4 Underwater Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List Now

Why not turn your next trip into an underwater adventure? Dubai and the Maldives are two destinations to consider.

Whether you prefer underwater spas or deep-sea dining, you’ll want to add these adventures to your bucket list.

Underwater Adventure #1: Spa at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives

Dive 26 feet (8 meters) under the sea for your next spa treatment. With its deep-sea setting and healing vibes, the Huvafen Fushi spa promises the perfect escape. This spa also offers an underwater yoga room, where you can strike a warrior pose and go from zero to Zen in a flash.

Then, after yoga, head to the spa room and enjoy a panoramic view of the reef. Let your skin soak up those Maldivian sea minerals while you watch the guitarfish swim by.

According to Aatish Nath, Huvafen Fushi is the only underwater spa in the Maldives where you can enjoy a private deep-sea view from your spa room.

See this video tour of the Huvafen Fushi resort and spa, and see the spa menu here.

Underwater Adventure #2: Subsix at Niyama, Maldives

While you’re in the Maldives, why not head to a glow party at Subsix? To get there, catch a speedboat from North Malé to the Niyama private island. Subsix sits less than a mile (500 meters) off-shore, 20 feet (6 meters) under the sea.

When you arrive, drop three floors down to reach the bar. Inside, enjoy the deep-sea-themed décor, including the panoramic views of the coral reef, the Italian chandeliers, and a clam-shaped bar. Lounge in a sea anemone chair and sip mango juice while you bask under the ambient blue lights. You’ll feel like you’re one with the sea.

According to Niyama, Subsix serves gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner and hosts nighttime glow parties. With that underwater dance floor, you’ll feel like you’re dancing in the ocean.

On the other hand, if you’re more of a daytime person, head to Subsix for lunch. Order the lobster tataki or scallop ravioli as you watch the mantra rays thrash about in the coral.

See a video tour of Subsix below.

Underwater Adventure #3: Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Another option? Jet off to Dubai, and splurge on the Neptune Suite at the Atlantis Palm Hotel. If you’re willing to part with $8,100 (€6,856) per night, you’ll enjoy a lavish, three-story suite, equipped with every amenity you could want, including a private elevator and an underwater bedroom.

This 1,700-square-foot (173-square-meter) suite offers sprawling windows, where you can watch fish scamper through their natural habitat.

The Neptune Suite also comes with gold bath accessories, spa soaps, and 24/7 butler service. And check out the Aquaventure theme park before you leave.

See this video tour of the Neptune Suite in Dubai.

Underwater Adventure#4: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, Conrad Maldives Hotel

Are you tired of the same humdrum hotels? Then book an underwater villa at the Conrad Maldives Hotel on Rangali Island. At the Conrad Maldives Hotel, you’ll also find the world-renowned Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, tucked 16 feet (4.8 meters) under the sea. Ithaa is one of the country’s six underwater restaurants, according to Maldives Magazine.

The Undersea Restaurant

The restaurant serves Western cuisine, including foie gras with truffle dumplings, caviar, prawns, pasta-stuffed lobster, green apple sorbet, and other decadent desserts. The Ithaa also offers “mid-morning cocktail hour.” So, feel free to skip the prawns and head to the bar if that’s more your style.

Awards

According to the restaurant’s website, the Ithaa won three Global Awards from the World Luxury Restaurant Awards, including the Unique Luxury Experience Award, in 2017.

Price

This underwater meal will cost you, though, so you’ll want to bring your wallet. Prices per person start at $238 for lunch and $390 for dinner. Meals begin with caviar service.

Restaurant Hours

The restaurant operates daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. Dinner begins at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays and 6:30 p.m. every other night. Travelers recommend going early to get the best views of the fish.

Ratings

Ithaa received 4.5/5 stars on Trip Advisor.

More Information

You can also book the Ithaa for breakfast, weddings, and celebrations.

See a virtual tour of Ithaa here. Click “360 virtual tour” at the top of the page to launch the tour.

To learn more about travel and hotel deals in the Maldives, see this page by the Frequent Miler.

Also, see more adventures in Dubai here. Finally, for more beach destinations to add to your travel list, see here.