Kleindienst Group, developer of The Heart of Europe – the US$5 billion (Dh18.3 billion) master-planned leisure tourism island destination – has started rolling out Floating Seahorse villas, the world’s first underwater hotel suites and is getting ready to welcome UAE residents and tourists later this year.
The Heart of Europe will host 131 Floating Seahorse villas of which 78 will be completed as part of the Phase I that will be delivered in the last quarter of 2020.
The Floating Seahorse villas are delightful and innovative three-storied real estate units that float on the water while their lower floor is completely submerged under water. A UAE’s home-grown innovation, its three levels have a built-up area of 4,004 square feet that can accommodate up to 8 people.
Sustainable living spaces and engineering prowess
The underwater level is spacious with two rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and is equipped with two panoramic floor to ceiling glass windows that offer captivating views of the colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life from the Arabian Gulf – including the bright striped clown fish, the stylish deep blue angel fish, the majestic purple Tang, the shy Toad fish, tranquil seahorses, graceful pink anemones and ink black sea urchins.
The sea level deck offers a large living room with privacy windows allowing for natural light to flow in, panoramic sliding doors opening up to the lounge deck, a ladder to access the sea water, and a clever and sustainable recreational area – a mesh hammock that doubles up as a trampoline and skylit to ensure the corals reef gardens underneath can thrive.
The sky deck boasts panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and the seascape, an outdoor dining area with privacy shades, a jacuzzi and a sun lounge area. The deck is wrapped with a transparent fence, allowing for unobstructed views of the outdoors.
The structure of the Floating Seahorse comprises a marine-grade concrete below the surface level and a super-light aluminum skeleton above water and a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) cladding with a high-end glossy yacht finish.
The Floating Seahorse villas also have a 100 years warranty, thanks to the robust waterproof concrete mix by developer Kleindienst Group. This exclusive and proprietary concrete also allows corals to grow on it which will eventually populate the submerged area with marine life.
“A feat of innovation achieved by a marriage of engineering and imagination, the Floating Seahorse villas are an epitome of timeless design and craftsmanship spread across three levels including a spectacular underwater floor,” Josef Kleindienst, Chairman of Kleindienst Group, says.
“As well as providing the world’s first floating underwater experience the Floating Seahorse villas will be home to unique special features, state-of-the-art technology and outdoor climate-controlled areas.”
The project is part of the vision of Mr Josef Kleindienst who wanted to see underwater treasures, marine life sightings and the captivating underwater landscape without getting wet in the ocean. The passion for creating the unimagined experience drove him to travel and study underwater projects globally.
A rewarding investment and an enriching lifestyle
Initially, the Floating Seahorse villas were sold at Dh5 million apiece. Its price has appreciated four times over the last few years. The Floating Seahorse villa prototype was approved and licensed by the authorities last year, following which Kleindienst Group has started to build them on-site.
“The same Floating Seahorses are now sold at Dh20 million. We have already sold 80 of the 130 units,” Josef Kleindienst says. “These Floating Seahorses will be operated as luxury suites by us, as part of the lease-back agreements with the buyers, and then put on short-term rental as full-serviced luxury suites.
“Owners will get their investment back in 12 years at a rate of 8-10 percent annual rental yield, in addition to living in them for two weeks per year. Since the units will be offered to as a premium product to leisure tourists on a short-term rent as hotel suites, we expect a very high return. This makes the Floating Seahorses one of the best assets for higher and faster return on investment.”
The Floating Seahorses villas come in two editions, the Signature Edition whose interiors are designed by The Heart of Europe which allows the client to customise the floorplans and interior design. The Bentley Edition interiors are designed by A++ (the Swiss architectural studio licensed by Bentley home) and furnished with items from Bentley Home collection.
Both editions will benefit from high level empathic hospitality services, stunning facilities across the destination, ease of access, sustainable transportation, a reception desk allowing for 24/7 check-in, room service with organic food from diverse and authentic cuisines from Europe, and mesmerizing sunset and sunrise views.
The Floating Seahorse villas will be strategically placed across 4 destinations in the masterplan and connected via walkways to the festive heart-shaped Honeymoon Island, the vibrant Main Europe island, the colourful and picturesque Portofino inspired hotel, and the scenic Germany Island with its blue sea water lagoon and white sandy beaches.
