The Conrad Maldives is not only known as a luxurious hideaway in the Maldives. It is also known as the Island of Firsts. After all, the resort, which originally opened in 1997, was in many ways a
Conrad Maldives as a pioneer
For example, the beautiful resort was the first in the Maldives to link several islands together: the employees of the Conrad Maldives live on one island, while the resort extends over two other islands connected by a 500-metre-long bridge. It was also the first resort in the Indian Ocean to have an underground wine cellar. The concept of flying in celebrated chefs also originated here. However, the opening of the first underwater restaurant in the Maldives – and in the whole world – was truly sensational.
It bears the name Ithaa, dhivehi for “mother-of-pearl” or “pearl”, and lies 5 meters below the surface of the water. Designed in New Zealand and manufactured in Singapore, it is a five-meter-wide arch made of acyl glass that rests on four steel tubes on the seabed. This gives guests a 180-degree view of the surrounding underwater world. It took 16 days to transport the structure from Singapore to its destination; it weighs 175 tons. More than 50 helpers were on site. Ithaa finally celebrated its grand opening on April 15, 2005.
Dining in the underwater restaurant
But what is the food like in the underwater restaurant? Is it worth it? First things first: the experience is incomparable and even better than the videos and pictures on the internet suggest. As a guest, you approach the restaurant via a footbridge. You cross a small anteroom, where the washrooms are located, and then walk (barefoot!) down a wide, wooden staircase. Most people feel the same way.
They stand rooted to the spot. Because above the acrylic glass floor and along the transparent wall at the front, reef sharks and colorful fish swim in immense numbers. The atmosphere varies depending on whether you come for lunch or dinner. It’s particularly bright during the day, so it’s actually worth bringing sunglasses. Sounds strange, but it’s true. In the evening, strategically positioned spotlights make the experience almost mystical.
What’s on the menu at Ithaa?
The underwater restaurant offers a four-course menu for lunch. A Bluefin Tuna Tartar, which incorporates subtle notes thanks to Kaluga caviar and spring onions, is followed by a Lobster and Crab Terrine. The taste of the lobster and crab is underlined by sweet melon. However, you have to be a fan of terrines to be able to adequately celebrate this course. We are not. The palate cleanser on the Ithaa menu is a raspberry and ginger sorbet. Served in a stone bowl, it’s absolutely magnificent.
The main course is a wonderfully tender Black Angus tournedo with a herb coating. Accompanied by a grilled oyster mushroom, creamy potatoes and spinach puree and refined with rosemary jus, it delights meat lovers across the board. The four-course lunch ends with a passion fruit pavlova, decorated with fresh berries and mango coulis. The four courses are well coordinated and fun. You don’t feel like you have to go to sleep afterwards. The passing marine fauna looks somewhat critically at the seafood courses, but it’s something you can’t get enough of.
Dinner at Ithaa
For dinner in the first and now no longer the only underwater restaurant in the Maldives, you need to bring a little more time with you. After an aperitif of crab and caviar and an amuse bouche of jackfish, coconut and yuzu, it’s time for the appetizer in the third course. Lobster with asparagus paves the way for the entrée: yellowfin tuna with a sesame crust and carrot puree.
A lemongrass and basil sorbet is served as a palate cleanser. Cleansed in this way, the different flavor components of the main course unfold perfectly. Australian Wagyu beef tenderloin steak nestles up against potato mousseline, glazed baby carrots, truffle jus and morels. Chilean sea bass is available as an option. The eight-course menu ends with Grand Cru Chocolate Parfait with raspberry confit.
Reservation at Ithaa
Of course, Ithaa also serves vegetarian options, but you should specify that you would like the meat-free option when booking. Interestingly, this option has only been available for two years, but the
There is also a visiting hour, for which you pay $ 155. This includes canapés and a glass of champagne. Not including taxes, of course, which are currently 10 percent service charge and 12 percent tourist tax. Do we recommend a visit to the Ithaa? Absolutely! It is quite unique to eat surrounded by so much underwater world.
Ithaa at Conrad Maldives
Rangali Island Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, 20077, Maldives
