We live on a planet that should be called Ocean, not Earth. The worlds’ oceans cover 71% of the globes surface area. It is no wonder that many travel operators are starting to integrate underwater attractions and experiences into their travel offerings. Many believe that it is the next frontier in the travel and tourism industry. The world beneath the sea is largely unexplored with a growing increase of curious people wanting to understand what goes on below.
There is already an array of impressive underwater restaurants, day spas, nightclubs, resorts, tours, and transportation available worldwide — and this is bound to grow even more in the future.
So what can we expect to see in the underwater world in the future? Have you heard of any of these upcoming projects? Let’s let our imaginations run wild and see if any of these projects ever eventuate.
Underwater Tennis Complex – Dubai
In Dubai, Polish architect Krzysztof Kotala from 8+8 Concept Studio, has released concept designs to create the world’s first underwater tennis complex in Dubai which would have seven arenas built with clear roof structures where visitors could view marine creatures surrounding them. The architect has said that the creative plan, ‘fits into the natural environment because it resembles a coral reef in Dubai’. The designer hasn’t done the final calculations for how much the project will set investors back, but he has revealed that it could cost ‘several billion dollars’ and take around five years to complete.
Water Discus Underwater Hotel – Dubai
The Water Discus hotel in Dubai, designed by Deep Ocean Technology, has a design plan which will include 21 luxury suites located in two main discs, with one being above water where guests will enter, and the other beneath the sea. This combination will allow guests to admire the depths of the ocean while making the most of the warm climate. The disc, located from 10 up to 30 metres beneath the surface of the sea, has its rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. Each room is integrated with the underwater world as closely as possible, offering a surprisingly direct, yet safe contact with the local flora and fauna.
Poseidon Underwater Resort – Fiji
The Poseidon Undersea Resorts, set to open in Fiji, will feature 24 suites, an underwater restaurant and bar, a library, conference, room, wedding chapel, and a spa. Guests will be transported to their underwater accommodations by an elevator located at the end of the pier. They also plan to have a three-passenger submersible submarine which guests can use to explore the ocean. Each of the 24 Undersea suites measures 51 square metres and offers a totally immersive underwater experience. A full 70% of the surface area of each suite is transparent acrylic. Privacy can be maintained by guest controlled LCD screens covering each acrylic panel. The focal point will be the huge full diameter transparent wall at one end of the suite, looking out to a private coral garden. Each suite will also be equipped with underwater lights and push button fish feeders.
Undersea Rocket
Scientists are also working on creating a high-speed supersonic submarine as a means of passenger transport. A group of Chinese scientists have been developing a technology to create a submarine that can travel from Shanghai to San Francisco in less than two hours, according to the South China Morning Post. However, before the technology can be completed an underwater rocket engine will need to be created to allow for the long range needed for the vessel, according to the International Business Times. You wouldn’t want to get in the way of this rocket!
Want to know more about undersea resorts and restaurants that are already in existence? Download the Crooked Compass Travel App for inspiring experiences to add to your bucket list.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
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