Archinect - News

World's first underwater residence opens in the Maldives

2018-11-12T15:21:00-05:00

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has opened the world's first-ever underwater hotel residence. More than just a room or a suite (this is the Maldives, after all, so luxury is the name of the game), the two-story villa is set more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. Its name is "Muraka," which means "coral" in the Maldives' local language Dhivehi.

Image: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

With the cold and gloomy season quickly approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, many wish to escape to warmer, balmier settings. If the idea of sleeping under the water sounds like your kinda thing and a sweet $50,000 a night isn't too much of an obstacle, then a trip to the Maldives should be at the top of your itinerary. Conrad Hotels & Resorts recently completed a one-of-a-kind underwater residence, Muraka, that's now taking reservations (previously on Archinect).

Before you pawn away your grandma's Buick to scrape together the 50K, be advised though that a minimum stay of four nights is required.

View this post on Instagram Hold your breath and discover the beautiful harmony above and below the ocean. THE MURAKA, unlike anywhere else in the world. Check out the full video on IGTV. . . #TheMURAKA @alessia.zecchini @thomas.midulla @martin.kreuzer @americanexpress #ConradMaldives #AmexCenturion #AmexPlatinum #AmexLife
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This underwater residence is currently being built in the Maldives

2018-05-03T14:34:00-04:00

A luxury Maldives resort is about to take the sleeping under-the-sea phenomenon to a whole new level. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is building a $15 million two-story hotel villa, part of which will sit 16.4 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean. The property, believed to be the world's first undersea residence, is under construction in the South Asian island country and is due to be completed in November.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

If you're traveling to the Maldives and just can't get enough of that crystal clear water, then you can soon even sleep beneath the Indian Ocean (and watch the fishies watching you): Conrad Hotels & Resorts, part of the Hilton group, announced plans for the, what it calls, first-of-its-kind underwater residence.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

"The undersea bedroom floor level sits five meters (16.4 feet) below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment," the project description explains. "With the adoption of state-of-the-art technology, Muraka's distinct design is akin to Ithaa's [the nearby underwater restaurant] with the curved acrylic dome, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the wonders of the Indian Ocean's intricate marine life."

A luxury hotel 20,000 leagues under the sea

2016-01-08T18:16:00-05:00

Holidaymakers may soon be able to experience life under the sea by booking a stay at a futuristic hotel on the ocean floor. The Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel has received USA Patent and Trademark approval as the world's first underwater hotel - with Egypt, Malaysia, Hawaii and the Bahamas revealed as some of the designers' preferred locations. Guests would be treated to a one-of-a-kind panoramic view of sea life at a staggering 28ft (8.5 metres) below the surface.

Technically the hotel is a vessel, as the Daily Mail rightly points out, since it can navigate underwater and seek shelter if there's a hurricane. So basically, think of it as a cruise ship where you can't step out for a bit of fresh air.

"Rates will range between $3,000 to $6,000 for two underwater hotel guests AND two top-side guests who sleep on board the 63 foot catamaran support vessel," the Planet Ocean Underwater Hotel website states. "We are not accepting reservations until we begin fabrication. As soon as the $3,000,000 is received we will then begin accepting reservations."

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