World’s Most Unusual Hotels

From a desert palace constructed of salt to an upcycled Boeing 727 hotel, the Manta Resort on Pemba Island is certainly unique in its own way with its underwater lodging and has several times been said to be among the most unique or unusual hotels in the world.

The Manta Resort would be a unique stay anyway, with its beach villas on a remote island surrounded by pristine waters. But book the Underwater Room and sleep below the surface as colourful reef fish swim past the large windows surrounding your double bed. At night, spotlights under the windows can be turned on to attract fish and octopuses. Above the sea-level floor has a simple living area and bathroom, and the rooftop patio is perfect for sunbathing or taking in the Milky Way at night. When not enjoying your room, get a spa treatment, go scuba diving, or explore the interior of this island teeming with wildlife and culture.

The Underwater Room at The Manta Resort markets itself as subverting the fishbowl, turning the lens on guests to be observed by fish in a below-sea dreamscape. A short boat ride from shore, this three-level room is situated in a marine conservation area off Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. With the two outdoor decks, one at sea level and the other on the roof, guests have a 360-degree view overlooking the Indian Ocean.