Maldives hotels with underwater bedrooms: where you can sleep underwater

Overwater villas have long been a familiar part of a holiday in the Maldives, but actually spending the night underwater is possible at only two resorts. At Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the main bedroom of the residence The Muraka is located about five metres below the ocean surface. At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, two Aqua Villa have been built with separate underwater bedrooms. In both cases, this is not a glass floor or a window into a pool, but a full room below the ocean surface from which you can watch the inhabitants of the reef.

We explain how these two unusual villas are designed, what else they include and how The Muraka differs from Aqua Villa.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - The Muraka

Underwater: main bedroom with bathroom.
Depth: about 5 m.
Villa area: 550 m².
Capacity: up to 8 guests.

The Muraka is a two-level residence, part of which is located about five metres below the ocean surface. This is where the main bedroom with a large bed and bathroom is located. The walls and ceiling form a transparent acrylic dome with a view of almost 180 degrees. During the day, reef fish swim past the glass, while at night the room is surrounded by dark water. The lower level is accessed from the main part of the residence.

Above the water there are two more bedrooms, a living room, dining room and open terraces. In total, The Muraka accommodates eight guests. The residence has its own infinity pool overlooking the ocean and a separate jetty for arrival by boat. Unlike a regular resort villa, personal butler service is provided here.

The Muraka includes:

• an underwater main bedroom with a panoramic acrylic dome;
• an underwater bathroom and lounge area;
• two more bedrooms above the water;
• a living room and dining area;
• a kitchen and bar;
• open terraces with lounge areas;
• a private infinity pool;
• a separate jetty.

Services for residence guests:

• a personal butler;
• personalised dining arrangements and private dinners;
• in-residence service;
• personal assistance with organising the stay and activities.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - The Muraka

About the resort

The Muraka belongs to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - a luxury resort on two islands located in South Ari Atoll. The resort's underwater theme is not limited to its unique villa - it is also home to Ithaa, the world's first underwater restaurant. At The Muraka, however, the space below the ocean surface is not a restaurant dining room but a living area of the residence, so marine life can be watched directly from the bedroom.

In addition to Ithaa, the resort has restaurants serving Asian, Italian and international cuisine, a wine cellar and several unusual formats for private dinners. Days can be spent exploring the house reef, diving, enjoying water sports or taking boat trips. For a more relaxed stay, there is a spa complex, while Rantheli Beach Club is adults only.

Transfer: From Velana International Airport to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the seaplane journey takes about 30 minutes.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - The Muraka

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa - Aqua Villa

Underwater: main bedroom.
Villa area: 209 m².
Number: 2 Aqua Villa.

At Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, the underwater bedroom was made part of a two-level Aqua Villa. On the lower floor is the main bedroom with a large glass wall, beyond which, instead of the usual lagoon view, the underwater world opens up. Fish and other reef inhabitants can be watched directly from the bed. At the same time, the second bedroom is located above the water and has ocean-facing windows - a convenient solution if not all guests are ready to spend the night below the ocean surface.

The above-water section includes a living area, terrace and large private pool with direct access down into the lagoon. Both villas face east, so you can watch the sunrise from the terrace. Aqua Villa differs from the resort's other overwater categories primarily because of its lower level: this is not a decorative window in the floor, but a separate full bedroom underwater.

Aqua Villa includes:

• an underwater main bedroom with a panoramic window;
• a second bedroom above the water;
• two king-size beds;
• a living room;
• a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub;
• indoor and outdoor showers;
• a terrace with a lounge area;
• a private pool;
• direct access to the lagoon;
• a minibar and Nespresso coffee machine.

For Aqua Villa guests:

• All Inclusive accommodation;
• a minibar within the resort concept;
• access to all restaurant, sports and entertainment facilities.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa - Aqua Villa

About the resort

Pullman Maldives occupies an 18-hectare island in Gaafu Alif Atoll. The resort has 122 villas in different categories, while there are only two Aqua Villas. The hotel operates on an extended All Inclusive basis: the island has three restaurants and three bars, a dive centre, water sports, a 24-hour fitness centre and an overwater spa. One of Maamutaa's natural features is a freshwater lake preserved in the centre of the island.

Transfer: The resort can be reached from Malé by a domestic flight to Kooddoo Airport - the flight takes about 55 minutes. After landing, it is another approximately 15 minutes by speedboat to the island.

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa - Aqua Villa

The Muraka or Aqua Villa: what is the difference

The Muraka is a large private residence with a separate underwater level, designed for a group of up to eight people. Aqua Villa at Pullman is more compact: one of the two bedrooms is underwater, while the villa itself remains part of the resort infrastructure with All Inclusive. The choice depends primarily on the desired holiday format and budget.

On Wiotto, you can choose a villa on the beach, over the lagoon or with an unusual underwater layout. Write to us in the online chat - our manager will ask about your preferences and suggest suitable options.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island