[imagesource: Winch Design]

Never mind your standard superyachts (and the eye-watering hidden costs that come with owning such a vessel), or plain old luxury cruises, either.

There’s a new residential superyacht “floating hotel” that’s being built and the world’s elite will be able to buy a permanent spot on board.

It’s called the Somnio, which aptly means “to dream ” in Latin, and is an incredibly 222-metre vessel with six decks that brings together the very best of superyachts and five-star resorts.

When it launches in 2024, the Somnio will be the largest yacht in the world “by both length and volume”, CNN reports:

It is still in the designing and building phases, implemented by Winch Design and Tillberg Design of Sweden, to be built by Norwegian ship designer and builder VARD at a cost of around $600 million (that’s around R8,5 billion).

The vessel is so big it is being described as a “yacht liner” and will have 39 luxury condos with completely customisable layouts across six floors.

Residents won’t be limited to their condos, even though they have everything one might ever need – gym, private terrace, kitchen, walk-in wardrobe, office space, spa, and more.

There will also be restaurants, bars, cinemas, music halls, an onboard beach club and a 10 000-bottle capacity wine cellar and tasting room.

Naturally, there’s a well-stocked garage, including water toys and vehicles for exploration on land, as well as a dive chamber, according to Auto Evolution.

The prices for a condo will start at a cool $11,2 million – that’s around R160 million.

If that’s not already a massive hinderance, you can only grab a spot if you’ve been invited or have a referral.

A spokesperson for the project has confirmed that a number of condos have already been snapped up, but privacy takes precedence:

Somnio promises not just ultra-luxury at sea but also fiercely guarded privacy for the owners.

So, while they might have to mingle among themselves while at sea, no one but them will know who was there.

Somnio will also offer those who splash out on one of its luxury properties the same level of service as a “seven-star” hotel, along with the huge benefits of owning a superyacht and having a global address.

Here’s co-founder Captain Erik Bredhe:

“Owners will share a truly unique lifestyle at sea, with a hand-picked crew and a never-ending global itinerary of carefully selected destinations and experiences befitting a yacht of this nature.”

While it is to be enjoyed by a very select few, many global concerns have been considered.

There will be “world-class medical care” available onboard, while also keeping everyone “away from pandemics and other global risks”.

Environmental sustainability is also a key focus according to the designers, with the yacht being equipped to “help scientists and marine experts conduct research into ocean environments”.

In around three years time The World, which is currently the biggest residential vessel offering 165 luxury residences, will be overshadowed by Somnio.

[sources:cnn&autoevolution]