Sleeping with the fishes has never sounded so enticing -- now that you can live to tell about it. The recently reopened Conrad Maldives Rangali Island -- one of the most admired luxury resorts in the Maldives -- has debuted the world’s first underwater villa.
The Muraka is a one-of-a-kind experience: a $15 million, two-level villa situated like a private island in the middle of a blue lagoon for the ultimate in privacy . . . if you don’t count the Angelfish, Butterflyfish, and Maldive Anemonefish staring back at you while you shower and slumber.
Named after the local Dhivehi word for coral, The Muraka is perched over water on an isolated pier complete with a speedboat chauffeur at your beck and call. Paradise found, the villa a is an architectural feat, particularly the lower-level, set 16-feet below sea level to exhibit under-the-sea views of the Indian Ocean’s natural habitat and marine life: tropical fish, sharks, and, naturally, local coral.
The king-sized bedroom has a mesmerizing 180-degree acrylic dome, a master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an underwater theater to watch the ever-changing show. The dream-like experience is like living in a tropical aquarium with all the creature comforts instead of scuba gear.
When you’re ready for some sunshine, the spiral staircase leads to the upper floor where the spacious main living spaces are found: a living room, dining room, kitchen, bar, gym, bathroom, security quarters, outdoor deck with an infinity pool, and two additional bedrooms with room for up to nine guests in total.
Windows are virtually everywhere, offering 360-degree views of the sea and Rangali Island. The ultra-exclusive escape comes with 24-hour private butler service, a private chef, and unforgettable tailored experiences.
You won’t be surprised to learn that Conrad Maldives Rangali is also the home of the first hotel undersea restaurant made of glass, the beautiful Ithaa, which is celebrating its 17th year submerged 16-feet below the surface.
