In the heart of South Mumbai, towering over the skyline on Altamount Road, stands a structure that is the very definition of luxury, power, and scale — Antilia, the residence of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. With 27 lavish floors (some with double-height ceilings), three helipads, a staff of hundreds, and amenities that rival a seven-star hotel, Antilia is not just a house. It is a statement.
But what makes Antilia more than just a symbol of wealth? Let’s take a deep look inside one of the most fascinating homes in the world.
The Vision Behind Antilia
Antilia is named after a mythical island believed to lie in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Portugal and Spain. Built between 2006 and 2010, it was designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Perkins & Will and constructed by Australia’s Leighton Holdings.
Mukesh Ambani wanted a home that was not only ultra-modern but also rooted in Indian culture. The design combines traditional themes with futuristic technologies and structures. From Vaastu considerations to the use of ancient Indian motifs, Antilia blends spirituality with modernity in every corner.
Structure and Size: More Than Just a Skyscraper
Though it has 27 floors, Antilia’s height equals that of a typical 60-story building, owing to the triple-height ceilings in several floors. It covers an estimated 400,000 square feet and is built to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 on the Richter scale.
Situated on a 4,532 square meter plot in one of Mumbai’s most expensive neighborhoods, Antilia is an engineering marvel that reflects the attention to detail and emphasis on luxury that define the Ambani lifestyle.
Every floor is unique — no two floors have the same layout or design. From crystal chandeliers and hand-woven carpets to marble imported from Italy and rare wood finishes, Antilia’s interiors mirror a high level of customization.
Inside the Mansion: Features That Stun
1. Multi-Level Parking
The building includes six floors solely for parking, with space for over 160 luxury cars. The Ambanis’ collection includes high-end models like Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Mercedes-Maybach.
2. Private Car Service Station
Few homes in the world can boast a full-fledged car service center within the premises, but Antilia does. Every car is maintained to perfection — no trips to a garage required.
3. Three Helipads
The rooftop of Antilia features three helipads, officially approved by Indian aviation authorities. For a family that constantly needs to travel across the country and globe, this makes commutes swift and secure.
4. Ballroom and Banquet Hall
The grand ballroom is among the most opulent parts of Antilia. Adorned with crystal chandeliers and mirror-work walls, it can host hundreds of guests. An elevated platform is used for live musical performances or speeches during grand events.
5. Theatre, Spa, Gym, and More
The mansion houses a private theatre with seating for 50, a yoga studio, gym, dance studio, ice room (with artificial snow), Jacuzzi, spa, and swimming pool — all maintained at five-star standards.
6. Hanging Gardens
To beat Mumbai’s heat and add beauty to the building, several levels are dedicated to hanging gardens and vertical landscaping. These gardens also help with insulation, keeping the interiors cool without excessive air conditioning.
7. Religious Temple
A temple dedicated to Hindu deities holds an important place in the Ambani household. The family conducts daily prayers and festivals here, preserving their deep cultural and spiritual values.
Staff and Operations
Running a property of this scale requires a large workforce. Reports suggest that more than 600 staff members are employed full-time to manage the building’s housekeeping, security, food preparation, maintenance, and guest services.
All staff reportedly go through rigorous training, and many live in the building in designated quarters. Despite the massive operations, the house is said to function smoothly and silently in the background — just as any luxury hotel would.
Public Perception and Controversies
Antilia has not escaped criticism. Many have questioned whether such opulence is appropriate in a country where millions still struggle with basic needs. The contrast between a billion-dollar home and Mumbai’s nearby slums has sparked debates on inequality.
Further, the land on which Antilia stands was previously owned by a charitable trust. Though the sale was legally approved, some activists questioned its moral validity.
However, the Ambani family has also been deeply involved in philanthropy. Through the Reliance Foundation, they have funded hospitals, schools, and relief efforts across India — especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family Life Inside Antilia
Despite the luxury, the Ambani family is known for keeping some traditions intact. They reportedly eat simple vegetarian meals, celebrate Indian festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi in full spirit, and often host religious events at home.
Nita Ambani, Mukesh’s wife, is known to personally oversee cultural programs and is deeply involved in education and sports development across India.
The house is home to Mukesh, Nita, their sons Akash and Anant, daughter Isha, and their growing families. It is both a family residence and the location for many family milestones — including weddings, celebrations, and business meetings.
What Antilia Represents
More than just a residence, Antilia is a symbol of ambition. It stands as proof of how far Indian industry and wealth have come on the global stage. It reflects the fusion of Indian values with international standards of design and technology.
At the same time, it brings forward important conversations about wealth, philanthropy, and social balance in modern India.
Final Thoughts
Whether you admire it as a marvel of modern architecture or criticize it as a symbol of extreme inequality, Antilia is impossible to ignore. It is not just a building — it is a reflection of Mukesh Ambani’s journey from a modest two-bedroom apartment in Mumbai to becoming one of the richest individuals in the world.
With 27 stories of bespoke design, top-tier amenities, and a sense of unmatched scale, Antilia stands tall as one of the most fascinating homes ever built — not just in India, but anywhere in the world.