One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives Resort
Atoll: a coral island consisting of a reef surrounding a lagoon. Familiarize yourself with this term as its key to uncovering one of the best kept secrets of the well-travelled. The Maldives is an island country made up of a group of atolls (26 to be exact) running southwest of Sri Lanka in the Laccadive Sea of the Indian Ocean. Situated on North Male Atoll is The One & Only Reethi Rah, a remote all-villa resort sitting on boundless white sands and surrounded by crystal blue waters. As secluded as it’s geographical location, each of the 130 villas offers its own secluded piece of sandy shore or private over-water deck. The design of the property is described as “sleek and elegantly tropical, using beautiful natural materials and contemporary styling.” With heavy emphasis on unparalleled privacy, One & Only Reethi Rah, is just what the doctor ordered for the whole family or just you and your lady. Especially if you screwed up recently, this is guaranteed to get you out of the dog house… and for villas ranging from $905 to $3,400 per night, it better!
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The Hergé Museum – Brussels, Belgium
A spectacular new museum dedicated to Hergé, the pen name of Georges Remi, who created the comic-book hero Tintin, opened in the Belgian town of Louvain-la-Neuve on June 2nd. It was designed by Christian de Portzamparc architects, a Pritzker-Prize-winner, and boasts a modern ode to the vibrant works of Remi.
The museum is located at the edge of the Source woods, with a viewing platform overlooking the town. The Hergé runs around a central atrium formed of curving walls in bold colours, pierced by high metal walkways. An internal lift shaft at the core of the atrium is painted with a chequerboard pattern, evoking the moon rocket in one of Tintin’s bestselling adventures. The structure stands on stilts in a park and visitors enter across a long wooden footbridge.
Amidst the museum’s architectural victories, the museum has another ambition: to cement the claim that Hergé, who died in 1983, was an important artist in his own right, whose talents as a graphic designer, painter and typographer were somewhat eclipsed by the runaway success of ‘The Adventures of Tintin.’
More images of Remi’s work and the museum are available after the jump.
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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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.
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.
The Lamborghini Academy
You’re probably already familiar with Lamborghini’s Gallardo and Murcielago. What you may not be familiar with it how to drive them with the prowess of a professional. Enter the Lamborghini Academy. Start off at the track academy and learn the basics of safely maneuvering while testing the limits of the Gallardo LP560-4. Completion of the track academy earns you the right to pilot the incredible 6.5 V-12 powered Murcielago LP 640 in their advanced academy, which is devoted entirely to perfecting and honing one’s racing skills using sophisticated telemetry and driving techniques. The winter academy throws it all out the window and involves mastery of the permanent all-wheel drive in extreme weather conditions. With such a variety of courses, cars, and driving styles, the Academy is sure to be worth every Euro. Lamborghini ownership is not necessary, and track days are scheduled through November.
More images after the jump.
Singita – Luxury African Game Reserve
Singita is a group of luxury African game reserves with locations in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Signita, means a place of miracles, and it offers extensive packages such as true wilderness experiences and horseback safaris. One of their packages is a 4-night safari that includes horse riding and game viewing in Tanzania’s Singita Grumeti Reserves. These horseback safaris are available throughout the year except for certain months due to wet season. The guided tours includes two nights at flagship lodge Singita Sasakwa, the only member of Relais and Chateaux in East Africa, as well as two nights at Singita Faru Faru. As you can tell from the following images below, these luxury game reserves are equipped with all the luxury amenities you’d find in other luxury hotels. Visit their site for more info.
More images after the jump.
