‘World’s first undersea residence’ will be completed 4Q 2018.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali is investing $15 million in a new ‘sleeping under the sea’ experience, complementing the resort’s already submerged restaurant, Ithaa.
Named The Muraka, or ‘coral’ in Dhivehi (the local language of the Maldives), the undersea residence will give guests an ‘intimate and immersive experience of one of the Earth’s most breathtaking marine environments’.
Muraka is designed to blend into its environment, giving guests’ views of the Indian Ocean, with the vibrant colors and a diverse array of marine life.
Envisioned by Crown Company Director Ahmed Saleem, and realized by Mike Murphy, leading engineer at M J Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specializes in aquarium technology, the undersea residence is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface.
The undersea suite features a king-size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five metres below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment.
Muraka’s distinct design is akin to Ithaa’s with the curved acrylic dome, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean’s intricate marine life.
Muraka’s upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset.
On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise, complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king-size bedroom and bathroom, which has an ocean-facing bathtub. In total, Muraka can accommodate up to nine guests.
“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,” said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the undersea residence. “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.”
“Through our development of the world’s first undersea residence, we continue to shine a light on the Maldives as a luxury destination as well as a cultural and natural wonder for global travellers,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “We are excited to present Muraka’s unique sleeping under the sea experience to our future guests, providing them with an extraordinary seascape of the Maldives from an entirely new perspective.”
