There is no greater magnet for the hospitality industry than the sea, with towering hotels crowding the world’s finest stretches of beach, from the Côte d’Azur to Waikiki. For most travelers, a view of the ocean is the ultimate amenity, but luxury hotels that float or are submerged beneath the surface of the sea provide otherworldly experiences.
Floating is a term of art. There are some hotels that literally float, like The FloatHouse River Kwai in Thailand or the Off Paris Seine that is moored on the banks of the City of Light’s signature river. Others merely provide the illusion of floating, such as tropical overwater bungalows — these are quintessential French Polynesian accommodations but are found in the Maldives, Seychelles and Caribbean as well — where the design is fully integrated with the sea. Yet another category are hotels whose rooms or restaurants are submerged in the sea, providing guests with the underwater experience of coexisting with tropical fish amidst a coral reef.
The clubby Off floats on the Seine between the Right and Left Banks of Paris, not far from Gare d’Austerlitz in the up-and-coming 13th arrondissement. While the neighborhood is buzzing with fashionable bistros and nightspots, the barge-like Off provides an onboard restaurant and bar, even a lap pool. Those who splurge can choose between two fashionable suites whose décor was authored by designers Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman.
Exotic species viewed from an elaborate underwater suite at Atlantis, The Palm. Above image and featured image: © ATLANTIS, THE PALM; photos by Victor Romero
An underwater guestroom at The Manta Resort off the coast of Tanzania. Photo courtesy of the Manta Resort.
With its recent grand opening, Resorts World’s glitzy new $4.3 billion property is the latest hot spot on the Las Vegas Strip, but the company’s resort on Sentosa Island, Singapore is even more elaborate. It encompasses multiple hotels — among them the elite Crockfords Tower, the postmodern Hotel Michael and Hard Rock — along with several theme parks, a convention center and casino. The property’s Beach Villas hotel offers 11 two-story Ocean Suites that immerse their guests into an exotic ocean habitat. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an undersea view of more than 70 species of marine animals amidst luxury accommodations enhanced by personalized butler service.
Offering the best of both worlds is The Manta Resort in Tanzania — it is located on Pemba Island amidst some stunning turquoise-hued waters — and its three-level floating suite is anchored to the ocean floor off the coast of Africa. Above water, guests enjoy a gentle rafting effect and panoramic views, but in the bedroom below they are treated to the eyepopping aquatic habitat of this corner of the Indian Ocean. Pemba Island is one of the world’s premier diving areas, but guests at The Manta’s underwater room can experience the same thrills without ever putting on a wetsuit.
The Manta Resort’s own Kwanini Foundation is actively involved in protecting the rich marine habitat of Pemba Island, whose reefs are among the most diverse in East Africa. Rapidly increasing population is creating an unsustainable demand for fish, and the foundation is fighting to eliminate destructive practices like dynamite fishing near vulnerable reefs, as well as educating people on climate change and plastic pollution. These conservation efforts not only preserve the natural beauty of Pemba Island, but ensure the magic of The Manta Resort’s underwater accommodations as well.
Perhaps the most audacious example of a hotel with an underwater feature is the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland in China. Constructed at an artificial lake created at an abandoned quarry, most of the sleek, curvaceous structure is technically below grade, with 16 stories built into a subterranean cliff. All of the 336 rooms benefit from spectacular views of the lake and the property’s dramatically illuminated waterfalls and fountains.
One spectacular two-level suite at Shanghai Wonderland features an enclosed living room with outdoor terrace hovering just above the water, while its bedrooms are submerged beneath the lake’s surface, encased in a giant underwater aquarium. Lin Wang, chief marketing officer for IHG, Greater China, commented: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Shimao Group [developer] again to open InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland — an architectural masterpiece that’s a wonder and beauty in the global hospitality industry.”
When it comes to underwater hotel restaurants, New Zealand civil engineer Mike Murphy is a pioneering force responsible for some of the most dramatic designs. His first underwater restaurant project, Ithaa, opened in 2005 and remains a stunning dining space in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. A decade later, Murphy completed the design for his largest underwater dining venue, named 5.8 Undersea Restaurant — it sits 5.8 meters beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean — at the Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives. “Many projects must be canceled, as the sites aren’t suitable or the client desires a room size that’s unrealistically large,” explains Murphy of his niche specialty.
Despite his disciplined training as an engineer, Murphy appreciates the visceral reaction people experience in these underwater spaces. “Their mouths open in awe, they almost gasp in wonder at the beautiful underwater scene in front of them,” he says, and adds, “I, too, always get this feeling when I go down into these undersea rooms.”
The Hurawalhi project benefitted from advancements in fabrication, transportation and the availability of larger crane ships, reports Murphy, who notes these ventures work best in locations protected from severe waves or storm surges, generally inside a coral reef or protected harbor. “The design of the acrylic windows and arches is very important,” says the engineer, who explains, “The deeper you go in the water, the greater the pressure, and hence the thicker you must make the windows … and the more expensive it gets.”
Murphy designed the largest underwater project to date, a villa at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island called The Muraka, a spectacular suite whose room rate begins at $9,999 per night. “Driven by our inspiration to deliver innovative and transformative experiences to our global travelers, the world’s first undersea residence encourages guests to explore the Maldives from an entirely new perspective below the surface of the sea,” said Ahmed Saleem of the Crown Company, which collaborated with the engineer on the
$15 million project. Murphy, who retired a few years ago at age 70, continues to receive proposals for projects and is hoping his design for the world’s first revolving underwater restaurant will be realized.
Above, the view from an Ocean Suite at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. Photo courtesy of RESORTS WORLD SENTOSA SINGAPORE.
At far left, an underwater suite at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland.
Above, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, constructed at an abandoned quarry. Photos courtesy of InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland.
The FloatHouse River Kwai is a bona fide floating resort in Thailand, a country where floating homes and markets are not particularly unusual. The hotel’s string of thatched roof villas is essentially a lengthy pontoon boat parked along the river made famous by the novel and Oscar-winning movie Bridge on the River Kwai. Each villa provides nearly 1,000 square feet of comfort appointed with teak furniture and features a private terrace with a swing from which to lazily watch the slowly passing riverboats.
The luxurious Taj Lake Palace hotel is not technically floating on India’s Lake Pichola, but most certainly appears to be. The artificial lake, which was created in the 14th century, has several islands, and the white marble-clad structure — it was originally a summer palace for the ruling dynasty of Mewar — was constructed on one of them in 1746. The palace was designed in a manner that makes it look like an ornate floating raft, and while the illusion is convincing, nobody gets seasick. The hotel oozes elegance and romance, and the most extravagant suites, with hand-painted ceilings, crystal chandeliers and panoramic water views, are indeed palatial.
In a city that specializes in over-the-top experiences, Dubai’s 1,500-room Atlantis, The Palm offers a 1,775-square-foot underwater suite with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the resort’s signature aquarium, stocked with 65,000 marine animals. A guest lying on the bed or relaxing in the marble bath will be mesmerized by sharks, stingrays and vibrantly hued tropical fish sailing past. A private elevator ascends to the suite’s intimate lounge, offering surface views of a lagoon, and guests’ needs are attended to by a dedicated butler.
Trying to decide on a destination for your second home? Blue World Voyages is offering the chance to make the world your second home, with the announcement of its advanced registration program for onboard luxury residences, a chance to live and relax while sailing across the world.
Blue World Voyages, the first active lifestyle cruise line, is now accepting advance registration for Owners Club residences onboard its first ship, to launch in 2020. Interested buyers will be the first to receive updates and have priority status to purchase luxury one- and two-bedroom residences. The completely refurbished 350-guest vessel designed and styled by top marine design architects Tomas Tillberg International and acclaimed interior design firm Juan Poggi Designs.
“We are pushing boundaries in the luxury travel market with these Owners Residences to provide an entirely new experience for global travelers,” says Fredy Dellis, co-founder of Blue World Voyages and former president and CEO of The World at ResidenSea, the first private residential community-at-sea. “As interest in niche cruises surges, along with the continued rise of the healthy lifestyle market, we expect this unique combination to appeal to sophisticated travelers who would want to own a home at sea.”
Two full upper decks will be reserved exclusively for Owner Residences. The ship will accommodate between 24 and 40 one- and two-bedroom residences. Each will feature a split-level design with a spacious living area that opens to a large balcony. The second level will include master and guest bedrooms, both with walk-in closets and luxurious baths. The master bedroom will have its own private balcony, which can accommodate an outdoor bed for sleeping under the stars. Owners will have the choice of two styles for their fully-furnished homes: Classic or Contemporary.
The inaugural vessel will have two full decks entirely dedicated to sports, wellness and spa amenities, including a functional training and strength conditioning center, Hank Haney Golf School, soccer simulators, batting cages, basketball court, fitness studios for yoga, spinning and TRX, plus the largest per guest spa afloat with a relaxing therapy tub, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and solarium.
There will be three pools, including, when docked, a seawater lap pool that will be lowered directly into the ocean adjacent to the vessel for guests to swim in the deep blue depths.
Locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine and active shore excursions including snorkeling, scuba diving, golf, hiking, kayaking, cycling, running, and more will round out the guest experience.
“With good health the core focus of Blue World Voyages, we are the first and only cruise line to have a vice president of wellness as part of our executive team,” says Dellis. “… It is going to be the most robust health and wellness vacation offering in the market.”
Photos courtesy Blue World Voyages.
Situated between the sea and the mountains in North Chilean Patagonia, this 348,000-acre estate has been recognized as one of the greatest remaining woodlands on earth.
Listed for $150 million by Christie’s International Real Estate with Bórquez & Associates, the one-of-a-kind property — known as Zona de Los Lagos Andinos — boasts unparalleled natural beauty and offers endless possibilities to conserve and develop.
Sited 621 miles south of Santiago and 74 miles from Bariloche, this Chilian paradise has a century-long history, yet it has been left essentially untouched.
“The history of the Hacienda Puchequin is as exciting as its geography,” says María José Bórquez of Bórquez & Asociado.
Spanish soldiers discovered the land in 1558, where they met two indigenous tribes — the Poyas and the Huilliches, who had been living in harmony with the land’s natural habitat for centuries.
From forests, mountains and granite peaks to lakes, waterfalls and beaches, the land invites a range of activities — including skiing, fishing, rafting, hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. “The possibilities are endless for a nature lover, and there are very few other places in the world where one can find this level of natural beauty and diversity of landscapes,” says Bórquez.
Although boundless opportunities await, Bórquez notes that “one of the most interesting features of the land is the rock climbing that can be done in the sector known as La Junta.” With around 50 different routes and walls more than a thousand meters high, the destination challenges climbers from across the globe.
A land of this scope will best serve “a lover of nature with a vision of conservation,” according to Bórquez. “[The buyer] would utilize the land in service of others, enhancing the attractions of this property by creating a tourism development plan, without intervening with the natural ecosystems or native forests,” she adds.
Located near the city of Puerto Montt, Chiloe and Puerto Varas in Chile, and Bariloche in Argentina, Hacienda Pucheguin offers a great location for adventurous tourists.
Photos courtesy Christie’s International Real Estate
This story was previously featured in the Winter 2019 edition of Unique Homes Magazine.
Massachusetts continues to attract settlement, centuries after drawing its first dwellers.
By Kristen Ordonez
Much like the early pilgrims who ventured across the ocean to towns like Plymouth, Massachusetts, homebuyers can find the journey to settle in a new home to be an arduous one. From the historic, scholarly cities of Boston and Wellesley to the island region of Nantucket, luxury agents are helping buyers discover the growing real estate prospects within Massachusetts.
Within the metropolitan areas of the state, including towns like Wellesley, Weston, Dover and Needham, businesses are the main attractions bringing people to the Metrowest section of Boston.
“This region has the largest amount of biotechnology companies in the country, in addition to superior healthcare, highly ranked hospitals, colleges and university,” according to Joni Shore and Jon Shore of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Wellesley.
Plus, colleges like Wellesley offer cultural events, lectures and opportunities, as well as the acclaimed Davis Museum. The Shore team notes that its clients come from all around the world looking for this type of access to culture. “The highly ranked schools and universities are a draw to the area,” says the duo. “Often families who send their children to school in the area prefer to invest in real estate.” These investments tend to be in new or updated homes with technological and sustainable living qualities. Homes like these at the top of the market are usually priced much higher than other suburban areas, with the highest listing at $18.5 million.
Sold for $4,000,000
Sold for $4,150,000
Sold for $5,770,700
Apart from the collegiate neighborhoods, the coastal regions of Massachusetts have their own enticing attributes that attract homebuyers, specifically outdoor living and recreation. Whether buyers prefer sailing around the bay or fishing in the ocean or lake, real estate along the water perpetuates both luxurious comfort and relaxed entertainment.
“When living on the South Shore you experience life as if you are on vacation 12 months a year but without vacation traffic,” says Liz Bone of MacDonald & Wood Sotheby’s International Realty, who works primarily within cities like Duxbury, Marshfield and Pembrok. This staycation-style of living is ideal for the market, Bone says, as it has brought a more diverse demographic of buyers to the region. “I find that we are being discovered every day and when someone drives through our quaint communities, each community offers a different experience and appeal,” she notes.
In terms of pricing, Bone adds that though each community differs, generally homes below $500,000 are bought by first-time buyers, while properties sold at $900,000 are bought by people moving west from the city areas. “[They] find that you can purchase more for your money the further south you travel away from the bustle of Boston,” says Bone.
Outdoor amenities and resort-style living dominate Nantucket Island, a premier resort area of New England, which attracts a wide international market, according to Gary Winn of Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty. “Each area on Nantucket has its own distinct and different market and price points,” says Winn, who notes the market offers a variety of properties within a larger spectrum of price points. For example, a beautiful house with a guest cottage, pool and cabana in the highly sought-after Cliff area can be available for about $8 million, which is quite low compared to other top Nantucket properties priced at around $30 million.
Photos courtesy of Gary Winn
