LUXURY FLOATING WATER SUITES

Kevin James Hill, Designer & Creator of the “Water Suite”

I conceived the idea of the personalized water suite several years ago and it has taken ‘till now to realise my dream.

My background is rooted in engineering and building, particularly in the hospitality and resort sector. I am passionate about yachts and the sea, and have been around, owned, and lived on a variety of boats most of my life. During my formative years I spent many happy family holidays “on board” either on the inland waterways of England, or on the warm seas of the Mediterranean, I guess you can think of me as a “Waterman”.

I love the cool vibe of the marina lifestyle. And the romance of being on the water and watching rows of boats gently lolling in the breeze to the sound of the singing shrouds. Perhaps also it is the diversity of souls that frequent these places. From the hardened Seafarer with dramatic tales of harrowing storms to the mild mannered city type sipping a daiquiri whilst enjoying a perfect sunset.

There has been many a marina regatta where my friends and I comment on the rows of gleaming yachts that never seem to ship their anchors and make their way out to coastal waters. It is poignant to see owners ‘enjoying’ a social gathering whilst being restricted to the stern and fly-bridge of a several million dollar yacht, albeit tied to the dock and going nowhere.

“Over 75% of marina berthed yachts never put to sea more than once a year – some never go out from one year to the next.” (KJH)

That got me thinking! In all my years of building high-end, over-water resort accommodation in exotic destinations such as Maldives, I realised that many of us believe that one of the ultimate luxury escapes is being on or near the sea in beautiful spacious accommodation. This is why Water Bungalows are so popular but sadly well beyond the reach of most of us to even dream of owning. Just look at the massive premiums that are attached to any accommodation that is set in or overlooking a marina.

“Why settle for that when you can actually be part of the view that so many others aspire to acquire?” (KJH)

I set myself the challenge to take that concept a step further to combine the best of both worlds; by designing and creating a substantial and very safe steel marine platform supporting a sophisticated super-luxurious three deck resort suite, with a simple power unit to provide mooring flexibility among more traditional boats in a marina environment or even in specialised locations.

To build a stationary floating house is relatively straightforward. To create a beautiful water-mobile hotel suite; well! That is quite a different proposition. I am confident I have succeeded. Our water suite is 2,000 square feet of luxury five star accommodation. The master suite alone has nearly 700 square feet! It has a huge open decked area with a deck-top Jacuzzi! You can imagine already, the party on board and the amazed look of your friends when they visit your ‘floating palace’. This is all unheard of in the yachting world. Even compared to five star class hotel suites you would be hard pressed to match our accommodation. And in any case you would be downtown, not in an idyllic location on the water and the ambiance and facilities of a marina.

“There is nothing else on the market quite like this.” (KJH)

We have achieved this on an economic 800 square foot heavy duty steel platform that is extremely stable in supporting a three deck structure. A ‘state of the art’ remotely controlled hydraulic thrust propulsion unit provides mooring mobility. Our floating suite unit has high thermal insulation and fantastic acoustic values. It has been constructed to require very low servicing and maintenance. From the out-set we have also designed our concept to have a very low carbon footprint and environmental impact.

In common with a land based structure the foundation of the unit is of immense importance. As a result the flotation chamber comprises a compartmentalized steel hull that has its roots in a military background and has therefore been exposed to exhaustive durability and stability testing.

Resultantly our design is considerably more stable and comfortable than a conventional yacht hull. And it is more robust than a traditional pleasure craft.

The platform is certified to commercial ship classification standards and it is built to last. The underlying stability ensures that when guests are on the top deck all leaning over the same rail, admiring the sunset; the champagne will stay in the glass!

I am confident we have not just met, but exceeded all my early expectations and objectives. This has taken the collaboration of some of the finest technicians and designers in both the marine and the hospitality accommodation industries. I am grateful to the resort developers, marina operators and gifted individuals who have provided support and encouragement in the creation of this new concept in ‘fine living’.

If you love the water but are quite content staying in the safety of harbour, enjoy exclusive luxury suites, and stylishly entertaining friends and family in this kind of environment then I am confident our “personalised water suites” will extend your “joy of living”.

Our flexible build process allows individuals and developers alike, to participate in a high level of customisation. This degree of choice is normally only extended to mega yacht owners. We are offering our suites direct to discerning individuals and developers. We are also available to offer fractional sales to multiple owners.

Three units are now under construction in Singapore. The first is my own which launches this July. You are welcome to visit me aboard and experience a taste of my ‘floating fantasia’ over a glass of champagne.

I hope to see you afloat soon.

Kevin James Hill