Solar-powered ‘floating hotel suite’ starts at $535K

Half-boat, half-futuristic pod, the Anthenea is a bold take on sea-bound tourism. While we’ve already seen everything from an underwater Maldives hotel to an elevating floating home, the 538-square-foot Anthenea is being billed as “the world’s first eco-luxe floating hotel suite” (that can also be used as a spa, restaurant, night club, or really whatever the buyer can dream of).

The domed capsule is the brainchild of naval architect Jean-Michel Ducancelle, who was inspired by the floating saucer in the 1977 Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. Under development for the last 15 years, this 21st-century version is outfitted with five south-facing solar panels that soak up the sun and power the electric motors and mechanical systems.

The interior offers three main living spaces—a daytime area that has a wet bar and lounge furniture that look out to sea through an underwater window. The nighttime zone has a circular bed and a bathtub. The pop-up “relaxation area” can be reached by a staircase and provides a 360-degree rooftop solarium big enough for 12 people.

Yann Richard courtesy of Anthenea

Yann Richard courtesy of Anthenea

The company claims the boat mitigates seasickness thanks to stabilizing ballasting, which better be the case because getting your hands on one of these pods will set you back at least $535,000.