With expansive observation windows and luxury creature comforts, these underwater hotels bring the wonders of the ocean to your bedroom.
Gone are the days of needing to scuba dive or snorkel to experience the world’s brilliant marine wonderlands. Today, intrepid travellers can opt for one-of-a-kind hotel stays below the ocean’s surface.
Dive into an enchanting underwater realm of magical sea life, exotic corals and crystal clear waters, coupled with all the frills of refined accommodation (and no need to hold your breath). Here are the underwater hotels to add to your globetrotting bucket list.
Asia Pacific
The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Talk about rockstar arrivals. Catch a seaplane straight to the front door of your villa, zip down in the elevator and you’ve arrived at the Conrad Maldives’ private undersea residence, where the bed has the best seat in the house.
One of the world’s most famous underwater hotels, this accommodation was created after the resorts’ undersea restaurant, Ithaa, went viral after turning into a suite for a night. Opened in November 2018, the residence has two floors; one above ground and the other five metres under the sea.
The lower level has a bedroom and ensuite with floor-to-ceiling windows in the walk-in robe, bathroom and underwater viewing room. The bedroom has a curved dome ceiling to take in 180-degree ocean views. Above ground, you’ll find an infinity plunge pool, glass-walled bathtub, gym, jet skis, butler and chef.
Equarius Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
Sentosa Island has always been Singapore’s playground. Now the 11 two-storey Equarius Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa are taking things up a notch further. Enjoy an open-air dip in the outdoor jacuzzi before heading to the bedroom, where the curved wall right in front of your bed looks straight out at the aquarium’s 40,000 fish. Underwater hotels don’t get much better than this.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, Songjiang, China
Marble, gold, manta rays – the interiors of this underwater hotel are as jaw-dropping as the marine life. Built into the cliffside of an abandoned quarry, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland reaches 88 metres below the horizon, with 16 storeys stretching down to the bottom of the quarry. The six underwater suites over two levels share walls with a saltwater aquarium and are family friendly, meaning the kids can also enjoy this sparkling underwater wonderland.
Reefsuites Underwater Hotel by Cruise Whitsundays, Australia
Join day trippers out to the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon for hours of snorkelling across the Great Barrier Reef, then wave goodbye in the afternoon as they head back to the mainland. Meanwhile, you’ll venture downstairs for a night under the sea at one of the world’s best underwater hotels, surrounded by a UNESCO-listed reefscape. Dinner under the stars on the top deck of the pontoon is the icing on the cake.
Aqua Villa at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Maldives
Looking out at the Indian Ocean, the Aqua Villa at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa takes your nighttime routine to new depths. The two-level suite offers the chance to sleep amid swaying corals and passing fish in the underwater bedroom, while upstairs boasts a plush second bedroom and sizeable east-facing swimming pool on a private deck. Bliss.
Europe
The Walrus House, Pairi Daiza Resort, Belgium
Located inside a wildlife centre, this arctic-inspired accommodation at Belgium’s Pairi Daiza is one of the most unique underwater hotels in the world. Thanks to a huge glass window, you’ll be able to get nose-to-whisker with walruses. The naturally curious creatures have long tusks and a colossal body mass, and like to get a good look at guests. As far as design goes, the suite favours Arctic touches; think faux fur rugs, whitewashed walls and domed windows that permit unbroken vistas into the walrus’ habitat.
Utter Inn Hotel, Sweden
What may look like a traditional Swedish house – red paint, white frames and all – on the surface is in fact an incredible underwater abode waiting to wrap you in a cosy Scandinavian embrace. Situated in Vasteras, about one hour from Stockholm, Utter Inn is a hotel created by Swedish artist Mikael Genberg. Here you can paddle a canoe to uninhibited islands, have your lunch or dinner brought to you, or simply unwind and watch jellyfish float past.
Middle East
Underwater Suite at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Enter the marvellous world of Atlantis The Palm and stay in one of the world’s coolest underwater hotels. Look over the gigantic 11-million-litre Ambassador Lagoon aquarium from the formal lounge, before descending another floor down to the elegantly appointed bedroom and bathrooms, where sharks, rays and 65,000 other marine species lazily glide past floor-to-ceiling glass windows. With 24-hour personal butler service, your every wish is catered for upon descent into this refined aquatic world. Included in guests’ stays are also access to the Imperial Club – with its all-day snacks, sunset happy hour and private beach, daily Aquaventure World access and a complimentary dolphin sunrise session per guest.
Africa
Underwater Room at The Manta Resort, Tanzania
In addition to seafront villas and stunning garden rooms, the all-inclusive Manta Resort in Zanzibar offers the exclusive Underwater Room. Unlike some other underwater hotels, the three-level retreat is part of a wooden pontoon, floating 250 metres offshore from the island resort with elements both above and below sea level.
Four metres underwater and wrapped in glass to give you a front-row seat to the Pemba Island’s coral reef, this dazzling accommodation is like having your own private aquarium. Head upstairs for sunbaking or stargazing on the roof, and in the day jump straight off the deck for a snorkel. The suite is anchored by ropes, so your accommodation gently bobs and sways with the rhythms of the sea.
United States
Jules Undersea Lodge, Florida, United States
With a name honouring Jules Verne, the author of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Undersea Lodge is a veritable celebration of undersea adventure. To arrive here, guests must scuba dive through the lagoon at Key Largo Undersea Park. While it’s not the most luxurious of underwater hotels, the themed suite is a certainly a whimsical and memorable place to spend a night. On top of overnight stays, the park also offers scuba training and certifications.
FAQs
How many underwater hotels are there?
The world is home to around 10 underwater hotels currently in operation. However, there are some additional hotels that offer underwater restaurants or spas, such as Koral Restaurant at The Apurva Kempinksi Bali and the underwater spa at Huvafen Fushi Maldives.
Is there an underwater hotel in the USA?
Yes, the United States has an underwater hotel in Florida called Jules Undersea Lodge, where guests can scuba dive to their suite in the lagoon at Key Largo Undersea Park.
Is there an underwater hotel in Australia?
Australia has one underwater hotel – Reefsuites by Cruise Whitsundays. Guests can go to sleep and wake up with spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef from their pontoon suite.
How much does it cost to stay in the underwater hotel in Fiji?
The Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji’s website indicates that a six-night package (which includes two nights staying in an underwater suite) will cost US$15,000 per person for a shared double room, or US$30,000 per couple. The resort is a proposed hotel project that was first slated to open by 2008. There has been no recent announcement of any scheduled opening date, and bookings are not currently available.
Which country has underwater hotels?
Underwater hotels can be found in several countries including the Maldives, Singapore, China, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, Tanzania, Dubai and the United States.
This article originally appeared in Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.
