Sure, sleeping above sea level is fine and all, but if you happen to be an avant-garde aquaphile, sleeping with the fishes (literally) is so much more your element. Well, good news. Your Little Mermaid dreams can actually be a reality at one of these bucket list-worthy underwater hotels. Fins not included.
ATLANTIS, THE PALM: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
In a town full of swanky and quirky hotels, this subaquatic haven is in a league of its own. Its two underwater suites, Poseidon and Neptune, both feature floor-to-ceiling views of the Ambassador Lagoon—home to more than 65,000 marine animals, including sharks and stingrays. Ultra luxurious touches like a 24-hour personal butler and 24-karat gold-flaked soap (is there any other kind?) almost justify the $5K per night cost.
MANTA RESORT: PEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA
As if a trip to Tanzania’s golden shores doesn’t sound heavenly enough, how about experiencing it all from your own private floating island? If that sounds claustrophobic, don’t worry: It comes complete with a rooftop deck and up-close-and-personal views of the Indian Ocean, thanks to the submerged bedroom suite. We’re just kinda curious how room service works. Let us know.
UTTER INN: VÄSTERÅS, SWEDEN
This adorable floating hotel in the middle of Lake Mälaren doubles as an art project. Kick back on the deck, paddle a canoe around or just relax in bed watching Swedish fish (that’s pike and perch, not the candy) drift by your underwater window.
RESORT WORLD SENTOSA: SINGAPORE
Choose from one of 11 two-story luxury suites (all complete with a Jacuzzi, outdoor patio and a personal butler, natch) that gaze out onto the world’s second largest aquarium. With more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species, you might catch a glimpse of a giant manta ray, a pod of bottlenose dolphins or a hammerhead shark. Talk about a room with a view.
LIME SPA AT PER AQUUM HUVAFEN FUSHI: MALDIVES
You know when you’re unwinding at a spa, surrounded by the sounds of nature and enjoying a massage and you just think to yourself—I wish this were even more relaxing? Well, grab your flippers and head to the LIME Spa in the Maldives, where you can enjoy your treatments in what is essentially your very own private aquarium. Pure bliss.
PLANET OCEAN UNDERWATER HOTEL: CUBA
Indulge your inner Bond villain with the Poseidon Undersea Resorts, set to be the world’s first underwater luxury boutique hotel. Although still in the planning stages, this collection of hotels (yep, they want to build 15) would double as marine research centers with the first one expected to sit (float?) in Cuban waters. Rumor has it that there’s even going to be a wedding chapel on board.
ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT AT CONRAD MALDIVES RANGALI ISLAND: MALDIVES
Just in case you need yet another reason to add the Maldives to your list of swoon-worthy vacation destinations, check out this totally unique dining experience. Guests are taken 16 feet below the ocean’s surface to a glass-domed restaurant where they sample fresh Maldivian-Western fusion dishes—all while enjoying panoramic views of marine life. Just don’t look in Flounder’s eye before you take a bite.
