Nine long years passed before I finally found a resting spot. Now, my seaside hotel resides on a century-old vessel.
The story of Eric Saw, a daring businessman, centers around his ambitious project to transform a 100-year-old ship into a swanky beach hotel.
For nine long years, poor luck had eluded Eric, as he wrestled to find a suitable spot to dock his old vessel. But alas, his perseverance paid off. Today, the ship, which was built in 1914 in Texas, now holds the fame of being the oldest active ocean-going passenger ship on the planet.
Eric has fond memories of taking his kids aboard the MV Doulos, a 130-meter long vessel, when it made port in Singapore. For 33 years, it sailed the oceans as a floating library, inspiring countless passengers.
Little did Eric know that he would one day become the owner of this ship docking on the shores of Indonesia. Although the ship had a humble beginnings as a cargo ship transporting onions, Eric reframed its story, turning it into a nostalgic, beachfront hotel.
Eric's pursuit of transforming the ship into a luxurious hotel was not his first fling with boats. In 2000, he purchased a riverboat from A&W Restaurants and converted it into a floating Tex-Mex eatery on Sentosa Island. When he heard the rumors of the MV Doulos being for sale, he saw it as fate, pushing himself to attempt something grander.
Several businesses, military forces, and shipbreaking yards from countries like China, South Africa, South Korea, India, and the Philippines were also bidding for the ship. However, Eric's offer prevailed. The rejoicing was short-lived, as he soon found himself embroiled in a web of bureaucratic hurdles. The approval process in Singapore proved to be arduous, lasting over three years.
Just when Eric thought he couldn't hold on any longer, fate intervened again, in the form of Frans Gunara, a hotel developer from Bintan, Indonesia. Frans offered a lifeline to Eric, providing a spot for the ship to dock and a piece of land for a dry dock, ensuring its longevity.
But Eric, always thinking bigger, had another vision. He asked for nothing less than a reclaimed island in the shape of an anchor for his hotel. After the ship landed on its new pilings, the rest of the transformation process began.
The interior of the old ship, stained and claustrophobic, was gutted and rebuilt into a modern hotel. Eric, his family, and a team of builders began sketching out the designs for the pool, cabins, and outdoor areas. With meticulous planning, the team worked tirelessly for over three years, reimagining and rebuilding the ship.
Today, Doulos Phos The Ship Hotel boasts 105 cabins, an infinity pool, a fitness center, a spa, and several restaurants. The hotel's unique charm is a testament to Eric's unwavering determination and spirit of innovation.
Although the journey was fraught with obstacles and setbacks, Eric never lost faith in his dream. While some may call it insanity, Eric calls it his higher calling, a testament to his commitment to transforming a piece of maritime history into a treasure trove of memories for travelers.
What about transforming the outdoor areas of the hotel into an outdoor-living oasis, incorporating elements of home-and-garden design? After the hotel's grand opening, Eric plans to travel extensively to gather inspiration for these outdoor living spaces, blending the tranquility of nature with the luxurious lifestyle the hotel offers.
