Ultimate luxury dream

By Abby Allen

Imagine the novelty of cruising the Murray on a houseboat that has all the luxury of a five star hotel. Well, architects specialising in high quality hotel design have come up with a watercraft that blows standard houseboats out of the water.

More like an extravagant hotel than a houseboat, Australia’s first Boatel can accommodate up to people and the facilities onboard are incredible.

The sleek, aerodynamic looking vessel is 15-20 tonnes lighter than standard houseboats which makes it much easier to handle and manoeuvre.

The five bedrooms are equipped with king size beds, have direct access to the outside area and each comes with a private bathroom.

A fully equipped kitchen offers all the standard utensils with a bonus cappuccino espresso machine and tools for the six burner barbecue outside on the carpeted deck.

There’s two levels of living areas containing two and three seater lounges, big screen cinema television with DVD and video, huge dining table and a two storey wind screen wrapping around the Boatel giving panoramic views of the river.

One of the most impressive elements of the Boatel, is the 85 unseen computers that control the vessel. From the touch screen command centre in the sky lounge, you can control the lights, air conditioning, windows, propulsion of the Boatel or activate one of the hundreds of CDs loaded for your listening pleasure. The computers can also monitor fuel use and efficiency and even turn on a fish finding device.

Designed for maximum relaxation and enjoyment, the Boatel is likely to win many fans and if the price fits your budget, a weekend like no other could be yours. The Boatel is located at the Temptation Marina in Mannum and for booking enquiries call Paul on 8223 3030.