Almost nothing beats a stunning ocean view, so why not take it below the waves with one of these spectacular undersea getaways?
While guest rooms and suites may be above water, head to the resort’s signature restaurant, Sea, for a truly submersive experience. Located three meters below the waves, dazzling mirrors reflect ocean life displayed through massive floor-to-ceiling windows as you indulge in multi-course meals and wine from the world’s first underwater wine cellar.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are the main attraction of these lavish, three-story suites at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, showcasing “ancient ruins” and scores of marine life sure to thrill the entire family. Enjoy 5-star amenities, such as soap flecked with 24 karat gold, plus access to kid-friendly activities like the Atlantis Kids Club, swimming with dolphins, and the adjacent Aquaventure Water Park.
Stilted over-sea family villas with submerged whirlpools are just the beginning of this luxurious resort’s stunning amenities. After a day of snorkeling or laying out on your private deck, stop by Ithaa for a romantic six-course dinner* set 16-feet underwater. The restaurant itself sits in a glass dome for 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coral gardens. Expect top-notch contemporary European fare, champagne cocktails and caviar. (*Note: Children welcome at lunch, not dinner).
A two-minute boat ride off Zanzibar’s white-sand shores takes families to the three-tiered Underwater Room, a partially-submerged villa floating in the middle of the ocean, where you’ll find almost 360-degree views of coral reef and fish on the bottom level, four meters below the waves. A kayak, snorkel and fins are provided for guests to properly get to know their marine-dwelling friends while all meals are delivered at pre-arranged times for you to enjoy at your convenience on the open-air patio. A bonus: all bath products and bathroom facilities are biodegradable and eco-friendly, so you can feel truly one with nature.
Bobbing like a fishing lure in the middle of Lake Malaren (a short ride from Stockholm), a cozy red cottage sits on a quaint deck, looking much like any other traditional Swedish bungalow. Take the shuttle out to this single-room hotel, however, and you’ll find a small hatch that descends into a submerged sleeping quarters composed of two twin beds and a table. The accommodations may be snug and the décor minimal, but wide windows provide sweeping views of scores of freshwater-dwelling creatures.
If diving headfirst, family in tow, into undersea living feels a bit overwhelming, try instead one of these 11 luxury suites that offer the best of both worlds. Sentosa’s Ocean Suites are multilevel villas with floors above and below the water. On the top floor, take a dip in your personal Jacuzzi and enjoy the sunset on a spacious patio; below-deck, turn in with views of over 40,000 species of fish. And when late-night snack cravings hit, your personal butler will be ready to fix you a treat.
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