~Underwater Hotel~
Nowadays, there are unique accommodation type which is ‘Underwater Hotel rooms’ in the world such as Atlantis The Palm(Dubai), The Manta Resort (Pemba Island, Zanzibar), Conrad Maldives Rangali Island(Maldives), Utter Inn Hotel, Vasteras (Sweden) etc. Among them, I was interested in a hotel that is said the first five-star underwater resort in the world named ‘Poseidon Undersea Resort (Fiji)’. Generally, most of the hotel is built on the ground even in some resort area, however, staying under the ocean is a wonderful experience and it is a very special occasion. On the website, we will explain the concept of the hotel as follows.
“Providing all the comforts, conveniences and opportunities only a five-star resort can offer, Poseidon’s Mysterious Island is the culmination of every elite vacationer’s vision.
… Activities abound for adventurers who wish to explore the unimaginable, like maneuvering a personal Triton submarine through a lagoon, exploring the ocean’s depths as the passenger of a 1,000-foot luxury submersible, and scuba diving in pristine waters.
… Services available include two fine dining establishments, one on land and one below the sea, presenting plates of culinary excellence day and night. A dive shop and retail boutique will also be at your service, along with a library/lounge, theater area and conference room/wedding chapel. Fitness amenities include a nine-hole executive golf course, tennis courts, private splash pools and a fitness center.”
(REGISTER FOR POSEIDON UNDERSEA RESORTS - http://poseidonresorts.com/ )
The fact that this hotel is innovative and different unlike other accommodations is that it is under the sea. It can be very special occasion by itself for tourists. Even if it says that it is unique unlike other accommodation, there are own facilities such as restaurants, gym, theaters, conference rooms, theaters, etc., as well as marine activities, so the clients will never get bored with staying only in the room and see fish. Because its located under the sea, it is useful and great place to investigate under the sea as well. As it is written in the website, they have the conference room as well, so it will be good place to visit for scholars, researchers and educational organizations as business trip. For that kind of demand and protect the natural environment, they are trying to have a program named ‘Poseidon Coral Reef Sanctuary’.
“The Poseidon Coral Reef Sanctuary Project, conceived as a non-profit program (future link to website) will invite guests, scientists and audiences worldwide to enjoy and support a unique conservation, education and research program focusing on coral reefs.
...
The Poseidon Coral Farm located on the island will offer visits and lectures to resort guests and represent a collection of preserved marine species accessible to scientists for their research and to children and students as part of our educational programs. More than a dozen international organizations and many more regional and local ones focus on reef preservation and restoration programs.”
(REGISTER FOR POSEIDON UNDERSEA RESORTS - http://poseidonresorts.com/ )
I have never stayed ‘Underwater hotel’. Every time I visit a resort, I participate in an underwater activity tour, and each time I am impressed with the wonderful beautiful natural sea. When I imagine that I can stay there as an accommodation, I will be able to feel very special moment by surrounding under the sea view. Meanwhile, because it is a unique environment, safety is concerned. However, the composition of the hotel was taken into consideration to maintain the safety and maintainability when it was constructed.
“Safety
... Poseidon’s undersea resort was designed by U.S. Submarines to meet the structural requirements applicable to a submarine pressure hull; all components of the resort are structurally very strong with a high overall safety factor. Each individual component of the complex will be automatically isolated in the highly unlikely event of a structural breach. Every unit has a safety dome with an entrance hatch where professionally trained divers can enter. Diving staff regularly practice rescue procedures in a purpose–built unit.
Maintainability
With the exception of the central corridor, which is permanently fixed to the structural base of the facility, each individual unit is neutrally buoyant and capable of being removed from the complex–and the water–if necessary. All important systems are shore–based or can be found inside the complex for easy maintenance. Automated viewport cleaning systems remove marine growth from transparent surfaces.”
(REGISTER FOR POSEIDON UNDERSEA RESORTS - http://poseidonresorts.com/ )
I found that it is a facility where safety is also well maintained. The room is surrounded by clear glass and I can see under the sea from the room, however, it is made invisible from the outside, so clients can stay without seen by other people. Also, I was surprised that people can have wedding.
In the wakefulness of the decline of the natural environment, I feel that it is the best place to spend a special time away from every day’s busy life.
*References:
https://www.skyscanner.net/news/8-worlds-best-underwater-hotels
http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/poseidon-undersea-resort-fiji/
http://www.jebiga.com/poseidon-resorts-an-underwater-hotel-in-fiji-video/
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