Underwater restaurants and rooms in the Maldives

Few places let you eat lunch while reef fish swim past the window. In the Maldives, a handful of resorts have built restaurants, and even a bedroom, below the surface of the sea. This guide explains what to expect and which of our hand-picked resorts offer underwater dining. To see the reef for yourself, read our snorkelling guide.

Underwater restaurants

An underwater restaurant sits a few metres below the surface, with curved glass walls or a glass roof so you can watch the reef while you eat. Tables are few, so the setting feels calm and private.

• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is home to Ithaa, an undersea restaurant with a clear glass roof and walls, where you see fish, rays and coral all around you.
• Anantara Kihavah Villas has SEA, an underwater restaurant that is part of its Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky. dining experience.

Sleeping under the sea

At Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Muraka is a two-level residence with a bedroom below sea level. A curved glass dome lets you fall asleep watching the marine life outside. It is a rare stay, and it is often booked well ahead, so ask us early.

Dining beside the reef

Underwater dining is not the only way to eat close to the sea. Many resorts have overwater restaurants with glass floors or decks above the lagoon, and some offer dinners on a sandbank or the beach. Our food and dining guide covers the wider choice.

Planning your underwater meal

• Seats are limited, so book early, ideally when you book your stay.
• Lunch shows the reef in natural daylight, while dinner feels more romantic.
• Some underwater restaurants have a minimum age for children.
• Tell us about any dietary needs, so we can pass them to the restaurant.

Quick checklist

• Choose a resort with underwater dining.
• Book your table early.
• Pick lunch for the reef views or dinner for the mood.
• Check any age rules if you travel with children.
• Ask us about The Muraka if you want to sleep under the sea.