Located 250 metres off the coast of Pemba Island, Tanzania, the Underwater Room forms parts of the Manta Resort, a holiday retreat on the mainland of the island, and comprises a three-storey floating structure with its lowest level positioned four metres beneath the water.
Imagine
yourself encapsulated within a turquoise blue bubble, watching shoals
of reef fish swimming lazily by – sometimes in three or four layers of
different species above the reef floor. This is the heart-stopping experience that awaits you in the underwater room.
The floating structure, Swedish engineered, provides three levels, those
above the water clad in local hardwood, and each an experience in
itself. The landing deck, at sea level, has a lounge area and bathroom
facility. A ladder leads up to the roof which has a lounging
area – for sun worshipping by day and by night you can lie back in the
starlight and wonder at the extraordinary clarity of the stars, planets
and above all, the edge of our own galaxy – the wonderful Milky Way – all seen without any light pollution. Sleep under the stars to the soft murmuring of the sea.
Then downstairs – the magical feeling of lying on a soft double bed surrounded by panes of glass affording almost 360 degrees viewing
– watching the shoals of reef fish and exquisite, often rarely seen
individuals visiting your windows. Some have taken up residence around
the room, which affords them some protection from predation. For
instance, three bat fish and a trumpet fish called Nick who is always
swimming around and seemingly looking in...!!
By night, the underwater spotlights beneath each window around the room attract the shyer and more unusual, for instance squid.
Coral is already establishing itself on the anchoring lines and around
the underwater structure. Octopus and even spanish dancers have been
seen attaching themselves to the glass panes. The reef inhabitants can
simply not resist attraction, which makes for exciting watching and a
truly unique experience...!!
