'World's First' Underwater Villa to Open in the Maldives Later This Year

Conde Nast traveler by BRIDGET HALLINAN April 18, 2018 And it only cost $15 million to build

The Maldives may call to mind gorgeous overwater bungalows set above the Indian Ocean, but the Conrad's Rangali Island is about to subvert that trend—literally. Later this year, the resort will debut what it claims to be the "world's first" (partially) undersea residence, the result of a $15 million investment, according to the official press release. (It's worth noting that Dubai started rolling out partially underwater luxury villas in 2016, but not all of them are open/available for purchase yet.) Named The Muraka (which translates to "coral" in the local language, Dhivehi), the villa will be a two-level structure, with the living area above water, and the main bedroom underwater. If you've ever wanted to live The Little Mermaid in real life, now's your chance.

The Maldives may call to mind gorgeous overwater bungalows set above the Indian Ocean, but the Conrad's Rangali Island is about to subvert that trend—literally. Later this year, the resort will debut what it claims to be the "world's first" (partially) undersea residence, the result of a $15 million investment, according to the official press release. (It's worth noting that Dubai started rolling out partially underwater luxury villas in 2016, but not all of them are open/available for purchase yet.) Named The Muraka (which translates to "coral" in the local language, Dhivehi), the villa will be a two-level structure, with the living area above water, and the main bedroom underwater. If you've ever wanted to live The Little Mermaid in real life, now's your chance.

The villa's undersea bathroom. Courtesy Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Submerged five meters (16.4 feet), the underwater suite has clear, acrylic walls that provide a panoramic view of the surrounding ocean and wildlife (insert "sleeping with the fishes" joke here). There's a king-sized bed, where you can kick back and watch all the vibrantly colored fish swim by, as well as a living area and bathroom. Should you want to surface, the upper level is connected by a spiral staircase, and it's just as luxurious as the underwater suite, if not more so. There are two more bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, kitchen, bar, and outdoor "relaxation" deck positioned to face sunrise—with an infinity pool, naturally. But the Conrad really went the extra mile by adding butler'squarters—yes, you read that right. The site promises that up to nine people can fit in The Muraka, so you can book a fun trip for the whole family (and then some).

Believe it or not, this is the Conrad's Rangali Island's second undersea venture—the first is Ithaarestaurant, which opened in 2005 and is also 16 feet below sea level. Guests can enjoy a dinner of "coconut-crusted légine (cod icefish), served with curry bisque, steamed sea beans and spicy sea snails" while sharks swim overhead—talk about a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. The addition of The Muraka villa represents the Conrad's push to continue experimenting with new architecture and technology. “We are excited to see The Muraka bring to life the contemporary design, leading innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that serve as the foundation for the Conrad brand," said Martin Rinck, Global Head, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton, in a statement. “With the development of the world’s first undersea residence, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will offer visitors the opportunity to experience the Maldives like never before.”