The world's first underwater villa has opened in the Maldives - and it was built by a Kiwi company specialising in aquarium technology. Photo / Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The world's first underwater villa has opened in the Maldives - and it was built by a Kiwi company specialising in aquarium technology. Photo / Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Guests at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island now have the chance to sleep with the fishes - but there's nothing at all sinister about it.
That's because the swanky resort has opened what is believed to be the world's first-ever undersea villa - and images show that it's going tobe one of the most sought-after hotel rooms in the world. For the super-rich, that is - it's $50,000 ($75,000) a night, the Daily Mail reports.
Even in the bathroom guests can gaze at the Indian Ocean. Photo / Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
It's a two-deck affair, with the lower deck sitting five metres beneath the waves. It has a bedroom, living space and bathroom and, of course, swathes of glass so that guests can gaze at the colourful local sea life swimming past, wherever they are in the complex.
The suite, named the Muraka, has cost $15 million ($22 million) to build and will give guests unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean.
The residence was designed by architects the Crown Company and was built by New Zealand-based M J Murphy Limited, which specialises in aquarium technology.
The undersea suite is connected to the top deck by a spiral staircase.
Up top, guests will find a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler's quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and a dining room with a deck that faces the direction of the sunset.
The relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise. There is, of course, also an infinity pool. Photo / Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
On the opposite side of the villa sits a relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise and an infinity swimming pool.
A sprawling villa at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Photo / Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The upper level also contains an additional king-size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts an ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon.
In total, Muraka can accommodate up to nine guests.
Guests will be able to gaze at the endless horizon while soaking in the standalone bathtub up top. Photo / Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Ahmeed Saleem, the chief designer of the residence, said: "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."
