Two years ago during Thanksgiving week, Mr. Jones and I traveled to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. We used frequent flier miles to get two business class tickets to transport us there, and Hilton Honors Award Points to stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
This was no easy feat but Mr. Jones is a pro at figuring out how to use miles and points. Getting from Kansas City to Rangali Island took about three days of travel. We flew Kansas City to Washington-Dulles on United, and then continued on United from Washington to Rome, Italy.
In Rome we transferred to Star Alliance Partner Thai Airways, flying Business Class from Rome to Bangkok, and then first class from Bangkok to Singapore. Knowing we would be exhausted and having an 8 hour layover, we booked a room in the Ambassador Transit Hotel located inside security in the Singapore Changi Airport. It was terrific to have a shower and a few hours of sleep.
Next we flew on an amazing Singapore flight in Business Class from Singapore to Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male, the capital of the Maldives. The Male airport is an island. After you collect your bags, a speedboat takes you to the nearby island of Male, the capital city. Here we checked into the Traders Hotel.
The next morning we were up early but our float plane to the resort did not depart until the early afternoon. We walked around Male and were awed by the colorful sunrise, and watching this island city come to life.
When it was time to leave, we took the speedboat back to the airport, this time going to the world’s largest seaplane airport, where all of the tourists are flown out to the various resorts.
The Conrad has its own “hangar” and treats you to snacks, drinks and massages while you are waiting for your plane.
Finally, we are up in the air and we’ve off to Paradise. The views are like nothing we’ve ever seen.
Our plane makes one stop before our resort – we all get out to stretch our legs
Back in the air, soon we are landing in the water near our resort.
Our plane taxis up to a pier, and the staff is out waiting to greet us.
I can’t help but this of the 1970’s television show, Fantasy Island.
The plane is reloaded with departing tourists, and flies away.
For the next four nights and five days, we are trapped in paradise.
Check back for Part II about our experiences at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
Have you visited the Maldives? How did you like it? Please share in comments below.
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