Waking up to a 360-degree view of vibrant marine life gliding past your bed isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a real travel experience made possible by underwater hotels. With the growing demand for once-in-a-lifetime stays, these submerged accommodations offer an unmatched blend of luxury and nature. Travelers seeking privacy, novelty, and a deeper connection with the ocean are turning to glass-walled suites below the surface. From the Maldives to Scandinavia, these exclusive destinations redefine what it means to “sleep with the fishes.” This guide highlights the best underwater hotels where the sea becomes your ceiling—and every moment feels entirely surreal.
Manta Underwater Room – Pemba, Tanzania
Suspended in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, this floating marvel offers a split-level stay that feels like stepping into a nature documentary. Above water, you’ll find a sun deck and lounge area to soak in island breezes. Below, a submerged bedroom encased in glass reveals a panoramic underwater world—where trumpetfish, squid, and reef dwellers glide past in their natural rhythm. Located near Pemba Island, the Manta Underwater Room is part of The Manta Resort and is anchored to a vibrant coral reef ecosystem. Solar-powered and eco-conscious, the suite functions entirely off-grid. At night, underwater spotlights attract marine life, turning your bedroom into a private aquarium. The tranquil isolation, surrounded by the silence of the sea, makes it ideal for couples or solitude-seekers craving a once-in-a-lifetime escape. Because it’s situated in a marine conservation area, the experience emphasizes sustainability while delivering high-end comfort. This isn’t just a unique hotel room—it’s an immersive adventure that connects you to the ocean in ways few destinations can. With marine biodiversity just inches away from your bed, it’s a transformative encounter tailored for those seeking serenity and surreal beauty below the surface.
The Muraka – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Perched in the Maldives’ pristine waters, this two-level villa pushes the boundaries of luxury hospitality. Above the waves, you’ll find a sleek modern suite with an infinity pool, private butler service, and direct access to the Indian Ocean. Below, the submerged bedroom immerses guests in a 180-degree glass dome where reef sharks and manta rays drift silently across your view. “Muraka” means coral in Dhivehi, the local language, and every detail nods to marine elegance—from the wave-inspired interior design to the way the light refracts underwater at dawn. Built 16 feet beneath sea level, the structure uses acrylic walls engineered to withstand ocean pressure while offering full visibility. The Muraka isn’t just a room; it’s an architectural statement with its own private seaplane dock and security detail. Guests enjoy 24/7 personal chefs and curated experiences like underwater yoga or private diving excursions. Recognized globally for innovation, it sets the gold standard in underwater hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or seeking absolute privacy with an extraordinary view, this villa guarantees a memory unlike any other. The interplay of opulence, solitude, and nature’s theater redefines what it means to sleep beneath the sea.
Utter Inn – Sweden
Floating in the middle of Lake Mälaren, this quaint red cabin appears like a scene from a Swedish fairytale. But beneath its modest exterior lies a subaquatic secret—an underwater bedroom surrounded by panoramic windows that gaze into the lake’s calm, murky depths. Designed by artist Mikael Genberg, the Utter Inn blends Scandinavian minimalism with surreal escapism. Entry is by inflatable boat, and once inside, the top floor holds basic amenities like a kitchenette and solar lighting. A ladder descends to the submerged sleeping quarters, where schools of freshwater fish glide by your window. There’s no Wi-Fi or luxury concierge—just solitude and raw connection to nature. It’s intentionally unrefined to encourage mindfulness and disconnect from digital noise. Ideal for travelers seeking artistic novelty, it functions as both an installation and accommodation. The Utter Inn has become a cult favorite among adventurers who value experience over extravagance. As night falls, the lake surface glows with Nordic twilight while the underwater room embraces quiet isolation. Though the lake lacks the tropical vibrance of ocean reefs, the meditative environment offers an equally profound underwater encounter, rooted in simplicity and thoughtful design.
Reefsuites – Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Anchored in the Whitsundays, this semi-submerged gem invites guests into the heart of the world’s largest coral reef system. The Reefsuites are nestled beneath a floating pontoon at Hardy Reef and provide a front-row seat to one of Earth’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems. Guests arrive via cruise from Airlie Beach and descend into rooms encased in floor-to-ceiling glass, where technicolor fish, sea turtles, and coral gardens unfold in real time. Above water, enjoy reef snorkeling, diving, and starlit dinners with uninterrupted ocean views. Below, the underwater suite offers sunrise views of parrotfish gliding past your bed. Operated by Cruise Whitsundays, the Reefsuites integrate reef education and sustainability into the stay—perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Nighttime marine life flourishes with soft lighting outside the suite, revealing nocturnal creatures in action. With only two rooms available, exclusivity is part of the allure. While the Great Barrier Reef faces ongoing threats from climate change, this experience supports marine conservation through responsible tourism. It’s a rare chance to sleep inside a living wonder of the world, all while supporting its preservation.
Equarius Ocean Suites – Singapore
Tucked within Resorts World Sentosa, these dual-level ocean suites combine urban luxury with marine tranquility. Guests enter through a rainforest-inspired foyer before descending into the lower level, where a massive acrylic panel opens onto a 40,000 marine-animal habitat. Here, giant manta rays, reef sharks, and vibrant schools glide past in synchronized motion. Above, a sleek living area offers butler service and a Jacuzzi deck facing tropical foliage. Below, the underwater bedroom envelops you in a serene seascape view, right from the comfort of your king-size bed. With only 11 suites available, privacy and exclusivity are paramount. The property is part of the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, and the suite’s design blurs the line between aquarium and open ocean. While it feels like an escape into another world, the location is mere minutes from downtown Singapore. Perfect for couples or small families, it offers both adventure and indulgence in one seamless experience. Whether relaxing under ambient lighting or watching marine life perform its quiet ballet, this underwater stay brings calm and wonder into every moment.
Atlantis The Palm – Dubai
Set within the iconic crescent of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, this luxury destination redefines immersive hospitality with its two-story underwater suites—Neptune and Poseidon. From the moment you step inside, the upper-level lounge and marble bath offer opulent comforts, but it’s the submerged bedroom that steals the spotlight. Floor-to-ceiling windows peer directly into the Ambassador Lagoon, a 3-million-gallon aquatic habitat teeming with over 65,000 marine creatures. Watching rays glide overhead and sharks drift beside your bed delivers a cinematic, calming spectacle that feels surreal. Privacy is expertly maintained with dedicated elevator access, 24-hour butler service, and seamless check-ins. Whether you’re enjoying a candlelit bath beside the lagoon glass or lying in bed surrounded by tropical fish, the experience brings ocean fantasy into reality. Atlantis The Palm’s underwater suites are crafted for luxury seekers, honeymooners, and anyone desiring the rare thrill of sleeping with the sea as your companion. Tied to Dubai’s over-the-top hospitality ethos, this stay goes beyond accommodation—it’s a destination in itself. From curated marine experiences to spa indulgences, every element complements the grandeur of your submerged surroundings.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland – China
Constructed inside an abandoned quarry, this architectural marvel carves into the earth with an engineering feat that includes underwater suites nestled into the rock walls. Located in Songjiang, just outside Shanghai, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland descends 88 meters below ground, with two floors fully submerged beneath a shimmering lagoon. The underwater rooms are framed by curved glass walls, showcasing koi-filled waters and striking stone formations. Natural light filters in through engineered openings, blending serenity with drama. Above, guests can explore zip lines, climbing walls, and waterfall views built into the quarry’s rugged landscape. Below, the rooms evoke quietude, offering a stark contrast to the bustling city above. Interior finishes balance modern luxury with cave-like intimacy, making it one of the world’s most uniquely grounded underwater stays. Whether watching the gentle sway of aquatic plants or marveling at the transformation of a former industrial site into an eco-haven, the experience brings together past and future in a single suite. Ideal for travelers intrigued by design, sustainability, and innovation, it stands as a testament to turning forgotten spaces into unforgettable escapes.
Jules’ Undersea Lodge – Florida, USA
Accessible only by scuba diving, this underwater habitat-turned-hotel is located in Key Largo’s Emerald Lagoon. Originally built as a marine research lab, Jules’ Undersea Lodge now welcomes adventurous guests willing to don a wetsuit and dive 21 feet below the surface to reach their lodging. The lodge features air-conditioned living quarters, a galley kitchen, and sleeping accommodations all enclosed in a retrofitted steel structure with thick porthole windows that look out onto a coral-rich ecosystem. Brightly colored fish, sponges, and seagrasses animate the watery view, particularly during feeding times. It’s not about luxury here—it’s about immersion, both literal and experiential. Certified divers will appreciate the uniqueness, while novices can arrange lessons and guided descents with the lodge’s team. Meals are delivered via waterproof containers, and even pizza gets its own scuba delivery. More than a novelty, this lodge serves as a living classroom for marine awareness and conservation. As the only underwater hotel in the U.S., Jules’ offers a raw, one-of-a-kind opportunity to spend the night where few ever venture. Ideal for thrill-seekers and marine enthusiasts, this stay leaves you with far more than a view—it leaves you with a story.
Poseidon Undersea Resort – Fiji (planned)
Still awaiting full realization, this visionary project aims to become the world’s first permanent undersea resort located 40 feet beneath a private Fijian lagoon. Conceived by L. Bruce Jones, the Poseidon Undersea Resort has been in development for years and continues to capture imaginations with its bold promise: an underwater paradise blending five-star luxury with full marine immersion. The proposed design includes 24 underwater suites, an undersea chapel, a spa, and a restaurant—all accessible via elevator from land-based facilities. Guest suites would feature pressurized acrylic domes with panoramic reef views, allowing guests to sleep surrounded by coral gardens and tropical fish. Planned features include custom marine excursions, submarine trips, and even the ability to pilot mini-subs. Though delays have kept the opening in limbo, the concept remains a benchmark in underwater hospitality design. Enthusiasts and media alike continue to monitor the project’s progress, hopeful it will redefine travel once operational. If realized, Poseidon promises to be more than just an architectural achievement—it will be a marine sanctuary, a luxury experience, and a rare opportunity to live, even briefly, beneath the waves in style.
Lovers Deep Submarine Suite
Tailored for the ultra-elite, this one-of-a-kind experience offers private accommodation aboard a fully submerged luxury submarine. Managed by Oliver’s Travels, Lovers Deep caters to couples seeking the most exclusive—and expensive—underwater getaway. Unlike fixed-location underwater hotels, this submarine can be moored off St. Lucia, the Red Sea, or any destination the guest desires, offering flexibility that no other underwater stay can match. Inside, guests are treated to designer interiors, ocean-facing windows in every room, and a dedicated crew including a captain, private chef, and butler. The master suite faces a large viewing window, letting you watch marine life drift by as part of your daily routine. Whether celebrating a honeymoon or simply chasing the thrill of novelty, this experience redefines intimacy beneath the surface. Themed “Mile-Low Club” for a reason, it’s targeted at luxury travelers craving total seclusion and personalized service. While the cost reaches six figures per night, the exclusivity and customization set it apart from traditional hospitality. Lovers Deep isn’t just a hotel—it’s a moveable, ultra-luxury vessel that delivers underwater living with unmatched privacy and panache.
Huvafen Fushi Underwater Spa Villas
Hidden within the North Malé Atoll, this secluded retreat offers more than sun-kissed beaches—it features the world’s first underwater spa rooms. Huvafen Fushi redefines luxury relaxation by placing its treatment rooms beneath the Indian Ocean’s surface. As you receive a massage, schools of butterflyfish and angelfish drift by floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a multisensory wellness experience. Above water, the villas offer contemporary design, infinity plunge pools, and overwater hammocks. But it’s the underwater aspect that draws wellness travelers and honeymooners alike. The dual-level spa villa allows you to wake up to ocean views and later descend into a serene marine world without leaving your accommodation. Designed with soft lighting, muted tones, and acoustics tailored for tranquility, the submerged spa space invites deep relaxation in harmony with nature. The resort also emphasizes sustainability, using eco-sensitive practices and coral regeneration projects. From reef snorkeling to indulgent facials with a marine backdrop, the stay elevates wellness to another dimension. Ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and serenity, Huvafen Fushi’s underwater spa villas offer a rare combination—marine immersion without sacrificing five-star luxury and holistic rejuvenation.
Anantara Kihavah Underwater Villas – Maldives
Framed by the cerulean blues of Baa Atoll, this resort sets itself apart with its undersea dining and upcoming underwater residences. While the Anantara Kihavah is already famous for SEA—an underwater restaurant encased in curved glass walls—it is now expanding into full underwater villa concepts, where sleeping beneath the sea becomes the ultimate private indulgence. Currently, guests can enjoy ocean-view bedrooms above and fine dining below, with plans underway to introduce fully submerged accommodations. The existing restaurant experience includes a curated wine cellar and gourmet tasting menus, all framed by the ballet of marine life swimming inches away. Recognized for sustainability and coral conservation efforts, Anantara partners with marine biologists to ensure its operations enrich rather than harm the reef environment. The planned underwater villas are expected to carry forward this eco-conscious ethos while pushing design boundaries. Whether you’re toasting champagne under the sea or relaxing in your infinity pool overlooking the reef, the experience captures the romance of the Maldives in a setting few places can rival. As underwater hospitality evolves, Anantara’s vision ensures it stays ahead of the curve.
Under by Snøhetta – Norway (restaurant/suite)
Nestled on Norway’s craggy southern coast, this semi-submerged structure looks like a concrete monolith sinking into the sea. Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, Under functions primarily as a Michelin-starred restaurant but also doubles as a luxury overnight suite for special bookings. Built five meters below the surface, it’s Europe’s first underwater dining venue and one of the most visually striking anywhere in the world. The monolithic structure juts from the coastline and descends into the North Atlantic, where diners or overnight guests can gaze through a massive acrylic window into a dynamic kelp forest teeming with cold-water marine life. The design blends brutalist aesthetics with ecological purpose—the outer shell acts as an artificial reef, fostering biodiversity over time. Inside, the interior features rich oak and wool textures, creating a warm contrast to the ocean’s icy hues. Chefs source ingredients locally, and every element supports Norway’s push for sustainable, nature-integrated design. For those lucky enough to stay overnight, the experience is raw, immersive, and meditative—melding architecture, gastronomy, and ocean science into one unforgettable night beneath the waves.
Atlantis The Royal Underwater Suites – Dubai
A new pinnacle of opulence on Palm Jumeirah, this ultra-luxury resort brings aquatic indulgence to unprecedented levels. The underwater suites at Atlantis The Royal pair sweeping marble interiors with panoramic underwater views of the Ambassador Lagoon. Unlike traditional hotel rooms, these suites place the marine world directly beside your bed and bathtub, offering an immersive experience framed in luxury. Automated lighting adjusts to the lagoon’s rhythm, while personal butler service ensures every detail is managed discreetly. The top floor of the suite features floor-to-ceiling views of Dubai’s skyline, while the lower submerged level offers full immersion into a tropical reef ecosystem without leaving your room. Complemented by the property’s Michelin-star restaurants and fire-and-water-themed shows, this stay delivers far more than visual novelty—it’s a lifestyle destination. Guests can enjoy curated experiences such as marine feeding tours, behind-the-scenes aquarium access, and private chef dinners with underwater ambiance. The Royal’s design, spearheaded by global architectural firms, fuses sensory engagement with maximalist refinement. Whether visiting for celebration or solitude, the underwater suites offer a retreat that turns fantasy into function with mesmerizing precision.
Future Sentinels – Deep Quarry Habitat (UK concept)
Envisioned as a self-sustaining, off-grid retreat, the Deep Quarry Habitat proposes a futuristic underwater lodge embedded within one of the UK’s dormant limestone quarries. Though still in conceptual stages, the project, known as “Future Sentinels,” merges biophilic design with green technology. The habitat would descend in stepped modules along the quarry wall, with submerged rooms featuring curved pressure-resistant glass and artificial reef structures to reintroduce marine biodiversity. Powered by solar arrays and utilizing closed-loop water systems, the development aims to serve as both a luxury destination and a research station. Guests would sleep in underwater pods suspended beside newly cultivated aquatic life, with interiors focused on minimal environmental disturbance. Onsite aquaponics gardens and thermal energy recovery systems showcase regenerative design. Ideal for eco-travelers, educators, and designers alike, the concept aims to demonstrate that immersive underwater stays can coexist with climate resilience and environmental restoration. Though not yet built, the buzz around Future Sentinels positions it as a benchmark for ethical underwater hospitality. Once operational, it promises to offer more than a view—it will tell a story of rewilding, regeneration, and conscious escape.