"Living" beneath the blue waves

Jules Verne, author of the classic bookTwenty thousand miles beneath the seaIt has been written, "The sea is merely the embodiment of a supernatural and wondrous existence." For generations, humanity has yearned to explore the deep sea. The connections between us and this mysterious ocean have traditionally been depicted in literature, art, films, or simply in our imaginations. But now, thanks to the remarkable advancements in underwater construction and the bold ideas of pioneers, it is possible to spend the night (or at least a few hours) inside hotels, restaurants, and even guesthouses built entirely beneath the sea.

Although not yet a widespread form of tourism, these resorts can cater to a diverse range of needs, from simple activities like scuba diving to luxurious options like private villas.

Under

Located along the southernmost tip of the Norwegian coast – where the dark waters of the North Sea meet the calm, blue waters of the Baltic Sea – Under is one of the world's most unique restaurants. This structure, over 10 meters tall, is half submerged, resembling a luxury subway car positioned vertically in the middle of the sea. With 11-meter-wide acrylic windows, diners can enjoy their meal amidst the diverse marine life, while also experiencing the region's notoriously unpredictable weather.

Craig Dykers, a founding partner at Under's architectural design firm, said all the materials used were natural, such as concrete and wood. "This is a straightforward and honest project," he said.

Like the design, Under's seasonal menu is also unadorned, with the only special feature being the food lighting. Through the lights, the bluish-green tones of the ocean fill the room without detracting from the appeal of the dishes.

More than just a seafood restaurant, Under also serves as a maritime station for the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomic Research. Thanks to a plan to restore and clean up the underwater habitat, the building's exterior has been transformed into an artificial coral reef, covered in a dense forest of kelp and green algae, providing a home to a wide variety of marine life.

Jules' Undersea Lodge

Established in 1971 under the name La Chalupa, Jules' Undersea Lodge (meaning:Jule's underwater resortJules' Undersea Lodge was originally an underwater laboratory located off the coast of Puerto Rico. In 1985, oceanographer Ian Koblick moved the facility to a saltwater area near Key Largo Island (Florida, USA). Later, Ian also transformed it into a hotel. Jules' Undersea Lodge is situated approximately 1.5 meters below the surface and is perhaps the only hotel in the world that requires scuba diving to enter.

"It's second only to going into space," Koblick said of his experience staying at the Jules' Undersea Lodge. He founded the resort to share the surreal moments he witnessed while conducting scientific research, and to raise awareness about marine conservation.

Jules' Undersea Lodge has a living area of ​​nearly 160 square meters.²The property includes a common living area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a dedicated diving room. Guests can explore the lagoon area to spot snapper, grouper, angelfish, barramundi, seahorses, manatees, or even the remains of a 19th-century shipwreck.

In addition to hotel services, Jules' Undersea Lodge also provides diving training and certification to promote sustainable and responsible use of marine resources.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Located approximately 96 km from Malé, the capital of the Maldives, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort is situated on Alif Dhaal Atoll (part of the Ari Atoll). There are two ways to reach it: by seaplane or speedboat. On the way, you can also stop at the Ithaa Undersea restaurant and Muraka – a villa with its master bedroom submerged in the Indian Ocean.

Located nearly 5 meters below the water's surface, the Ithaa restaurant (meaning "pearl" in the Maldivian Divehi language) is a cylindrical structure nestled among coral gardens and a diverse marine ecosystem. Diners here have the opportunity to observe colorful tropical fish, and occasionally sharks, stingrays, and rare turtles.

Two Seahorses

Located 4 km off the coast of Dubai, in the Persian Gulf lies an artificial archipelago built from over 200 islands of varying sizes, modeled after a world map, known as The World. Among them, Floating Seahorse is a villa complex in the Heart of Europe, comprising 78 floating homes, partially submerged, with a total area of ​​nearly 327 m².².

The above-water portion of each villa features two levels of space including bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, patios, and outdoor balconies, offering views of the Dubai skyline. The submerged section contains bedrooms with concrete frames and floor-to-ceiling acrylic windows (over 10 cm thick), separating them from the clear blue waters and tropical fish attracted by the coral reefs surrounding the villa.

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