If snorkelling in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef wasn’t already bucket-list material, how about sleeping four metres below deck in a luxury glass-walled suite? Moored 72 kilometres off Airlie Beach in the magical Whitsunday Islands, Reefsuites is Australia’s first and only underwater hotel – and it looks even cooler than we imagined.
The ultra-exclusive Reefsuites are all part of a broader Great Barrier Reef experience offered by Cruise Whitsundays, the region’s largest and most experienced marine operator. Submerged in Hardy Reef, these premium underwater suites opened in late 2019 but have only been enjoyed by a few very lucky guests. With just two suites available – a king double and a twin single – each features stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, offering breathtaking views of the Great Barrier Reef’s abundant marine life.
Departing from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island or Daydream Island, the one- or two-night experience kicks off with a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands to Hardy Reef. Once there, island-goers can spend the day swimming in crystal-clear waters, snorkelling with 1,500 species of colourful fish and taking a magical semi-submarine tour. For an extra special stay, you can opt in for scuba diving, a stunning helicopter ride over the famous Heart Reef and a guided snorkelling safari – all at an additional cost.
Travellers can fully embrace island time with all meals and beverages taken care of, including sunset drinks and a starlit dinner on the pontoon. Sounds dreamy, right? As night falls, picture yourself slipping under the covers of a fluffy bed and watching the reef come alive through the floor-to-ceiling windows of your underwater suite. Oh, and did we mention that the en suite has glass walls too?
If a stay in one of the exclusive Reefsuites is a bit out of your budget – we wouldn’t be surprised if it is given one night costs from $1,140 to $2,050 – there are also a handful of floating, above-deck Reefsleepers. Also all-inclusive, Reefsleep guests will instead stay in a glamping-like pod under the starry night skies. Looks like it’s time to start saving!