Why swim with sharks when you can sleep with them? That's exactly the kind of experience offered at The Muraka, the world's first underwater hotel villa. Located more than 16 feet below sea level in the middle of the Indian Ocean with glass walls, The Muraka is a two-level aquarium where you can fall asleep to fish swimming overhead and wake up to the swaying arms of coral.
The Muraka is connected by a long jetty to the Hilton's Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, which is known for its firsts.
Description of The Muraka - Conrad
Guests can arrive at The Muraka via private seaplane to a private jetty or via speedboat from the main resort, which they can use for the remainder of their stay. Its location away from the main resort offers serious privacy.
The entire two-level villa is made of steel, concrete, and acrylic and sleeps nine guests, with an upper level looking out across the ocean. It also has a gym and an area for private security detail.
In addition to two bedrooms, the upper level has a bathroom with a tub facing the ocean. But that's just one of many all-inclusive indulgences. There's a butler and chef for each suite, an on-call fitness trainer and spa treatments, and two jet skis.
Apart from the integrated space for living, dining, entertaining, and sleeping on the upper level, there's also a deck prime for sunset watching, complete with an infinity-edge pool.
Guests can make their way down below the waves via a spiral staircase or elevator. A domed ceiling and expansive windows offer panoramic views of the deep blue.
The undersea master bedroom, which fits a king-size bed, offers 180-degree views of sea life for an otherworldly experience. You can even wash your hands and shower while watching the fish swim by.
Muraka is all about unique experiences. It offers four itineraries, personalized to different types of travelers: "The Wanderers," focused on culture; "The Flavors," focused on food; "The Soul," focused on wellness; and "The Thrill," focused on adventure.
The Muraka promises a unique experience that is not available anywhere else in the world.
Dining in The Muraka - Conrad
- ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT
Dine 16 feet below sea level at Ithaa, our undersea restaurant set in a vibrant coral reef. Marvel at 180-degree views of reef and marine life, savor champagne from the extensive wine menu and delight in contemporary cuisine at this spectacular venue – the world’s first all-glass, undersea restaurant. With advance notice, you can book Ithaa as a private venue for dinner or even a romantic wedding venue.
- UFAA BY JEREME LEUNG
Ufaa (which means ‘happiness’ in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi) is presented by celebrated Chef Jereme Leung. Ufaa is an innovative Chinese culinary concept that showcases authentic experiences which highlight the iconic flavors from the distinctive cultures and provinces across China. The restaurant presents various dining options including fresh handmade noodles and dim sum, premium hotpot with Chef Leung’s signature broth and top-quality produce.
- VILU RESTAURANT
Recognized with an Award of Excellence for nine years running by Wine Spectator, Vilu Restaurant is dedicated to the art of food and wine pairing. Located on the edge of the lagoon, Vilu is an open-air restaurant that showcases the resort’s extensive wine selection that has been expertly matched to the contemporary Mediterranean-inspired cuisine on offer.
- MANDHOO SPA RESTAURANT
Set on stilts in the lagoon, this open-air over-water restaurant is the best-kept dining secret on the island. The menu has been specially prepared to energize, nourish, detoxify, relax and fortify the body utilizing organic produce, some grown on the island grounds and imported from around the world. Diners should look out for stingrays and baby sharks which sometimes swim underneath the restaurant.
- KOKO GRILL
The open-air restaurant is set on the beach with unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean and offers one of the liveliest show-stopping dining experiences available at Conrad Maldives. Watch flames dance on the open grill as the chef prepares 7 courses of Japanese cuisine set under a blanket of stars.
- THE WINE CELLAR
Located two meters underground and featuring up to 20,000 bottles of wine and up to 1,400 labels – the most in the Maldives, The Wine Cellar is the setting for degustation dinners hosted by the island’s head chef and chief sommelier, who skillfully match a five-course menu with up to eight hand-picked wines. 12 guests sit at the purposely designed table with the head sommelier and are guided on an interactive journey through the old and new world wine regions.
- THE CHEESE AND WINE BAR
Home to over 100 of the world’s best cheeses which have been carefully selected by the Maître de Fromage, The Cheese and Wine Bar, is the Maldives’ one and only purposely designed cheese and wine bar. The Cheese and Wine Bar plays host to informal wine and cheese tastings as well as regular fondue and tapas evenings.
How to Reach The Muraka - Conrad
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is reachable via a 30-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Male International Airport.
