The $1.8 Billion Marvel Where Luxury Meets Innovation—No AC, Snow Rooms, and a Family’s Quest for Light
In the heart of Mumbai, a city pulsating with energy and chaos stands Antilia—the 27-story, ₹15,000 crore (approx. $1.8 billion) skyscraper that redefines opulence with purpose. Built for Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, and his family, this architectural icon is not just a symbol of wealth but a testament to engineering ingenuity and intentional living. From its unconventional cooling system to its sky-high sanctuary, here’s what makes Antilia a modern-day legend.
The AC Mystery: Cooling Without Compromise
Recent viral claims about Antilia’s lack of air conditioning sparked curiosity—and they’re partially true. The mansion shuns traditional outdoor AC units to preserve its sleek glass-and-marble façade. Instead, a centralized climate-control system maintains temperatures calibrated not for human comfort but to protect delicate interiors: marble surfaces, floral arrangements, and artworks.
During a fashion shoot at Antilia, actress Shreya Dhanwanthary requested warmer settings but was told the system couldn’t be adjusted. “The temperature is fixed for the building’s needs, not people,” a manager explained. This revelation underscores a paradox: a home designed for perfection, even at the cost of personal preference.
Life on the 27th Floor: Chasing Light, Escaping Chaos
While Antilia boasts helipads, a snow room, a spa, a temple, and multiple pools, the Ambani family calls the 27th floor home. Nita Ambani’s reasoning is poetic: “Natural light and fresh air.” At 568 feet above Mumbai’s sweltering streets, the pinnacle offers breezes from the Arabian Sea, panoramic views, and respite from pollution—a sanctuary where luxury meets wellness.
Who Calls Antilia Home?
The top floors are a fiercely guarded private realm for Mukesh and Nita, their children Akash, Isha, and Anant, along with their spouses, Shloka Mehta and Radhika Merchant. Access is restricted to family and a handful of trusted staff, reflecting the Ambanis’ emphasis on privacy amid unparalleled grandeur.
Snow in Mumbai? Inside Antilia’s Winter Wonderland
One of Antilia’s most whimsical features is its snow room, where artificial flakes drift down walls—a surreal escape from Mumbai’s tropical heat. Far from a gimmick, this climate-controlled oasis epitomizes the mansion’s blend of fantasy and functionality.
Legacy in Steel and Glass: More Than a Home
Named after the mythical island of Antillia, a fabled utopia, the mansion lives up to its lore. Nita Ambani’s design philosophy—prioritizing sunlight over chandeliers and natural airflow over filtered systems—reveals a deeper ethos. “A home should connect you to nature, even in the sky,” she once remarked.
With its temples, ice cream parlors, and theaters, Antilia is a self-contained universe. Yet its true legacy lies in its contradictions: a billion-dollar edifice that craves simplicity, a fortress of solitude in a city of millions, and a family’s quest to balance grandeur with groundedness.
