Who says luxurious travel destinations have to be above sea level? Breathtaking and unique underwater experiences are cropping up in luxury destinations across the world. Find out exactly what lies beneath with these submerged stays you can book today.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
An overnight stay in The Palm’s aptly named Neptune and Poseidon suites offer hotel guests their very own deep-sea enclave. Set across three floors, the underwater suites allow for sprawling views of exotic fish and plant life because of their floor-to-ceiling glass walls. With a 24-hour a day on-service butler, you’d be hard pressed not to enjoy this aquatic oasis.
LIME Spa, Maldives
The world’s first underwater spa, this calming sanctuary uses treatments actually enriched with the ocean’s natural minerals. Every treatment room is designed to mirror the outside views, with calming ocean noises and ethereal furnishings. If you’d rather see the ocean from above, it also offers over ground treatment rooms fitted with glass floors.
Subsix Nightclub, Maldives
A clubbing experience like no other, Subsix offers a one-of-a-kind way to dance below the deep. Intimate yet elegant, punters can while the night away as they admire the Indian Ocean from six metres down. With a host of international DJs on their roster and only accessible by private boat, Subsix takes clubbing to a whole new level. Literally.
Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji
Self-described as a “culmination of every elite vacationer’s vision”, this underwater paradise surfaced in 2012, and was designed by bona fide submarine engineers. In fact, thrill-seekers can even have a go at manoeuvring a real submarine through its lagoon. Perfect for both those that seek solitude and those that seek adventure.
The Manta Resort, Zanzibar
This all-inclusive African paradise has a private floating Underwater Room which is simultaneously above and below sea level. The top deck allows for guests to sun-bake or stargaze, while the submerged bedroom acts as a private aquarium.
The Red Sea Star, Israel
Five metres below sea level this star-shaped restaurant and bar is the only one of its kind in the Red Sea. Gaze out upon heavenly vistas of sparkling coral as you sip on a cocktail. Thankfully this remote gem chooses to emphasise the importance of ocean life preservation, hiring a team of divers to protect its delicate environment.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
It may not come as a surprise to see this seven-star wonder make an appearance on this list. Often hailed as the world’s most luxurious hotel, it’s the restaurant – Al Mahara – you’ll need to visit should you wish to gaze upon a seascape. Sample some of the city’s finest seafood as you enjoy unsurpassed views of its floor-to-ceiling aquarium.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali, Maldives
This six-star island haven is sure to offer an unforgettable experience in the Maldives, but it’s the restaurant that might prove most memorable. Five metres below sea level, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is a world first, providing diners with unparalleled vistas of the area’s astounding choral beds and marine wildlife. Above surface their Over-Water Spa continues the underwater theme with glass flooring that allows guests to gaze off into the deep.
