The Muraka: Inside the Maldives’ $50,000-a-Night Private Underwater Villa
Imagine waking up to the sight of manta rays gliding past your bedroom window, or drifting off to sleep while surrounded by the deep-blue tranquility of the Indian Ocean. This is not a fantasy, but reality at The Muraka, the Maldives’ world-famous underwater villa. Billed as the first-of-its-kind luxury residence beneath the waves, The Muraka offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends architectural genius, five-star service, and the natural beauty of the Maldives.
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about The Muraka: how much it costs per night, who owns it, where it’s located, how it was built, and what’s included in a stay. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend a night in one of the world’s most exclusive hotels, this is the ultimate guide.
What is The Muraka?
The Muraka is a private two-level villa located at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Its claim to fame is the underwater suite, a master bedroom submerged more than 16 feet below sea level. Guests enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean’s vibrant marine life.
The word “Muraka” translates to coral in the local Dhivehi language, and the design embodies this spirit by blending human innovation with the natural underwater ecosystem. The villa has become a symbol of ultra-luxury travel in the Maldives, attracting celebrities, royalty, and travelers seeking the ultimate bucket-list experience.
How Much is a Night at The Muraka?
The headline that always grabs attention: a night at The Muraka costs around $50,000 USD.
This price tag places it among the most expensive hotel suites in the world, rivaling luxury stays in Dubai, New York, and Monaco. However, the cost includes far more than just accommodation.
For perspective:
A standard overwater villa in the Maldives might cost $1,000–$3,000 per night.
A stay in The Muraka is 20 to 50 times that price, making it the crown jewel of Indian Ocean luxury.
The rate can vary slightly depending on the season and booking terms, but the average starting price remains $50,000 per night.
Who Owns The Muraka?
The Muraka is part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, which belongs to Hilton Hotels & Resorts under its luxury Conrad brand.
Hilton is the parent company behind the project, but the creation of The Muraka was a collaboration between:
Crown Company Pvt. Ltd. (Maldivian firm that owns and operates several luxury resorts).
JMSCD Group, led by architect Ahmed Saleem, who helped envision the project.
MJ Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based aquarium technology firm that engineered the underwater structure.
So, while Hilton manages and operates The Muraka, the ownership and development involved a partnership between international engineers and Maldivian stakeholders.
Where is The Muraka Underwater Hotel Located?
The Muraka is located at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, situated in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives. This atoll is renowned for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich marine biodiversity, including manta rays, whale sharks, and coral reefs.
Travel Details: Guests typically arrive via a 30-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Malé, or by a domestic flight and speedboat combination.
Resort Setting: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island itself is spread across two private islands, connected by a 500-meter bridge, with The Muraka standing apart as the most exclusive accommodation.
This remote location ensures total privacy and seclusion, one of the key draws for ultra-wealthy travelers.
How Was The Muraka Built?
Constructing The Muraka was a marvel of modern engineering, blending architecture, marine science, and luxury design. Here’s a breakdown of how it came to life:
Conceptualization:
The idea was to create an underwater residence that could withstand the ocean’s pressure while maintaining a 360-degree transparent view.Engineering & Design:
The underwater suite was designed by MJ Murphy Ltd., a company known for aquarium technology and underwater structures.
Special acrylic walls and domes were created to resist water pressure while offering clear visibility.
Construction in Singapore:
The entire underwater structure was prefabricated in Singapore. It was then transported to the Maldives on a special ship, a journey spanning more than 1,000 miles.Installation:
Engineers carefully lowered the underwater suite into the ocean using cranes and floating platforms.
It was secured on stilts and anchored to the seabed for stability.
Completion:
The upper-level villa and connecting structures were built on-site in the Maldives, merging seamlessly with the underwater section.
The project reportedly cost over $15 million to complete, making it one of the most ambitious hotel investments in the Maldives.
What’s Included in a Stay at The Muraka?
When you book The Muraka, you’re not just paying for a room, you’re paying for an entire private luxury experience. Here’s what’s included in the $50,000-per-night price tag:
Two-Level Residence:
Underwater Suite: Master bedroom with 180-degree acrylic dome and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Above-Water Villa: Living room, dining area, additional bedrooms, infinity pool, and outdoor deck.
Personal Staff:
A dedicated butler and team of staff are available 24/7.
A private chef prepares personalized meals.
Fitness trainers, spa therapists, and marine biologists are available on request.
Private Transportation:
Guests enjoy VIP seaplane transfers directly to the villa.
Alternatively, a luxury speedboat transfer is provided.
Experiences:
Exclusive underwater dining or floating breakfasts.
Snorkeling and diving trips with a private guide.
Water sports such as jet-skiing, paddleboarding, or sunset cruises.
Wellness & Entertainment:
Access to spa treatments in the privacy of your villa.
A fully equipped gym inside the residence.
State-of-the-art entertainment systems.
Security & Privacy:
The Muraka is completely private and detached from the rest of the resort.
Security staff ensure peace of mind for high-profile guests.
Essentially, booking The Muraka means the entire villa and its services are exclusively yours, tailored to your preferences.
Why The Muraka is More Than Just a Hotel Stay
The Muraka is not simply a luxury suite; it’s a bucket-list destination. Here’s why it has captivated global attention:
First-of-its-Kind:
The world’s first underwater villa, setting a new benchmark for innovation in luxury travel.Privacy & Exclusivity:
Guests are completely isolated, with every service personalized.Marine Connection:
Unlike traditional luxury, The Muraka connects you directly with the ocean’s ecosystem. Every glance out the window reveals marine life in its natural habitat.Celebrity Appeal:
From influencers to billionaires, The Muraka has become a playground for the world’s elite.
Is The Muraka Worth It?
For most travelers, $50,000 a night is unfathomable. But for the world’s elite, The Muraka offers something priceless: an unparalleled connection with the ocean in the lap of absolute luxury.
It’s not just a hotel room, it’s a statement of status, a feat of engineering, and a travel story few will ever tell firsthand.
Whether you’re dreaming of someday experiencing it or simply fascinated by its existence, The Muraka remains a shining example of human ambition meeting nature’s beauty. image/ scmp
