Maldivian Undersea Dining at Ithaa

by Amy Ferguson

Deep breath. The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort , designed and constructed by the New Zealand firm M.J. Murphy, Ithaa—the world’s first underwater restaurant made solely of glass—is located 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean, offering a 180-degree view of aquatic life. Diners arrive at a pavilion and climb down a spiral staircase to enter Ithaa, which is situated amongst a vibrant coral reef and can accommodate up to 14 people. The seasonal menu consists of Maldivian/Western fusion dishes. Apart from dining, the hotel also offers the restaurant as an underwater glass chapel for couples looking to exchange their vows. Due to the extreme underwater conditions of the Indian Ocean, however, Ithaa must be visited soon, as it’s predicted to last only 20 years.

TAGS: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Ithaa, M.J. Murphy, Vault magazine