Ithaa - the world's first underwater restaurant

During your vacation, you want to experience as many new sensations as possible. And if you are lucky enough to get to the Maldives , one of the most vivid experiences will be a visit to the first underwater restaurant on our planet, which at one time was recognized as the most beautiful in the world.

Where is the restaurant

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant settled in the five-star hotel complex Conrad Maldives Rangali Island by Hilton , built on the South Ari Atoll on the islands of Rangali and Rangalifinolhu connected by a bridge .

Rangali is intended primarily for adults; children under 16 years of age are not even allowed here. The second island, on the contrary, is positioned as a family island. The hotel offers accommodation in beach or water villas. There is even a unique residence where one of the bedrooms is underwater.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The first one is underwater. History and design

The restaurant was born in 2005 as the brainchild of a New Zealand company. Initially, it was planned to build an underwater building with panoramic windows, but then the idea arose to use the experience of aquariums. In 2004, a ship with a future restaurant arrived from Singapore. Loading it onto the supports, which were previously driven into the ocean floor, turned out to be no easy task. 90 (!) tons of ballast were used. However, we managed.

From now on, at a five-meter depth in the lagoon, an aquarium box 5 by 9 meters with a panoramic ceiling and walls made of transparent acrylic, connected by a staircase to the above-water part, was registered. An aquarium, behind the glass of which live not fish, but people.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

How to get into the Mother of Pearl Shell

Ithaa , which translates to Pearl, Mother of Pearl Shell, Mother of Pearl or Mother of Pearl, is a terribly popular place, and since it can only accommodate 14 people, you need to make an appointment at least a couple of weeks in advance to get here. Please note that it is not uncommon for a restaurant to be fully booked for parties, which can further increase wait times. Priority, of course, goes to Conrad guests Rangali Island , residents of other Maldivian islands are advised to make reservations either through the hotel or through a travel agent . And as soon as possible.

Features of the Pearl

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to midnight. In the morning you can enjoy cocktails; for heartier meals you will have to wait until the set lunch or dinner.

1. The first option is cheaper and allows you to make full use of your camera, taking pictures of marine life circling around, including stingrays and reef sharks, for your own pleasure. It is worth considering that during the day it can be dazzlingly light and hot here. Experienced visitors advise not to forget your sunglasses.
2. The second one is more expensive, but much more romantic. Another nuance - children are not allowed for dinner, which usually includes seven courses.

Plus, you can charter the entire premises for a wedding or any other celebration.

There have been cases when at night the restaurant premises magically turned into a room for two. Can you imagine a romantic date at the bottom of the ocean? Please note that smoking is prohibited here, even electronic cigarettes.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Kitchen​

The portions here are not particularly impressive in size. However, this is not why the Pearl is valued. Here you can taste both local, European and Asian cuisine. Lots of seafood, desserts. There will also be no shortage of delicacies. The picture is complemented by a rich wine list (the restaurant’s cellars contain up to 20 thousand (!) bottles of the most exquisite gifts of Dionysus) and a huge selection of cheeses. The menu is updated regularly.

But the prices cannot be called democratic. The cost of a meal, as a rule, starts at $120, lunch can cost $250-300 per person, dinner is closer to 450. Ordering wine will seriously increase the amount.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island