps neither of you can get time off work. If that’s the case, why not opt for a long weekend vacation close to home, like a boutique hotel you’ve always wanted to stay at or a local bed and breakfast? You’ll still have a romantic, relaxing interlude while saving for that bigger trip down the road.

Pack your Essentials!

10. This applies after you’ve decided where to go of course, but forgetting essentials may be costly. Your honeymoon destination may not have the moisturizing lotion you so love or a reasonably-priced swimsuit. Even if you’re lucky enough to find it, your must-have item may come at a hefty price. Just remember some of our handy packing tips and you’ll be all set!

Enter a Contest

11. As with all contests, winning is slim, but you were lucky in love by finding your dream man, so why not try your luck at scoring that dream honeymoon? Enter online, or through a draw or magazine. It’s fun, easy and you might just be the lucky girl who wins!

This article was taken from Wedding Bells at www.weddingbells.ca.

--------------------------------------------------  

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Save on Your Honeymoon

I came across this article listed under travel tips in the Wedding Bells website (www.weddingbells.ca) written by Leeann Yee. It has some really good hints on keeping the costs down for your honeymoon. Wedding Bells magazine and website has some great ideas and tools for couple planning their wedding. You will want to check it out!

How to make sure your honeymoon doesn’t break the bank. By Leeann Yee

Photography courtesy Viceroy Bali - Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

It may be one of the biggest (or most extravagant) trips you’ll take in your lifetime, but there’s no reason you need to go over budget to do it. Plus, it may be one of the only vacations you’ll take where you’ll be guaranteed special treatment, so live it up! Read on to find out how to make the most of your honeymoon dollars.

Shop for Honeymoon Packages

1. Tons of resorts offer honeymoon packages, which often include little extras like champagne in your room, candlelight dinner or even couples’ massages. You’ll often get more than the average client because yes, it is your honeymoon and you deserve to get pampered! Sandals is a great example of an all-inclusive resort that offers fantastic value for your honeymoon budget.

2. If you’ve always wanted to stay at a certain hotel (like the Ashford Castle in Ireland or The New York Palace), go directly to their website or call them up and ask about honeymoon package deals. Tell them you’re newlyweds and during your special stay you might even get a bonus not advertised online, like a room upgrade, discount on an extra night or even complimentary champagne.

Ask your Friends!

3. Your friends were there for you on your big day, so why not ask them for advice on honeymoon locations? This way not only will you get a first-hand, intimate account of a destination, but you may come across a place you’ve never heard of! Plus, you’ll probably get insider tips on where to find the best cocktails and spectacular waterfalls!

Research, Research, Research

4. Just like getting your friends to give you first-hand advice, researching your honeymoon will save you time and hassles. Knowing about the destination you’re off to will help you avoid costly tourist traps, overpriced attractions and overrated accommodations.

Register for your Honeymoon

5. Nowadays you can register for just about anything and that includes your honeymoon. A honeymoon registry, whether at a specific destination, like Disney, or a registry website, like thebigday.com, it’s a great option for your guests who will love knowing they’re contributing to that trip of a lifetime. Just remember to read everything the registry has to offer, including the fine print!

Do you have a Points Card?

6. Now’s the time to put your travel card to good use. If you don’t have one, consider signing up for a credit card with points that are accumulated with every purchase and put everything wedding-related on it (and watch your points rack up!). Then use those points towards your honeymoon. Just be sure to pay that monthly statement off to avoid costly interest.

7. Are you or your husband a member of any hotels? Frequent travellers often get deals when they accumulate points from staying at the same chain, like Starwood or Marriott. When it comes time for your honeymoon, you’ll find that membership will give you even more privileges and deals.

Go During the Off-season

8. Certain months are prime for travelling, such as the summer months and anytime around the holidays. One way to save on your honeymoon is to go during the off-season. Shop around. You could pay $400 for a stay that may cost $700 during the high season. Of course don’t ignore the warnings of monsoon season, but if you time your honeymoon right, you may get all that you wanted for a fraction of the price, and maybe some additional goodies, too!

Have a Stay-cation

9. Not everyone wants to travel the world for their honeymoon, or perhaps neither of you can get time off work. If that’s the case, why not opt for a long weekend vacation close to home, like a boutique hotel you’ve always wanted to stay at or a local bed and breakfast? You’ll still have a romantic, relaxing interlude while saving for that bigger trip down the road.

Pack your Essentials!

10. This applies after you’ve decided where to go of course, but forgetting essentials may be costly. Your honeymoon destination may not have the moisturizing lotion you so love or a reasonably-priced swimsuit. Even if you’re lucky enough to find it, your must-have item may come at a hefty price. Just remember some of our handy packing tips and you’ll be all set!

Enter a Contest

11. As with all contests, winning is slim, but you were lucky in love by finding your dream man, so why not try your luck at scoring that dream honeymoon? Enter online, or through a draw or magazine. It’s fun, easy and you might just be the lucky girl who wins!


This article was taken from Wedding Bells at www.weddingbells.ca.

-------------------------------------------------- 

Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

How to Make Your Honeymoon Sizzle!

The wedding is over, and the two of you are ready to escape all of the wedding chaos. It's time to relax and go on your honeymoon!

For many couples, this is the trip of a lifetime. As newlyweds, your honeymoon is the chance to travel somewhere you've never been before, and perhaps splurge a bit on your accommodations. Most importantly, it's an opportunity for the two of you to spend time together celebrating your new status as man and wife.

Why, then, do some couples come back with a bittersweet taste in their mouth? The fact is, great honeymoons just don't happen. They require some effort and pre-thought to make it a truly memorable occasion and a trip that you will cherish forever.

1. Choose to do something that both of you will enjoy. There is no point of backpacking across Europe if one of you prefers five-star accommodations and having a bell-boy look after all of the luggage. Some compromise may be involved, but try and make it a place that both of you can experience for the first time. Maybe this is your chance to go to Tahiti or explore the Greek Islands, but choose a place that appeals to both of you.  
2. Make it special. Splurge on your accommodation. Maybe it's that extra special room with the ocean view or perhaps one with a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi. Especially with honeymoon registries in existence, such as Honeymoon Wishes, that allow your wedding guests to contribute to this trip of a lifetime, this is your chance to enjoy things a little more and treat yourself a bit.
3. Experience your surroundings and explore the area.  One of the biggest mistakes honeymooners can make is to stay locked in their room the entire time. Get out and explore the area. Sign up for a sunset cruise, a snorkelling excursion, or a wine tour. Maybe you would prefer to rent water kayaks or go zip-lining. By forcing yourself to get out of your hotel room, and mix with other people, it will make the time you do have together more special.  
4. Plan some special activities for two.  Romance plays a huge role on any honeymoon. Make sure you plan a couple of activities that will bring romance to the forefront. This could be a private dinner for two on the beach; a couple’s massage, or even a gondola ride in Venice. Choose at least one activity that will help create the mood and ambiance you're after, and then you can take it from there.  
5. Lingerie, lotions, and more. Don't forget to pack that new negligee or perhaps the massage oils. After all, it is your honeymoon and a big part of that is spending time together enjoying yourself. Packing a few special surprises can help make your honeymoon more satisfying for both of you.

Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai.

By implementing some of these ideas, your honeymoon will definitely be off the charts. More importantly, it will be something the two of you will be able to enjoy and fondly remember for years to come.

If you need help planning the honeymoon of your dreams, contact Muriel to begin your travel planning now at either 403-477-0643 orinfo@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

-------------------------------------------------------

Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.