15 Stunning Underwater Buildings That Redefine Luxury
Imagine waking up to look out your window at a view of coral reefs in bright colors and school of fish swimming silently by your window. Innovation, environmental design, and a unique experience have made underwater architecture the norm for luxury travel.
The underwater hotel market is estimated at $3.8 billion in 2023 and is on the verge of substantially increased growth, with the Maldives leading globally.
The Muraka, Atlantis The Palm, and Ithaa Restaurant are just some iconic sites that provide awe-inspiring views of marine life whilst demonstrating perfectly the ability of man to integrate seamlessly with oceanic beauty.
The Muraka, Maldives
The Muraka is the world’s first underwater residence, which is part of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. This exceptional villa is 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. It comprises a fully submerged bedroom, living room, and a bathroom with sides made entirely of acrylic walls, providing an immersive marine view.
In addition it has 24‐hour butlers and private chefs on hand, unparalleled luxury is to be enjoyed within coral ecosystems. Furthermore the master bedroom offers a 180-degree view of the surrounding ocean wildlife.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Maldives
Ithaa, the first undersea restaurant in the world, can be found at Conrad Rangali Island in the Maldives, boasting 360-degree views of marine life. Dining 16 feet below the ocean’s surface and choosing fine European cuisine is quite the experience.
“Ithaa is a unique intersection of gastronomy and marine conservation, showcasing how luxury and awareness can coexist,” says marine environmentalist Sophie Grant.
The Under, Norway
Europe’s first underwater restaurant is five meters down into Norway’s cold coastline. The structure, designed by Norway’s architectural firm Snøhetta, appears to mimic a giant concrete periscope submerged in the sea.
It forms an intimate dining room where guests enjoy marine life in its natural environment. Under is built to double as a marine research center, monitoring marine biodiversity.
Atlantis, The Palm — Ambassador Lagoon Suite, Dubai
Staying in the underwater suites at Atlantis, The Palm feels like sleeping in an aquarium. The suites have floor-to-ceiling windows that provide uninterrupted views of a 65,000-mammal lagoon. 24/7 Butler Service and private dining are available in each suite.
Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental, China
This one-of-a-kind luxury resort is in Shanghai. It is situated in an external reclaimed quarry that spills onto and extends below ground level and underwater.
Underwater suites let you watch aquatic ecosystems through the former quarry. The hotel is renowned for its innovative design and sustainable features. Built inside a disused quarry near Shanghai, it descends 88 meters, with 16 floors.
The design incorporates passive sustainable features that exploit the quarry’s unique microclimate. The thermal properties of the rock mass and quarry lake cool the structure in summer and heat it in winter.
Hotel Utter Inn, Sweden
This Swedish floating hotel creatively anchors its rooms underwater—seven meters below the surface of a lake. It has a rustic underwater entryway for those who want to immerse themselves in Scandinavian tranquility.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (Shimao Quarry Hotel), China
The InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland in Songjiang, China, is built into an abandoned quarry, making it an incredible feat of innovation and sustainability. Situated on the edge of a quarry, this 18-story hotel features a 16-floor hotel inside the quarry and two at the water’s surface.
Apart from underwater suites, guests can have dinner at the seafood restaurant, Mr. Fisher. The hotel opened in 2018 and uses eco-friendly technologies, including geothermal and solar energy.
Manta Resort Underwater Room, Zanzibar
Imagine retreating to a floating sanctuary three feet below the sea, a bedroom under turquoise waters with amazingly clear panoramic views of vibrant marine life. That unparalleled experience can be had at the Underwater Room provided by the Manta Resort off the coast of Pemba Island, Tanzania.
The Kwanini ‘why’ Foundation, based on the belief that everything has an explanation, complements The Manta Resort’s approach to sustainability, environmental preservation, and conservation of Pemba Island’s natural beauty and marine ecosystems.
Jules’ Undersea Lodge, USA
Consider Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, for an unparalleled adventure. This is the world’s first underwater hotel, accessible exclusively via scuba diving. Guests must dive only 21 feet beneath the surface to reach this one-of-a-kind lodging.
At first, the lodge was a research lab, but now it has a 600-square-foot, two-bedroom guesthouse. Visitors can watch the marine life through large windows and take in the vistas of the farmlands and beach.
Lime Spa, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Huvafen Fushi’s LIME Spa in the Maldives is taking indulgence to new heights. It is the world’s first underwater spa, where guests lie in submerged pods and treatment rooms with spectacular reef views and can get massages and therapies in the company of colorful sea life.
Poseidon Undersea Resort, Fiji
Picture a (stay) where luxury meets the sea bed. Under development now at Poseidon Undersea Resort in Fiji, 24 underwater suites will feature 360-degree views of vibrant marine life. Beyond accommodations, the resort will have an underwater library, a wedding chapel, and a spa to make an entire submerged sanctuary.
The resort, which has yet to announce an opening date, will give travelers an out-of-this-world experience if they want adventure and indulgence under the waves.
Niyama Private Islands — Subsix Restaurant, Maldives
A dining and party venue, Subsix is billed as the world’s first underwater club. Check out this lively hotspot six meters beneath the Indian Ocean. Its seashell-themed decor and floor-to-ceiling windows make it a feast for the eyes and palate.
Underwater Villa at Anthénea Pod, France
Anthénea is a floating eco hotel suite that combines luxury and sustainability. The Glass Bottom immerses guests into marine environments inside their accommodation using this 50-square-meter underwater pod that can run on solar power.
Spherical in shape, Anthénea is designed to follow the sun’s rays to optimize energy efficiency regardless of the climate and water body. It has been built to minimize its environmental impact as a pioneer in eco-friendly tourism.
The Deep Blu Restaurant at Anantara Kihavah, Maldives
At Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, SEA offers an unparalleled dining experience 3 meters below sea level, surrounded by vibrant marine life.
The restaurant boasts a wine cellar that has received an Excellence Award from the Wine Spectator and has been described as one of the world’s best. It also offers a gourmet menu.
Dubai Mall Aquarium Suites, UAE
For the shopaholics seeking luxury, The Address Dubai Mall Hotel boasts direct access to Dubai Mall, one of the world’s biggest shopping centers. The hotel has 244 rooms and five-star suites, with views towards the Dubai Fountain or the city skyline. Guests enjoy the rooftop infinity pool, spa, and choice of restaurant.
These underwater structures showcase human innovation, blending luxury with a connection to nature. Many prioritize sustainable construction, proving that luxury and eco-consciousness can coexist. Experience the tranquility of the ocean and the marvel of human ingenuity—where will you go first?
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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