Of the 12 F&B experiences offered at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, our most memorable dinner took place at Koko Grill, the hotel’s beachfront Japanese outpost. For the night, though, the restaurant was serving a lobster and champagne BBQ menu. Picture a buffet spread—complete with live stations—on one side under the palm trees, stretching as long as the tables on the other side next to the water. It’s a magical, romantic setting, and the experience is unbeatable.
The Food and Drinks
Surf and turf, topped with more dessert treats than you can think of to indulge in. Fresh seafood, including Maldivian lobsters, clams, king prawns, scallops and the like, as well as juicy meats, sashimi, a raw vegetable selection and the usual carbohydrates that you’d expect at a buffet like this.
The range of options are impressive, considering the fact that every ingredient has to be imported to the island and then brought to the on-site kitchen. The free-flow champagne was also a nice touch, considering that full board rates don’t include alcohol.
The Hospitality
Service was on pointe. Our glasses were always full, even the free-flow bubbly; plates were swiftly removed from our table before we returned with another round; and the staff were always on the lookout for a hand in the air.
Location
On the adults only Rangali Island. The strip of sand where tables are set up is serene and blissful, from where guests have a vantage point to look over at the island’s Quiet Zone Pool, which boasts underwater lights that change colour every few seconds.
For Your Consideration
Not unexpectedly, weather is always a worry when it comes to al fresco dining. It was drizzling as we made our way to the restaurant, confident that our reservation wouldn’t be cancelled in light of a little rain, and optimistic of the skies clearing up. Though our seats were damp, and foil and plastic sheets covered the buffet initially, which made it tricky to get our food, the winds shifted and we were able to enjoy the rest of our evening as we’d intended.
On the food, with the nature of a buffet and cooked food staying out, it would’ve been appreciated having certain dishes, like meat, stay heated until we plucked them onto our plates.
The Noteworthy
Loved the two-man live band that filled the air with old school rock and pop songs. Coupled with sounds of the waves gently crashing into the beach, the soundtrack of the night was classic beachfront.
The Summary
If you’re only staying at the resort for a night, unlikely as the case may be, make sure that you make a reservation for dinner here as it’s limited seating.
Staff
Attentive and warm
Food & Drinks
Diverse
