Fittingly named ‘The Muraka’, which translates to “coral” in local Dhivehi Language, it was designed by architect Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company, with the objective of giving guests an entirely new and immersive encounter with the famed underwater beauty of Maldives.
An investment of USD 15 million, The Muraka is a two-level structure comprising a suite above sea level and the other underwater. The lower suite, made of steel, concrete, and acrylic, was constructed at Singapore and transported to Maldives via a specialised ship. The 600-tonne suite was then submerged and affixed to the seabed by 10 concrete piles, where it lies 16.5 feet under sea level.
Its curved acrylic dome gives 180-degree uninterrupted views of the surrounding coral reef and marine life. The suite features a king-sized bedroom, bathroom and a living area.
The submerged suite connects with the upper level via a spiral staircase and elevator. The upper suite also features a king-sized bedroom and bathroom, along with a twin-sized bedroom, integrated living room, kitchen, gym, decks with views of the sunrise and sunset, and an infinity pool.
The Muraka offers maximum privacy for its guests, located far out from Rangali’s beach and over-water villas. While the residence connects with the main island via a long jetty for use by the staff, who provide round-the-clock service, the guests are flown in on a seaplane that lands at their own private jetty, and are provided the use of a private speedboat.
Stays at the luxurious undersea residence costs USD 50,000 per night.
The Muraka joins the ranks of Ahmed Saleem’s other brainchild, ‘Ithaa’, the world’s first underwater restaurant also located at Conrad Maldives Rangali.
