The air is thick with heat and humidity as I step into the submersible, the thermometer flashing 33°C. The space is cramped, with barely a foot of clearance above our heads, but the padded bench offers some comfort. My toes curl upward due to the three-inch acrylic glass surrounding us on all sides, a reminder of the alien world outside. We are 100 feet underwater, sealed inside a multi-million-dollar submersible typically used for military operations, coastguard rescues, scientific research, and commercial exploration. Today, it’s part of an extraordinary luxury experience offered by Patina Maldives, a ‘seven-star’ resort in the tropical archipelago of the Maldives. This underwater expedition is the latest innovation in the competitive race among high-end Maldivian resorts to attract affluent guests.
The submersible, named Ocean Pearl, weighs four tonnes and offers 45-minute trips to the coral reefs. My guide and pilot, Fabien Casanova, a marine biologist with a thick French accent, is passionate about the ocean. He has spent years exploring the world’s oceans, from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the vibrant dive sites of Egypt, but he insists that the Maldives’ biodiversity is unparalleled. As the submersible glides through the water, the silence is almost surreal, broken only by the soft hum of the thrusters. The reef comes alive before our eyes: dozens of bluestripe snappers dart nervously, their electric blue stripes flashing like tiny neon lights. Behind them, a school of 200 surgeonfish nibbles on plankton, their sleek, black-and-blue bodies glistening in the sunlight filtering through the water. Below me, a sea cucumber lies motionless, its leathery body blending into the seafloor, while a marbled grouper stares eerily into the submersible. The beauty of the ocean is on full display, and I’m experiencing it all without getting a single hair out of place.
The journey to this moment was meticulous. Eight crew members were involved in preparing for this expedition, which began with a safety briefing at Patina’s Dive Centre. Joe Schoombie, a scuba instructor, referred to it as an “expedition,” emphasizing the seriousness of the undertaking. We then boarded a souped-up dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat, for a half-hour journey to the reef. Waiting for us were Casanova and his team, who had positioned the submersible and set up a floating dock for easy transfer. The safety briefing was thorough, but the memory of the Titan submersible tragedy, which claimed five lives in 2023, lingered in my mind as I signed the waiver. However, the submersible’s safety record is reassuring, with daily checks, regular servicing, and external auditing. While underwater, the topside crew monitored our position via GPS and checked our oxygen levels every 15 minutes. The submersible’s four near-silent thrusters moved us with precision, bringing us inches away from the Ali Giri reef. The experience was exhilarating, and when Casanova announced, “Bubbles on the way!” signaling our return to the surface, I felt a rush of excitement rather than relief.
Patina Maldives, which opened in 2021, is an entirely manmade island that was once submerged underwater. Today, it boasts 90 villas, each with a private pool, spread across 40 hectares. The resort is still expanding, with more villas planned. Its dining options are equally impressive, with 13 restaurants offering everything from Parisian pastries to spicy Sri Lankan hoppers. I met Charlotte, a guest from London, who was staying at Patina after a week at the nearby Ritz-Carlton. She remarked that Patina’s food was far superior, and the resort’s newness gave it a fresh, modern feel. The infinity pools, private beaches, and ultra-luxurious villas make Patina a standout destination in the Maldives. The submarine experience is the latest addition to its offerings, aiming to solidify its reputation as one of the premier resorts in the archipelago. Guests like former Bond Girl Rosamund Pike have already been drawn to its ultra-luxurious vibe, and the submersible is just another reason to visit.
After the thrilling submarine ride, I headed to Huvafen Fushi, another iconic Maldivian resort, to experience a different kind of underwater adventure. Opened in 2004, Huvafen Fushi is a pioneer in luxury tourism and a favorite among British honeymooners, with a star-studded guest list that includes Kate Moss, Tom Cruise, and George Clooney. The resort has recently undergone a refresh, with 46 villas tastefully renovated and two new double-bedroom overwater pavilions added. Its crown jewel, however, is the world’s first and only underwater spa, known as the SpaQuarium, located 26 feet beneath the waves. Imagine watching clownfish and dogtooth tuna swim by while enjoying a coconut oil massage. That’s exactly what I did during my visit. Marine expert Steve Pasla was on hand to answer questions about the marine life, from blacktip reef sharks hunting bluefin trevally to giant red snappers devouring live crabs. At one point, Steve turned off the lights, revealing the coral glowing in the dark, a magical sight that left me in awe.
Huvafen Fushi feels authentically Maldivian, with its lush, expertly tended gardens and large numbers of local staff. Its overwater restaurants, Salt and Raw, offer a unique dining experience, with sharks and eagle rays visible beneath the glass floor panels. While snorkeling is always an option for exploring the reefs, there’s something special about experiencing the ocean’s beauty while staying perfectly dry. Whether it’s a high-tech submarine ride or a luxurious underwater spa treatment, both Patina and Huvafen Fushi offer unparalleled ways to connect with the marine world. Patina’s submarine experience costs £1,593 per person for an hour, while Huvafen Fushi’s Lagoon Bungalow with pool starts at £945 per night. Both resorts are worth every penny for those seeking a luxurious and unforgettable Maldivian adventure.
