Villas on an exclusive Palm Jumeirah development are to get an extra-special centrepiece – €1m bathtubs hewn from solid crystal. Forum Group, the developer of residential compound XXII Carat, has formed a partnership with Baldi Home Jewels, known for its semiprecious stone panelling, pianos and clocks. Established in Florence in 1867, the family-run firm crafts its wares using age-old Tuscan techniques bolstered by 3D technology.

Each bathtub is carved from a single block of rock crystal, sourced from the Amazonian rainforest and weighing approximately 10 metric tonnes. The outer part is kept rough so as to highlight the gem’s natural beauty, and as the substance is semitransparent, imaginative lighting can emphasise this further – they really are one of a kind.

XXII Carat is a luxury gated development on Crescent West, The Palm Jumeirah. Set for completion in late 2017, it will comprise 22 villas, each with seven en-suite bedrooms. The bathroom design is by Devon&Devon, with Cristal et Bronze fittings. Each home’s floors and walls will be made of Antolini marble, while Fede will provide decorative lights.