In Mumbai, India, lies Antilia, the world's most expensive residence owned by Mukesh Ambani, one of India's richest men. With a price tag of $1 billion, the 27-story skyscraper stands as a symbol of opulence and extravagance.
Designed by Perkins and Will, Antilia's architecture draws inspiration from eastern and western styles. The building's construction features a blend of modern glass and steel materials and traditional Indian motifs.
The inner walls are made of different precious materials, including mother-of-pearl, crystal, and ivory. Antilia is equipped with nine elevators connected to an entertainment center, gym, spa, and ballroom.
The interior of Ambani's residence features stunning works of art and sculptures, including a 19th-century piano, a replica of the famous mandir at the Dwarka temple, and an 80-seat theatre.
Antilia has 168 parking spaces, a car service station, and a ballroom for 50 guests. The residence also houses a health spa and a gym complex spread over two floors.
Antilia lies in the heart of Mumbai’s upscale Altamount Road in South Mumbai, surrounded by the city's elite, including prominent businessmen, politicians, and industrialists.
A few miles from Antilia is the famous Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai's iconic luxury hotel, and the royal family of Wankaner's former palace. The residence's location provides an excellent view of the Arabian Sea and the Mumbai skyline.
The cost of maintaining Antilia is estimated to be about $2 million annually. The building's eco-friendly features include rainwater harvesting, sewage treatment, and solar heating.
Antilia also has a snow room and an ice room, where snowflakes are produced and kept below freezing temperatures to provide a cool and relaxing atmosphere.
Antilia's cost and lavish lifestyle have been a subject of criticism and controversy. Many people accuse Ambani of ostentatious spending and exploiting India's poor.
Others argue that Antilia and other wealthy individuals' residences contribute to increasing income inequality in India. Ambani, on his part, asserts that his residence is an embodiment of his success and has created employment opportunities for hundreds of people.
Antilia stands as a symbol of a life of unmatched luxury and prestige. The skyscraper's price and lavish lifestyle have made it the target of widespread criticism and controversy.
Regardless of its controversies, Antilia remains a world-class residence, a masterpiece of architecture and design, and a source of pride for Mukesh Ambani and his family.
