Exploring the underwater design wonders of the Maldives, The Muraka and Ithaa, a villa and a restaurant that you will not want to leave
No matter how poised you are, as soon as you enter the underwater room of the luxury residence The Muraka of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and its underwater restaurant Ithaa, you will gasp. Your jaw will drop and you might even scratch your head in amazement. No kidding. I did, followed by several ‘Oh my God!’. These architectural and design marvels are simply breathtaking. They are your private aquariums, which you can enjoy while eating, sleeping, dressing and even bathing. Get yourself in here and you will never tire of seeing the diverse marine life swimming around while you sit dry and comfortable in an air-conditioned room. I saw osharks, groupers and surprise, surprise even a turtle while having one of the most delicious meals of my life. Now this is luxury. This is what pushing the boundaries means.
The Muraka: The Submerged Sanctuary
Descending into the depths of the Indian Ocean, The Muraka emerges as a testament to human ingenuity and architectural brilliance. Translating to “coral” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives, this two-level, three-bedroom residence seamlessly integrates into its marine surroundings, resembling a futuristic pod nestled among vibrant coral reefs.
Local architect Ahmed Saleem teamed with New York firm Yuji Yamazaki Architecture to design The Muraka as a private holiday villa at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. It comprises a slender top storey above water that contains the kitchen, living and dining area, and three bedrooms. An additional bedroom suite is submerged in the water and encased in curved, seven-inch-thick acrylic walls.
Architecture and Design
Crafted by a team of visionary architects and marine engineers, The Muraka is a symphony of glass, steel, and concrete, meticulously designed to withstand the ocean’s immense pressure under 16 feet. Its highlight, the underwater suite features a master bedroom with a 180-degree curved acrylic dome, providing an intimate and immersive experience with the surrounding marine life. Guests can drift off to sleep while being serenaded by the gentle murmur of the ocean and wake up to the ethereal dance of colourful fish right about their heads. It’s a unique experience to see the sun rise and set through the azure waters above you.
Environmental Consciousness
Despite its opulence, The Muraka was built keeping sustainability in mind. From its construction using eco-friendly materials to its integration with local marine conservation efforts, every aspect of The Muraka’s design is imbued with a sense of environmental stewardship.
Ithaa: Dining Beneath the Waves
Just a short distance from The Muraka lies Ithaa, a culinary gem that transports guests on an epicurean journey into the heart of the ocean. Here a special team of guests will serve you a five-course meal, which can also be a vegan fare. And that made me very happy. Plus, you get a certificate for dining in the world’s first underwater restaurant, adding to the very special experience.
The restaurant was designed by M.J. Murphy Ltd, an Auckland-based design firm that specializes in aquariums and underwater structures. It took a team of engineers and architects over two years to build the restaurant, which was constructed on land and then lowered onto the seabed
Panoramic Perfection
Ithaa’s most striking feature is its all-glass enclosure, offering diners uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine life. As sunlight filters through the crystal-clear waters, illuminating the vibrant coral gardens and darting schools of fish, guests are treated to a mesmerising spectacle of unparalleled beauty. Whether savouring gourmet cuisine or indulging in a glass of champagne, every moment at Ithaa is suffused with wonder and awe.
A Sublime Synthesis of Luxury and Nature
The Muraka and Ithaa stand as monuments to human innovation and reverence for the natural world. In their harmonious convergence of luxury and sustainability, they offer guests a glimpse into a realm where the boundaries between man and nature blur, and every moment is infused with magic. Guests are reminded of the profound interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the limitless possibilities that arise when we strive to coexist in harmony with our planet’s majestic oceans.
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