Underwater hotels offer a unique and immersive experience, allowing guests to sleep beneath the waves surrounded by marine life. This guide explores 12 of the world’s most extraordinary underwater accommodations, from luxury suites to more accessible options. Each section provides insights into what makes these underwater hotels special and practical advice for planning your visit.
1. The Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrei Armiagov
The Muraka is a two-level underwater residence that offers a luxurious experience. The lower level, submerged 16 feet underwater, features a king-size bedroom, living area, and bathroom encased in a transparent acrylic dome. The upper level includes additional bedrooms, a living area, and an outdoor deck with an infinity pool. The Muraka provides an unparalleled view of the Indian Ocean’s marine life, offering a serene and private escape. This architectural marvel combines luxury with the awe-inspiring beauty of the underwater world.
Insider’s Tip: Book the “underwater dining experience” for a memorable meal.
When to Travel: November to April for the best weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Malé International Airport, followed by a seaplane transfer to the resort.
2. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, UAE
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi
These suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows into the Ambassador Lagoon, home to 65,000 marine animals. The experience is like sleeping in a private aquarium, with uninterrupted views of fish, sharks, and rays. The hotel also offers a range of aquatic activities, including diving and snorkeling. Atlantis The Palm combines the thrill of underwater living with the luxury and excitement of Dubai. Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, features the unique underwater suites – Poseidon and Neptune.
Insider’s Tip: Visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium for an extended underwater experience.
When to Travel: November to March for cooler temperatures.
How to Get There: Fly to Dubai International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to the hotel.
3. Lovers Deep Submarine, Caribbean
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dudarev Mikhail
Lovers Deep Submarine offers a unique and intimate underwater experience. This luxury submarine hotel can be stationed at a location of your choice in the Caribbean. The submarine features a spacious living area, a mini-bar, and a bedroom with an underwater view. The experience is tailored to provide privacy and exclusivity, making it perfect for romantic getaways. Lovers Deep is an adventurous and unique way to experience the underwater world in complete privacy.
Insider’s Tip: Customize your itinerary to include your preferred Caribbean destinations.
When to Travel: December to April for the best weather.
How to Get There: Arrange with the hotel for pickup from a Caribbean island of your choice.
4. Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aqua Images
Manta Resort’s underwater room is a private floating island with a bedroom submerged four meters below the surface. The room offers 360-degree views of the surrounding marine life in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Above water, the structure has a lounge, bathroom, and rooftop deck for sunbathing and stargazing. The Manta Resort provides a tranquil and isolated retreat, perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Insider’s Tip: Take advantage of the resort’s diving courses to explore the surrounding coral reefs.
When to Travel: June to October and December to February for the best diving conditions.
How to Get There: Fly to Zanzibar, then take a small aircraft to Pemba Island, followed by a drive to the resort.
5. Utter Inn, Västerås, Sweden
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergiy Zavgorodny
Utter Inn offers a simple yet unique underwater accommodation experience in Lake Mälaren. Designed by artist Mikael Genberg, the inn resembles a traditional Swedish red house with a single room submerged three meters underwater. The upper deck is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the surrounding views. Utter Inn is an art project turned hotel offering a minimalist and peaceful underwater stay.
Insider’s Tip: Pack light, as space in the underwater room is limited.
When to Travel: May to September for warmer weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Stockholm, then drive or take a train to Västerås.
6. Subsix at Niyama Private Islands, Maldives
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Subsix is an underwater restaurant and club at Niyama Private Islands in the Maldives, located six meters below the ocean’s surface. The venue can be transformed into a private bedroom upon request. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the vibrant coral reef and marine life. Subsix provides a unique blend of luxury, dining, and entertainment, all within an extraordinary underwater setting.
Insider’s Tip: Attend one of the underwater parties or themed nights for a unique experience.
When to Travel: November to April for the best weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Malé International Airport, followed by a seaplane transfer to the resort.
7. Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Florida, USA
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Off Axis Production
Jules’ Undersea Lodge is the world’s first underwater hotel, accessible only by scuba diving 21 feet beneath the surface. The lodge was originally a research lab with two bedrooms and a common area. The experience includes diving courses and underwater excursions. Jules’ Undersea Lodge offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort, appealing to diving enthusiasts and those looking for a unique underwater stay.
Insider’s Tip: You must be a certified diver to stay at the lodge, as access is exclusively underwater.
When to Travel: Year-round, though the best conditions are from December to May.
How to Get There: Fly to Miami International Airport and drive to Key Largo.
8. Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French Polynesia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ImageWard
Conrad Bora Bora Nui, while not entirely underwater, offers unique overwater villas with glass floors, providing a glimpse into the marine world below. The resort is set in a private cove on Motu To’opua, offering stunning views of the lagoon and ocean. The villas combine luxury with the beauty of the surrounding nature, making for a serene and opulent stay.
Insider’s Tip: Book a treatment at the overwater spa for a complete luxury experience.
When to Travel: May to October for the best weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Tahiti, then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora, followed by a boat transfer to the resort.
9. The Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Danita Delimont
The Poseidon Undersea Resort in Fiji is a proposed luxury resort with underwater suites located 40 feet below the surface. The suites are planned to feature transparent walls, offering views of the surrounding coral reef and marine life. The resort aims to provide a unique combination of luxury and adventure, with facilities including a restaurant, bar, and underwater activities.
Insider’s Tip: Take part in the resort’s submarine piloting program for an adventurous experience.
When to Travel: May to October for drier weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Nadi International Airport in Fiji, followed by a seaplane transfer to the resort.
10. Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Image Credit: Shutterstock / DongDongdog
Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives is renowned for its luxury overwater bungalows and the world’s first underwater spa. The spa offers treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to relax while watching the marine life. The resort combines the tranquility of the Maldives with innovative luxury, making for a truly unique stay.
Insider’s Tip: Experience the world’s first underwater spa for a unique relaxation experience.
When to Travel: November to April for the best weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Malé International Airport, followed by a speedboat transfer to the resort.
11. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, China
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Fariz Abasov
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, built into the side of a quarry, features two underwater floors with guest rooms and a restaurant. The rooms offer views of the water-filled quarry and the surrounding cliffs. The hotel combines architectural innovation with luxury, set in a unique and dramatic landscape.
Insider’s Tip: Explore the surrounding Sheshan National Forest Park to contrast the underwater experience.
When to Travel: Spring and autumn for the best weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Shanghai and drive to the hotel.
12. Reefworld, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Islandjems – Jemma Craig
Reefworld is an eco-friendly floating hotel located in the Great Barrier Reef. It offers underwater suites with panoramic views of the surrounding coral and marine life. The hotel is designed to have a minimal environmental impact, providing a sustainable way to experience one of the world’s natural wonders.
Insider’s Tip: Take a guided snorkeling tour to fully experience the Great Barrier Reef.
When to Travel: June to October for the best visibility and weather.
How to Get There: Fly to Hamilton Island, then take a boat transfer to Reefworld.
The Bottom Line
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Embarking to an underwater hotel is an adventure into a serene and mesmerizing world. Each of these unique accommodations offers a different perspective on life beneath the waves, combining luxury with the beauty of the marine environment. As you plan your visit, consider each hotel’s distinct features and experiences. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a new perspective, these underwater hotels promise an unforgettable experience. Dive in and discover a world of wonder beneath the sea.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.