I’ve slept in ice hotels in Sweden. I’ve stayed in treehouses deep in the Costa Rican jungle. But the quiet hum of anticipation I feel for NEOM is different. Today, I’m sharing my insider preview of an experience set to redefine luxury itself. We’re going deep into what booking the Underwater Suite at Leyja Hotel is really like.
Forget everything you think you know about five-star hotels.
This is something else entirely. It’s a glimpse into the future. And I have the secrets.
Secret #1: The Arrival is an Experience Itself
Your journey to Leyja doesn’t start at a check-in desk.
It begins the moment your private jet touches down at NEOM Bay Airport. A dedicated Leyja attaché greets you. You won’t see a taxi line. Instead, you’re whisked away. Maybe you choose the thrilling helicopter transfer, soaring over ancient mountains.
Or perhaps you prefer the silent, electric Rolls-Royce Spectre. It glides through a landscape that feels like another planet. You enter a natural wadi, a valley carved by time itself. The hotel seems to emerge from the rock, a miracle of design. You haven’t even seen your suite yet, but you already know this is special.
Secret #2: You Don’t Just See the Ocean, You Live In It
The door to your Underwater Suite slides open.
There’s no sound. Just a soft, blue light that fills the space. Your walls are not walls. They are seamless, floor-to-ceiling windows into the vibrant world of the Gulf of Aqaba. You feel a sense of calm wash over you. It’s a quiet you’ve never experienced.
Imagine waking up to a majestic sea turtle gliding past your bed. A school of shimmering fish dances in the morning light. This isn’t an aquarium. This is their home, and you are their honored guest. The gentle sounds of the sea become the soundtrack to your stay.
Secret #3: What is the Butler Service Like at Leyja Hotel?
Every guest at Leyja is a VIP. But in the Underwater Suite, the service is almost telepathic.
Your private butler doesn’t just unpack your bags. They anticipate your needs before you do. They learn you love a certain type of Omani frankincense. The scent now subtly perfumes your suite each evening.
Want to watch the sunset from the water? Your butler can arrange a last-minute private yacht charter. They can secure a table at the hotel’s exclusive rooftop restaurant. A restaurant with Michelin-star ambitions, helmed by a world-renowned chef. This is service that redefines personal attention.
Secret #4: The Dining is a Subaquatic Spectacle
You can eat anywhere in the world. But you can only do this here.
Imagine a private dinner. It’s set up right in your suite. A world-class chef prepares a bespoke menu for you. Each course is inspired by the sea life swimming just beyond your window. The sommelier pairs each dish with a rare vintage from the hotel’s private cellars.
It’s not just a meal. It’s an immersive culinary journey. Every bite tells a story of the region, of the sea, of unparalleled luxury.
Secret #5: Beyond the Suite: Exploring Leyja’s Wonders
The Underwater Suite is so magical, you may never want to leave. But you must.
Leyja is a destination with layers of discovery. Take the private elevator up to the clifftop. Here, an infinity pool seems to spill into the sky. Swim to the edge and gaze out at the vast, silent beauty of the wadi.
Later, perhaps a visit to the wellness center. It’s a sanctuary carved directly into the mountain rock. Or maybe you’d prefer to explore the coastline. Your concierge can arrange an on-site luxury car rental. A new Aston Martin DB12 is waiting for you.
Secret #6: Booking the Underwater Suite is Like an Invitation
Here’s a secret most people won’t know. You don’t simply click ‘book’ for this suite.
Securing a reservation is a curated process. It’s about ensuring the experience remains incredibly exclusive. Priority is often given to returning guests or those interested in the NEOM vision. Some guests even pair their stay with exclusive real estate viewings of the private residences being built nearby.
Think of it as applying to the world’s most exclusive club. Being accepted is part of the thrill. It ensures that your experience remains pristine and private.
Secret #7: It’s More Than a Stay; It’s a Glimpse of the Future
This is the most important secret of all.
A stay here isn’t just a vacation. It’s a statement. You are experiencing the future of hospitality. A future where unbelievable luxury and pioneering sustainability exist in perfect harmony. The technology is invisible, yet everywhere. The design is audacious, yet respects the ancient landscape.
You leave Leyja changed. You’ve seen what’s possible. You’ve lived, for a few nights, in a better future. That is the true, unrivaled experience of the Underwater Suite.
An Insider’s Expert Tips
- Best Time for Marine Life: Ask to book your stay during the winter months (November to February). The water clarity is exceptional, and you’ll see a wider variety of migratory species.
- The Secret Menu: When speaking with the chef for your private dining, ask for the “Pearl of Leyja.” It’s an off-menu dessert that is a true work of art.
- Stargazing: Your butler can arrange a private, late-night trip to the top of the wadi with a professional astronomer. The stars, far from any city lights, are breathtaking.
- Pre-Booking List: Contact the NEOM hotel division directly to inquire about being placed on the “expressions of interest” list. This puts you at the front of the line when booking officially opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Leyja underwater suite cost?
While prices are confirmed upon inquiry, the suite is positioned as a pinnacle experience, with estimates starting around $10,000 per night. This reflects its unique nature and the bespoke services included.
What is the full experience like at the Leyja Hotel?
The experience is one of total immersion. It combines futuristic luxury, anticipatory service, and deep respect for the natural environment. From adventure activities like rock climbing to serene spa treatments and fine dining, it’s a complete escape.
Is booking the underwater suite worth it?
For the discerning traveler seeking a truly unique, once-in-a-lifetime memory, it is the definition of “worth it.” It’s less a hotel stay and more a milestone life experience, similar to a private safari or an arctic expedition.
How do you get to Leyja in NEOM?
Access is exclusive. Guests typically arrive at NEOM Bay Airport (NUM) via private or chartered flights. From there, the hotel arranges seamless and private transfers directly to the property via helicopter or luxury electric vehicle.