The Maldives, a tropical paradise, is not just about sun-soaked beaches but also unique underwater experiences. Among its many attractions, the 10 Best Underwater Hotels stand out, offering guests an unparalleled immersion into the ocean’s depths. These hotels provide a rare blend of luxury and marine adventure, with features like underwater restaurants, spas, and even bedrooms.
For those seeking a different kind of overwater experience, 10 Overwater Bungalows With Glass Floor To Explore This Vacation offer a mesmerizing view of the ocean from above. Imagine dining amidst vibrant coral gardens, sleeping while fish glide past your window, or unwinding in a spa with views of the reef.
Each hotel offers a distinct experience, from the world’s first underwater wine cellar at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas to the innovative design of the upcoming Water Discus Hotel. Additionally, for a unique blend of luxury and breathtaking views, consider exploring 10 Bora Bora Overwater Bungalows for 2023, which promise an equally enchanting experience.
These underwater havens are not just about opulence; they are about creating a connection with the marine world, offering a serene and intimate escape unlike any other. The best time to visit these underwater marvels is from November to April when the Maldivian weather is most favorable.
1. Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: SEA Underwater Restaurant & Wine Cellar
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas boasts the world’s first underwater wine cellar, SEA. This unique dining experience is part of a signature four-in-one concept, offering a mesmerizing view of marine life through its windows at almost every angle. The restaurant’s design, with mirrors on the ceiling and walls, creates an illusion of dining among the ocean’s inhabitants.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Champagne, white, red, and rosè wines, dessert wines, fortified wines, sparkling wines, Italian & French wines, sherry/port wines.
- Approx Cost: Breakfast – USD 250++, Lunch – USD 295++ (excl. beverages), USD 445++ (with wine pairing), Dinner – USD 395++ (excl. beverages), USD 590++ (with wine pairing).
- Special Feature: Mirrored ceilings creating an immersive ocean experience.
- Meal Prices: As mentioned in Approx Cost.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Baa Atoll, best visited from November to April.
- Official Website: Anantara Kihavah
2. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
Ithaa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the world’s first underwater restaurant, offers an intimate dining experience 5 meters below the surface. Encased in a 180-degree acrylic dome, guests can enjoy contemporary European cuisine while surrounded by a vibrant coral garden and a kaleidoscope of marine life.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Contemporary European cuisine, extensive champagne selection.
- Approx Cost: Lunch & Vegetarian Lunch – USD 270++, Dinner & Vegetarian Dinner – USD 340++.
- Special Feature: 180-degree acrylic dome for panoramic underwater views.
- Meal Prices: As mentioned in Approx Cost.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Rangali Island, ideal from November to April.
- Official Website: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
3. Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives: 5.8 Undersea Restaurant
The 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Island Resort, known as the world’s largest underwater dining venue, is a marvel of modern architecture and culinary delight. The restaurant’s acrylic dome provides a panoramic underwater view, complementing its luxurious seafood, European, and fusion dishes.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Seafood, European, International, and Fusion cuisine.
- Approx Cost: Five-course lunch – USD 225++, Seven-course dinner – USD 280++.
- Special Feature: Barefoot policy for a comfortable dining experience.
- Meal Prices: As mentioned in Approx Cost.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Lhaviyani Atoll, best from November to April.
- Official Website: Hurawalhi Island Resort
4. Niyama Private Islands Maldives: SUBSIX Underwater Bar, Restaurant & Nightclub
SUBSIX at Niyama Private Islands Maldives, the world’s first underwater clubbing venue, offers a unique blend of gastronomy and entertainment 6 meters below the ocean. With its chic design inspired by the sea, guests can enjoy seafood and international cuisine amidst an ambiance of capiz shells and Italian chandeliers.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Seafood and international cuisine.
- Approx Cost: Subaquatic Lunch – USD 319 per person.
- Special Feature: Chic design with capiz shells and Italian chandeliers.
- Meal Prices: As mentioned in Approx Cost.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Dhaalu Atoll, ideal from November to April.
- Official Website: Niyama Private Islands
5. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO Maldives: M6m Underwater Restaurant
M6m at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO Maldives, the first underwater restaurant included in an All-Inclusive Meal Plan, offers an intimate dining experience. Located 6 meters below the ocean, the restaurant specializes in seafood cuisine, providing guests with a stunning view of the surrounding coral reef and marine life.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Seafood cuisine.
- Approx Cost: In-house guests – USD 190 per person, Non-resident guests – USD 300 per person.
- Special Feature: Intimate dining experience with two-seat tables.
- Meal Prices: As mentioned in Approx Cost.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: South Malé Atoll, best from November to April.
- Official Website: OZEN LIFE MAADHOO
6. You & Me By Cocoon Maldives: H2O Underwater Restaurant
H2O Underwater Restaurant at You & Me By Cocoon Maldives is a recent addition to the Maldives’ underwater dining scene. Located in the beautiful Raa Atoll, the restaurant offers an exclusive culinary experience led by a Michelin-starred chef, with a focus on seafood cuisine.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Personalized dining experiences.
- Approx Cost: Starting from USD 50,000 per night.
- Special Feature: Two-level residence with underwater bedroom.
- Meal Prices: Customized as per guest preference.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Rangali Island, best from November to April.
- Official Website: You & Me By Cocoon Maldives
7. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: The MURAKA Underwater Residence
The MURAKA at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is the world’s first underwater residence. This luxurious two-level suite offers an immersive experience in the ocean’s depths, with a master bedroom submerged beneath the Indian Ocean, providing guests with an unparalleled view of marine life.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Various dining experiences including a breakfast bar.
- Approx Cost: Starting from USD 650 per night.
- Special Feature: Villas with overwater and underwater bedrooms.
- Meal Prices: Vary based on dining choice.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Gaafu Alifu Atoll, ideal from November to April.
- Official Website: The MURAKA Underwater Residence
8. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa: The Aqua Villa
The Aqua Villas at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa are unique for featuring both overwater and underwater bedrooms. These villas provide guests with a rare opportunity to sleep among the fishes, offering a serene and intimate connection with the ocean’s beauty.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Not specified, focused on spa experience.
- Approx Cost: Various spa treatments available.
- Special Feature: Underwater treatment rooms with reef views.
- Meal Prices: Not applicable.
- Location and Best Time to Visit:North Malé Atoll, best from November to April.
- Official Website: Pullman Maldives Maamutaa
9. Huvafen Fushi Maldives: The Huvafen Spa: Underwater
The Huvafen Spa at Huvafen Fushi Maldives is the world’s first and only underwater spa. Offering a variety of treatments, the spa’s underwater treatment rooms provide a tranquil setting surrounded by the reef and aquatic life, creating a truly unique wellness experience.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Not specified, focused on spa experience.
- Approx Cost: Various spa treatments available.
- Special Feature: Underwater treatment rooms with reef views.
- Meal Prices: Not applicable.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: North Malé Atoll, best from November to April.
- Official Website: Huvafen Fushi Maldives
10. In The Making: Water Discus Hotel
The Water Discus Hotel, currently in development, is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the Maldives’ underwater hospitality. With a design featuring both above and below-water sections, this hotel promises to offer an innovative blend of luxury and marine adventure.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Dining Options: Not specified, primarily focused on the unique hotel experience.
- Approx Cost: Not detailed, but expected to be premium given the innovative design and exclusive features.
- Special Feature: The hotel is designed with both above and below-water sections. The underwater section includes 21 soundproof rooms, a bar, and a dive center.
- Location and Best Time to Visit: Planned to be built at Kuredhivaru Island in the Maldives. The best time to visit would likely align with the Maldives’ peak tourist season, from November to April.
- Official Website: Not available yet, as the hotel is still in the development phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What makes underwater hotels in the Maldives unique?
Ans. Underwater hotels in the Maldives offer a unique experience of being close to marine life. They provide stunning views of the ocean and its inhabitants, such as colorful fish, manta rays, and coral reefs, through floor-to-ceiling windows or acrylic domes.
Q2. How much does it cost to stay in an underwater hotel room in the Maldives?
Ans. The cost varies depending on the hotel and time of year. On average, prices can range from $50,000 to $200,000 per night, offering luxury amenities and exclusive experiences.
Q3. What kind of amenities can I expect in an underwater hotel room?
Ans. Despite their unique underwater setting, these rooms offer luxury amenities like private Jacuzzis, flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, and top-notch service. They also feature large windows for ocean viewing.
Q4. Are there any special activities or experiences offered at underwater hotels?
Ans. Many underwater hotels offer guided snorkeling or diving excursions, sunset cruises, fishing trips, and romantic dinners on private islands. These activities allow guests to explore and interact with the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.