3 underwater hotel experiences to add to your post-pandemic travel list
OCEAN lover? Here are three extravagant underwater hotel experiences that will allow you to marvel at marine life without disturbing it:
The Underwater Room, Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania
This is a three-level accommodation venue hidden 250m from shore.
The Swedish-engineered floating structure lies in what the resort describes as the “blue hole”, home to an abundance of marine life. Guests who book the underwater room will embark on a short boat ride there.
They are shown the ins and outs of their private floating island and given a kayak, snorkel and fins to enjoy at leisure. There’s a lounge area, bathroom facilities and a soft double bed, surrounded by glass with views of octopuses and reef fish.
Guests choose a time to enjoy their dinner and breakfast. They receive a cellphone with select numbers they can contact for any assistance. Rates start from $1 840 (around R26 000) a night with a minimum three-night stay.
Visit themantaresort.com/theresort/accomodation/
The Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives
Dubbed the world’s first underwater hotel villa, this boasts a two-level residence. The multimillion-rand project has an undersea bedroom with a king-size bed, living space and bathroom.
If guests are not soaking up the views of the Indian Ocean and the sunset, they can swim in the infinity pool.
Other benefits include a 24-hour butler, chef, personal gym and an optional fitness trainer and massage therapists. There is a speedboat available for guests to use for the duration of their stay.
Rates start from $9 999 (R142 104) a night. Visit www.conradmaldives. com/
Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, Florida
Jules’ Undersea Lodge at the Key Largo Undersea Park in Florida is the only underwater hotel in the US. Around 10m deep on the ocean floor, guests have to scuba dive to get to their rooms. The hotel is located at the bottom of the Emerald Lagoon. The highlight is a 106cm round window that allows you to see marine life from the comfort of your bedroom.
The attraction is equipped with an intercom, wi-fi, and DVDS to watch some of the suggested movies. The underwater lodge reopens in
July, pending travel restrictions. Rates start from $600 (R8 530) per person per night. Guests, who should be certified divers, need to present their Covid-19 vaccination card.