In collaboration with PASSIONS, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in PASSIONS Volume 46 in 2012, we present this story on Ithaa, Maldives’ undersea restaurant.
Envision basking in the glorious beauty of life under the sea in the Maldives, famed for its deep blue waters, colourful reefs and expansive marine life, while enjoying a sumptuous meal. Sounds impossible? Ithaa at the picturesque Conrad Maldives rangali Island turns that vision into reality as it treats guests to an exquisite gastronomic experience while they marvel at 180 degrees of panoramic underwater views.
The first underwater restaurant in the world, Ithaa, which translates to “mother of pearl” in Maldives’ native language Dhivehi, is encased in clear acrylic and resides in a spectacular setting 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. Indubitably opulent, the restaurant is a magnificent and impressive engineering marvel. Designed by New Zealand based MJ Murphy Ltd, renowned for using aquarium technology, this US$5 million worth world-class food-haven was constructed in 2004 in Singapore and transported to the Maldives for installation off Rangali Island. It proudly opened its doors to the public in 2005, taking dining experience to a whole new level.
Ithaa welcomes guests to partake of intimate meals whipped up by Executive Chef David Laval who maintains a fine balance between western cuisine and Maldivian flavours. Ithaa’s wine list is exceptionally exciting, providing guests with a superb selection of wines from the prestigious champagne house Louis Roederer.
While enjoying their meal, diners can observe a vibrant coral reef life with a myriad of colourful underwater life forms, including a wide variety of reef-dwelling fish. You can also see the giant moray eel and stingrays.
With a maximum capacity of 14 people, Ithaa is undeniably exclusive and its ambiance makes it a popular location for proposals and private gatherings.
The real attraction of Ithaa underwater restaurant, however, is the memorable experience that stays with the guests when the euphoria of its fine food and wine offerings fades.
