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Conrad Maldives unveils luxury experiences exclusive to ‘THE MURAKA’ undersea residence guests
Conrad Hotels & Resorts has revealed four exclusive and customisable experiences at THE MURAKA at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.
The first-of-its-kind undersea residence set to debut this November, THE MURAKA offers a transformative journey in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural environments as guests are fully immersed in the wonders of the abundant marine eco-system above and below the Indian Ocean. While pushing the boundaries of engineering, THE MURAKA is not only defined by its physical structure, but even more so by the wholly unique offerings globally connected guests can enjoy while staying in the innovative residence.
“As the first-of-its-kind residence with dynamic accommodations both above and below the surface of the water, THE MURAKA is an extraordinary vehicle for a truly immersive journey into nature which cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“Through a variety of curated and captivating offerings, we will maximise the potential of this incredible residence to bring unique travel experiences to our valued guests.|
Supporting the resort’s philosophy of innovation and its dedication to creating extraordinary moments in the heart of the Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will offer a collection of four experience menus available exclusively to those staying at THE MURAKA. Tailored to the unique desires of different travellers with experiences ranging from adventure, food and entertainment to wellness, culture and sustainability, the menus are titled The Wanderers, The Flavours, The Soul and The Thrill.
Guests who book THE MURAKA will work with a dedicated reservations team to curate their own journey, borrowing inspiration from the four menus to ultimately create a meaningful and personalised journey in the Maldives and immerse themselves in a variety of transcendent experiences above and below the surface of the ocean.
The Wanderers
“The Wanderers” experiences are those that provide an authentic and fresh perspective for intrepid individuals wishing to explore unchartered Maldivian territory and engage with local culture without sacrificing comfort or luxury. Culture-seekers thrive in the parts unknown and relish the opportunity to expand their horizons through authentic exploration.
“The Wanderers” captures the desires of the traveller who wants to immerse themselves in a destination to gain a fresh perspective. One possible outlet for this ambitious discoverer is to act out their best Discovery Channel narration as they achieve their dream of exploring the depths on an ocean dive or snorkel complete with a film crew to capture the experience. Documenting the vibrant reef ecosystem beyond the glass walls of their MURAKA bedroom, guests will have the opportunity to direct and star in their own undersea film.
The Flavours
“The Flavours” experiences reveal an exciting world of culinary possibilities with a personal chef available 24 hours a day who can satisfy any craving with tailor-made menus. For those who truly want to savour their journey, “The Flavours”experiences include a variety of opportunities to forage, learn, and most importantly taste.
Celebrity Chef Jereme Leung is counted amongst the best Chinese chefs and while his world-renowned Xiao long bao dumplings, handmade pulled noodles and perfectly balanced shumai are available daily at the resort’s Ufaa restaurant, the chance to learn the techniques behind these delicacies are not. In this one of a kind cooking class, guests can enter Ufaa’s open sided kitchen and receive instruction from one of Leung’s expertly trained chefs. These culinary masters will guide guests in the timeless art of folding dim sum wrappers, blending ingredients and of course, slurping noodles.
The Soul
“The Soul” consists of transformative wellness experiences that encourage spiritual discovery and focus on enriching guests; connections to their natural surroundings. Visitors flock to the Maldives not only for its spectacular natural beauty, but also for its restorative energy and peaceful solitude.
“The Soul” allows travellers to connect with this spirit through a variety of experiences, including meditation, yoga and more. There may be no better place to get in touch with oneself than THE MURAKA, lending itself to a deeper practice with two decks – one facing sunrise and the other facing sunset – to soak up the healing powers of sunlight or bask in the peace of dusk.
The Thrill
“The Thrill” experiences are a collection of adventures with opportunities for fascinating exploration on land and at sea. Adrenaline-seeking explorers will be spoilt for choice when including items from “The Thrill” into their MURAKA adventure.
While the Maldivian environment around the MURAKA is magnificent at any angle, it may be most magical from below. For an experience under the sea, guests can spark their senses and discover the reefs by night alongside highly-trained professionals that guide explorers through the enigmatic dark blue waters. On this journey, guests will discover the peculiar glows of planktons lurking the ocean, corals blooming out into stunning colours and witness the rare phenomenon of shy underwater residents of the South Ari Atoll coming out to play.
Young travellers who stay at THE MURAKA will find that most experiences from across all four core menus are easily customisable to suit their interests as well as the opportunity to create entirely new experiences through the MURAKA kids Edu-tainment menu designed to captivate their imaginations.
Envisioned by Crown Company Director Ahmed Saleem, and realised by Mike Murphy, leading engineer at M J Murphy Ltd., a New Zealand-based company that specialises in aquarium technology, THE MURAKA is a two-level structure comprised of space above the sea level and an undersea suite designed for sleeping under the ocean’s surface.
The undersea suite features a king size bedroom, living area, bathroom and spiral staircase that leads to the upper level living room. The undersea bedroom floor level sits five metres (16.4 feet) below sea level, providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding marine environment.
With the adoption of state-of-the-art technology, THE MURAKA’s distinct design is akin to that of Rangali Island’s Ithaa Undersea Restaurant with the curved acrylic dome, which boasts 180-degree panoramic views of the wonders of the Indian Ocean’s intricate marine life.
THE MURAKA’s upper level features a twin-size bedroom, bathroom, powder room, gym, butler’s quarters, private security quarters, integrated living room, kitchen, bar and dining, which features a deck that purposely faces the direction of the sunset for optimal viewing pleasure. On the opposite side of the villa sits the relaxation deck that faces the direction of sunrise and is complete with an infinity swimming pool. The upper level also contains an additional king size bedroom and bathroom, which boasts a masterfully appointed ocean-facing bathtub, ideal for soaking in views of the endless horizon.
In total, THE MURAKA can accommodate up to nine guests.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is located in South Ari Atoll and is accessible by a 30-minute seaplane flight from the Maldives main airport.
As one of the Maldives’ leading resorts and one of Hilton Worldwide’s flagship properties, the award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers 150 villas and suites, 12 restaurants and bars, two spas — all stretched over two remote islands. It features the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, world’s first undersea restaurant made from only glass.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to two unique spa experiences; The Spa Retreat on Rangalifinolhu Island and the Over Water Spa on Rangali Island. Combining expertise from around the world with carefully selected products and therapies influenced by the environment, the two spas offer unique and effective experiences to suit the needs of every individual.
The luxury resort also offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customise details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it is pre-selecting bath amenities or checking in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.
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JOALI BEING hosts inspirational tennis workshops with Sascha Zverev, Alexander Zverev Foundation
JOALI BEING, the luxury wellness retreat in the Maldives, hosted a tennis workshop on November 25, 2024, in partnership with the Alexander Zverev Foundation, dedicated to supporting children with diabetes. The event featured world number 2 tennis player Sascha Zverev and welcomed young Maldivian students, including teenagers living with diabetes, from the neighbouring island of R. Fainu.
The workshop offered an opportunity for the students, accompanied by their teachers and the principal of R. Fainu School, to learn and enhance their tennis skills under the guidance of Sascha Zverev. The session also featured Fathih Mohamed, Young Leader in Diabetes and Regional Representative for the Maldives at the International Diabetes Federation. Fathih and the tennis stars shared messages of encouragement and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on the young participants.
The celebration of tennis continued on November 29, 2024, as JOALI BEING hosted an engaging community event open to guests of all ages. Attendees enjoyed interactive workshops and a spirited game led by Sascha Zverev and his team, creating a memorable evening of friendly competition and camaraderie.
Throughout the period from November 20 to 30, 2024, JOALI BEING guests had the exclusive chance to receive personalised tennis coaching from Sascha Zverev, his brother Mischa Zverev, and Marcelo Melo. These private sessions, conducted on the island’s scenic tennis court, offered invaluable expert guidance and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for participants.
This series of tennis events not only showcased JOALI BEING’s commitment to wellness and community but also highlighted the power of sports in bringing people together and promoting meaningful causes.
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Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
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Mercure Maldives Kooddoo collaborates with MaRHE Centre on dolphin conservation
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the MaRHE Centre of the University of Milano-Bicocca to advance research on tropical marine ecosystems in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, with a special focus on the region’s unique resident dolphin populations.
The resort will host a special event on the 12th of December 2024, to share current findings with the key stakeholders of the Maldives.
The partnership enables scientists and students to investigate why these dolphins remain resident—a rare occurrence in the Maldives. Researchers will identify dolphin species, analyze population structures, and use molecular ecology techniques to study their diet. Additionally, the collaboration includes studies on coral reefs and reef fish, expanding the understanding of the southern Maldives’ marine ecosystems.
Coordinated by Professor Paolo Galli, Director of the MaRHE Centre, the initiative also offers hands-on fieldwork opportunities for students specialising in marine biology.
“I am proud of this project, which allows us to expand our knowledge of marine ecology in these underexplored areas”, said Professor Paolo Galli.
The collaboration, facilitated by Italian Consul Giorgia Marazzi, is already underway. Under the guidance of renowned cetologist Elena Valsecchi, two master’s students from the International Marine Sciences programme are conducting fieldwork, supported by Mercure Maldives Kooddoo. Their research includes photo identification, vocalisation recordings, and environmental DNA analysis.
This partnership not only marks a significant step in understanding and preserving the unique marine ecosystems of the southern Maldives; it also aims to drive more visibility to the country’s awe-inspiring marine life and eco-tourism.
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