Underwater hotels and water villas: The most spectacular places to stay

More than just an overnight stay — a dive into another world

Anyone staying at an underwater hotel or water villa for the first time quickly realizes that it's not just about luxury, but about perspective. The world under and on the water has a decelerating, almost meditative effect. In underwater suites, you float among colorful fish as sunlight breaks through the windows in wave patterns. Water villas, on the other hand, make you feel like you're right in the ocean — with private sundecks, terraces built over the water, and the quiet, soothing rippling that lulls you to sleep.

1. The Muraka — Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Maldives

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The “Muraka” is not simply a hotel room — it is a two-story masterpiece, some of which lies several meters below the water surface. At the top, a luxurious villa with an infinity pool and views of the endless blue of the Maldives awaits you. A spiral staircase takes you down to the underwater suite, where floor-to-ceiling acrylic windows offer 180-degree views of the underwater world. Here you'll sleep surrounded by parrotfish, reef sharks and corals while the sea rushes gently against the windows.

2. Atlantis, The Palm — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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The famous Atlantis Hotel is an attraction in itself, but the underwater suites “Neptune” and “Poseidon” are the real highlight. The panoramic glass walls open up a view of the “Ambassador Lagoon” lagoon, where over 65,000 marine animals swim. When you wake up here in the morning, your first glimpse is returned by majestic rays or colorful fish — a backdrop otherwise reserved only for divers.

3. Soneva Jani — Noonu Atoll, Maldives

Soneva Jani stands for water villas in their most beautiful form: expansive wooden decks, private pools, slides that lead directly into the sea, and bedrooms whose roof can be opened at the push of a button to see the starry sky. Here, the view glides across crystal-clear water to the horizon, and you can dive straight into the warm sea from your terrace at any time. The remoteness makes you feel like you're on your own little island.

4. Reethi Beach Resort — Baa Atoll, Maldives

This resort offers charming water villas that are less sumptuous than other luxurious addresses but all the more authentic. The stilt bungalows take you straight into the lagoon, and especially in the morning, when the water is calm and as smooth as glass, it looks like you're floating in the middle of the ocean. The relaxed atmosphere and connection to nature make Reethi Beach a place where you can really unwind.

Conclusion: Where dreams come true below the water surface

Underwater hotels and water villas not only offer spectacular views, they offer an experience that lasts a long time. The soft light that breaks through the water, the constant movement of sea creatures and the calming sound create an atmosphere that hardly any other travel destination can offer. For some it is a lifelong dream, for others a spontaneous discovery — in any case, it is a way of traveling that is deeply memorable. And regardless of whether you opt for the luxurious glass palace under the waves or the simple cabin in the lake: The line between dream and reality blurs faster than you think.

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