Adventurous Maldives Vacation in First Undersea Villa
For those who are looking for vacation experiences like no other, you may want to book your undersea getaway at The Muraka on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. The first truly under-ocean villa in the world is scheduled to open its doors in November 2018.
The Muraka, which means ‘coral’ in the island’s native language of Dhaivehi, is a two-level one-of-a-kind vacation property in the Indian Ocean that can comfortably host up to nine people. The upper level includes two bedrooms and two and a half baths, Living Room, Dining area, kitchen, bar, fitness room, butler’s quarters and private security quarters.
Expansive decks on the West and East take advantage of specular sunrises and sunsets overlooking the water. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the upstairs Master Suite offers an uninterrupted ocean view, a perfect way to wake up and retire each day. The tub in the Master bath also looks out over the water, creating a peaceful and luxuriously indulgent way to unwind and relax.
A spiral staircase descends to the lower level, which sits 16 feet below the waves on the ocean floor. The undersea level includes another bedroom and living space. An arched acrylic dome provides a 180-degree view of the sea life in the Indian Ocean while the lower level bathroom offers tranquil underwater vistas of colorful marine life, sand dunes, and coral outcroppings.
The website describes this distinctive vacation experience as “a triumph of modern design and technology…integrating living above and below the ocean. Muraka epitomizes how the villa lives and thrives among the natural landscape of the Indian Ocean. … Form and function flow seamlessly, connecting our innovation with your inspired stay in a subaquatic garden. A paradise unlike any other….complete with a dedicated team of butlers at your beck and call 24/7.”
The Muraka was the brainchild of Ahmed Saleem, Maldivian diplomat and Crown Company director, who was also instrumental in the creation of Ithaa, the Conrad’s award-winning underwater restaurant regarded as ‘the most beautiful restaurant in the world,’ also located in the Maldives. Says Saleem about the undersea villa, “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.”
The Maldives is an archipelago a few hundred miles southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Comprised of more than 1,200 coral islands on the equator, the Maldives have silky white sand beaches and vibrantly blue waters that are ideal for snorkeling, scuba-diving, surfing, paddle boarding and sailing. The trek to get here may be an arduous one but is absolutely worth it as travelers lose themselves in an idyllic blend of deserted island luxury.
Slated to open to the public toward the end of 2018, the secluded Muraka is located in the South Ari Atoll and will cost upwards of $50,000 per night. Accessible by a half hour scenic seaplane flight or yacht or speedboat ride from another nearby isle, the staff at the Conrad will arrange all transfers based upon your flights and preference.
The Muraka flawlessly blends luxury with nature to create a truly one-of-a-kind vacation experience.
