Imagine stepping aboard an eco-hotel that floats in the middle of the ocean to spend a night beneath the stars. Well now you can, with Anthénea, a fully equipped luxury pod that runs on solar energy and discharges clean water while providing a truly unforgettable experience for guests. 

The eco-hotel has 360-degree views of the surrounding ocean and a glass bottom where visitors can observe schools of fish swimming by. According to the company, the idea originally came from the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me, with the project wanting to create something incredible and futuristic.

Anthénea
The vessel has glass floors to watch the ocean underneath © Anthénea

The first Anthénea has been unveiled in the port of Trébeurden on the pink granite coast of Brittany in France. It has an outward-facing alcove and a solarium designed for sunbathing, al fresco dinners and brunches, and is able to seat twelve people. Rentals are currently open for a short time, with the company saying that there has been a big demand so far. Plans are in place for the first deliveries of international sales to take place in spring 2021, meaning that more Anthénea pods will be popping up in diverse locations around the world.

Anthénea pod
The first pod is available to rent in Brittany © Anthénea

The 540-square-foot vessel is designed to follow the sun, with five automatically rotating solar panels. It also includes an extra-large bed in the master bedroom, sea-water tubs and a panoramic kitchen. “Because Anthénea has been certified as sea-worthy, sail along the seascape in slow discovery mode and drop anchor where your heart desires. No particular navigational skills or licenses are required,” the company told Lonely Planet.

The company also said that visitors have been stunned so far with the accommodation.“Imagine seeing the sea and fish in the heart of your hotel suite! The opening of the butterfly door to the world and the view from the open roof top are breath taking.” Rental prices start from €290 (US$336) per night for two people. More information is available at the official Anthénea website. 

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