The world’s first all-window, undersea restaurant, Ithaa lies 16 feet below sea level at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel.  The restaurant has a 14 guest capacity, and its menu features Maldivina-Western fusion food (can’t get too exotic with the dishes when the location is so specific).

The restaurant is built in a T-shaped floor plan, and its tunnel roof structure was originally designed for the Kuala Lumpur National Science Center.  It was actually built in Singapore, transported to the Maldives, lowered by steel piles, and secured to them with concrete.  The entrance is through a spiral staircase at the end of a jetty.  Let’s hope that’s the only exit people have to use.  The structure is expected to last about 20 years, so you’ve got another 15 or so to try a meal there.

I’m freaked out by these photos, even though this is probably the only way I’d experience an undersea expedition.  I bet it feels safe once you’re there.  I’m not kidding; this place looks really scary to me.  Plus it’s weird to eat in front of animals, and weirder to drink water when you’re submerged.

This guy looks like he’s having a good time, though:

The hotel recommends booking two weeks in advance.

Tags: architecture, Conrad, food, Maldives