Dubbed as ‘Water Discus Hotel,’ BIG InvestConsult AG will be responsible for developing the innovative project. DOT developed the model of the Water Discus Hotel, which features two components: an underwater residential disc and an above water leisure disc with various satellite extensions. The pair of discs are connected to five solid legs that are built on the seabed. A shaft in the centre features a lift and stairway that connects the discs. The size of each disc would be adjusted to local conditions. These two technical solutions will also ensure that Water Discus hotel remains safe even in the event of a fairly high tsunami.
The initial conceptual design shows a standard model of the hotel with 21 luxuriously appointed rooms located some 10 metres below the water surface. Big windows will be featured at every room to offer views of the surrounding underwater flora and fauna. Special lighting system of the area around the room and the miniature underwater vehicles which can be operated from inside will allow guests to take a closer look at even the most microscopic underwater creatures using macro photography. To ensure privacy, all rooms are sound-proof and have curtains of different levels of transparency. All rooms of the two discs will also have high-speed Internet access. Additionally, in order to ensure that Water Discus remains in contact with the outside world at all times, the complex has been equipped with a ship radio station system and a satellite telephone.
The disc and its adjacent satellites located five to seven metres above the water surface comprise a restaurant, a spa and a special recreation area. A multifunctional lobby built inside a huge swimming pool shows the centre of the disc. The area around the underwater part of the complex and diving activities can be viewed by guests on the screens hanging on the lobby walls. This part of the complex is connected to the satellites with glass-walled tunnels cutting through a training pool for divers. Its rooftop includes seawater swimming pools. An exotic garden is also featured that offer relaxation.
The hotels will be equipped with a Diving Centre located in the bottom disc along with other equipment for marine life observation, like three-person submarine vessels that enable (non-diving) hotel guests to travel underwater a few miles from the hotel. An Animal Coral Garden will be created around the bottom disc for the same purpose. For safety of the guests, rescue boats will be available. A helicopter pad is also featured on the top of the above-water disc that can be used to ferry guests or crew.
The developers say that the marine environment would not be compromised in any way, while constructing this hotel. This project is expected to showcase Oman’s marine wealth.
After a preliminary internal analysis, BIG InvestConsult is currently scouting for local partners in Oman who will assist and support to look for the most favourable location for this project. The project, however, is still at a conceptual stage.
