Have you ever dreamed of dining under the sea, surrounded by colorful fish and coral reefs? If yes, then you should definitely visit Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives, the world’s first and only all-glass undersea restaurant. Located 5 meters below the ocean surface, Ithaa offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the marine life and a gastronomic experience like no other.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives, such as what it offers, how to visit, and why it is worth visiting. Whether you are looking for a romantic date, a family adventure, or a solo treat, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives will make your trip to Maldives unforgettable.
What is Ithaa Undersea Restaurant and How Did It Come to Be?
Ithaa, which means “mother of pearl” in Dhivehi, the local language of Maldives, is a part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. It was opened in 2005, after a challenging and innovative construction process that involved transporting and sinking a prefabricated acrylic structure from Singapore. The restaurant can accommodate up to 14 guests at a time, and has a lifespan of about 20 years.
The idea behind Ithaa was to create a unique and immersive dining experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Maldivian underwater world. The restaurant has received numerous awards and recognition, such as being listed among the most beautiful restaurants in the world by The New York Daily News, the most innovative restaurants in the world by The Daily Meal, and the best underwater hotels in the world by CNN.
Ithaa is not just a restaurant, but also a research and conservation project. The restaurant supports the coral reef restoration and protection efforts of the resort, and hosts marine biologists who monitor and study the reef and its inhabitants. The restaurant also educates and inspires its guests about the importance and fragility of the marine ecosystem, and encourages them to respect and preserve it.
What to Expect from the Dining Experience at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant?
The dining experience at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is nothing short of spectacular. You will be greeted by a friendly and professional staff, who will escort you to a spiral staircase that leads you to the underwater wonderland. As you descend, you will feel the excitement and anticipation building up, as you catch glimpses of the blue water and the colorful fish. Once you reach the restaurant, you will be seated at a cozy and elegant table, with a stunning view of the ocean floor.
The menu and cuisine of Ithaa are designed to match the exquisite and exotic setting. You can choose from a four-course lunch and a six-course dinner, featuring contemporary European dishes with Asian influences, such as Maldivian lobster carpaccio, reef fish tartare, coconut crusted lamb rack, and mango sorbet. The dishes are made with fresh and local ingredients, and are paired with fine champagne and wine. The food is not only delicious, but also beautifully presented, with artistic and creative touches.
The highlight of the dining experience, of course, is the view. You will be mesmerized by the sight of the coral reef and the marine life, as they swim and glide around you. You will see different kinds of fish, such as parrotfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and triggerfish, as well as other creatures, such as sharks, rays, turtles, and octopuses. You will also witness the changing colors and moods of the ocean, as the sun sets and the night falls. You will feel like you are in a magical and surreal world, where time stands still and nothing else matters.
The dining experience at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is not cheap, but it is worth every penny. The lunch costs $320 per person, and the dinner costs $430 per person, excluding drinks and taxes. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 12 am, and requires advance booking, which can be done online or by phone. The dress code is smart casual, and children under 12 years old are not allowed for dinner. The restaurant also offers a mid-morning cocktail hour for $150 per person, and can be booked for private events, such as weddings and anniversaries.
How to Visit Ithaa Undersea Restaurant and Make the Most of Your Trip to Maldives?
If you want to visit Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, you will need to stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort, which is located on two islands connected by a bridge, in the Alif Dhaal Atoll, about 30 minutes by seaplane from Male, the capital of Maldives. The resort is a luxury destination, offering spacious and comfortable villas, some of which are also underwater, with private pools, jacuzzis, and sun decks. The resort also has a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, a kids club, and a range of activities and excursions, such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, fishing, and island hopping.
The best time to visit Ithaa Undersea Restaurant and Maldives is from November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant, and the water is clear and calm. The peak season is from December to March, when the prices are higher and the crowds are larger, but also when the marine life is more abundant and diverse. The off-season is from May to October, when the weather is wet, humid, and unpredictable, and the water is murky and choppy, but also when the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller, and when you can witness the spectacular phenomenon of bioluminescence, where the water glows in the dark due to the presence of plankton.
When you visit Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, you should also explore the other attractions and experiences that Maldives has to offer. Maldives is a tropical paradise, with white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and palm trees. It is also a rich and diverse cultural and historical destination, with influences from India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Africa, and Southeast Asia. You can visit the Male city, where you can see the Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum, the Fish Market, and the Sultan Park. You can also visit the nearby islands, such as Maafushi, Hulhumale, and Villingili, where you can experience the local life, cuisine, and crafts. You can also indulge in some adventure and fun, such as surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and dolphin watching.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you should not miss if you are planning a trip to Maldives. It is a unique and immersive dining experience that will take you to a different world, where you can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the underwater world, and savor the delicious and exquisite food. It is also a meaningful and educational experience that will teach you about the importance and fragility of the marine ecosystem, and inspire you to respect and protect it. Whether you are looking for a romantic date, a family adventure, or a solo treat, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives will make your trip to Maldives unforgettable.
If you are interested in visiting Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives, you should book your table and your stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort as soon as possible, as the availability is limited and the demand is high. You can also check out the other options and offers that the resort has, such as the underwater villas, the spa, and the activities. You can also explore the other attractions and experiences that Maldives has, such as the beaches, the islands, and the culture.
We hope that this article has given you all the information and inspiration you need to visit Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Maldives. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you.
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