Maldives: Subsix at Per Aquum Niyama
You reach this underwater restaurant and bar by speedboat, before descending six metres under the Indian Ocean to an entirely glass dining room. Parrotfish swim past shoals of Moorish idols, moray eels slide through the lagoon, groupers make goliath appearances amid the rainbow of butterfly fish and damselfish, and resident Hawksbill turtles glide in for a visit. The space is made all the more appealing by Italian abstract chandeliers that illuminate like shining coral. Dive into Champagne breakfasts, gourmet dinners and glow parties.
Maldives: Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
It probably comes as no surprise that caviar and lobster are on the menu at this restaurant, located five metres under the sea and offering 180-degree views of the Maldives’ spectacular marine life. You can also slide in for mid-morning cocktails, as you do in the Maldives, and book the space out for private functions – proposals are very common here.
Dubai: Atlantis, The Palm
The twin Neptune and Poseidon Underwater Suites at Dubai’s extravagant Atlantis resort don’t come cheap, but for your money you get one of the world’s most coveted hotel views. The floor-to-ceiling windows look into a lagoon filled with more than 65,000 marine inhabitants including sharks and stingrays. In-room thrills include bath amenities sparkling with 24-karat gold and 24-hour butler service.
Singapore: Resort World Sentosa
Part of Resort World Sentosa’s Beach Villas, the 11 two-story Ocean Suites look right into the world’s biggest aquarium exhibit, the Open Ocean Habitat. The aquarium is home to 80,000 animals of 800 species, including schooling cownose rays, sharks and all manner of tropical fish. Come feeding time, divers dish out food to the sea life, bringing huge rays right to the glass.
Maldives: Sea at Anantara Kihavah Villas
Part underwater restaurant, part wine cellar, this beautiful dining room will have you rubbing shoulders with the Maldives’ marine life in no time. The mirrored dining room reflects the fish drifting past in the ocean, making it seem as though you really are part of the underwater world. In addition to having extensive knowledge of the hundreds of wines available, staff is also au fait with the many sea animals that you’ll glimpse – be sure to ask questions.
Dubai: Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara, at Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab
With two Michelin stars under his belt, English chef Nathan Outlaw knows a thing or two about cooking seafood. And at his Dubai restaurant, you can indulge in his delicate creations – think, lobster risotto, crispy oysters with caviar – while you gaze out at all manner of marine life thanks to the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling aquarium. Be sure to reserve a table right next to the glass.
