The Muraka, Conrad Maldives
The Muraka opened its doors in 2018 to become the Maldives, and the world's, very first underwater hotel suite.[1] It is part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, owned by Hilton Worldwide.[2] The two-story structure consists of an en-suite master bedroom, en-suite twin bedroom, sun deck and infinity pool on its upper floor and a double bedroom and en-suite bathroom in the underwater section. This bedroom has a curved acrylic glass ceiling and walls that allows guests to observe the sea life outside while its accompanying en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet have floor to ceiling glass sections.
A stay at The Muraka is an exclusive experience and guests can arrive directly via private seaplane from the airport or transfer by speedboat from the main resort. A stay also includes a private, on call speedboat, complimentary jet skis, a private butler and chef, on-call massage, spa treatments and a personal trainer.[3]
The suite's 540 metric tons (600 short tons; 530 long tons) lower level, 16.4 ft (5.0 m) below sea level,[4] was first built in Singapore and then transferred to the Maldives by ship. In order to ensure that it doesn't move during bad weather, there are ten concrete piles holding it in place. The total cost of construction was $15 million.[5]
The Muraka was designed by New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki and local architect Ahmed Saleem.[6]
References
- "Underwater Hotel Maldives - Prices, Booking - All You Need to Know". Dream Overwater Bungalows. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
- Puhak, Janine (2018-11-01). "Hilton to open world's first underwater villa in the Maldives". Fox News. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- "Underwater Hotel Maldives - Prices, Booking - All You Need to Know". Dream Overwater Bungalows. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
- "Forget Overwater Bungalows. The Maldives Now Has a $50,000 Underwater Hotel Room". www.bloomberg.com. April 17, 2018. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- "The Muraka: This Maldives Underwater Hotel Costs $50,000 Per Night". ValueWalk. 2018-11-05. Retrieved 2018-11-12.
- "Maldives villa The Muraka has a bedroom under the sea". Dezeen. 2019-11-21. Retrieved 2022-04-13.