A luxury, multi-million dollar underwater resort will be built off the tropical island of Kuredhivaru in the Maldives, instead of Dubai as originally planned.

Backed by Swiss investors, the US$50m (€38m, £32m) project is the brainchild of Polish company Deep Ocean Technology.

The Water Discus Hotel, which has the go-ahead from the National Ministry of Tourism, will feature 21 rooms in the heart of coral reefs. It will comprise two large disc-shaped lounges seven-meters above the water housing a restaurant and spa.

The lounges are connected to a glass tunnel 30 meters below the water, which leads to 21 bedrooms.

The two parts of the structure are connected by five legs and a vertical shaft containing a lift and stairway. Facilities will include a helicopter landing pad and rooftop swimming pool.