With the earth’s base temperature increasing every minute, causing glaciers to melt and the resultant increase in sea levels, perhaps it is not too long before we are pushed out of our homes by floodwater. Or perhaps will we fall prey to our own advanced technology, with Alexa and Siri plotting against humanity together? No matter how, people around the world are pretty sure that the end of the world is coming, but the richest of the rich are planning to escape it. With nuclear-attack-proof shelters with amenities similar to a small town, these luxury doomsday shelters are made to fit the richest lifestyle.
The Oppidum, Czech Republic- $1.1 billion
Known as 'the largest billionaire bunker in the world', The Oppidum was transformed from a 1984 bomb-proof shelter to the most luxurious respite, prepared to save you from natural disasters and even a nuclear attack. The complex spreads across 3,23,000 square feet of land and the underground bunker features a 6,750-sq ft master apartment and six 1,720-sq ft suites. The bunker also comes with a stock of non-perishable food, water purification equipment, medical supplies and surgical facilities, which can accommodate residents for up to 10 years without the need for external supplies. Meanwhile, the aboveground area comes with amenities like a massive golf course, helipad, and inteligent automatic defence technology.
A slightly less luxurious option, this upgraded Cold war-age bomb shelter in Indiana can withstand a direct hit from a 20-megaton nuclear bomb and is good enough to fit 80 people for at least a year without the need to return to the surface. Apart from necessities like food, water and heating/cooling, the shelter provides a theatre area, exercise equipment, ATM and security devices. The shelter is located in a safe space, away from nuclear attack targets or tsunami risk. A place in the pocket-friendly bunker can cost up to $50,000 per person, but most of it is already booked.
Vivos Europa One, Germany- $ 2 million (per apartment)
Refurbishing a surplus Cold War Soviet-built underground complex of 250,000 square feet, Vivos Europa One provides a safe space for up to 1000 people. The area, which is still under construction, is divided into 34 private living quarters, with amenities like pools, theatres, gyms, a kitchen, bar, bedrooms, and deluxe bathrooms. The hardened shelter is capable of withstanding natural disasters like earthquakes, flooding and man-made disasters like nuclear blasts or aeroplane crashes. Currently a privately owned property, the quarters are up for sale; fully furnished semi-private suites cost around $40,000, and private apartment costs upwards of $2 million.
Survival Condo, USA- $20 million
What looks like a secretive space from the outside, is actually a Survival Condo — a refurbished former Atlas F nuclear missile silo in rural Kansas that goes 15 storey underground. With comfortable space for people to live in the shelter for up to five years, Survival Condo has a hydroponic farm to provide a steady supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. The total cost of building is $20 million, but anyone with enough funds can buy a space in this condo. A 920 square foot space costs $1.5 million, or you can get a 3,600-square-foot penthouse for $4.5 million. With basic amenities like LED TV, massage chairs, and a fully equipped kitchen and library, this bombproof shelter is safe and cosy.
