These concept designs are for Deep Ocean Technology‘s soon-to-be luxury hotel in Dubai. The hotel consists of a series of discs above and below the surface of the water. Below the surface there are 21 rooms, an underwater dive center, and a bar. Above are the lobby, restaurant, spa, and recreation areas.
Anyone else have visions of Louis Gossett Jr. and a giant shark? Regardless though, it’s a really cool concept.
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Seems they’ve also seen Jaws 3 so the plans call for a safety system that’s integrated with international weather and earthquake warning systems, cameras, and remotely operated underwater vehicles stationed around the underwater discs.
[via]
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I love that Portland is just a few hours away; it’s such an easy jaunt from Seattle whether by train (my fave option) or car. For me, the food scene (overall) trumps Seattle any day, and really…it doesn’t hurt to do some tax-free shopping. I was lucky enough to tag along with my sweetheart at the last minute, so while he’s at work I’m able to get into some trouble on my own. I covered quite a few stops, but unfortunately some of the best shops don’t allow photos to be taken. I’ll throw together a little list once I finish exploring, so in the meantime here are some things you might want to check out the next time you have the chance to escape. Happy, happy weekend to you!
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The sweetest room key ever. Our hotel has me feeling all sorts of old-Hollywood glamourous. It’s a lot of fun, and the room is great. (I’ve heard some of the rooms can be quite small so be sure to ask about the types of rooms when you book.)
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The little touches at Little Bird. Solo lunch in a city that’s not your own can be so romantic. If it’s something new for you add a glass of bubbly and a magazine, then just sit back and watch. You learn a lot about the locals (and yourself too). By the way, don’t skip dessert at Little Bird. I mean it.
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The endless aisles at Powell’s Books. The most amazing maze of a bookstore. After floating through the cookbook section I did the same in puzzles and games. Leave it to me to buy a game (Big Boggle!) from a bookstore. This is a “must-do” in PDX.
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Seeing all of the soulless condos and apartments popping up all over Seattle has me yearning for history, culture, and charm. THIS picture of a street in Valletta, Malta is exactly what I’m craving. Even if I’m just drooling over this as I sip my morning cup of tea, I’ll take it as the perfect daydreaming escape…and add it to my travel to-do list.
[Photo by John S Y Lee on flickr. So lovely.]
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While helping a dear friend plan for her upcoming trip to Thailand I happened upon this beautiful resort, hidden away from the popular destination of Krabi, and suddenly my need for a beachfront getaway was boosted to new levels. Tucked away, and only accessible by a one-hour boat ride, Pimalai encompasses 100 acres of rainforest and a 900 meter (~.5 miles) stretch of pristine beachfront access. The resort is also host to one of Thailand’s best restaurants, world-renowned spa services and accommodations, and is also considered a green resort.
A new item for my travel to-do’s.
[via adelto]
This is what happens when a hotel restaurant dining room celebrates its fifth anniversary. The Ithaa restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island switched from dining room to luxury suite at 16-feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean. The suite is only available for one night of a guests stay, but comes with champagne dinner and breakfast in bed. Gorgeous!
[via Luxury Travel Advisor]
Me, in Sonoma
Back to reality after a whirlwind weekend in Sonoma. A chance upgrade (see our humble barn dwelling below!), the organic bath bar, two wine tastings (for good measure), and late night snacks all made for the perfect escape. I still haven’t unlocked a newfound appreciation for wine, but with my food and various other habits, I am sure this is for the best.
Hope you all had a lovely weekend. Only a few more days ’til it’s here again.
The Farmhouse Inn barn room
Farmhouse Estate – Sonoma Wine Country
On Tuesday it suddenly dawned on me that I had a holiday ahead; it felt like I had found $100 bill in my back pocket! I usually flip when I find a $5, so the realization that I had three days off sent me over the moon. It’s been a long time since my Lova and I were able to escape, so we decided to scramble to plan a last minute holiday.
To be honest since my December birthday I have had a lot swirling through my head and somehow things seem more urgent and unclear than they used to. I guess that’s what happens when you approach the tail-end of your 20′s, but it seems I must resolve to let it go and get back to enjoying what comes my way. My first attempt at this will be at the lovely Farmhouse Inn in the Russian River Valley in Sonoma wine country.
Believe it or not this will be our first trek into wine country (not including a quick trip to Napa for a disappointing meal at Bouchon, but that doesn’t really count). So, I’m looking forward to our country cottage on the estate and the wine tastings and, let’s be honest here, the artisan cheese snacks that will undoubtedly accompany it.
I hope you have a lovely weekend ahead of you, complete with an extra day and some time to enjoy living. Deep breath. Relax. Smile.
