Tom Cruise’s son Connor has moved into Scientology’s elite Sandcastle retreat

Connor Cruise is following in the footsteps of his father Tom and becoming increasingly ensconced in Scientology, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The 23-year-old has moved out of the apartment he shared with friends on the outskirts of Clearwater, Florida, and is now living at the plush Sandcastle compound owned by the Church, which is described as a ‘religious retreat’.

It’s the latest sign that the actor’s only son is preparing to take on a bigger role within the controversial religion that was created by L. Ron Hubbard and now led by David Miscavige.

Built in 1979, the resort-style complex was recently updated to include 62 residential rooms and 84 ‘auditing’ rooms – where Scientologists notoriously undergo personal questioning to pinpoint ‘areas of spiritual distress’.

While the Sandcastle has an entire wing dedicated to the advancement of Scientology, it also boasts several luxury features.

In contrast to the rigorous religious practices going on inside, the exterior features decking with incredible water views, a pool and hot tub, a rooftop garden, and even a modest tiki-style bar.

Tom Cruise’s son Connor has moved into the exclusive Scientology religious retreat, Sandcastle in Clearwater, Florida, suggesting the 23-year-old is preparing to take on a bigger role within the church

Built in 1979, the resort-style complex was recently updated to include 62 residential rooms and 84 ‘auditing’ rooms – where Scientologists notoriously undergo personal questioning to pinpoint ‘areas of spiritual distress’ 

The Sandcastle now has an entire wing dedicated to the advancement of Scientology, but it also boasts several luxury features. Aerial images show the mysterious church property is dotted with OT or ‘Operating Thetan’ symbols, and features a restaurant, pool, hot tub and tiki bar

Connor, pictured in Clearwater with friend and fellow Scientologist Cassidy Lake, has been seen coming and going as he pleases, dressed casually in jeans, a T-shirt, and a backward baseball cap. The compound is so exclusive, Lake had to wait outside for him 

The facility’s exterior features is actually a bizarre contrast to the rigorous religious practices going on inside. Connor is often seen smoking on Sandcastle’s waterfront deck

In a nod to its exclusivity, the façade – smack in the center downtown Clearwater, which is almost completely owned by the church – is dotted with gold-plated OT symbols, meaning Operating Thetan, the highest levels achieved by a Scientologist.

It is located just a 10-minute walk from the Flag Service Organization, known as the Church’s ‘spiritual headquarters’, the building is surrounded by cameras that track Sea Org members’ moves. 

Meanwhile Connor, who sports a new anchor tattoo including the year 1936, nonchalantly comes and goes as he pleases, dressed casually in jeans, t-shirts and backwards baseball caps.

So exclusive is the compound that even his best friend Cassidy Lake – himself a Scientologist who married Tiana Lake, a graduate of the religion’s prestigious Delphian School in Oregon – must wait outside for him.

Connor, pictured outside the complex, is said to enjoy vaping and has been spotted spending time with Cassidy at the town’s vaping lounges

Connor’s apartment in the complex is located just a ten-minute walk from the Scientology Flag Building – also known as the church’s spiritual headquarters, and is even closer to his dad’s penthouse which is still under construction 

Sandcastle (pictured) is a Church-owned hotel where Scientology VIPs live and study. The building is surrounded by cameras to track Sea Org members’ every move

The resort is also mostly used by public Scientologists, who are visiting the Clearwater HQ for courses and auditing

In a nod to its exclusivity, the façade – smack in the center downtown Clearwater, which is almost totally owned by the church – is dotted with gold-plated OT symbols (above left) meaning Operating Thetan, the highest levels achieved by a Scientologist

And when he’s not making the most of the services that Sandcastle has to offer, Connor enjoys vaping and has been spotted spending time with Cassidy at the town’s vaping lounges.

Connor, along with his sister Bella, 25, who now lives in London, was adopted by Tom during his marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.

He chose to remain with Tom, now 56, following their divorce in 2001 and is believed to have cut all contact with his mom, who according to former Scientologist Leah Remini has been declared a ‘Suppressive Person’, or enemy of the Church.    

Connor’s new home is located just a few blocks away from Tom’s new penthouse, where the actor is expected to move after it is completed.

Tom, considered a high-ranking member of the Church, reportedly sold his LA compound since he was never around due to his commitments with Scientology – and is believed to be moving into the high-rise condo to dedicate his time to the church.

Connor has been seen in Clearwater in recent years living a jet-setting lifestyle.

He had previously lived in three-bedroom townhouse in an exclusive community for Scientologists. 

Connor has been seen in recent years living a jet-setting lifestyle in Clearwater, Florida. He has been pursuing a career as a DJ has played at upmarket nightclubs all over the US (pictured in 2016) 

Connor visits the religion’s spiritual HQ in Clearwater often and dines at the luxury hotel, Fort Harrison (pictured) owned by the church

He has also been seen driving a luxury $50,000 Mustang GT sports car with flashy bright yellow paintwork

Connor also spends his time on his $500,000 top-of-the-line fishing boat that his father bought him in 2016

Connor’s boat has quad-engines and a top speed of around 70mph. The son of the Hollywood star is also said to be into deep-sea fishing

Tom had also bought his son a $500,000 top-of-the-line fishing boat to pursue his deep-sea passion earlier in 2016. 

He was also seen driving a luxury $50,000 Mustang GT sports car with flashy bright yellow paintwork. 

Connor visits the religion’s spiritual HQ in Clearwater often and dines at the luxury hotel, Fort Harrison, owned by the church.

Despite being a chain-smoker, Connor – who is reported to have battled weight problems in the past – now lives a healthy life and often orders expensive gluten free meals at the Scientology restaurant.

The 23-year-old is said to be treated like royalty in Clearwater and is given VIP treatment whenever he arrives at the main hub of Scientology in his sports car – by parking directly outside the grand entrance.    

His career as a DJ is also taking off with slots booked at upmarket nightclubs all over the US.

In 2016, Connor was the star attraction at a wild night at Parq nightclub in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter.

He played a deafening 90-minute dance music set at the packed venue while nearly-naked female dancers writhed on podiums close by.

Groups of revelers aged in their 20s paid $30 a head to get in and Connor performed on the raised deejay platform which overlooked the large interior of the club.