Posseidon Resort Underwater
Developed by L. Bruce Jones, Poseidon
Resorts’ President with a background in submarine sea technology, the
project is not as epic as Hydropolis or the Shimao Wonderland in
Shanghai, but it’s bold in its vision, inspired by underwater research
habitats such as Jacques Cousteau’s Conshelf I from 1962.
Located 40
feet (12 m) underwater, it will be connected to land by two piers with
elevators to enter and exit each of the two units. One of them comprises
24 suites 550 ft2 (50 m2) in size, besides a
restaurant and bar. Visibility to the subaquatic vistas is guaranteed by
transparent acrylic plastic. The other unit will include a
lounge-cum-library, a spa, a larger 1,100 ft2 (102 m2) suite, a conference room, wedding chapel and theater area.
The on-island complex will feature a total of 51 units, including 24
beach and 26 over-water bungalows, plus a land-based presidential suite
for VIP guests. Add to that the usual facilities such as reception,
restaurants, bars, swimming pools and tennis courts besides other
activities and support buildings.
To the ecologically conscious, the location of the project may raise the
alarm over its environmental impact. Poseidon Resorts mentions a few
initiatives related to coral reef preservation and educational outreach
with guests, including a coral farm. However, there’s no mention of
sustainable waste disposal and energy generation, for example.
The Poseidon Underwater Experience will set visitors back a cool
US$30,000 per week, which is the required minimum stay. This includes
air transportation from and to Nadi or Suva on the company’s airplanes,
four nights on beach accommodations and two nights in underwater suites.
Guests will also be treated to a 16-passenger submarine expedition
outside the lagoon, and will get the chance to pilot one of four
3-passenger personal submarines in the 5,000 acre lagoon (20 km2), besides several other activities.
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