First Look: The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The world’s first underwater luxury hotel residence, a two-story villa nestled more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean, has opened in the Maldives.

Guests staying at Muraka, which means “coral” in the local Dhivehi language, allows guests to sleep alongside schools of fish and colorful beds of coral that inhabit the sea in aquarium-like accommodations below the surface of the water.

Partnering with an engineer at M J Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specializes in aquarium technology, the undersea bedroom floor level sits five meters (16.4 feet) below sea level with a curved acrylic dome, which boasts unparalleled views of the ocean.

The process of building the Muraka was carefully considered to be respectful to the environment. Everything was created on land in Singapore and then brought to the Maldives on a special ship. It is made to be sturdy during high tides, held tightly in place by concrete pylons to keep it from shifting.

The luxurious amenities continue on Muraka’s upper level, where guests can lavish in a private gym, bar, and an ocean-facing bathtub; and there is a butler’s quarters. A deck faces the sunset for the perfect Instagrammable moment. On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck, which faces the sunrise and is complete with an infinity swimming pool. In total, the residence can accommodate up to nine guests.

Fit for the most discerning clients, stays at the Muraka are available at a $200,000, four-night package that includes a personal chef for all meals and the use of a private boat – as well as automatic access to Hilton Diamond status.

The Muraka is connected by a long jetty to the Hilton’s Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, also home to the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa.