The Muraka Resort in the Maldives seems impossibly bizarre but really interesting. That’s because visitors stay underwater, surrounded by fish and other marine life. However, you need deep pockets for a room there as it’s touted for exclusive luxury. Is it worth it? Read on to find out.

An Expensive Destination

Tourists with loads of cash could probably buy an island for themselves. But, who needs that hassle of maintaining a structure that was engineered in Singapore, and then transported by sea to its current destination? Meanwhile, those who watched the 1999 thriller Deep Blue Sea might find the idea of sleeping submerged a bit terrifying rather than relaxing.

Certainly, it seems that if your bank account is large enough, you can book your stay with a difference in the Indian Ocean. Perhaps it appeals to the ultra rich who fly in expensive over-the-top luxury airliners.

We checked out a video to see if it’s worth the money and if it’s all that exclusive.

The Most Expensive Hotel Underwater

Actually, the Maldives isn’t unique in providing underwater accommodation experiences. Some of them are fully submerged, while others have some suites below the waves. They include Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, and 11 others.

But notably, the Muraka Resort is the most expensive. In a recent YouTube  vlog about it Trek Trendy talked about staying in what he describes as “the world’s most expensive underwater hotel” located in the Maldives.

According to him, the experience of sleeping beneath the ocean with “nothing but glass separating me from the shark swimming outside,” cost him an incredible amount of money.

The Footage

Certainly, the footage seemed genuine and not AI manipulated. Notably, part of his accommodation was above ground, and the rest of it beneath the waves.

In the underwater bit, he showed off a bedroom that looked more like a “walkthrough aquarium” than a hotel room. Inside, he revealed a 180-degree curved acrylic dome that provides “uninterrupted views of vibrant coral reefs and marine life.” And, yes, even the bathroom closet comes with a sea view.

Upstairs, there was a complimentary bottle of champagne, but the “mini bar contained strictly soft drinks.” Notably, “anything stronger will set you back a truly staggering sum.” But underwater, there was a mini bar, unfortunately “completely empty.”

Also the above water area came with an equipped kitchen. However, you can’t start cooking your own food. Instead, you need to hire a professional chef. And that will set you back about $600.

Some Signs of Problems

Interestingly, for such a luxury spot, inside his accommodation, everything wasn’t perfect, despite much of it looking spotless. He noted, “The same cannot be said about the coffee machine where no beans are provided and there’s a rather unpleasant stale milk smell.”

Oh, and he complained about a lack of privacy, noting you better know any traveling companions really, really well. Also, getting there seemed a bit of a strange situation. When you arrive to fly to the island, there isn’t a departure time on the ticket. In fact, you might have to wait a while. Plus, he mentioned some lighting issues and dirty carpets.

The Dining Area & Service

Obviously, not hiring a chef appealed to Trek Trendy, because he checked out the main dining room. It’s some distance from the accommodation, so a buggy took him across. It’s also underwater, so he removed his shoes and started down. Again, the views looked stunning underwater.

Offered some more champagne, he accepted the first glass as a freebie, but the prices for more made his eyes water. Diners could choose starters and the rest. The meal started with “hand selected caviar with fresh crab meat,” or things like “poached Maldivian lobster with chilled asparagus.”

Then you can chow down on some “Australian Wagyu beef” and wrap it up with choices like “chocolate parfait consisting of a white chocolate mousse.” Extra wine would make your lips pucker, but the price seemed shocking.

Freebies & Entertainment Arrangements

Plenty of the usual branded freebies like robes and slippers were on hand, but the slippers seemed particularly plain. Then, they provided boredom-breakers like a TV and PlayStation.

Outside, an infinity pool and a gym are available to residents. And of course, inside the sleeping quarters seemed amazing: except for the cracking of underwater noises. Apart from that, folks can take an after-dinner walk on the private deck to relax and wind down.

If you worry about imminent death after you relax and hit the sack, well, you don’t have to stress too much about ending up as shark dinner. Usefully, they provide an “escape hatch.”

Does It Measure Up To The Hype?

Actually, the gym and the unique bedroom seemed impressive; not to mention the dedicated staff. Certainly, standard resorts pale by comparison in that regard.

So, was it for real? Yes, it was. The video brought a for-real service offered by the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island that seems like a luxury travel dream. Of course, that’s if you don’t mind smelly coffee machines and a lack of drinks in your underwater minibar.

Was it Worth It?

He admitted that it was the “most expensive per night in a hotel” he’d ever experienced. It’s a “crazy price point” that he felt was only rivaled by the Orient Express, though he notes a train is “quite a different experience.”

While the room itself sits at $18,000, “that is not where the cost ends.” When you factor in the $700 seaplane transfer and a $450 dinner, the total climbs to “just under $20,000.”

Despite the “totally outrageous” cost and a few flaws, he concluded that the stay was “truly extraordinary.”

Viewers React

One person who watched the video said in the comments, “Imagine paying $20,000 a night to hear acrylic flexing.”

Here are a few more responses from the discussion:

• The cracking sound would keep me awake all night.
• A strange mixture of unbelievable views and luxury with overlooking simple, fundamental things like the cleaning and coffee beans!
• The fact that almost everything is charged aside makes this insane. There are amazing experiences for less.
• Considering the coffee machine didn’t work, the lighting didn’t work, there were stains everywhere, they charge a fortune for a piece of toast, and don’t even stock the mini-fridge, you were very generous with the verdict.

What are your thoughts? Did you ever experience a luxury underwater stay? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.