The future of subaquatic technology has arrived, and it’s cooler than any sci-fi author could have imagined. Not even Jules Verne, the writer behind “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” envisioned a world where people vacationed underwater. But, sure enough, resorts across the globe are bringing opulence to the sea with the world’s most luxurious underwater hotels.
As you’d expect, the going rate for an underwater hotel room will cost a pretty penny. But whether you’re saving up for an extravagant vacation or you’re merely a lover of all things aquatic. Here are five of the world’s most luxurious underwater hotels to visit (or daydream about at home while you practice social distancing from the rest of the world).
*The approximate prices below vary by season and room selection.
1. Manta Resort – Pemba Island, Tanzania
Room Selection: Manta Underwater Room
Price Per Night: $1,700 USD
Photo credit: Manta Resort
The Manta Resort characterizes its acclaimed underwater suite as “a private island surrounded by coral.” And to be honest, I can’t recall a hotel room that sounds more appealing than this resort’s zen-like description. Located off the coast of Pemba Island, the Manta Underwater Room brings fantasy to life as guests vacation with an eye-level view of the Indian Ocean’s maritime inhabitants. And if that’s not enough, the suite has two outdoor decks—one at sea-level and another on the roof—where guests can admire a panoramic view of the ocean. Manta Resort will relaunch in summer 2021.
2. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland – Songjiang, Shanghai, China
Room Selection: Intercontinental Suite Underwater View, Intercontinental Premier Underwater View, Duplex Suite Underwater View
Price Per Night: $2,000 USD
Photo credit: InterContinental Shanghai
Also known as the Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental Hotel, this destination resort was built on the side of an abandoned quarry. Although most of the hotel is above ground, the subaquatic region of the resort—known as the Lagoon—includes six underwater suites and public areas. Each of these spaces looks out into massive, saltwater aquariums filled with various sea creatures. Not to mention, there’s also an underwater pool to make you feel as if you’re actually swimming with the fish.
3. Resorts World Sentosa – Sentosa, Singapore
Room Selection: Ocean Suite, Mika Ocean Suite
Price Per Night: $2,500 USD
Photo credit: Resorts World Sentosa
The Ocean Suites at Resorts World Sentosa include several two-story rentals that offer the best of both worlds—one floor above sea level and another below. On top, there’s an extravagant living area with an outdoor patio, as well as a private jacuzzi. Meanwhile, the subaquatic level lends itself to a unique sleeping experience in which guests are surrounded by nearly 40,000 sea mammals roaming the aquarium. While you’re there, feel free to explore the Adventure Cove Waterpark, check out Universal Studios Singapore or swim with your favorite sea animals on Dolphin Island.
4. Atlantis, The Palm – Dubai, UAE
Room Selection: Underwater Suite
Price Per Night: $8,000 USD
Photo credit: Atlantis, The Palm
Known for its extravagant culture, it only makes sense that Dubai is home to one of the world’s most luxurious underwater hotels. Atlantis on Palm Island is a world-class resort that offers multi-story underwater vistas. In each abode, the master bed and bath are submerged beneath a three-million-gallon aquarium, known as the Ambassador’s Lagoon. Equipped with floor to ceiling windows, guests can feel at one with the aquarium’s many inhabitants—65,000 to be exact. Moreover, above water visitors can admire the aquarium from the comfort of a lavishly designed living area. And of course, if they need anything at all, a personal butler is just a call away.
Photo credit: Atlantis, The Palm
5. The Muraka – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Room Selection: The Muraka
Price Per Night: $18,000+ USD
The Muraka—which means “coral” in the local Dhivehi language—is by far the world’s most luxurious underwater hotel. This opulent two-level residence is a paradise floating on the Indian Ocean. Located just off the coast of Hilton’s renowned Conrad Rangali Island, the Muraka exceeds all expectations of a five-star retreat.
Submerged 16 feet below sea level, the master bedroom is concealed by a clear, 180-degree dome that engulfs visitors in the Indian Ocean. But that’s just the beginning. In fact, the Muraka is a complete home, with a second bedroom, a full kitchen and an incredible outdoor deck with an infinity pool.
Photo credit: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Other amenities include a 24-hour butler and chef, an on-call fitness trainer, spa treatment and personal jet skis. Finally, to top it off, guests have the choice to travel by speedboat or a private seaplane on their way to and from this blissful escape.
Bonus: Reefworld – Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Room Selection: Reefsuite
Price per night: $600+ USD
The Great Barrier Reef is visible from space, but this awe-inspiring resort is giving travelers a front-row seat. On the bottom level of Reefworld—a pontoon permanently anchored in Australia’s Hardy Reef—the guest rooms are submerged beneath the sea. Known as Reefsuites, visitors can experience one of the natural wonders of the world from their bedroom windows. Plus, in order to reach this one-of-a-kind destination, a cruise escorts travelers through 40 nautical miles of breathtaking views, including the Whitsunday Islands. Every minute of this experience—from the scenic ocean journey to your subaquatic bunk room—is a moment to be remembered.
About the Author/s
A product of North Jersey, Will is an aspiring writer who enjoys music, comedy and fast food.
