Unlike the distant future concept of luxury moon accommodations, this project brings space travel closer to reality, with its first potential location in Dubai. The MOON resort is designed as a 735-foot-tall mixed-use building, resembling Earth’s natural satellite in a hyper-realistic manner, akin to the iconic Epcot globe at Disney World. Although final plans are yet to be confirmed, the project’s founders are optimistic about its feasibility from architectural, engineering, and design perspectives.
Inside the MOON resort, visitors will discover a full-service destination resort and approximately 300 private residences for purchase. The amenities include a nightclub, event center, spa, retail spaces, and a piano lounge. However, the highlight is a lunar surface simulation that offers guests a genuine space exploration experience. Michael R. Henderson, MOON co-founder, envisions MOON as a bridge that brings an affordable and authentic space tourism experience to millions of enthusiasts worldwide. The company even aims to establish MOON as a training location for space agencies.
The structure of MOON comprises two distinct sections: a spherical base volume made up of three stacked disks and the lunar orb. The base houses amenities like the spa, convention center, and hotel lobby, while the 4,000 suites are located within the orb. Although traditional windows are absent, electronic “windows” are envisioned, providing guests with customizable views.
Realizing the MOON project comes with a hefty price tag, estimated at $5 billion, necessitating major global corporations capable of funding such an ambitious venture. However, the growing interest in space tourism suggests that this destination holds immense potential. If realized, MOON aims to achieve LEED Gold five-star standard construction.
The founders of Moon World Resorts Inc., Michael R. Henderson and Sandra G. Matthews, initiated this project in 2000, a time when private space exploration companies like Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic were emerging. Space tourism was a nascent concept at the time, with significant challenges. Nonetheless, MOON’s unique proposition and marketing advantage lie in being the “largest billboard ever created” as it advances further into the global marketplace. This visionary lunar-themed resort in Dubai offers a glimpse of a future where space travel becomes a reality, and Earth’s satellite is just a short trip away.
