Skip to main content

Tropical Island is world’s largest indoor rainforest resort

Looking for a warm tropical climate, but with the option to sight-see and take in the rich history typically found in many European cities? Then why not cross the Atlantic and head to the Tropical Islands. Located right outside the German capital of Berlin, the giant airplane-hanger-like structure is a massive dome that stretches across 22,000 square feet and is roughly the equivalent of eight football fields. It is home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest and takes the prize as Europe’s largest tropical sauna and spa complex.

Inside, guests can lie on the 200 meter-long man-made beach, swim in the “ocean” and enjoy warm 78.8 degree weather. The complex is open year round, 24 hours a day, with a multitude of attractions to keep you busy. There is a swimming pool, large enough to accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day, restaurants serving gourmet meals, shopping pavilion, bars, daycares, and even overnight camping on Paradise beach.

Tropical paradise even has some environmentally-conscious features, such as recycled water from the swimming pools that waters the plant life found inside — which itself grows from custom-made soil made of sand, organic waste, clay, and tree bark. Thanks to the giant dome’s panels, natural UV light is also able to permeate through, granting visitors and plant-life access to the natural benefits of sunlight and warmth. And because of the humidity found within, water condensation periodically gathers inside the dome, which then falls back down producing spontaneous rain showers, further adding to the resorts tropical climate.

It’s a truly unique experience that may be worth exploring if you’re looking to try something different this holiday season, and with the German capital nearby, the Tropical Islands may just be the perfect combination of a warm tropical climate, with the bustle and excitement of one of Europe’s largest cities.  

Amir Iliaifar
Associate Automotive Editor
Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…
Ultraloq showcases the first-ever ultra-wideband smart lock at CES 2025
Bolt Mission UWB + NFC installed on a white door.

Ultraloq showed off two smart locks at CES 2025 -- one of which is the first smart lock to ever offer ultra-wideband (UWB) support. The Ultraloq Bolt Mission UWB + NFC uses UWB technology to unlock automatically as you approach your front door. Similar functionality already exists on other smart locks, but UWB should allow the Ultraloq Bolt Mission to be more accurate than the competition.

The Bolt Mission uses technology similar to digital car keys, and Ultraloq says it can track the keyholder’s phone location with “centimeter-level” accuracy. As your phone gets closer to the front door, the Bolt Mission can be programmed to automatically unlock, giving you a hands-free way to get inside. Better yet, because the smart lock can detect both your distance and direction from the front door, it should prevent you from accidentally unlocking the smart lock while inside your home.

Read more
Ulticam shows off three AI-powered security cameras at CES 2025
The Ulticam IQ installed outside a home.

Ulticam, the new security camera brand of Xthings, revealed a lineup of three AI-powered cameras at CES 2025. The Ulticam IQ, Ulticam IQ Floodlight, and Ulticam Dot offer not just cool AI capabilities, but also free seven-day cloud storage -- which could make them a solid choice for value-minded shoppers leery about signing up for monthly storage plans.

The Ulticam IQ and IQ Floodlight are the main attractions, as they're packed with features that should pose solid competition for the best smart security cameras from Arlo, Nest, and Ring. The duo uses edge AI to quickly identify people, vehicles, and packages without needing to upload the video for server-side processing. This onboard processing should result in faster performance -- it’s also great for privacy and security, as your footage doesn’t have to leave your device.

Read more
Home Depot expands Hubspace smart home lineup at CES 2025
The Home Depot Hubspace logo on a white background.

Hubspace, Home Depot’s smart home platform, has seen impressive growth over the past few years, and that growth continued at CES 2025. Three new gadgets were revealed at the event, including a wireless power switch to control Hubspace products, a portable air conditioner, and a window-mounted air conditioner. All three are unique additions to the catalog -- and since there’s not much like them on the market, they should quickly become popular options in their respective niches.

The Hubspace Remote Switch is arguably the most useful of the three gadgets. Designed to look like a light switch, but with a removable remote controller, it works with select Hubspace light bulbs, fixtures, plugs, power sockets, surge protectors, and more. You’ll get standard on and off functions, plus access to brightness controls. Its sleek looks and versatility should make it a great choice for shoppers seeking an entry-level smart switch.

Read more