7 of the Best Underwater Hotels in the World
If you’re intrigued by unique locations or have an affinity for ocean life, this list of the world’s best underwater hotels is for you.
Underwater hotels offer unforgettable experiences and once-in-a-lifetime views. Whether you’re sightseeing under the crystal clear waves of the Bahamas or snuggled in your bed watching beautiful coral reefs through floor-to-ceiling windows, these incredible getaways get you up close and personal, all while staying dry.
Plan your next vacation at one of these underwater hotels complete with fun activities such as snorkeling, water parks, and luxury spa experiences. Below, you’ll find hotels that have a variety of below-sea-level experiences. Many have underwater rooms where you can literally sleep with the fishes. Others have unique experiences like underwater restaurants and even underwater hotel entrances you have to scuba dive to enter.
Explore 7 of the best underwater hotels in the world:
1. Jules’ Undersea Lodge
Location: Key Largo, Florida
Yes, there are underwater hotels in the U.S. This combination underwater hotel and full-service dive facility cover all your vacation bases. Past guests have said on Yelp that visibility isn’t high but they still saw parrotfish, stone crabs, manatees, dolphins, and much more during their stay. The lodge also has dive masters on-site to guide you whether it’s your first or five-hundredth diving experience.
Highlights:
- You have to scuba dive to enter the lodge.
- When you’re not in the water, you can enjoy activities such as eco-tours and cold beers on tap.
2. Atlantis, The Palm
Location: Dubai, UAE
This mega-resort has 1,500+ unique rooms, a waterpark, an underwater aquarium labyrinth, a private beach, multiple pools, 29 bars and restaurants, and a high-end spa. Many online reviews note how family-friendly the whole hotel is, but there are also plenty of opportunities for romance with their many date night packages. The hotel also, of course, offers an underwater suite.
“Our Underwater Suite is a haven for peace and tranquility, which features immense floor-to-ceiling windows into our 65,000 marine animal aquarium in Dubai,” reads a section on the hotel’s website. “Float the evening away in your marble bath tub with views of the Ambassador Lagoon, and be mesmerised as sharks, rays and fish glide right past your bed.
“Head upstairs in your private elevator to the Underwater Hotel Suite’s lavish yet intimate lounge, where the waters of the Ambassador Lagoon gently lap at your window. Complete with 24-hour private butler service, in-room check-in and a complimentary interconnecting room, everything is catered for, so you and your loved one can forget the world and enjoy every moment.”
Need we say more?
Highlights:
- Their AquaVenture Waterpark is No. 5 on TripAdvisor’s list of things to do in Dubai.
- The service is legendary, with stories of staff bringing over free milk for babies and serving breakfast in bed, even for late checkouts.
3. Utter Inn
Location: Lake Mälaren, Sweden
One of the most unusual hotels in the world, Utter Inn is an anchored, floating hotel in the middle of a gorgeous lake. It was created by a local artist and sculptor. His motto, making art for the public, is evident by the beauty of this rentable house. Guests sleep underwater next to windows that peer into the homes of real Swedish fish.
The small, bright red top of the hotel that you can see above the water hides a treasure trove of views into the lives of jellyfish underneath the surface. According to their website, There were plans for spa treatments to be provided by local Mermaids but there was trouble with their union.
Highlights:
- The hotel is modeled after real Swedish homes and adapted to life underwater.
- Swim, canoe, or simply eat your included breakfast at this whimsical accommodation.
4. Resorts World Sentosa – Equarius Hotel
Location: Sentosa, Singapore
Fall asleep to tropical sea life outside your window at this luxurious hotel, which has 11 suites “offering guests with the best of both land and sea.”
At this underwater hotel, “the upper level consists of an open living area leading onto an outdoor patio and Jacuzzi whilst the lower level offers guests with an underwater view of over 40,000 marine fishes in the comfort and privacy of their own suite.”
Highlights:
- Hotel guests get discounts to the Adventure Cove waterpark, which is connected to the property.
- Their garden rooms have views of actual gardens that guests say are also a great option.
5. Conrad Maldives
Location: Rangali Island, Maldives
Guests of this resort have the option to stay in The Muraka, “a first-of-its-kind, luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean.” The Muraka includes a bedroom with an 180-degree curved acrylic dome, floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom and walk-in closet, and a dedicated tunnel viewing theater.
Highlights:
- Guests have the option to experience a private seaplane arrival or travel from the main resort by private speedboat.
- The resort offers a glamping experience in the underwater suite, complete with a teepee, flashlights, a pillow fort and an assortment of treats.
6. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
Location: Shanghai, China
Dubbed the world’s first underground hotel, the InterContinential Shanghai Wonderland features 18 floors — 16 of which are underground and two of which are underwater. The underwater suites have views of ocean wildlife and a host of other desirable amenities. Enjoy the children’s rooms, terraces, and butler services during your stay.
Highlights:
- One of the hotel’s restaurants, Mr. Fisher, is “enveloped in a sea of water creatures swimming about in a custom built display.”
- Their amenities include Dyson hairdryers and AI-powered hotel rooms.
7. Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Location: North Malé Atoll, Maldives
This 5-star hotel is a luxury oasis at sea and an all-around delight. Thousands of guests who left ratings on TripAdvisor gave it five stars, citing the location, cleanliness, and service as the most appreciated factors. The property features plunge pools, waterfront bungalows, plenty of privacy, wine cellars, butler service, and great dining. Their spa is entirely underwater, so you can watch marine life pass you by while you’re decompressing from your massages.
This glowing review tells you everything you need to know about this underwater hotel:
If I had to summarise Huvafen Fushi, I would describe it as heaven on earth. Although only half an hour away from the airport, you would have no idea it was that close as it’s not under the flight path and it’s incredibly quiet and peaceful.
Rooms are lovely and all have beach/sea access. I also really enjoyed the bluetooth speakers in the room which I was able to take outside and listen to on the deck. The staff are wonderful, super friendly and very attentive. They think of the little things like surprising you with an ice lolly when you’re sitting around the pool. Food is fabulous at all the restaurants! And of course a visit to the underwater spa is a must!
The resort has wonderful snorkeling opportunities (the house reef is easily accessible from the main pool area) and if you’re lucky you might spot manta rays. Lastly, my personal highlight was the feeding of the stingrays every evening! They come to the beach every day and guests can pet them and watch the marine biologists feed them. An amazing thing to experience.
Highlights:
- The underwater spa is coined as the only one in the world.
- There’s a hotel library you can use to find your next beach read.