Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Around the world, you'll find many hotels and vacation destinations that boast their proximity to water attractions such as beaches and water parks. But there are a few hotels out there that take the water theme to the next level, with elaborate parks, displays, and even water-themed decor in the guest rooms.
One of the most famous water-themed hotels in the world is the Jules Undersea Lodge, in Key Largo, Florida. For the non-military types, it's the closest thing you'll get to sleeping in a submarine. To get to the hotel, you have to scuba dive about 21 feet down, where you'll find sleeping quarters unlike anything else in the world. Guests can watch the undersea life out the windows of the lodge, or relax and enjoy a movie or cook a meal. Guests are treated to dinner cooked by the hotel chef as well as breakfast in the morning. Up to six people can stay in the Lodge, but it typically hosts two couples at a time.
Jules' Undersea Lodge
at Key Largo Undersea Park
51 Shoreland Drive
Key Largo, Florida 33037
305-451-2353
jul.com
For water-themed hotels, there are none more grandiose than the Atlantis in Dubai. The luxury hotel features large water parks where you can ride the rides and swim with dolphins, all right at the hotel complex. The hotel's dive center will also take you on dive trips in the surrounding area, to see shipwrecks and the man-made reefs of Palm Jumeirah. The hotel also offers elaborate aquariums and swimming pools, as well as the "Lost Chambers," a walking tour of underground aquarium chambers and tunnels. The aquatic theme continues in the luxury guest rooms, which include views of the waterfront outside. Among the main dining opportunities at the hotels, the Dubai location features a fine dining restaurant with wall-length aquariums. With spa services, tennis courts, and plenty of other activities, you may never leave the resort. Another Atlantis hotel is located in the Bahamas.
Atlantis The Palm
Crescent Road - Dubai
United Arab Emirates
04 426 0000
atlantisthepalm.com
For a water-soaked adventure for the kids that may be more affordable than flying to Dubai, check out one of the many Great Wolf Lodge locations in the United States. The hotels feature an indoor water park, complete with numerous water slides, a little kid's water park, lazy rivers, and places to hold parties. Most of the locations are focused on the eastern half of the United States, but the newest location is on the west coast, in southwest Washington. Expect clean rooms with many suite options, including a "Wolf Den" suite that allows the kids to have their own cave-themed place to hang out. The Washington location features the four-story Fort Mackenzie, a delight for young and old, complete with suspension bridges and massive soaker buckets, as well as the 500-foot raft ride, River Canyon Run.
Great Wolf Lodge
20500 Old Highway 99, SW
Grand Mound, WA 98531
greatwolf.com