Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: A Submerged Culinary Pearl

Ithaa, meaning 'pearl' in the Maldivian language of Dhivehi, is an extraordinary undersea restaurant located 5 meters (16 feet) below the surface of the Indian Ocean at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Opened in April 2005, it was the first all-glass undersea restaurant in the world, offering diners unparalleled 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coral gardens and marine life.The restaurant's design and construction were pioneering feats. Mr. Ahmed Saleem, one of the owners of the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa, conceived the idea in 2001 and enlisted Mike Murphy, an aquarium technology specialist from New Zealand, to bring his vision to life. The structure was built in Singapore and then transported in one piece to the Maldives. It is primarily constructed of acrylic, with the interior measuring 9 meters long and 5 meters wide, accommodating just 14 guests to ensure an intimate experience.Ithaa offers a set menu of contemporary European cuisine with Asian influences, with a focus on seafood. Diners can enjoy a multi-course lunch or dinner while marveling at the vibrant marine life swimming around them. The experience is enhanced by the restaurant's commitment to marine life safety and environmental responsibility. Reservations are essential, and guests are asked to remove their shoes before entering the restaurant.While dining at Ithaa is a luxurious experience, it's also an opportunity to appreciate the Maldives' stunning underwater world. Regular feeding of the fish ensures there's always plenty of activity to observe.