Victorian-Era Sea Forts in England Reborn as Rad Luxury Hotels

In the late 1800s, England built a series of sea forts in the Solent strait to defend its southern coast against French invasion. In recent years, though, these structures erected on large chunks of granite have been snatched up by U.K. company AmaZing Venues, who's been turning them into luxury hotels with — what else? — panoramic ocean views. In 2012, the company opened its first converted sea fort, the eight-bedroom Spitbank Fort. And this week, it will debut No Man's Fort, a newly renovated hotspot that's three times larger than Spitbank, with prices starting from $670 a night for one of 22 suites and going up to $1,700 a night for the lighthouse penthouse.

Over a mile out to sea, the 75,000-square-foot structure can be reached by boat or helicopter (two helipads included!). Topped by a round glass atrium, the four-floor retreat contains shops, restaurants, a night club, cabaret bar, laser tag arena, plus hot tub, BBQ facilities, and mini golf on the rooftop. AmaZing Venues is also in the process of converting a third Solent sea fort, the Horse Sand Fort, which is slated to open as museum in 2016.

Below, a few peeks into No Man's Fort and Spitbank Fort.

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