Friday Funny: Sleep With The Fishes

It may have cost The Godfather’s Luca Brasi his life to sleep with the fishes, but if you’ve got $50K a night you too can sleep with the fishes... and live to tell about it.

Muraka Maldives
(Credit: Justin Nicholas)

“Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes.”

Any fan of The Godfather movies is familiar with that line, and knows it meant poor Luca had met his untimely demise. Thanks to the world’s first all-glass hotel room located below sea level, now you too can sleep with the fishes… and live to tell about it. It won’t cost you your life, of course, but at about $50,000 a night it will cost what many would consider an arm and a leg to stay in the newly opened suite.

The Muraka, located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, sits more than 16 feet under the Indian Ocean. Named for the word “coral” in Dhivehi, the local language, the Muraka is built from steel, concrete, and acrylic, with an eco-friendly design that protects the local coral reefs.

Muraka Maldives
(Credit: Justin Nicholas)

A triumph of modern design and technology, the two-level residence features seamless living above and below the ocean. The suite’s bedroom, living space, and bathroom are located on the ocean floor, while its integrated living, dining, entertaining, and sleeping space is above the waves. It also comes complete with a dedicated team of 24-hour staff and butlers.

Built on land in Singapore by Japanese aquarium manufacturer Nippura Co., and sealed with Shin Etsu Marine sealant, the 600-ton underwater suite was transported to the Maldives by a specialized ship. After being placed in the ocean, 10 concrete piles prevent the structure from moving or shifting due to rough seas.

Muraka Maldives
(Credit: Justin Nicholas)

“The completion of the Muraka is a personal lifetime achievement,” said Ahmed Saleem, a Director at Crown Company and chief architect and designer of the residence. “After years in the making, my team and I are proud to officially present the Muraka residence and its accompanying Maldivian experience to worldly travelers who crave the extraordinary.”

The Muraka is a follow-up to Saleem’s first underwater achievement at the resort: the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa, which opened in 2005.

Muraka Maldives
(Credit: Justin Nicholas)

“Our philosophy of innovation is supported by several triumphs at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “From the first construction of Ithaa Undersea Restaurant to our second venture under the Indian Ocean, the Muraka, we are continuously making powerful enhancements to the property that are designed to attract the world’s most connected and knowledgeable travelers.”

Want to see it for yourself? Check out this video tour.