If you’re looking for one of the most extravagant places on earth to lay your head at night, you may want to consider the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel. The luxury hotel brand, owned and operated by Hilton, just launched the world’s first underwater hotel residence.
The “Muraka,” which means “coral” in the Maldives’ local language Dhivehi, is a two-story villa that is located more than 16 feet under the Indian Ocean.
“As the first-of-its-kind residence with dynamic accommodations both above and below the surface of the water The Muraka is an extraordinary vehicle for a truly immersive journey into nature which cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” said Stefano Ruzza, general manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “Through a variety of curated and captivating offerings, we will maximize the potential of this incredible residence to bring unique travel experiences to our valued guests.”
The Muraka features typical hotel amenities—a bed and shower, for example—as well as a private gym, bar, infinity pool, butler’s quarters, bathtub looking over the ocean, and an underwater bedroom, reports CNN. Part of the suite is located underwater, and part is above water, including the relaxation deck.
Be prepared to break the bank if you choose to stay at the Muraka. It costs a whopping $50,000 a night and is only available if you book a four-night, $200,000 package. Luckily, that also includes a personal chef and a private boat. Travelers who take advantage of the package are granted Hilton Diamond status.
The resort also has a five-star underwater restaurant, Ithaa. If you choose to leave the haven of the Muraka, you can wander to other parts of the resort by jetty.
When Conrad Hotels and Resorts constructed the property, they aimed to make as little impact on the environment as possible. They built everything in Singapore and transported it via ship to the Maldives. The structure was placed into the water and locked in to concrete pylons, which will keep the buildings solid during high tide or big waves.
Conrad Hotels and Resorts touted the Muraka as offering “a transformative journey in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural environments as guests are fully immersed in the wonders of the abundant marine eco-system above and below the Indian Ocean.”
