Hi Veracity,
I just got back from Maldives stayed at Conrad rangali island awesome place! thinking of going again!
1) for SQ flights, they fly direct, but odd timings. However i think thats the best way, unless you like to do transit or thinking of travel to Sri Lanka for holiday.
Once you touched down at male, the hotel staff will greet you and bring you to your hotel by speedboat. For me, as Conrad needs to be reached by seaplane, we stayed a night at holiday Inn male. and next morning fly to Conrad resort thats additional USD420 per pax for the air transfer.
But if you choose a hotel that does speed boat transfer, usually there's no additional. however those resort are nearer to male and you dont get to see the amazing view from the plane.
2) Sept is off peak season, may expect some rain, but weather in maldives is unpredictable.
passing rain happens everyday, but you will still get sunshine.
hotels prices for water villa are expensive, for my resrarch, i think Hilton is cheap USD 256+, but again, Hilton you need to fly by seaplane. I paid USD 550 for Conrad, and we stayed 5 nights, which i regretted, and thought should have stayed another 2 nights! it is not one of the best water villa, simple and basic, but the resort is the best for this price. google and read more on
www.tripadvisor.com lots of pictures to see too! I met an english couple, they been to the same resort for 8 times!
3) Packages (which i didnt take) are those usual resort that most singaporean will go to. I dont think they are cheaper, if they offer 1 extra night, thats because the 1st night you will reach the resort at 11pm.
4) Ya the SQ flight waste a night! if you like a relaxing holiday, go as long as your pocket allows you. My hubby has the best time sleeping there! and i dont have dark eye ring for the entire week! its amazing doing nothing! and with the food and drinks and extra helpful hotel staffs, no stress at all!
5) there's some trips like, island tour, snorkeling trip, diving, dolphin spotting cruise, fishing (easy catch we caught 5 fishes, and were treated like royals on the boat, you can dont get your hands dirty for the entire 2 hrs fishing trip) quite a bit to do each day actually.
For Conrad, there's some party theme one some day of the week at the bar. and 7 different restaurant that you wont go bored, but some are expensive. but for small eaters, we dont go for buffet. so usual meal cost USD 120 with 2 beers!
and they have some special hours with free drink and some free tea and snacks.
I have so much to share regards to this trip!
feel free to post questions ya.
actually i am thinking of going again on Sept too!