Tag Archives: resort

NEOM Siranna resort hotel looks like a fantasy castle carved from a mountainside

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When people speak of hotels, they probably think of towering buildings in the middle of cities or near beaches and tourist hot spots. Few will probably imagine one built on desert landscapes, surrounded by imposing mountains on one end and a sea on the other. They probably wouldn’t even be able to imagine how the hotel would be composed of towering spires that seem to be made from the very same rock as the mountains. That combination of elements, however, is exactly what NEOM’s latest ambitious project is proposing, creating a picturesque tourism escape that resembles fantasy or sci-fi fortresses built from mountains, which is actually also the blueprint for this hotel and residence dream.

Designer: NEOM

Imagine riding a boat across a sea and gazing at an imposing mountain range across the horizon. As you near the coast, you notice what seem to be stone pillars rising from the ground, their shadows during the day and lights at night casting an almost otherworldly atmosphere around them. This majestic view is actually your destination, and that’s the kind of adventure that the Siranna is meant to offer, a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a journey into an ultra-luxurious and dreamy location where sea, mountains, and wadi intersect.

To be built on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline in Saudi Arabia, the Siranna is a complex that will be home to a 65-key hotel and 35 exclusive residences that promise top-of-the-line resort amenities, from beach clubs to spas to wellness facilities. Despite the seemingly dry environment, the experience will also include outdoor adventures, whether on foot or on horseback, to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes that surround this man-made structure. Even the way you get to Siranna will be a breathtaking journey that starts with a boat ride to a secluded bay and then a trek through the mountain’s natural rock formations before finally reaching the property.

The design of the architecture is quite unique and distinctive, with hexagonal pillars that make up both the vertical buildings as well as horizontal spaces. The towers have a single window that runs through the height of the pillar, resulting in a rather striking vertical pattern of lights at night. If you’ve ever seen fictional cities or castles built on the side of mountains, this rather unusual space definitely fits the bill.

Just as unusual as its design is the actual construction of Siranna, intended to support sustainable living and conservation at the same time. The hotel is almost literally carved into the mountainside, allowing it to seamlessly blend with its surroundings while also minimizing intervention in nature and preserving the surrounding landscape. In an age where skyscrapers are eating up the land and blocking the skies for the sake of human convenience, the NEOM Siranna represents an escape not only from the mundane but also from the devastation we inflict on the planet.

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NEOM coastal resort and hotel concept looks straight out of a sci-fi movie

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High-rise buildings seem to be the trending design in architecture, but some visionaries plan to take that to the extreme. Concepts and even actual construction of buildings seem to defy logic and physics in order to create a striking skyline that will be remembered for centuries. With their riches and resources, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia seem to be in a race to erect towering structures that will provide not only shelter but also the ultimate luxury, unlocking vistas that would be unimaginable by current standards. The latest dream to be revealed would take root on the Gulf of Aqaba in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where not just one or even two but three towers will rise like sharp needles that pierce the heavens to offer a lavish escape from the stresses of the future.

Designer: NEOM

The Gulf of Aqaba, which forms one of the northern tips of the Red Sea, paints quite a dramatic picture because of the marriage of two geographical extremes: a coastal strip and a desert plain. Erecting skyscrapers would mar this picturesque scenery, but having just two creates an even more striking effect, like alien obelisks rising from the sands to act as portals to other worlds. It is perhaps not by coincidence that NEOM describes the Epicon as a gateway to the future, particularly the future of hotel and resort tourism for the region.

The main structure of the hotel concept is two asymmetrical towers, one 275 meters (902 feet) in height, the other only 225 meters (739 feet). The 41 key hotel and luxury residences comprise 14 suites and apartments and the two towers are connected by an elevated platform with exposed structural beams. In fact, the entire design of the Epicon towers has this industrial aesthetic from a distance, enhancing the mystique of the structure and creating a distinctive skyline that easily promotes the resort by itself.

This key motif is also employed in the Epicon resort that lines up the coastal shore, featuring 120 rooms and 45 residential beach villas. The single tower mirrors the twin hotel skyscrapers on a smaller scale, creating a play on perspective that serves to magnify the imposing presence of the twin towers. The distance between these two amenities generates an atmosphere of adventure and travel when going from one location to the other as if journeying between different worlds connected by a common vision and culture.

This otherworldly theme is especially evident at night when those structural beams are illuminated to create a visual not unlike futuristic towers from science fiction. It’s designed to invoke feelings of awe, wonder, and curiosity, inviting people from all walks of life to lose themselves in a luxurious experience away from the mind-numbing routines of daily life. The resort and hotel may be envisioned to offer first-class experiences and world-class service when it finally opens its doors, but Epicon’s design alone already entices visitors with epic moments of luxury, peace, and inspiration.

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This Treetop Resort In Bali Is The Dreamy Tropical Getaway Destination You’ve Been Daydreaming About

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If you’re looking for a tropical treetop getaway then you may want to consider the Lost Lindenburg resort in Bali, Indonesia. Designed by local architects Alexis Dornier and Studio Jencquel, the Lost Lindenburg resort is a stunning waterfront property in the dense lush jungle of Jembrana. The resort includes eight bedrooms that are elevated to create an “unusual, dreamy experience” for guests.

Designer: Alexis Dornier and Studio Jencquel

The treehouse-style bedrooms of the Lost Lindenberg resort are connected via elevated walkways, building a space that is on the same level as the tree canopy. “Perched like giants amongst an array of coconut palms and protruding from the canopy of the tropical landscape, four towers arise from the black sandy beach below,” said Alexis Dornier and Studio Jencquel. “We wanted to give the feeling of walking in a different world, of resting on a floating ship, elevated and safe, with the wild jungle at your doorstep. Grouped closely together, the towers form a floating village in the trees.”

As you enter the resort using a door in the wall, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the vibrant neon light installation by German artist Tobias Rehberger that attempts to contrast the otherwise serene and peaceful spaces around. Formal reception areas have been integrated to “break the barrier between hosts and guests”. The four towers of the resort include two bedrooms connected via a communal concrete terrace. The aforementioned elevated walkways urge the guests to spend time with each other. The lower-level spaces are clad in wooden slats and concealed. The slats control the views and light.

While at the upper level, the rooms occupy a pyramidal form owing to the shallow unique roofs. This form provides shade to the space below while providing stunning views of the lush green landscape. “Clad in wood from head to toe and painted the colors of the forest, these colossal structures blend well into their environment,” said the architects. “Only a jagged roofline barely discernible from afar by the fishermen out at sea is hidden amongst the trees and high enough to overlook the Indian Ocean,” they concluded.

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Aera is a vertical resort concept for those living in cities who need to take a break

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As someone who has lived in the city all my life, I would often get the urge to just escape to a beach or any nature oasis somewhere in the middle of a work day. But of course that seems impossible most of the time since I’m stuck in the concrete jungle. There have been designs and concepts of bringing nature closer to the city but unfortunately for me, I can only look at these from my computer screen and hope that someday, we’ll get something like them in my city.

Designer: OBMI

This new design for a unique kind of resort is created for urban areas that would like to have an oasis in the middle of all those buildings. Aera is a luxury vertical resort conceptualized in the context of an area that may not have enough space to house a full resort and to bring some semblance of water and sand to those living away from the beaches. This is definitely a first in terms of concepts and designs for nature retreats and it can be built in the middle of all the buildings, giving city dwellers a temporary escape.

Using the usual structural grid of a hotel tower, the design for Aera is made up of seven districts that includes dining, art, fashion, drama, garden, wellness, and family. Topping it off is a sky deck and a pool with a view of the urban sprawl surrounding it. So this is definitely not for those who are afraid of heights or falling off a pool into the streets below. But if you love the idea of a connection between the oasis within the resort and its surrounding buildings and streets, then this will be a treat for you.

Each level is like a micro-landscape with trees, walking trails, fountains, and other relaxing and refreshing scenery, in the midst of all the shopping, food, and artsy things in the different districts. The idea is to get people into a better headspace in the middle of the city without having to travel if they can’t travel at the moment. It pales in comparison to actually sitting on the beach and relaxing but it’s an option if you can’t go to that beach.

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This solar-powered luxury resort has 100 sustainably designed villas spread over 90 islands that boost eco-toursim!

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Nothing will stop me from dreaming about endlessly traveling the world again. So I am building out a 10 year travel plan to make up for this pandemic and I am adding the Red Sea Project by Kengo Kuma & Associates to it – who wouldn’t want to spend time in an oasis of luxury villas in Saudi Arabia? The project was commissioned by the Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) hence the name of the resort and it aims to set new standards in sustainable development while making its mark as a global tourism destination.

This ambitious resort will span over 90 currently undeveloped islands between the cities of Umluj and Al Wajh on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. There will be 100 spacious villas on the Ummahat Al Shaykh Island with low-rise curved roofs and curvilinear facades that change based on whether the villa is built on land or over water. Due to the relatively flat terrain of the island, the team recommended a design that would work with low, horizontal volumes and therefore the gently curves the roof find a harmonious relationship with the ground. The land villas emulate the sand dunes while the ones on the water called coral villas showcase a spiraled form that offers 360-degree-views of the sea. The team also designed two specialty restaurants, one on land and one over water that will have a curved, shell-like canopy, as well as a community building, a spa, a reception pavilion, housekeeping villas, and a guest jetty.

The Tokyo-based architecture studio is all about embracing the natural setting and drawing inspiration from the existing landscape as well as the rich heritage of the region. The natural setting compliments the architectural language and frames the buildings with artificial sand dunes and locally sourced vegetation. “Our design for the island buildings was inspired by the beautifully natural occurring elements of the island. The relatively flat terrain of the island suggested a design that works with low, horizontal volumes and that we should look to gently curve the roof of the buildings to find a harmonious relationship with the ground,” said the team at Kengo Kuma & Associates. The studio chose to use salt-resistant Accoya wood, suitable for the saline-high environment, and clay plaster for their designs.

Meanwhile, TRSDC is developing a range of policies that focus on zero-waste-to-landfill, zero discharge to the sea, and zero single-use plastics. The company has also made a commitment to achieve 100% carbon neutrality as they want to boost the eco-tourism industry using the Red Sea Project. The villas and all their surrounding structures will run completely on renewable energy without being dependent on the national grid – a decision supported by the leadership of the Kingdom as it encourages a balanced development of their pristine local area and entices international tourists to visit places outside the famous cities. The teams decided to minimize the use of concrete as it contributes 8% to the world’s carbon emissions. They will facilitate offsite manufacturing to reduce construction timeframes and waste. “The remote and pristine site suggested the use of prefabrication systems. We are using a mix of volumetric and panelized prefabrication,” added the team.

The Red Sea Project is a luxury retreat that is being built as part of a large-scale infrastructure focused on renewable energy, water conservation, and re-using resources to minimize waste. “The best location for the water buildings was chosen through accurate bathymetry investigation, biodiversity studies, and marine engineering studies, in an attempt to prevent any damage to the coral reef and avoiding interfering with the sea currents,” explained the team at Kengo Kuma & Associates. The grand plan even includes a special airport designed by Foster + Partners exclusively for this destination! The first phase of construction is set to be completed soon and a part of the resort will open in 2022 which will have five developed islands as well as two inland sites. By 2030, the destination will be complete with 22 islands and six inland sites. The Japanese architecture studio has taken all measures in their design to respectful of the extreme environmental sensitivity of the region by choosing a light-touch approach that will have the least detrimental impact on the rich biodiversity of the islands.

Designer: Kengo Kuma & Associates

Spongebob fans! This Pineapple Villa will top your travel bucket list!

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What is helping me get by these trying times is thinking about all the things I would do or places I will visit once the pandemic ends. Somewhere in the middle of all the wishful thinking and watching cartoons, I came across Spongebob’s Pineapple Villa and I had to look at it thrice to make sure my mind was not playing tricks on me. I can confirm it is real, the Pineapple from Bikini Bottom is actually a part of Nickelodeon’s resort in Punta Cana, and friends, that is where I want to be relaxing if we get our summer back. Welcome to Home Sweet Pineapple!

I will happily trade 124 Conch Street for a vacation in the Dominican Republic. The Pineapple Villa is not an exact replica of our beloved sea sponge’s home but, it is a lot more luxurious and human-friendly! The decor inside the villa has many iconic elements of Spongebob’s humble abode to make you feel like you are in Bikini Bottom – like the blue bamboo wallpaper, the floaty chair, the bulls-eye window, and the diving-helmet shaped tv. It has a private master suite with a king-size bed, both indoor and outdoor living as well as dining areas, and a complete marble bathroom. But my favorite part about the pineapple under the sea (or on land in this case) is the Aguas del Amor outdoor shower and freestanding tub. If that wasn’t enough, you can stroll through the villa’s private gardens, the Pineapple’s very own infinity pool or lounge on the sun-bathing beds while enjoying some of the show’s famous burgers. Anything outdoor that comes with butler-service at this point has my full attention.

“The 2-bedroom/3-bath Pineapple features all of the modern amenities and luxurious accommodations found in the Super Villas, but with a unique twist: all who enter are instantly immersed in SpongeBob’s world,” say those managing the iconic yellow structure. What makes me feel warm inside (yes, I realize I feel that way for a cartoon) is that this is probably the life Spongebob dreamed of having instead of flipping burgers. But what I do know for sure is that he would bury himself in the sand before he coughed up $3,800 per night.

Designer: Nickelodeon

Spongebob Watching Tv GIF from Spongebob GIFs

Spongebob Smooth GIF from Spongebob GIFs

‘GTA: Online’ opens the doors to The Diamond Casino & Resort

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The wait is over for GTA: Online's long-rumored "Vinewood Casino." The Diamond Casino & Resort opened its doors today. The "sprawling entertainment and luxury living complex" offers plenty to bet on, including roulette, blackjack and three card p...

Savvy Tech Solutions That’ll Enhance Your Life

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As one who is exposed to new product innovations as a regular course of business, I’ve seen my fair share cool gear and smart solutions that’ll make the rigors of daily life, well, that much less...

Anatomy of a Grand Weekend Getaway at Boulders Resort & Spa Arizona

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Amid my considerably hectic work schedule and family life where there’s nary a moment to spare, let alone full weeks (or more) to take extended trips, I’ve become a master of the “micro-vacation”—...