MALDIVES - The Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa has opened the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant.
Ithaa sits five metres below the Indian Ocean, surrounded by a coral reef and encased in clear acrylic offering diners 270-degrees of panoramic underwater views.
"We have used aquarium technology to put diners face-to-face with the stunning underwater environment of the Maldives," said Carsten Schieck, the hotel's GM.
Created by New Zealand-based design consultancy MJ Murphy Ltd, Ithaa's distinctive feature is the use of curved transparent acrylic walls and roof, similar to those used in aquarium attractions.
"The fact that the entire restaurant except for the floor is made of clear acrylic makes this unique in the world," said Schieck, "We are currently planting a coral garden on the reef to add to the spectacular views of the rays, sharks and many colourful fish that live around the reef near the restaurant."
The restaurant seats 14 people.