#prestigetravel | JULY 2019 PRESTIGE 199
UNDERWATER
GEM
When it comes to underwater
opulence, The Muraka at Hilton’s
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island,
a 30-minute seaplane ride from
Velana International Airport, is the
hands-down winner. The two-
storey, three-bedroom residence,
which is connected by jetty to the
Conrad, offers a gorgeous vista
of infinite ocean views above the
surface and fascinating marine life
under it.
Share these awe-inspiring
views with eight of your besties,
and top it off with a gourmet
meal at the kitchen-cum-bar or
the dining room. Dedicated staff,
butlers and security personnel are
on call 24 hours.
You may need to draw lots
though, to see who gets to stay
in the pièce de résistance: an
underwater bedroom and living
space housed within an acrylic
dome that allows a 180-degree
panoramic view of the colourful
ocean world surrounding it.
The price of this luxury?
US$50,000 per night, which
includes the exclusive use of the
resort’s fleet of yachts and boats.
Complete the magical
experience with a meal at
Conrad’s 14-seat Ithaa Undersea
Restaurant, which is set in a vibrant
coral reef 5m below sea level.With the abundance of tasty food, some wastage is inevitable and
Waldorf Astoria is tackling it with a strict waste control management
programme. Produce is ordered according to the resort’s occupancy as
well as the freshest seasonal produce for the day. A waste dehydrator
machine recycles the food waste, which will be used as fertiliser for the
garden and nursery.
FUN IN THE SUN
You haven’t been to the Maldives if you’ve got no tan lines – soaking up
marine and solar essence is a must. There is a fully equipped fitness centre,
and a combined water sport and padi dive centre. Every snorkelling or
diving session is accompanied by a qualified instructor for safety, and
a marine biologist who ensures that any activity along the reef does
not disturb, alter or destroy the marine organisms, plants and corals.
For families with young children, Waldorf Astoria Young Discovery Park
offers a water recreation area, and an indoor space with activities catered
to kids and teens.
After my snorkelling safari, I retreat to the spa, which offers
Asian‑inspired treatments in overwater or garden villas, for a good
massage of my legs and shoulders. On the last day, I leave feeling wistful
and raring to come back again, before the tourist numbers surge. I’m
crossing my fingers and hoping it wouldn’t happen any time soon.
One of Waldorf Astoria
Spa’s overwater villas