The Muraka, the first underwater villa in the Maldives

No more rain, snow or cold. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the warm and beautiful scenery of the Maldives, sleeping surrounded by the fish and nature of the Indian Ocean. If you want this dream comes true, the answer is to book a stay at The Muraka, the first underwater villa in the world. Part of the luxurious Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, the futuristic suite consists of two floors, one above and one below sea level, connected by a lift and a spiral staircase. The lower part is five meters deep, has a bedroom, a bathroom and is surrounded by large domed windows offering guests 180° views of turtles, rays, sharks and sea creatures. The structure, designed by Japanese firm Yuji Yamazaki Architecture, was built on land, in Singapore, following the same process and using the same acrylic by the main Japanese aquarium manufacturer Nippura Co., also used for Ithaa, the underwater restaurant of the resort opened in 2005. The 600-ton room was then moved to the Maldives with a ship that could travel on the coral reef without damaging it, and fixed with concrete pylons to ensure it will not move or shift due to a high tide or rough seas.

The Muraka, which means "coral" in Dhivehi, the local language, has an equally exclusive upper floor. Here you find an additional king-size bedroom, an indoor swimming pool, a double bedroom, a bathroom, a service bathroom, a gym, butler accommodation, a private security area, a living room, a kitchen, a bar and a dining area. For those who prefer to enjoy the outdoor views, an upstairs west-facing bridge is perfect to watch the sunset, while on the opposite side of the residence has been built an east-facing bridge for sunbathing, complete with an infinity pool.

The Muraka offers a total luxury experience that includes a team of staff and butlers available 24 hours a day. In addition, its guests are flown in on a private seaplane that lands at their own private jetty or picked up from the main resort in a speedboat that’s theirs to use for the rest of their stay. The cost of this paradise? About 43,000€ per night.