These unusual underwater hotels offer unique getaways. Jules Undersea Lodge, Utter Inn and Huvafen Fushi each offer a different hotel experience. Saunaline is a floating sauna. Anytime’s a good time to get away.
Jules Undersea Lodge, Key Largo, FL
Probably the first underwater hotel, it is located in Emerald Lagoon, a protected reef area. Originally an underwater lab, the rooms are a bit tight. There are 2 bedrooms and a common area for dining and lounging. It can accommodate 6 people but 4 seems right. It has the usual amenities such as telephone, tv, stereo, a/c, refrigerator, microwave. (If they don’t have internet access, I can’t go.) Located 21 feet down, you have scuba down to get in. The hotel does offer chef service and you can even order a pizza. Prices start at $345 night ($445 includes breakfast and dinner).
The Lodge just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2006 and if you call and say “Happy 20th Anniversary” you get a 10% discount.
Jules has grand plans for expansion to a much larger underwater lodge. Website here. Some views of Jules:
Utter Inn, Lake Malaren, Vasteras, Sweden (outside Stockholm)
An underwater hotel and floating hotel all in one, the Utter Inn was conceived by artist/sculpture Mikael Genberg. This floating island retreat has one underwater room with twin beds and a table. Solar panels on the roof provide electric and heat. There is an inflatable canoe so you can tool around the lake and visit the uninhabited island. Sparse but truly escapist, the Utter Inn rates start at $250 a night. Check it out:
Huvafen Fushi, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives
This luxury hotel offers on-water bungalows. The hotel is accessed by speedboat or seaplane. The amenities include plasma TVs and Bose Surround Sound. What’s unique about the resort, aside from the exotic locale, is the spa. It’s underwater. The only underwater spa we know of.
Rates start at $690 per night. Website here.
Saunaline Floating Spa, Gotenburg, Sweden (Sellsius favorite)
While Huvafen Fushi has an underwater spa, Saunaline offers a floating sauna experience. Sailing from Gotenburg harbor, the MS Varmeboljan cruises Sweden’s west coast archipelago while you and up to 11 of your closest friends (or people you want to get closer to) group sauna, take refreshing dips off the patio deck and feast on gourmet chef prepared dinners by candlelight. It’s a favorite with the locals, who use it year round. Now that’s the way to work up a sweat. Hot stuff. Website here.
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