The World's First Undersea Residence Is Coming

Image: PHOTO: Rendering of The Muraka's king-size bedroom. (photo courtesy of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island)
Image: PHOTO: Rendering of The Muraka's king-size bedroom. (photo courtesy of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 1:12 PM ET, Tue April 17, 2018

Do you want to live among the fishes? The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has got you covered.

The luxury resort and spa recently revealed plans to develop a first-of-its-kind undersea residence in the Indian Ocean.

Scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018, The Muraka-which translates to coral in the Maldives' local language of Dhivehi-will immerse up to nine guests at a time in one of the world's most coveted marine environments.

The resort, which is also home to the world's first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, has invested $15 million in the project.

The residence's state-of-the-art design will be similar to Ithaa's with a curved acrylic dome offering 180-degree panoramic views below the ocean surface.

The two-level residence will feature a space above sea level as well as an undersea suite with a bedroom floor sitting more than 16 feet below the ocean's surface. The undersea suite will boast a king-size bedroom, living area, and bathroom.

A spiral staircase connects the suite to the upper-level living room. The expansive upper level will also feature a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler's quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining space. The latter includes a deck facing the direction of the sunset. Meanwhile, a relaxation deck on the opposite side of the villa faces the direction of the sunrise and houses an infinity swimming pool.

The upper level also includes an additional king-size bedroom and bathroom equipped with an ocean-facing tub for good measure.

"Driven by our inspiration to deliver innovative and transformative experiences to our global travelers, the world's first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea," said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the undersea residence, in a statement. "The Muraka marks our second venture in underwater architecture and technology, next to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this month. Through our rich history of being a trailblazer in innovative luxury hospitality, we are proud to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge design, technology, and architecture."

"Through our development of the world's first undersea residence, we continue to shine a light on the Maldives as a luxury destination as well as a cultural and natural wonder for global travelers," added the resort's General Manager, Stefano Ruzza. "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."

Beyond the Muraka, guests visiting the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island can look forward to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world as well as deluxe villas and suites, a pair of spas and a dozen restaurants and bars.


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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