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California White Beach House by Richard Meier & Partners Architects

California White Beach House
Richard Meier & Partners Architects presents amazing beach house design, located in beautiful site in Southern California. This white house boasts the Pacific Ocean to the south, a gorgeous courtyard to the west, and the Pacific Coast Highway to the north. There’s a perfect harmony between the straight ‘boxed’ and organic designs of this modern house. The architecture is very interesting and fully loaded with detail. The bright white interior offers a grand space for dining and entertaining, where residents and guests are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows and a collection of rooftop skylights.



Bali Travel Tips


Bali

There are quite a few elements in a vacation to Bali that one cannot find elsewhere. Bali is one of the most exotic and beautiful tourist destinations. But what make it even more special are the luxury villa rentals in Bali, which add to the experience and enhance it. Be it the exhilarating architecture mixing traditional and local thinking with western influence or the end to end comfort with contemporary furnishing and a high level of sophistication soaked in modernity, there is a different world in every Bali villa - luxury accommodation in Bali. These gorgeous luxury and private villas in Bali are in themselves worth a visit.
Bali - Beach
Bali Tourist Attractions
Although there is no end to beauty at Bali, there are certain attractions one cannot miss at Bali. The beautiful island of Bali is famous for the cool beaches, Hindu temples and sublime gardens. Bali is located between two other islands called Nusa Tenggara and Java and is one of the 18000 islands that make the large archipelago called Indonesia.
Bali travel tips will always talk both about its architectural and artistic brilliance as well as the city life and contemporary settings. For the connoisseurs of Balinese painting, the Ubud museum called Purl Lukisan is a really treat. Ubud has various other art galleries including modern art works. Neka Art Museum is another well known attraction.
For those who would like to shop and party hard, the nightlife of Bali is at its fullest expression in the capital Denpasar, Seminyak and Kuta. Kuta is also famous for sandy stretches that are amazingly curved. The Pasar Badung market for a variety of stuff and the resorts and nightclubs provide a start contrast to the peaceful cliff front villas in Bali.
The Pura Besakih is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Bali with its sanctuary and shrines of the Hindu Trinity. Considered as the holiest of all the temples in Bali, this is set up on the Mt. Agung's slopes. Canggu is another must visit place in Bali. This peaceful place is now transforming itself into of the major tourist spots in this region. Canggu is about thirty to forty five minute drive from the international airport and offer magnificent views of the endless rice fields. Nestled away from the busy city life, this place is haven to the people who crave for tranquility and peace. Located close of Canggu is the Echo beach which is among the best for surfers to test their skills.
Bali Luxury Villas
Luxury Villa Rentals in Bali
The luxury villa rentals in Bali are an attraction of their own, for the gorgeous ocean views, cliff top mansions perched precariously on the slopes, lovely landscaped gardens which are wonderfully colorful. An interesting example is the Villa Oazia, which provides spa living with the tranquility of river borders and an emerald green belt of Canggu rice fields. Power food is available in this villa that creates an island of fantasy for the visitors with its eco-friendly architecture, activities for personal development and therapy services. The tropical environment provided by this lovely villa also offers spa treatments, surfing and other adventure trips, river views, a glimpse of Balinese sculptures, traditional joglo houses and gardens with facilities for romantic candle light dinners. The villas are truly a paradise of their own.
Looking for luxury Hotels in Bali. Check this....

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Iguassu Falls (Iguaçu Falls) are waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border of the Brazilian State of Paraná and the Argentine Province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River originates near the city of Curitiba. It flows through Brazil for most of its course. Below its confluence with the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the boundary between Brazil and Argentina.
Iguazu Falls
The name "Iguazu" comes from the Guarani or Tupi words y, meaning "water", and ûasú ,meaning "big". Legend has it that a god planned to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In rage the god sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall. The first European to find the falls was the Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541.

Check for luxury accommodation near the Iguazu Falls here.

St. Moritz - Switzerland


St. Moritz at night (winter)
St. Moritz has a glamorous reputation and is known to accommodate a wide range of visitors, from well-to-do celebrities to professional winter athletes. The town itself is divided into St. Moritz Dorf and St. Moritz Bad, though the overall scenic setting and dazzling shops create the stunning life deemed noteworthy in James Bond films and a hotspot amongst today's elite. Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Versace are a few of the well-known establishments complimenting the upscale jewelry and designer-watch boutiques.
St. Moritz - View
In addition, it's nearly impossible to pass by a St. Moritz hotel, like the prominent Badrutt's Palace, without stopping to eye its magnificence and beauty in structure and presentation. Still, as a place housing a year-round population of over 5,000, a local vibe exists among the sparkle and inside cultural shops, local bars and laidback cafes. If ritzy spending isn't in the budget, accommodation stretches further than tourist hotels and hostels, including cozy chalets and St. Moritz apartment rentals easily available through private offerings or vacation agencies.
St. Moritz Lake
Fortunately, the presence of the posh and high-end lifestyle will never damper the Swiss après-ski mentality and liveliness which vibrates through indoor bars and outside terraces, beginning in the early afternoon and carrying on into the night. Restaurants and nightlife range from classy white-table cloth eateries to English-style pubs and discos.
St Moritz - View from the Lake
St. Moritz is both a haven for classy winter lodging and skiers passionate about natural Swizz terrain. Those who come for the skiing can overlook the upscale lifestyle measurements, while others who wish to indulge in elegance can do so with ease and selection. From the highly skilled backcountry junkies to the cross-country fanatics, and the mass of intermediates who enjoy freshly groomed cruisers, the scene is a worthwhile destination for any type of winter sports enthusiast.

Hotel Dubrovnik Palace - Dubrovnik - Croatia

More info about Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.

The Pimalai Resort and Spa – Thailand (More Pictures)

The Pimalai Resort and Spa - Fountain

The Pimalai Resort and Spa - Beach View

The Pimalai Resort and Spa

The Pimalai Resort and Spa Pool
More info about The Pimalai Resort and Spa

10 Simple Ways to Plan Luxury Family Vacations

1. Advance planning helps as you get time to browse and select the place and the hotel of your choice.
2. Consult a good and reputed tour operator who has a variety of luxury family vacation plans from where you could choose that suits you best.
3. After consulting your family, zero in on a destination that every individual in your family would like to visit.
4. Finalize a place, which is less populated and as well as exotic at the same time. As it is a luxury family vacation, everything should be up to the mark and well sorted out.
5. Plan a systematic itinerary. Do not jumble too many things in the travel schedule. Unnecessary tiredness can hamper your fun-filled vacation. Keep it simple.
6. If you are zeroing on certain geography, make sure you carry necessary gear for your vacation. This should be done keeping in mind the destination and climate.
7. If you have senior members in your family, ensure the hotel looks after all their needs and requirements.
8. The luxury hotel you pick must also have arrangements for kids' entertainment. After all, you would not want your kids to come back sulking!
9. If there are, any activities in your schedule like trekking, visiting a fair, or visiting fine-diners with your family, make sure you carry proper gears and book in advance for the later to avoid last minute hassles.
10. Spend as much time you can with your family. Dive, climb and dine together to keep the fun alive. The idea of having a vacation is to instill togetherness and not just visit the place.
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Essential Australia Travel Information

Australian opera house

Most people don't know just how different things can be to travel to another country. From the currency to which sports are most popular, you will find that things are very different when you travel. To help make it less of a shock for you, here is some essential Australia travel information so you know a bit about what to expect.
If you are thinking about bringing any electronics with you, you should know that the electrical outlets in Australia are very different from North America. If you have a cell phone or laptop computer that you will need to plug in while you are here, you will need to purchase an adapter before you go. These adapters can be difficult to find once you get there. Make sure you buy one and don't forget to pack it!
You will find that money in Australia is quite different as well. The exchange rate will be in your favour if you live in the USA, as Australian dollars are worth less. One interesting thing you will notice about Australian paper money is the fact that it is made of plastic. Australia is the first country in the world to print plastic money, and the change occurred between 1992 and 1996.
One interesting bit of Australia travel information is that tipping at restaurants is not normal in Australia. When eating at restaurants, you should not feel obligated to give a tip. It is, of course, appreciated if you do, but it is not expected in the least.
This is some of the most interesting Australia travel information that is important to know if you are planning a trip there. Make sure that you bring home some of their plastic money as a souvenir when you go home, as you will not likely see it again soon.
Australian dolar

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Top 5 Tips For Luxury Travel in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket

5. Getting to Phuket,Thailand is easier than ever: When you look out your airplane window while soaring over the island, Phuket might look like an isolated and idyllic paradise. While it still retains that feeling of isolation, though, Phuket is now more accessible than ever. The many daily flights from Bangkok and Singapore are just the beginning, with the airport hosting direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, Hong Kong, and Australia, among many other destinations in South East Asia. Your Phuket resort can help you figure out which is the best way to get to Phuket.
4. Shop til you drop: Feeling the urge to splurge? Not far from your Phuket luxury resort are sure to be some great shopping opportunities. While it is easy to get lost in a maze of cheap souvenirs by Patong beach, there are great and unique finds to be had if the luxury traveller knows where to look. For instance, the up-market Surin Plaza mini-mall contains a variety of shops that specialize in charming knick-knacks and well-designed crafts, such as the boutique Galleria Aleenta. Ask your Phuket resort for more suggestions.
3. Get your spa on: Getting tired of lazing under your private umbrella while sipping on a pineapple shake? Well, even if you're not, the lure of the spa might still drag you away for some luxurious pampering. Try the famous Thai massage or a body wrap of seaweed. Whatever kind of treatment you decide to try, you're sure to find the rest and relaxation you're looking for in between your other Phuket activities.
2. Why go in a group when you can go private?: As part of its reputation as an international hot spot for the world's luxury travellers, Phuket has developed a thriving industry of private and chartered expeditions by land, sea, or sky. Soar over the Andaman in a private sea-plane to a deserted beach for a picnic, or spend a couple of days island-hopping around Phang Nga Bay in your chartered yacht. Though it might be hard to leave your Phuket luxury resort, one of these exclusive excursions is sure to tempt even the most dedicated beach bum.
1. Two words: Pool Villas: Nothing says luxury like your own private pool with your holiday resort villa. The ultimate in private indulgences, take a dip whenever you like without worrying about your lounge chair being taken. For example, at the Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa, the whole property is comprised of luxurious and private pool villas. Indeed, no Phuket luxury resort is complete without them!

Top Ten Luxury Holidays Worldwide

Everybody deserves a treat once in a while especially as more people are spending less time at home and more time at the office.
So naturally getting away on holiday should be the first thing that comes to mind to ensure quality time is spent with each other as well as treating yourself to something special.
There are thousands of holiday destinations that are available all year-round that guarantee the sun as well as providing luxury; here we will look at the ten most popular of all time.
Famous for its white sandy beaches and green/ blue crystal like sea, the Maldives is definitely the place to be for ultimate luxury. With stand-alone beach huts that have glass floors which allow you to look at the marine life as you have breakfast, it doesn't get much better than that.
Dubai is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world and is becoming more popular as a holiday destination for all the family. Famous for its changing skyline Dubai is by far an undiscovered adventure city offering sun, sea and ski all under the same roof.
One of the most popular islands in the Caribbean, Barbados offers luxury as well as affordability. If relaxing on a white sandy beach with a cocktail is your idea of luxury then Barbados is definitely the place for you. Holidays to this amazing resort are getting cheaper, so flying away for a week in the sun could be very easy to suit all pockets
Having been a popular destination in the past for honeymooners, Mauritius is fast becoming the ideal get-away for all, offering some of the classiest beach resorts in all of the world. Probably most famous for its star-spotting and Michelin star restaurants, Mauritius is definitely a place to visit sooner rather than later.
Home to some of the most beautiful foods and culture in the world, Thailand offers incredible value for money that gives amazing sandy beaches and sparkling blue sea in return.
Staying in Thailand is relatively cheap, so if having a full massage on a beach whilst sipping a martini is your style then Thailand is definitely first choice.
Okay perhaps not the first place that springs to mind when you think of luxury, but Malaysia is one of the dark-horses in the ten most luxurious places in the world.
More often than not associated with backpackers, Malaysia also offers picture postcard beaches and exotic hotels, not to mention beautiful scenery.
With some of the most incredible sights and historical buildings, Egypt not only has long sandy beaches it also oozes culture.
With luxurious hotels on the Red Sea resort, relaxing in style shouldn't be a problem. With holiday prices at an all-time low to Egypt, it's fast becoming number one on the list of places to visit.
A popular destination for getting married, Cyprus is also another under-cover top-tenner, offering luxurious relaxation holidays at budget prices.
Not only does it boast long summer days all year-round, it offers culture as well as amazing cuisine. It's also famous for its markets, adding something special to your holiday.
If a luxury holiday for all the family is what you're looking for, then Spain has everything to cater for all ages. With hot summer days and first-class hotels, as well as theme parks and activities for children, there is nowhere better for a little slice of heaven than Spain.
Holidays are often inexpensive but have all the qualities of a top notch luxury get-away.
Most famous for its mythology and famous gods, Greece has made its way into being one of the top ten most luxurious destinations of all time.
Greece is home to seafood and is renowned for the quality of its fish, but not only does it offer exquisite cuisine and historical sights, it also boasts beautiful golden beaches and activities for all.

Top 5 Luxurious Destinations in Australia

It may be a long journey to the other side of the world but once you are there, Australia's welcome is well worth it. With breathtaking sights from the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to the penguins on Philip Island, the Great Ocean Road and Ayres Rock, there is something to excite everyone.
Luxury hotels litter the East Coast from Sydney to Cape Tribulation whilst boutique boltholes spring up in and around metropolitan Melbourne. Coupled with designer shops, impressive resorts and every comfort imaginable, luxury travel is top of any down under adventure. Here are five of the best places to see:
1. Sydney
Sydney
Often considered by many to be Australia's real main city - rather than the capital Canberra - Sydney is overflowing with things to see and do. If views are your thing, catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Cremorne Point and marvel back at the city skyline. If you would rather enjoy the sights from the comfort of your 5-star hotel, booking a room at one of Sydney's downtown lavish hotels - like the Shangri-La overlooking the harbour - is a must.
2. East Coast
East Coast, Australia
Although a firm contender on the backpacker trail, Australia's East Coast is also home to mile upon mile of luxurious hotels and resorts just waiting to take the weight off your feet. Nestled along the coastline from Sydney in the south to Cape Tribulation in the north, indulgence is never far away. For the ultimate in remote retreats, Hamilton Island has long been offering all the staples of luxury travel from soft fluffy towels to pampering sessions in the resorts spa.
3. Melbourne
Melbourne
A metropolitan mecca, Melbourne is abuzz with every kind of everything. A melting pot of eco travel and luxury travel, boutique boltholes are scattered around the city from the beaches of St Kilda to the hip areas of Fitzroy and Carlton and into the downtown central area and along the Yarra River.
4. Perth
Perth
Taking the crown as the hub of Australia's quieter, but stunningly beautiful, west coast, Perth is still a firm fave for the luxury traveller. From villas with ocean views on Rottnest Island to eco lodges on the outskirts of the city, relaxing and putting your feet up is par for the course in this town. What Perth lacks in close proximity to other cities, it most definitely gains in having its finger well and truly on the pulse as far as treating yourself is concerned.
5.The Outback
The Outback
The epicenter of Australia, the Outback is not only home to the country's most remote wilderness but it also has some of the most luxurious accommodation you will find. Deluxe safari-esq tented cabins are just one way to enjoy a night of sleeping out under the stars.
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Top 5 Recommended Luxury Hotels in Thailand

X2 Koh Samui
X2 Koh Samui

The resort occupies 5 acres (12 Rai) of land, with 27 villas. Most have private swimming pools, and outside living areas. The general area is underdeveloped and peaceful with the only a few high-end residential villa projects sharing the beach.

The 100 meter beachfront and 50 year old trees help provide the X2 atmosphere the owners were striving to achieve, and gave designersthe background on which to recreate the resort.


Trisara

Trisara
Each of the Trisara’s 42 guest suites are beautifully furnished of utmost luxury, while some guest villas feature private pools. The hotel offers spa treatments, top-notch dining, a secluded beach, and plenty of sporting activities.Numerous recent accolades include being voted “Best Leisure Resort Worldwide & Best Resort in South East Asia, 2009 by readers of the Gallivanters Guide”
The Sarojin, Thailand

The Sarojin

Designed in a contemporary Asian style, lines blur and merge simultaneously with the natural local elements and landscape.  The spiritual heart of the resort is an age old giant Ficus tree.  A magnificent soul-soothing reflective lotus pond brings a sense of grandeur and peace to your environment.
The grounds, walkways, sumptuous onyx infinity pool, lotus ponds, pure white beaches and restaurants serving scrumptious delicacies, they're all yours.  When you choose.  If you choose.  Live Sarojin-style, in harmony and natural elegance as a guest who is the jewel in her crown.
56 Guest Residences nestle within the 10-acre grounds.  Private access leads directly to an expansive white beach and the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea that provide year-round swimming and water sports.  Abundant space and privacy blend harmoniously with nature, offering a rare oasis for relaxation.
Six Senses Hideaway Samui
Six Senses Hideaway Samui

The luxuriously appointed Six Senses Samui is set around a gently sloping headland on the northern tip of Samui Island amongst 20-acres of indigenous vegetation that ensures maximum privacy while offering uninterrupted, breathtaking panoramas to the Gulf of Siam and outlying islands.

The Chedi Chiang Mai

The Chedi Chiang Mai

Set in the heart of the historical, cultural city of Chiang Mai is The Chedi, a luxury hotel of style and sophistication. Built in a crisp, modern design, the hotel is surrounded by greenery and overlooks the Mae Ping River.
Each of the hotel’s 84 rooms are spacious and are equipped with first-class amenities. There is also a luxurious spa, an outdoor pool, a yoga room, and several restaurants and lounges.

Tur Palas, Ibiza - Exotic Vacation

TUR PALAS
The Apartments TUR PALAS are located right at the sea in Playa den Bossa and only 5 min away from Ibiza town in a lively area with many restaurants, bars and other entertainment options. The beach club Bora-Bora and the world-famous club Space are nearby. The bus stop is only 50 m away.

Apart from all the pleasures within our complex, you will have at your disposal all kind of activities like: water sports on the beach, sightseeing in Ibiza Town, excursions to the idyllic beaches of Formentera or hire a car and discover the villages, beautiful countryside and hidden coves around the island.

TUR PALAS
Ibiza-Spain


The Best 10 Beach Hotels in Spain

#1.W Hotel Barcelona
Located on the Nova Bocana of the Port of Barcelona, which connects the city’s historic center to the Mediterranean, W Barcelona has direct beach access at the entrance to the world-famous boardwalk of La Barceloneta. It has Spain’s first Bliss Spa on the property, and the rooftop nightclub and bar was designed by the Ignite Group. Want to know more? VISIT US
 W Hotel Barcelona

#2.Marbella Club Hotel
Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa is,a resort offering a unique blend of old and new, located in a natural paradise on the shores of the Mediterranean – called the  ”Golden Mile” (between Marbella and Puerto Banus). More info HERE
Marbella Club Hotel
#3.Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa Hotel Muro
Faced with the ten miles of beach and dunes of the Bay of Alcudia, this hotel is noted for its large spaces devoted to swimming pools and lush gardens. It is ideal for swimmers, but also for nature lovers, as it is located next to the Albufera Natural Park where you can go hiking and other outdoor activities. It also has a wide range of spa services as a Greek baths, an ice fountain and a Finnish sauna.
Grupotel Parc Natural & Spa Hotel Muro
#4.Hotel Villa Rosario Ribadesella
A mansion in the early twentieth century is a dream comes true of an immigrant who after making their fortunes abroad wanted to take up residence in the Green Coast.Today this is a luxury hotel that will give you the best vacation.
Hotel Villa Rosario Ribadesella
#5.Seaside Sandy Beach Hotel Gran Canaria
This large resort inspired by the Arabs is particularly suitable for families wishing to spend a few days of relaxation or play right on the lively Playa del English. There are activities for all tastes. Those seeking peace and quiet can sunbathe by the pool or be pampered in its wellness center, while those who are willing to share may attend classes for diving, surfing or parasailing for the more adventurous.
Seaside Sandy Beach Hotel Gran Canaria
#6.Hotel El Castillo Suances
This hotel is set in a cliff-top castle overlooking the beach of Los Locos and the Bay of Biscay. Its headland location offers spectacular views of the sea and the dramatic coastline. The castle lies just 50 metres from the lighthouse of Suances – a tranquil seaside resort on the coast of the Cantabria region. Here you will also find clean, sandy beaches and pleasant green countryside. The area is popular amongst surfers and bathers for its beaches, which can be easily reached from the hotel.
Hotel El Castillo Suances
#7.Gran Hotel Sol y Mar Calpe
Gran Hotel Sol y Mar Calpe is located in a privileged area of Calpe, only a few metars from Arenal beach, across from the emblematic Penon de Ifach and right in the City centre, on Calpe's principal Avenue.
#8.Gran Talaso Hotel Sanxenxo
This hotel is located in one of the main sources of coastal tourism in Galicia, just in front of the Playa del Silgar and surrounded by trees, but close to the center. Besides having the best views of the beach, especially in the evening, has a large number of services for beauty and relaxation as well as his or thalassotherapy seawater spa.
Gran Talaso Hotel Sanxenxo
#9.Barcelo Costa Vasca Hotel San Sebastian
The Barcelo Costa Vasca Hotel San Sebastian has many nearby attractions such as the Miramar Palace Gardens, historical museums, sports and luxury spas. Guests can also enjoy Mount Igueldo and the aquarium that are only 1 kilometer away. This English style hotel is surrounded by ocean and garden views. The Barcelo Costa Vasca Hotel San Sebastian also includes an American bar, cafeteria, and 12 meeting rooms as well as Internet, a tennis court, a swimming pool, dry cleaning services, concierge services, laundry services, currency exchange, room service, parking and garage facilities.
Barcelo Costa Vasca Hotel San Sebastian
#10.Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel & Spa Aguilas
Although this four star hotel is located opposite a marina and is particularly suitable for water sports lovers, the beach is also just a few minutes. The water sports also seeking relaxation may come to your spa or a drink at its piano bar or on the terrace overlooking the sea. It also offers cultural tours to the surroundings, such as Lorca and Cartagena.
Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel & Spa Aguilas