Watch CBS News

The World's Most Incredible Underwater Hotel Rooms

crop_down.jpg

Credit: The Manta Resort

This article is from Thrillist Nation

If you’re a bit of an exhibitionist, flattered by the occasional voyeur, and happy to be the center of attention -- or simply want to indulge in James Bond-like fantasies of secret, underwater lairs -- then we know where you'll be checking in on your next vacay, Aquaman.

crop_down.jpg

Credit: The Manta Resort

6. The Manta Resort -- Pemba Island, Zanzibar
Now open: Africa’s first underwater hotel room. Okay, "hotel room" might be a slight understatement, as this place is more like a three-story private island: Catch rays on the top deck’s cushy daybed, chill out in the dining/ living area on the water deck, and sleep with the fishes.
Depth: 13ft
Rate: $1,500/nt for two, $900/nt for one
Most exotic fish that'll stare disapprovingly at you through the glass: The coelacanth -- a rare, endangered, and totally scary-looking fish that hasn't been caught since 2007. In fact, prior to that, one hadn't even been seen since 1938.

Related: Private Islands For Rent In The US

crop_down.jpg

Credit: Conrad Global Media Center

5. Hilton's Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort -- Rangali Island, The Maldives
On very special occasions, this resort transforms its all-glass, underwater, 12-seater Ithaa Undersea Restaurant -- the world's first -- into a private bedroom suite for two.
Depth: 16ft
Rate: $815/nt
Most exotic fish that'll stare disapprovingly at you through the glass: That would be the whale shark, sizing you up for dinner. Just kidding! Dude's totally harmless.

Related: 11 Hot Tubs In Amazing Places

crop_down.jpg

Credit: Sweden's Art & Architecture FB

4. Utter Inn -- Västerås, Sweden
Designed by artist and sculptor Mikael Genberg, the Utter Inn is really an art project: Guests are dropped off at a typically Swedish-style mini house on the water's surface, then left to their own devices. Literally a reverse fishbowl, the 80sqft, single-room property is nothing but two twin beds, a table, a bathroom, and a camping stove.
Depth: 10ft
Rate: Around $167/nt
Most exotic fish that'll stare disapprovingly at you through the glass: This ain’t the tropics -- expect perch and pike, and lots of ‘em.

crop_down.jpg

Credit: Jules' Undersea Lodge

3. Jules’ Undersea Lodge -- Key Largo, FL
Formerly the La Chalupa Research Laboratory, used in the '70s to explore the continental shelf, it's now one of Florida’s kitschiest attractions (and that's saying something). The only way to access the 600sqft, two-bedroom guesthouse is by scuba diving to its wet-room hatch.
Depth: 30ft
Rate: The $800 "JUL for Two" package covers a night's stay, and includes pizza delivery. We're not even making that up.
Most exotic fish that'll stare disapprovingly at you through the glass: Let’s just say you'd best start learning the words to “Barra-barracuda!”.

crop_down.jpg

Credit: Poseidon Undersea Resorts

2. Poseidon Undersea Resort --Katafinga Island, Fiji
Currently under construction, this five-star resort will feature 22 guest rooms, an underwater restaurant and bar, a library, conference room, wedding chapel, and spa, and will be accessible exclusively via 16-person submarine that you can learn to drive while a guest.
Depth: 40ft
Rate: Register online to be notified when the resort begins taking reservations, which are a mere $30,000/wk per couple
Most exotic fish that'll stare disapprovingly at you through the glass: Fiji is teeming with tropical marine life, so be on the lookout for blue whales, bottlenose dolphins, wahoo (!), and colorful clownfish.

crop_down.jpg

Credit: AuPairA

1. Hydropolis -- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The opening of the much-delayed Hydropolis has been postponed indefinitely due to technical difficulties, but with an expected price tag of around $550 million dollars, the first proposed underwater hotel in the world may eventually prove to be the most expensive.
Depth: 65ft
Rate: N/A. Guessing it's a lot though, as the proposed property modestly claims it'll be 10-star.
Most exotic fish that'll stare disapprovingly at you through the glass: Hawksbill and Green turtles, both endangered, may pay you a visit.

Other Stories You Will Like

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.