The buzz around Poseidon Undersea Resorts has been around for a few years now (c.f. our 2007 report on the conceptually-similar Hydropolis in Dubai). Poseidon Resorts has announced that it has completed the design and engineering of structural works, indicating that the sci fi-esque undersea project is closer to getting off the ground, or better, into a lagoon on a private island in Fiji. The company is now working to secure capital for construction, which should take two years to complete, it says.
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.
Source: Poseidon Resorts
