The perfect pad for a James Bond villain: Victorian sea fort opens as a luxury hotel, complete with nightclub, laser tag arena and rooftop hot tub... in the middle of the Solent

  • No Man's Fort is located a mile off the coast of the Isle of Wight and is accessible by helicopter or boat
  • AmaZing Venues has renovated the 134-year-old sea fort into '75,000 sq ft of fun' with cabaret bar and rooftop BBQs
  • The fort boasts 23 suites at £450 per night, with the lighthouse suite rising to £1,150 a night during the summer

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If you ever wanted to push the boat out (literally) and stay at one of the most unusual hotels on the ocean, look no further than No Man's Land Fort, a Victorian sea fort in the middle of the Solent, which is set to open this month. 

The spectacular isolated fort, one of three guarding the entrance to the Solent, just off the coast of the Isle of Wight, has been turned into a luxury impregnable haven complete with a rooftop hot tub, shops and even its own nightclub, thanks to a multi-million pound revamp.

The unique hotel looks like could be a fortress of a James Bond villain and can sleep 44 guests with a capacity of 200 for parties and events.

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For those intent on relaxation, No Man's offers its own spa, a choice of bars and a large sun deck for ocean views

For those intent on relaxation, No Man's offers its own spa, a choice of bars and a large sun deck for ocean views

The No Man's Fort has been transformed by AmaZing Venues to become a luxury hotel, and is set to open on April 23

The No Man's Fort has been transformed by AmaZing Venues to become a luxury hotel, and is set to open on April 23

With four floors packed with a variety of entertaining facilities, it’s a unique location that’s sure to leave guests with unforgettable memories

With four floors packed with a variety of entertaining facilities, it’s a unique location that’s sure to leave guests with unforgettable memories

The sea fort is located 2km out at sea, meaning guests have to make an exciting entrance by helicopter or by boat.

On arrival at the ocean hotspot, guests can hit up the shops, restaurants, luxury spa, rooftop bar and firepit, cabaret bar, nightclub or LaZer Battle Arena.

If water sports are more your style this is the perfect base for enjoying RIB rides, jet biking, sea kayaking, or kite surfing.

A spokesman for AmaZing Venues said: 'No Man's Fort is an inspiring private island that offers an unrivalled experience.

'It is three times the size of Spitbank Fort and boasts its own lighthouse with spectacular views across the Solent.

'You'd think being a mile offshore is unique enough, but we've crammed every possible space with unusual things to see and experience.

THE HISTORY OF NO MAN'S FORT 

Built between 1867 and 1880, No Man's Fort was one of several forts ordered by then-Prime Minister Lord Palmerston to fend off the French Navy.

It needed a huge engineering effort to cut vast blocks of granite and transport them by barge to the building site, before they were lowered onto the sea bed for its foundations.

At the time it cost £462,500 to build, which with inflation would be equivalent to more than £43million today.

It was the first fort in England, and possibly Europe, to use hydraulic power to move the guns in horizontal and vertical planes for targeting and the first to be lighted throughout with electricity.

The fort was in active use by the military up to 1957 - housing anti-aircraft guns during the Second World War - and became a scheduled ancient monument in 1967.

A developer bought it in 1987 to convert it into a luxury residence but failed to find a millionaire buyer.

Birmingham businessman Harmesh Pooni bought it to run as as a corporate hospitality venue but he ran into financial difficulties and had to close down. He eventually barricaded himself inside until he was removed.

The fort eventually sold in 2009 for just £910,000.

'The potential of this magnificent sea fortress is only restrained by your imagination.

'A trip to the fort can be as relaxing or action-packed as you wish.

'For those intent on relaxation, No Man's offers its own spa, a choice of bars and a large sun deck.' 

Described on the website as '75,000 sq ft of fun,' adventurers can unwind overlooking the spectacular rooftop views, whilst enjoying a BBQ, before retiring to one of the 23 luxury suites which cost £450 per night. 

Those who have the means to splash out on the best suite in the fort, the plush lighthouse facilities can cost £1,150 a night during the summer.

Bond villain haven! The modern fort has two helipad zones, as well as offering roof top BBQ facilities for an ocean-facing meal

Bond villain haven! The modern fort has two helipad zones, as well as offering roof top BBQ facilities for an ocean-facing meal

Do not disturb! The fort boasts 23 luxury suites and can sleep 44 guests, with prices ranging from £450 per night 

Do not disturb! The fort boasts 23 luxury suites and can sleep 44 guests, with prices ranging from £450 per night 

A room with a view! Not only does this hotel offer one of the most private hotel stays, but also incredible ocean views 

A room with a view! Not only does this hotel offer one of the most private hotel stays, but also incredible ocean views 

The unusual destination boasts a colourful history and was even featured in the 1971 Dr Who episode, The Sea Devils, with Jon Pertwee.

Built between 1867 and 1880, it was originally used to defend the coast against French invasion, and was used during both world wars to protect Portsmouth Harbour from attacks.

In order to construct the impressive fort, huge blocks of granite were transported by barge to the site, and were lowered onto the seabed for its foundations.

Luxury loo! The hotel has been renovated with many modern activities and facilities for guests to have a comfortable and memorable stay

Luxury loo! The hotel has been renovated with many modern activities and facilities for guests to have a comfortable and memorable stay

Views above the atrium roof are spectacular, and guests can enjoy a meal on the roof overlooking the beautiful coast off the Isle of Wight

Views above the atrium roof are spectacular, and guests can enjoy a meal on the roof overlooking the beautiful coast off the Isle of Wight

The thick 60ft-high concrete walls mean guests can rest easy knowing the fort can withstand any ocean waves crashing again its sides.

While it would have cost about £462,500 to build when it was first created, inflation would equate to that figure being closer to £43million today.

AmaZing Venues forked out £3million in first transforming sister venue, Spitbank Fort, which opened in 2012, with this venture being three times as big.

The glass atrium of the sea fort allows light to stream into the remote hotel. AmaZing Venues spent £3million transforming Spitbank Fort, which opened in 2012, and this new sister venue is three times as big.

The glass atrium of the sea fort allows light to stream into the remote hotel. AmaZing Venues spent £3million transforming Spitbank Fort, which opened in 2012, and this new sister venue is three times as big.

One way to make an entrance! Guests have to arrive at the isolated fort by speedboat or by helicopter
The remote hotel has two helipads for guests using this option

One way to make an entrance! Guests have to arrive at the isolated fort (right) by speedboat (left) or by helicopter. The remote hotel has two helipads for guests using this option

 

 

 

 


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