Hotel Madlein In Ischgl, Austria
The Hotel Madlein in Ischgl, Austria offers year-round luxury accommodations for travelers. Located in the Tyrolean Alps, the resort is only steps away from the famed Silvretta Ski Area. If plans don’t include winter sports, the Madlein offers expansive pools and holistic spa treatments. Also located within the hotel, the Pacha Ischgl Nightclub is a popular local destination. The owners commissioned the design of the hotel with hopes of setting a new design standard, “one that is purist, basic, almost monastic in style.” The hotel exudes a minimalist aesthetic and features a limited palette of stone, wood, and glass. Their approach allows the Madlein to differentiate itself from nearby resorts and has created a popular mountain destination.
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W Hotel New York by BBG-BBGM
New York’s popular, design-savvy Hotel W recently added a number of new guest suites sure to please even the most critical of guests. Designed by BBG-BBGM, the suites were conceived as “an urban oasis…a respite from the chaos of the city.” A range of different layouts offer guests amenities such as soaring double height ceilings, lofted sleeping areas, and even spacious outdoor terraces. Interior spaces focus on luxurious materials complemented by a palette of soft natural colors and carefully selected accent lighting. All suites are outfitted with custom furniture pieces and specially commissioned artwork. Hotel W differentiates itself by investing time and effort to ensure that each space is coherently and individually designed, allowing guests a totally unique experience.
See more images of the W Hotel by BBG-BBGM after the jump.
Bar Lounge Nisha Acapulco
One of two properties bearing the NISHA name, this new Acapulco bar and lounge is tailored to a younger demographic with more focus on nightlife than its forbearer. Designed by Mexico City-based Pascal Arquitectos, the bar’s interior is a contemporary interpretation of a nautical theme. Upon entering, visitors are met with curved, wood-clad ceilings and walls punctuated by porthole-shaped screens displaying underwater landscapes. The entry opens to a large central space delineated by intimate clusters of seating. The use of wood is continued on the walls and ceiling, and screens are creatively framed as if they were pieces of art. The use of colored accent lighting throughout the bar is also fundamental in creating the nautical, lounge atmosphere that NISHA purveys to its customers. Cool tones of light emanate from all corners, including beneath seating areas, from the base of walls, and below the bar. Once inside the bar, the only indication of the outside world is the view of a small patio, which serves to remind customers that they are not actually on a sea-faring vessel.
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Hotel Boutique La Purificadora
Hotel Boutique La Purificadora, designed by LEGORRETA + LEGORRETA, is located in Puebla, Mexico. Situated opposite the historic Church of San Francisco, the hotel is housed in a former ice factory, originally constructed during the 1800’s. Its design is dictated by the incorporation of modern amenities into an historic building. Much of the original structure remains, including monolithic stone walls and repurposed wood flooring. The massive structure was divided into private rooms elevated above open-air public spaces. The rooms each have a glass-enclosed balcony cut into the façade of the original walls. The public spaces include a large central courtyard and fireplace, a restaurant, and glass-sided lap pool. The hotel’s furnishings are minimal and modern, with bright colors and transparent materials complementing the rustic aesthetic of the original building.
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Megalopolis Shanghai by Horst and Daniel Zielske
Photographers Horst & Daniel Zielske present the city of Shanghai between fiction and reality as ‘The City of Tomorrow’ in a series of pictures. In a long term project dating back to November 2002, the father-and-son duo have been documenting the Chinese city as an urban composition, a man-made architectural living space and environment of extraordinary gigantic dimensions. To create these brilliant images, they chose the architecture of the city’s streets as the focal point of their work.
See the rest of the photographs after the jump.
Postie Bike Challenge
File this one in your drawer of amazingly cool things to do. The Postie Bike Challenge has been around since 2002 and is more about attitude and an overall experience than high speeds and quick finishes. This 4,000km, 10-day trek through the flatlands and rain forests of Australia is completely different from any motorcycle get-together on the planet. Designed to stimulate more camaraderie than competition, the Challenge puts all riders on the same 110cc bikes, which, to quote the creators, “is the great equalizer regardless of your skill level.” Oh, and did we mention that the entry fees go to local charities? Check out more information for the next Postie Bike Challenge for October this year at the official website.
See some images of the Postie Bike Challenge after the jump.
Distrito Capital Hotel by Grupo Habita
Mexico City has a new luxury hotel, Distrito Capital. This property, the 8th unveiled by Grupo Habita, a group known for its impeccably designed hotels, opened in February 2009. In case you didn’t already guess, the name Distrito Capital translates to “capital district” – although ironically, the hotel is located in Santa Fe, one of the city’s business districts. The hotel features the modern interior design work of Joseph Dirand, who also designed the Grupo Habita hotel Habita Montery. Dirand’s work in Distrito Capital includes an emphasis on the horizontal and vertical line, a mix of vintage and modern furniture from the likes of Charlotte Perriand and Alvar Aalto, and dark gray walls in a number of spaces. The hotel has 17 rooms and 13 suites – including a presidential suite (Suite Royal) which has a private gym. Also available to guests are the hotel’s library, restaurant helmed by Enrique Olvera, bar, pool, and Acqua di Parma amenities.
Nicaragua – Volcano Boarding – Travel Article from New York Times
In an article posted by the New York Times, reporter Laura Siciliano-Rosen chronicles her time spent in Leon, Nicaragua. During her stay, she is introduced to the exhilirating sport of volcano boarding. Standing atop an ominous live volcano, she describes the experience of hurtling down the 1600 foot slope of Cerro Negro Volcano at speeds of up to 50 mph on merely plywood reinforced with metal rails on the bottom and sides. Natives of the land are familiar with this activity, but this craze has sprawled out and attracted backpacking adventure-seekers from all corners of the world.
Information is provided on tours, lodging, and rates for this adventure. Follow the link for this very interesting read.
Article: Travel.NYTimes
See more images of Volcano Boarding after the jump.
Hospes Maricel – Mallorca, Spain
Located in the Spanish island of Mallorca, the Hospes Maricel is a stately home constructed of the finest natural materials intending to make your stay there as pleasurable as possible. A regular day in the five-star establishment starts with a gourmet treat for the palate, voted in 2004 as ‘The Best Breakfast In The World’, and it also features a cocktail bar set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Other features include the Bodyna Spa and Wellness Centre, which includes an impressive infinity swimming pool, a covered swimming pool, a sauna, steam rooms, a gym and rooms for pilates and relaxation. A new complex was added to the hotel last summer, where it was developed in a ‘countryside’ environment, and features three new buildings connected with each other and with the prime building, and two new buildings with 22 deluxe rooms and suites including a private terrace and plunge pool.
For more info: Hospes Maricel
Ace Hotel + Arkitip + Generic Surplus – Sneakers & Tote
Ace Hotel teams up with Generic Surplus and Arkitip to produce a set of promotional items. The items include a pair of sneakers and tote bag that reflects the personality and environment of the Ace Hotel, Palm Springs.
More info and images after the jump.
