With over 100 resorts in the Maldives, the natural paradise has offered travelers an out of this world refuge among private islands, villas on the water, and Asian-inspired spas.
In the vast sea of proposals, however, there’s a new favorite ready to hit the market. From November 2018, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will welcome guests in the world’s first underwater villa.
Developed by Conrad Hotels & Resorts at a cost of $15 million, The Muraka (meaning Coral in the local Maldive Dhivehi language) is a structure on two levels that includes a master suite with a king sized bed, double bathroom, living room, and a domed window in acrylic offering 180-degree views. All this, 5 meters underwater.
An internal spiral staircase allows access to the upper level, where you’ll find another two bedrooms, bathrooms, living space, kitchen, and dining area. The latter will also open to a terrace with the best view of the sunset. Naturally, a relaxation area in the open air with a private pool and gym (beyond the rooms reserved for personnel).
“The world's first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea”, says Ahmed Saleem, lead architect and designer of the underwater villa and director of the Crown Company.
To realize Muraka, very advanced technology was used, developed with Mike Murphy, lead engineer of MJ Murphy Ltd. with headquarters in New Zealand.
The interiors of Muraka will feature simple furnishings to help guests enjoy the peace and tranquility of the exclusive location.
Prices are still top secret, but to get an idea, the rooms currently available at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island start around $855 a night for a double room.
Muraka, however, won’t be the first underwater experience offered by Conrad Hotels & Resorts, before the underwater villa there was the underwater restaurant Ithaa, launched in the same location 13 years ago and constructed by the same team.
