Like dining? Love diving? Want to see sharks as you eat fresh fish? Then make waves to Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s only glass undersea eatery. Set five metres below the Indian Ocean, using aquarium technology, and offering a novel fusion Maldivian-western menu, Ithaa provides diners with 360-degree panoramic views in the spectacular Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island.
Ithaa opened in April 2005. It means ”pearl” in the local Dhivehi language and promises a unique dining experience within the five-by-nine metre transparent arch. Spanning the room, it seats 14 people and lets you feel like you’re at one with the sea world. General Manager Carsten Schleck says, “Our guests always comment on being blown away by the color, clarity and beauty of the underwater world in the Maldives, so it seemed a perfect idea to build a restaurant where diners can experience fine cuisine and take time to enjoy the views – without ever getting their feet wet.”
The restaurant is part of a $5 million re-build of Rangalifonolhu Island, called Rangali by the locals. It’s one of twin soft white sand, romantic islands that comprise the Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa, which are surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon popular with divers and snorkelers. Now with 79 luxurious beach Villas and offering sophisticated barefoot luxury, there’s also a Spa Village, which is a self-contained resort-within-a-resort.
Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island
Rangali Island, PO Box 2034, Rangali Island, Maldives 2034
Tel: +960–668 0629
Fax: +960–668 0619