Ithaa Undersea Restaurant: A Submerged Culinary Pearl
Experience culinary artistry beneath the waves at Ithaa, the Maldives' breathtaking undersea restaurant with panoramic coral reef views.
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.
Local tips
- Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance due to the restaurant's limited seating.
- Consider the 'visiting hour' for a shorter, more budget-friendly experience with champagne and canapés.
- Lunch offers better visibility of the marine life due to natural daylight.
- Dress code is semi-formal, but comfortable; remember to remove your shoes before entering.
- Be prepared for a pricey experience, as dining at Ithaa is considered one of the most exclusive in the world.
A brief summary to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
- JP8F+6H9, Conrad Rangali Island, 20077, MV
- +960668-0629
Getting There
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Seaplane
The most common and scenic way to reach Ithaa is via seaplane from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Upon arrival at the airport, a Conrad Maldives representative will escort you to the seaplane lounge. Seaplane transfers are available during daylight hours, typically from 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The flight to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island takes approximately 30 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of the Maldivian atolls. A round trip transfer costs US$680 per adult, with a 50% discount for children under 12. Infants under two years of age are complimentary.
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Domestic Flight and Speedboat
An alternative to the seaplane is a domestic flight from Malé to a nearby airport, followed by a speedboat transfer to the resort. This option is available after dusk when seaplanes do not operate. The resort can arrange these transfers. Contact the Reservations Team at MLEHI.Maldives@conradhotels.com for more information. Note that transfer fees are not included in the room rates.
