The world’s first underwater hotel has opened in Maldives

Known as ‘Muraka' (the word for ‘coral' in the local language Dhivehi), the hotel offers the opportunity to stay in plushly appointed underwater bedrooms with uninterrupted views.

It's equal parts secluded luxury getaway and the fever dream of ‘Octopus's Garden' brought to life.

The complex also includes a private gym, an infinity pool and a butler's quarters. In the unlikely event that the underwater fantasia grows old, there's also a relaxation deck above sea level. All sweeping curves and open skies, it allows guests to relax in what must rank among the world's most picturesque places to get a tan.

The hotel's butlers pride themselves on tailoring each stay to the individual guest's interests. To this end, each traveller can choose from one of four carefully curated ‘experience menus', catering to everything from a deeply relaxing, wellness-restoring sojourn to a more action-packed itinerary that includes an ocean dive complete with a photography crew.

As well as being a swoony place to unwind, the hotel is a triumph of design and a remarkable feat of engineering. All the components were constructed in Singapore and transported to the site, including the high strength concrete pylons that prevent the structure from shifting during high tide.

Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, said the hotel embodies the "philosophy of innovation" that informs each Conrad project.

"We are continuously making powerful enhancements to the property that are designed to attract the world’s most connected and knowledgeable travellers," he said.

Each guest is assigned a personal chef, but gourmands will also want to book a table at Ithaa, an underwater dining spot at the same resort. Once crowned "the most beautiful restaurant in the world" by the New York Daily News, it's perhaps the only place in the world where you can enjoy Maldivian lobster, oysters and foie gras as you look out onto vividly coloured coral formations.

The minimum four-night stay will set you back US$200,000 and includes the use of a private boat. Every guest automatically earns Hilton Diamond status.

Images courtesy of Conrad Hotels. Photo credit: Justin Nicholas