Now You Can Sleep With the Fishes—Literally—in the World’s First Underwater Villa
As vast as our oceans are, there’s still very little we know about what goes on beneath the surface. We can catch glimpses of its blue magic in documentaries and on dive trips of our own. We can even dine with sharks in an undersea restaurant. And, if that’s not enough, discerning ocean lovers now have the unique opportunity of falling asleep in a glass-enclosed pod submerged 16 feet deep in the Indian Ocean.
Muraka is a brand-new two-story villa in the Maldives that exists both above and below the ocean’s surface, with the latter part consisting of a master bedroom and bath with 180-degree views of fish, coral, and other below-sea oddities. The luxury villa is part of the Hilton’s Conrad Rangali Island resort, which is also home to the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa.
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In addition to a novel idea, the Muraka—which means ‘coral’ in the Maldives—is also a design feat. According to Architectural Digest, the standalone structure is made of steel, concrete, and acrylic, with the undersea part constructed in Japan by an aquarium manufacturer. Weighing 600 tons, the suite is delicately anchored (so as not to disrupt marine life) to the sea floor with concrete piles.
Stays in the ultra-luxury villa don’t come cheap—rates are around $50,000 per night—but what one gets for their extra cash is nothing short of top-notch. Guests of the Muraka can choose between four experience packages—ranging from wellness to adventure-focused—that tailor stays to include as little or as much action as desired. The villa also comes with the service of a 24-hour personal butler.
Ready to trade in a stay at the Maldives’ famous overwater bungalows for an underwater adventure? (Well, at least temporarily…) Learn more about the Muraka and book your stay here.
