Modern underwater architecture has captured the imaginations of architects, designers, and travelers across the globe. This innovative form of construction generates awe-inspiring experiences that serve as a testament to human ingenuity and our ever-growing desire to commune with nature. The allure of underwater structures lies in their ability to merge the breathtaking beauty of marine environments with cutting-edge architectural design. These submerged edifices offer an unparalleled connection to the undersea world, allowing guests to observe aquatic life up close while enjoying the comforts and luxuries of modern living.
As technology and engineering become more advanced, the appeal of underwater architecture continues to grow, promising new and exciting possibilities for tourism, research, and sustainable living. Let’s dive into the deep blue sea and discover some of the world’s most intriguing environments, from restaurants and hotels to passageways and public attractions.
The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Location: Rangali Island, Maldives, Indian Ocean
Features: Designed by Yuji Yamazaki Architecture, The MURAKA boasts a first-of-its-kind two-level luxury villa with a primary suite submerged 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. Accessed via a spiral staircase and elevator, this architectural marvel offers guests a private underwater aquarium featuring seamless, floor-to-ceiling, seven-inch-thick, clear acrylic expanses with panoramic views of the region’s intricate marine life. Revered by travelers and residents for its pristine beaches and waters, the Maldives area touts views below the ocean that are equally extraordinary. Here, you can peacefully observe the wonders of this underwater ecosystem and emerge inspired and rejuvenated.
How to Book: Visit Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Under
Location: Lindesnes, Norway
Features: Journey into the icy waters of Norway’s North Atlantic Ocean to experience Under, Europe’s first underwater restaurant. Designed by an internationally acclaimed architectural team at Snøhetta, the monolithic structure extends five meters below the water’s surface, offering guests stunning views of the North Sea’s aquatic life. Here, the sea embraces you in an enchanting environment surrounded by fascinating underwater architecture—a “living periscope” into the biodiverse ecosystem that unfolds beneath the surface. Diners will feast on a rich diversity of culinary offerings from the sea, paired with fine wines, spirits, and aperitifs, resurfacing once again with an unforgettable evening.
Book A Table: Under Restaurant
The Manta Resort’s Underwater Room
Location: Pemba Island, Tanzania, Africa
Features: Encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, this Swedish-engineered floating structure sits off the east coast of Africa in a paradise called Pemba Island. Designed by Genberg Underwater Hotels and anchored in an ocean floor anomaly called “the blue hole,” this three-level wonder includes a submerged bedroom with 360-degree views of the surrounding coral reef. The upper levels offer sunbathing and stargazing decks, where guests can chill out and experience the essence of Swahili Island culture. Soak in the beauty of Manta, where crystalline waters and unspoiled beaches reacquaint you with the restorative power of nature.
How to Book: The Manta Resort
Aquarium de Paris – Cinéaqua
Location: Paris, France
Features: Situated in the heart of Paris, the Aquarium de Paris – Cinéaqua features one of the largest shark tanks in France, boasting three million liters of water. Located on the site of the former Trocadéro Aquarium, initially designed by French architect Gabriel Davioud and built for the 1878 World’s Fair, the public aquarium today includes an underwater cinema, a pool for petting koi carps, and an array of interactive activities and public shows every day.
This mesmerizing underwater world appeals to children and adults alike, with more than 60 tanks and pools where visitors can discover over 7,500 sea creatures, all from the waters of France. The venue also boasts the largest jellyfish exhibit in Europe. A visit to the aquarium invites guests to escape from everyday life and immerse themselves in a diversity of fascinating marine ecosystems.
How to Visit: Aquarium de Paris
Atlantis Sanya
Location: Sanya, China
Features: Located on the picturesque Hainan Island, on the shores of the South China Sea, the Atlantis Sanya brings the ancient legend of Atlantis to life. Designed by global architectural firm HOK, the resort includes an Aquaventure Waterpark, world-class dining options, including the Ossiano Underwater Restaurant & Bar, a menu of specialty experiences, and vibrant entertainment attractions. Make the most of your stay and book one of their two underwater suites—Neptune and Poseidon.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Poseidon Underwater Suite ensconces guests in undersea bliss with 86,000 marine animals gliding through the waters as you lay in bed or soak in a luxurious freestanding tub. The upstairs portion of your two-floor suite offers a balcony with spectacular views across the waterpark and the resort’s pristine gardens.
How to Book: Atlantis Sanya
The Coral Greenhouse
Location: John Brewer Reef, Australia
Features: British sculpture artist and photographer Jason deCaires Taylor created this exquisite and somewhat haunting underwater museum located in Australia’s John Brewer Reef. A hands-on adventure for snorkelers and SCUBA divers, The Coral Greenhouse offers a fresh and immersive perspective on the Great Barrier Reef and its ecology. The 165-ton structure featuring gardens, paving, and floating trees, is designed to evolve as marine life gradually settles in. Other nearby underwater art installations include Ocean Sentinels at the Museum of Underwater Art and the Ocean Siren statue at the Strand promenade in Townsville.
Book A Day Trip: MOUA
If you’re an undersea enthusiast, go deep into your next adventure and experience one of these inspiring underwater worlds surrounded by pure enchantment and sublime coastal beauty.