You Can Now Sleep Under the Sea at this Underwater Hotel in The Maldives
Literally sleep with the fishes in what's being called the world's "first undersea residence".
We don't recommend taking regularly life advice from cartoon characters, but ever since an animated crab sang about the joys of living under the sea, it's an idea that's been lodged in everyone's minds. Nearly three decades after The Little Mermaid told us "darling it's better down where it's wetter", you can now experience the underwater life for yourself. If you've ever wanted to make like Ariel and slumber surrounded by sea life, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has made that dream a reality by building a lavish underwater hotel suite.
Now open and welcoming guests, the US$15 million space is being called the world's "first undersea residence" — and while a series of submerged villas in Dubai and a room at an African hotel might beg to differ, this still looks and sounds mighty impressive. Named The Muraka, which means coral in Dhivehi, the Maldives' local language, it's a two-level apartment that comes complete with sleeping and living quarters both above and five metres below the waterline.
While the top floor boasts two bedrooms and bathrooms, including one with an ocean-facing tub; a powder room, gym, living room, kitchen, bar and dining area; two separate decks facing directly towards the sunrise and sunset; an infinity pool; and even butler's and private security quarters (with staff on hand 24 hours a day), it's the lower level that's the main attraction. Let's face it — you know that's exactly where everyone will head first. Down a spiral staircase, guests will find a king size bedroom, living area and bathroom, all surrounded by 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean's marine inhabitants.
In total, the suite sleeps nine, making it a luxe destination for travelling groups with plenty of cash. And we do mean plenty, with Architectural Digest reporting that a stay costs around US$50,000 per night.
That's not the only underwater experience on offer at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island — for the past 13 years, the resort has also been home to an undersea restaurant, so you can eat beneath the ocean's surface as well.
Images: Justin Nicholas. 2018 Hilton.
