Just when we thought the world's largest indoor theme park was hard to top, Dubai proves us wrong yet again.
Its latest jaw-dropping megaproject is a tropical rainforest in a skyscraper hotel -- another world-first for the emirate.
The 7,000-square-meter rainforest will be part of the upcoming Rosemont Hotel and Residences Dubai, one of the properties under Hilton's luxury independent brand Curio -- A Collection by Hilton.
The complex, expecting to welcome its first guests in 2018, consists of two 53-story-high towers including a 448-key hotel and a 280-room serviced apartment tower.
Jurassic-inspired marsh
"Our client's concept was to create a very unique destination for the city of Dubai, and also to create a project that would be a destination itself, with every possible leisure and entertainment amenity inside the hotel," says DJ Armin, principal architect and managing partner of ZAS Architects Dubai.
The firm teamed up with Dubai architects Kieferle & Partner on the design.
Armin says they're hoping to create a family-friendly leisure space that can be used year-round.
"As the site wasn't a beachfront location, we looked at how we could create a new type of outdoor leisure space in the city, and also fully integrate nature into the guest experience," Armin tells CNN.
A rainforest was the answer.
"Inside the rainforest, we've created a landscape akin to a full-scale tropical environment -- complete with adventure trails, a sandless beach, a splash pool, waterfalls, streams and a rainforest cafe," says Armin.
There will also be a "prehistoric Jurassic-inspired marsh."
The high-tech hotel will sit in the city's business center, neighboring Dubai Internet City and Al Kazim Towers.
"Technological features include an advanced sensory rain system that creates a 360-degree experience, simulating the sensation of being surrounded by rainfall without actually getting wet."
Sensors control where the rain will fall depending on where people are detected.
Water will be collected, stored from condensation and recycled to create a humid environment similar to a tropical rainforest.
The outdoor rainforest will be located on the top level of the entertainment podium that connects the hotel and residential towers.
The project is still at an early stage, but it appears the rainforest will be open to the public as well as hotel guests.
Glass-bottom sky pool
An infinity pool will be cantilevered in the middle of both of the 53-story towers.
"The hotel will also offer guests a number of stylish food and beverage outlets, including three restaurants, a lobby cafe and two bars," Curio's global head, Mark Nogal, tells CNN.
"Guests will have access to a fully equipped gym, an outdoor pool and a spa where they can indulge in luxurious treatments."
The outdoor pool will be a cantilevered, glass-bottomed infinity sky pool with a bar.
Robotic luggage handling, digital waterfalls, kinetic light sculptures are some other highlights of the hotel's interiors.
Each room will be accessed and managed through a smart phone. All rooms will be designed to provide a view of the Gulf.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s railway sector has been revived under my leadership – Akufo-Addo
18 mins -
Next government must enforce C190 – Women Economic Dialogue Forum
23 mins -
NCCE engages party youth activists at Nandom on peaceful election
25 mins -
SSNIT engages stakeholders on its operations
27 mins -
Defilement: 19-year-old farmer jailed ten years, with hard labour
29 mins -
Bawumia to inaugurate new headquarters of Lands Commission on November 25
30 mins -
Sylvester Tetteh denies demolishing GBC staff bungalow
35 mins -
Signing of peace pact by presidential candidates slated for November 28
43 mins -
Akufo-Addo reiterates commitment to free and fair elections
45 mins -
Climate change impact poses threat to Ghana’s financial stability – BoG Governor
48 mins -
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful assures of leading NPP to victory in Ablekuma West
51 mins -
Akufo-Addo urges armed forces to maintain neutrality, professionalism
58 mins -
Driver jailed 15 years for robbery
1 hour -
Election 2024: Bawumia is a timely asset for NPP and Ghana – Freddie Blay
1 hour -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses Ghana’s 2025 AFCON fiasco, Dumsor scare
1 hour