Maldives set to open world’s first underwater hotel residence

The Muraka can accommodate up to nine guests. ― AFP picNEW YORK, April 20 ― A luxury resort in the Maldives is set to open the world’s first undersea villa, offering guests the chance to sleep with the sharks in a dream-like, watery marine setting.

In the race to bag the title of world’s first undersea residence the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island looks to be in the lead, having announced that its US$15 million (RM58.3 million) residence The Muraka will open later this year.  

Named after the local Dhivehi word for coral, the residence will span two levels, with the lower space featuring a king size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper floor.  

Guests sleep 16 feet (five meters) below sea level with 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and its inhabitants: tropical fish, sharks, corals and other assorted marine life.  

When they need to come up for air, guests can climb upstairs to the first floor, which houses a living space, two more bedrooms, bathroom, gym, butler’s quarters, security quarters, kitchen, bar, and dining room.  

The infinity pool and deck have been designed to face the direction of the sunset for optimum viewing.  

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