Muraka Residence, Conrad Maldives Rangali - Hotel Review

Reviewer: Travel content creator (YouTube)

Getting There

The journey begins at Malé Seaplane Terminal with check-in at the Transmaldivian desk. There are no fixed departure times. The flight covers 50 miles to Rangali Island aboard a 57-year-old Twin Otter seaplane — unpressurized, un-air-conditioned, and loud, but one of the rawest aviation experiences available. On arrival, a dedicated butler escorts guests by golf cart to a private jetty exclusive to the Muraka.

Above-Surface Level

The Muraka is not a hotel room — it's a full private residence spanning multiple spaces.

Living Area: An expansive open-plan lounge with an 80-inch TV, PlayStation 5, and an iPad that controls many of the villa's features.

Bar & Drinks: A well-stocked bar with ample glassware and an included mini bar (soft drinks only — alcohol is charged separately at steep prices). One bottle of champagne is included on arrival. The coffee machine had no beans provided and carried a stale milk smell.

Welcome Amenities: White chocolate coral, dates, and a note from the general manager — described as relatively generic.

Kitchen: A professional kitchen is included in the space, but a private chef costs $300–$600 extra. Ingredients are assumed to be additional. Meals are served at the in-villa dining table.

Bedrooms: Three bedrooms total above surface. The primary ensuite bathroom features a marble rainfall shower, a Japanese Toto toilet, double vanity with Byredo amenities, and branded robes — though notably not Frette. A walk-in wardrobe with dressing table is adjacent. Privacy in the bathroom is essentially nonexistent.

Other Spaces: Two outdoor terraces, a secondary guest bedroom, and a compact private gym.

Underwater Suite

Accessed via an escape hatch descending 16 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean, the underwater level spans approximately 700 square feet.

Bedroom: A bed dressed in marine blue linens with standard bedside amenities — phone, USB, and power outlets. Curtains wrap the full perimeter of the suite but were left open throughout. Some visible wear noted, including stained carpet — unexpected at this price point. An espresso machine and two bottles of filtered water are provided; the mini bar was completely empty.

The Experience: The reviewer describes it as being inside a walk-through aquarium with a bed in it. Marine life — including sharks — visible through the glass throughout the night. A constant crackling sound (likely the acrylic structure) is audible, particularly noticeable at night.

Underwater Bathroom: Double vanity with reef views, a shower, and what is described as the world's only underwater Toto toilet.

Wardrobe: Ample clothing storage, a kimono-style robe, a safe, and a Dyson hair dryer. Slippers noted as unusually cheap for the price point.

Safety: An emergency hook tool is stored near the coffee machine, used to access the escape hatch above if needed.

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

A separate underwater restaurant located on the resort, constructed in Singapore and shipped over 2,500 miles before being submerged into the seabed at a cost of over $5 million. "Ithaa" means Mother of Pearl in Maldivian.

Dinner: A set tasting menu with Wagyu beef or sea bass as the main course. The full menu that evening included hand-selected caviar with fresh crab, cured blue tail jackfish, poached Maldivian lobster with chilled asparagus, a lemongrass and basil sorbet palate cleanser, Australian Wagyu beef tenderloin (medium rare), and a white chocolate mousse and berry parfait. First glass of champagne included; additional drinks priced very high. Total dinner bill: $450.

Morning & Resort Exploration

Breakfast is not included by default. A floating pool breakfast is available for approximately $200 per person. The reviewer opted for granola, fresh berries, and avocado toast with poached eggs.

The broader Conrad Maldives resort includes a main hotel building with a breakfast buffet, an infinity pool, a beach, and a second island connected by bridge housing the overwater villas. A standard Deluxe Water Villa with pool was also briefly toured for comparison — well-appointed but noticeably more modest after the Muraka experience.

Pricing Breakdown

Verdict

There is nothing else like it in the world. Flaws exist — the carpet needs replacing, the coffee machine was poorly prepared, some areas feel dated, and additional charges accumulate quickly. But as a pure experience, sleeping beneath the Indian Ocean surrounded by marine life is genuinely extraordinary. The reviewer's overall conclusion: worth it.