Views: Going Under

Luxury resorts have long catered to the human desire for seaside views. But now restaurants, spas and even entire hotels are taking it to a whole new level, going completely underwater.

The Red Sea Star Restaurant and Bar in Eilat, Israel, was one of the first to capitalize on the concept. Located 16 feet below sea level, the star-shaped structure offers views of an active coral reef that's illuminated from above at night (redseastar.com).

In the Maldives, the Lime Spa at Huvafen Fushi has two underwater treatment rooms, where guests can watch for stingrays, nurse sharks and tropical fish while receiving the signature Unite Me Crystal Ritual treatment, which involves a body brushing and oil massage using locally sourced ingredients (huvafenfushi .com). And the 12-person Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Resort features a 180-degree domed ceiling made of thick acrylic arches so diners can feast on Maldivian fusion cuisine amid the underwater sea creatures (conradhotels.com).

But the best is yet to come. Scheduled to open at the end of 2010, the $150 million Poseidon Undersea Resort in Fiji will have 24 luxury suites—complete with king-size beds, wireless Internet and marble bathrooms—nestled on the ocean floor. A personal control console will allow guests to feed the fish outside their expansive windows. The 333-square-meter Nautilus Suite will resemble the interior of Jules Verne's fictional submarine. Thankfully, this one will stay put (poseidonresorts.com).

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