Space travel has always been a subject of much fascination. Over the past decade, space-themed films have showed in big screens around the world, becoming pop-culture sensations and inspiring the imagination of millions, while a commercial space travel program is currently in the works by Richard Branson’s spaceflight company, Virgin Galactic.
Tapping into this fascination is the Kameha Grand Zürich, which earlier this month unveiled the Space Suite, the hotel’s latest addition to its selection of themed suites. Built to resemble a space station, with each guest taking up the role of a “crew member,” the suite was designed by artist Michael Najjar, himself an aspiring astronaut who has undergone as series of space training in Russia and hopes to be among the first to join Virgin Galactic’s spaceflight. Futuristic furniture adorn the suite, such as a floating or zero-gravity bed and rocket engine–inspired spotlights, while Najjar’s artwork and other space-related books, music, and films is available for guests to peruse. In its steam bath, guests will be whisked away on a galactic journey through the small windows that simulates a view into the universe. Several references to popular science fiction films can be found in the room, including the automated female voice that verifies guests upon their arrival—a nod to John Carpenter’s film Dark Star—as well as the black rectangular bed, which is a reference to the monolith from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.