This report was originally published on May 7, 2012, with some minor editing to account for the new planned location in the Maldives.  The design plans appear unchanged.

Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) has announced plans to build the Water Discus: a futuristic, Jetsons-esque , multi-disked underwater hotel.

The 11,000 square feet (1,000 square meters) underwater disk will house 21 two-guest rooms, bar, and dive center (complete with air locks and a decompression chamber), all located ten meters below the waves. Each guest room will be equipped with miniature remotely-operated underwater vehicles to allow guests to explore adjacent reef life through macro photography.

The upper disk will rest 5-7 meters above sea level and include the lobby, restaurant, spa, swimming pool, garden, and (of course) a helipad.

As literal a translation of “reef-side bar” as you can get.

21 underwater bedrooms will have expansive views of neighboring coral reefs.

In the comfort of their own beds, guests can explore the underwater world using remotely operated mini-submersibles.

Day and night artist renditions of Water Discus’ topside.

Three support columns allow the lower disk to rise and descend.  The center column connects guests to the underwater world; This column slides up and down through the center hole of the top disk.  This will allow hotel operators to situate the lower disk at the ideal depth as well as safely evacuate the entire lower disk above sea level in case of an emergency.