Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries and one of the richest men in the world, resides in Antilia, a 27-story skyscraper in Mumbai, India. Antilia is not just a home—it is a symbol of unparalleled luxury, opulence, and architectural brilliance. With an estimated value of $2 billion, it is recognized as the most expensive private residence in the world. The home, named after a mythical island in the Atlantic, reflects Ambani’s extravagant lifestyle and taste for grandeur. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the architectural design, luxurious amenities, and fascinating facts about Antilia.
1. The Architecture and Design of Antilia
Antilia is a modern architectural marvel, designed by the Chicago-based firm Perkins and Will and constructed by Australian-based construction company Leighton Holdings. The building stands 173 meters (568 feet) tall and covers 400,000 square feet, making it larger than most hotels.
- Structure:
- The residence features 27 stories, but its height is equivalent to a 60-story building due to its exceptionally high ceilings.
- It has nine high-speed elevators to access various parts of the building quickly.
- The structure is designed to withstand an earthquake of up to 8.0 magnitude on the Richter scale, ensuring safety despite its towering height.
- Exterior and Interior Design:
- The facade combines glass, steel, and greenery, creating a sleek and contemporary look.
- The interiors are inspired by the sun and lotus motifs, with rare crystals, marble, and mother-of-pearl used extensively in the décor.
- Every floor in the building has a unique design, with no two floors being identical.
🌿 2. Lavish Amenities and Luxurious Features
Mukesh Ambani’s residence is equipped with world-class amenities that make it more of a luxury hotel than a home.
- Multi-Level Garage:
- Antilia has a six-story parking garage that can accommodate 168 cars.
- The Ambani family’s collection of luxury cars, including Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and Mercedes-Maybachs, are housed here.
- Entertainment and Recreation:
- The home features a 50-seat private movie theater with plush seating and advanced sound systems.
- There is also a ballroom with crystal chandeliers, a dance floor, and state-of-the-art lighting for hosting grand events.
- Health and Wellness:
- Antilia includes a spa, yoga studio, and fitness center, complete with a Jacuzzi and salon.
- The wellness floor offers personalized treatment rooms for the family and their guests.
- Swimming Pools:
- The residence has three swimming pools, each designed for a different purpose, including a lap pool and a relaxation pool.
- Temple and Prayer Room:
- A two-story temple is part of the residence, reflecting the family’s spiritual beliefs.
- Helipads:
- The building has three helipads on the rooftop, enabling the Ambani family to fly in and out without facing Mumbai’s traffic.
đź’Ž 3. Luxurious Living Quarters
The family’s living space is located on the top floors of Antilia, offering breathtaking views of the Mumbai skyline and the Arabian Sea.
- Private Suites:
- The Ambani family, including Mukesh Ambani, his wife Nita Ambani, and their children, occupy these floors.
- Each family member has a private suite, customized with luxurious furnishings and personalized decor.
- Grand Ballrooms and Guest Quarters:
- The lower floors include extravagant ballrooms and guest quarters, designed to accommodate dignitaries and high-profile guests.
🌇 4. Staff and Maintenance of Antilia
Managing a residence of this scale requires a massive workforce.
- 600 Full-Time Staff:
- Antilia has around 600 full-time staff members to maintain and operate the residence.
- The staff includes chefs, security personnel, housekeepers, and personal attendants.
- Security and Surveillance:
- The house is equipped with high-end security systems, including biometric locks, CCTV surveillance, and restricted access points.
- Security measures are in place to ensure the safety of the family and property.
🌍 5. Environmental Sustainability
Despite its extravagance, Antilia incorporates sustainable features to reduce its environmental impact.
- Energy Efficiency:
- The building uses energy-efficient lighting and smart home technology to minimize energy consumption.
- Vertical Gardens:
- Antilia features hanging gardens and outdoor greenery, which help insulate the building and reduce its carbon footprint.
- Water Recycling:
- The residence employs a water recycling system to conserve water.
đź’° 6. Estimated Cost and Market Value
The construction of Antilia reportedly cost around $1-2 billion, making it the most expensive private residence in the world.
- Real Estate Value:
- Despite its high construction cost, the real estate value of Antilia is constantly rising due to its prime location in Mumbai’s Altamount Road, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the world.
- Luxury Comparison:
- In terms of value, Antilia surpasses other luxurious residences, including Buckingham Palace, which is valued at approximately $1.3 billion.
🌟 7. Public Perception and Criticism
While Antilia is admired for its grandeur, it has also attracted criticism.
Some argue that the money spent on Antilia could have been used for philanthropy or social welfare projects.
Admiration:
Many view Antilia as a symbol of India’s economic progress, showcasing the success of one of the country’s most powerful business tycoons.
Criticism:
The residence has also faced backlash for its extravagance, with critics highlighting the stark contrast between the lavish home and Mumbai’s widespread poverty.