World’s first underwater hotel residence opens in Maldives

For once, it’s an opportunity to sleep with the fishes that doesn’t mean you end up like a character in a mob movie.

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has opened the world’s first-ever underwater hotel residence.

More than just a room or a suite (this is the Maldives, after all, so luxury is the name of the game), the two-story villa is set more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. Its name is “Muraka,” which means “coral” in the Maldives’ local language Dhivehi.

In addition to a bed, shower and the other typical components of a hotel room, the Muraka takes luxury travel to another level with a private gym, a bar, an infinity pool, butler’s quarters, an ocean-facing bathtub and most importantly an underwater bedroom with unparalleled views of the ocean.

The top floor, which is above the water, has a “relaxation deck” where you can sun yourself.

The price tag? A cool $50,000 per night. Those who book this room get use of a personal chef and private boat, as well as automatic Hilton Diamond status.

The Muraka isn’t the first underwater venture at the hotel. The property is home to Ithaa, an underwater five-star restaurant.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Unique lodgings: A computer-generated image of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island's $15 million project, a two-story hotel villa that is partly submerged 16.4 feet beneath the Indian Ocean.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Immersive experience: Big enough to accommodate up to nine guests at a time, the Muraka is believed to be the world's first ever undersea residence.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Underwater living: Connected to the upper level by a spiral staircase, the undersea section is made up of a king-size bedroom, living area and bathroom.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Luxurious property: The upper level features a twin-size bedroom, a gym, butler's quarters, an integrated living room, a bar, a sunrise-facing relaxation deck and an ocean-facing bathtub.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Innovative project: "We are excited to present Muraka's unique sleeping under the sea experience to our future guests, providing them with an extraordinary seascape of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective," says a spokesperson for Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Cutting-edge design: The Muraka was erected at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island by New Zealand-based design consultancy M.J. Murphy Ltd.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

One-of-a-kind ventures: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is also home to the Ithaa undersea restaurant, which launched 13 years ago and was also constructed by M.J. Murphy Ltd.

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Idyllic location: Positioned on two private islands joined by a footbridge, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island launched as Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa in 1997.

The Muraka is connected to the rest of the resort – including the Ithaa – by jetty, in case you want to leave your blissful seclusion to mingle with other non-aquatic life forms.

The process of building the Muraka was carefully considered to be respectful to the environment. Everything was built in Singapore – on land – and then brought to the Maldives on a special ship.

Once the residence was lowered into the water, it was nailed into place with concrete pylons that will keep it from shifting during rough waves or at high tide.

Not quite ready to eat and sleep below the sea? The Conrad is also home to several floating villas, should you want to just get your feet wet.