The five-star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has it all – exquisite over-water villas, not one, but two luxury spas and even an under-sea restaurant. But just when you thought the resort couldn’t get more decadent, it introduces full-time Instagram butlers to make sure you take equally flawless photos. Francesca Lynagh reports
Think of it like this – people who want some help with their wardrobe purchases hire a personal shopper. So, what do people who want to perfect their Instagram feed need to do? Employ the help of an Instagram butler, of course.
That’s exactly what Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is now offering its guests, at no extra cost. Instagram butlers are employed by the hotel to show guests around the resort, helping them locate the most photogenic angles and settings for their best bikini shots.
Following the #InstaTrail, guests will be given advice on camera positioning and pointers on the times of day that work best for each location. For example, they might be urged to visit the furthest tip of the Rangali Island towards the end of the day, in order to capture the perfect sunset. #Nofilter.
With Insta-Jeeves on-hand to photograph you whenever you like, guests can take part in a yoga class against an ocean backdrop that’s just begging for you to strike a Reverse Warrior pose. Or on a sea shore swing. To keep those “likes” coming, guests will also be shown to the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant, Ithaa, which presents stunning views of tropical fish.
According to the resort’s director of marketing and communications, Kimberly Roberts, the inspiration came from existing team members who noticed that they were often being asked to take photographs for guests around the resort. It was decided that it would be “a natural fit” to officially introduce Instagram butlers to the list of hotel services.
It’s estimated that 95 million photos are shared on Facebook-owned Instagram every day and, to date, there have been more than 226 million photos uploaded with the hashtag “travel”. There’s also evidence that Instagram influences travel decisions – earlier this year a study from Schofields Insurance revealed that 40 per cent of people aged between 18 and 33 choose holiday destinations based on how Instagrammable they are.
The introduction of the Instagram butler is just one of the ways in which Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has tapped into the needs of a society filled with smartphones obsessed “wanderlusters”. Using the Conrad Concierge mobile app, guests can also check into their room while in-transit from the airport and, in the spirit of having to wait for nothing, guests can even pre-select their favourite bath amenities ahead of arrival.
People might scoff at the idea of employing the help of an Instagram butler while on holiday, but for many, online bragging is a big part of the pleasure of going away. Having enviable experiences is a new form of social status and – as we all know – is becoming a highly profitable source of income for the few that master the art of a well composed Instagram shot. This couple, for example, have reportedly made between $6,000 and $9,000 for a single post…