Revolutionary Maldives underwater residence allows you to sleep beneath the sea

You’ll soon be able to swap your conventional bed for the sea bed as Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced plans for a first-of-its-kind submersive undersea hotel residence, offering guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with breathtakingly vibrant marine life inhabiting the beautiful depths of the sea. Luxury resort The Muraka, which translates as 'coral' in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, is being developed as part of a £11m investment, and provides up to nine guests with intimate views you can’t get anywhere else.

“Driven by our inspiration to deliver innovative and transformative experiences to our global travellers, the world’s first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea” Ahmed Saleem, chief architect and designer of the undersea residence said. “The Muraka marks our second venture in underwater architecture and technology, next to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this month. Through our rich history of being a trailblazer in innovative luxury hospitality, we are proud to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge design, technology and architecture.” 

Saleem was the creative vision behind the revolutionary residence along with leading engineer Mike Murphy of M J Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specialises in aquarium technology. The first-of-its-kind residence is spread over two tiers – a fully submerged suite five metres below sea level, fit with king-size bedroom, living area and bathroom provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment, while guests can access the upper level via a spiral staircase. 

Related: Maldives unveils first underwater sculpture museum

Upstairs – above sea level – houses a twin bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, and bar and dining area boasting a deck that faces toward the sunset for the views. There is also an additional king-size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts an ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon. On the opposite side of the villa guests have full access to a relaxation deck, complete with infinity swimming pool facing toward the sunrise for the perfect wake up call each morning.

This isn’t the first time the resort has ventured below sea level – 13 years ago it pioneered the world’s first ever underwater restaurant Ithaa, a project which totalled £3.65m and took 85 tonnes of sandbags to be sunken onto the ocean bed. The resort also features 12 award-winning restaurants and bars and two spas set to the beautiful backdrop of crystal blue waters.