Stay in Manta Resort’s ‘Underwater Room’ in the Zanzibar Archipelago

December 13, 2016 5:00 am
The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)
The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)

 

Apparently, The Godfather was wrong—sleeping with the fishes is a good thing. At least when you’re doing it in the “Underwater Room” on Pemba Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, courtesy of The Manta Resort.

About a two-minute boat ride from shore into the shimmering Indian Ocean, the room was designed by Swedish engineers, and offers three levels of intrigue. The first, at sea level, comes equipped with a lounge, with fully stocked bar/fridge, and eco-friendly bathroom/shower unit. From here, you can jump off the side and go snorkeling—with complementary snorkel sets and fins from the resort—or take a relaxing kayak ride in the one the resort provides. The Manta also boats over breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and alcohol—so you need not worry about going hungry (or booze-free thirsty) in the middle of the surf.

The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)
The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)

 

Climb a ladder to the roof-deck and second lounge area, where you can sunbathe during the day and stargaze at night (the Milky Way is visible on most nights, as there is zero light pollution). You could even just call it a night up there.

But we wouldn’t advise that, because level No. 3—the double-bed sleeping quarters—is fully submerged underwater and includes 360-degree views of the azure blue depths. During the day, you can catch entire schools of fish swimming by the room’s windows, or you might even spy a predator out for the kill. At night, the resort turns on underwater spotlights beneath each window, so that you can watch underwater nightlife, such as squid or octopi, swim by your window.

Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)
Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)

 

If you’re worried about the threat of overzealous sharks or, say, pirates, the resort provides you with a cellphone that you can use to contact it at any time during your stay. Also, the Underwater Room has its very own security guard, who is anchored at a buoy near the home.

The Underwater Room costs $1,500/night. Reserve it here. For more images, scroll down. At the bottom, watch a video tour of the room.

The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)
The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)
The Underwater Room in Zanzibar
(Copyright Genberg Art UW Ltd/Jesper Anhede)

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