The SnowCastle of Kemi by the Gulf of Bothnia is the source of great pride as well as a true showcase of architectonic snow-work of the local constructors. Every winter the SnowCastle offers wonderful experiences for both children and adults alike. Great light-effects will add to the charm of the snow- and ice-sculpting as well as to the structures about the SnowCastle.

The constructions of the SnowCastle 2009 at the Inner Port of Kemi began on December 31st. Opening ceremonies was held on Friday the 30th of January 2009.

Over its history of ten years the SnowChapel has become a long-time favourite for the visitors of the SnowCastle; it is a good place to quiet one’s mind and calm down.

The Chapel is ecumenical and is available for all church-groups. You can arrange wedding-, christening- or other church-related events there.

In the SnowHotel there are rooms for singles, couples as well as bigger groups. There are 18 rooms for doubles / singles and two group-rooms with five beds as well as a Honeymoon Suite. The whole SnowHotel and the rooms inside are made of snow.

The fresh, about -5 degrees Celsius breathing-air, will guarantee you sweet dreams inside a well-equipped sleeping-bag on a good bed. You will have a memorable sleeping-experience in the SnowHotel!

Sleeping in the SnowHotel includes also breakfast served inside the warm CastleLounge and after breakfast you will have the chance to go and take a shower and go to the sauna in a nearby Hotel.

The Castle will be closed on the 10th of April at 7 pm.

The exclusive Buddha-Bar brand, the unique vision of the creative spirit of Raymond Visan comes to Prague with the first-ever Buddha-Bar Hotel in the world. The five-star hotel includes the legendary Buddha-Bar Restaurant & Bar and a brand new trendy restaurant, the Siddharta Café, all of which were opened in January. The opening of the hotel for the public on January 22 was celebrated in a Grand Opening Show held on January 29, hosting a number of VIPs from the world of business, politics and entertainment.

The five-star boutique Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague, managed by the Czech CPI Hotels corporation, is located in the pulsing heart of Prague, in Jakubská Street, only a few steps from Old Town Square and next to St Jacob’s Church. Along with both “Eatertainment” restaurants, the hotel is located in a six-floor historical building from the early 20th century which underwent a major renovation in 2008.

“The hotel offers accommodation in 36 rooms and three exquisite suites, the rooms averaging 39 sqm. Some of the rooms have private terraces or Japanese gardens while other make the best use of the intricacy and sophistication of the building’s layout and attic space”, says Veronika Fajčíková, Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague Director, speaking of accommodation. The interior is dominated by red and gold colours with black and dark brown furniture highlights, such as alligator print chairs or bamboo panels. A massive black jacaranda bed with a dragon design at the bed-head clearly defines the room design, setting the tone along with a bewitching light of Chinese lamps.

”Exquisite designer furniture and luxurious materials are not the only guarantees of our guests’ pleasure and comfort; our hotel rooms are also equipped with top-level technology making the stay pure delight and joy for our guests. Hotel rooms are fitted with e.g. Nespresso Coffee Machines, Subzero Minibars, Balnea 8000 toilets and Bang&Olufsen TV sets transmitting music mixed by DJs in the bar“, describes Veronika Fajčíková. Shower bath with rain shower head and original mosaic or a remote-controlled in-built TV in mirror wall facing the bath tub are the doors to perfect relaxation.

The hotel offers active relaxation as well in a smaller fitness facility, sauna and jacuzzi. The unique, personalised Buddhattitude approach is an expression of a most elegant and sensuous concept of perfect spa treatment, turning hotel rooms into unique spas. The hotel uses the Himalayan, Signature and Tibetan skin & body care ranges of original exclusive buddhattitude products.

The Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague goes beyond expectations for unparalleled experience and individual relaxation, relying mainly on its top-brand design, one-of-a-kind, mesmerising ambiance, original fusion of exquisite culinary flavours and highly customised approach. “The oriental influence is apparent from specially chosen colours, materials, fabrics, flavours, aromas and fragrances stimulating all human senses“, adds Veronika Fajčíková to describe the hotel’s atmosphere.

The Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague is the first of a new, global network of Buddha-Bar Hotels & Resorts aiming to transcend even the highest standards of five-star hotels. It seeks to provide its guests with an experience inspired by a unique life-style enthralling and captivating all human senses. The unique concept is part of the George V Restauration group managing the world known and successful Buddha-Bar restaurants in Paris, New York, Dubai, Beirut, Cairo, London and Kiev. The original interior design is by Raymond Visan and the team of DWA Architects. Architect Zbyšek Stýblo and Gama studio provided Czech architectural input and design expertise.

We would! Houston based Morris Architects had a winning entry with this concept to John Hardy Group sponsored Radical Innovation In Hospitality competition. What exactly is the concept? Oil Rig Resort, Spa, and Aquatic Adventure: To convert one of Gulf Coast’s abandoned oil rigs into a resort hotel. How Mad-Maxy!

The architests comment on it saying “In a twist on the symbol of oil dependence, the rig is transformed from obsolete industrial infrastructure into a vibrant component of the biosphere’s ecosystem and a destination for discerning travelers.”

“As the adaptive reuse of an abandoned oilrig,” added John Hardy, president and CEO of the John Hardy Group, “the Rig Resort offers a potentially commercially viable solution to an environmental hazard by providing alternative adventure travel opportunities based on a natural setting, simultaneously creating new jobs previously non-existent in the area.”

Read more about this exciting concept here.

Kevin Roberts is the New York-based CEO Worldwide of Ideas Company Saatchi & Saatchi, one of the world’s leading creative organizations with a team of 7000 people across 83 countries. Clients include some of the world’s best-performing companies including Procter & Gamble, Toyota, General Mills, Visa International, Ameriprise, JC Penney and Novartis. He is the author of the amazing book “Lovemarks“.

His comments about Bulgari, Milan: “”La Dolce Vita 2007 style! Pampering at its best. Try and persuade Attilio to give you the Bulgari Suite.”

The Bulgari name has long been associated with the ideals of exquisite design, fine craftsmanship and an exclusive sense of style. Now these same qualities are newly translated in the Bulgari Hotel, set in the beautiful Brera district of Milan. The Hotel has great presence, articulated by its soft tones and geometric forms in wood, marble and granite. Originality and warmth embrace the rooms and suites, the simple ease of the lounge, the convivial and spacious restaurant and bar. And nature is part of it – in the garden, in the spa, in the cuisine. With all its carefully conceived facilities and services, the Bulgari Hotel, Milano is giving new expression to the Italian
flair for innovation and tradition.

Learn more at bulgarihotels.com

Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel

A magical stay at an Austrian lakeside chateau is truly one of life’s great travel experiences. Just a few hours drive from Vienna, Milan, Munich, Salzburg and Europe’s gateway cities, Capella’s Schloss Velden is a favored Austria boutique hotel for affluent travelers.

The area is often referred to as the “Austrian Riviera” with its location on Europe’s largest and warmest Alpine lake, Worthersee. This paramount holiday hotel offers water activities, fine dining and entertainment options. The surrounding Carinthia region is ideal for year-round activities, such as horseback riding, golfing, mountain climbing, walking and snow skiing.

Originally, built between 1590 and 1603 by Barholomäus Khevenhüller, Schloss Velden has long been a preferred destination of the international jet set, royalty, dignitaries, movie stars and writers. In 1762, a fire ruined major parts of the three-level renaissance chateau. In 1890, Ernst Wahliss, an industrialist from Vienna, purchased the chateau and reconstructed it into a luxury Carinthia resort according to original plans with help from Wilhelm Hess, an architect from Vienna.

Over the decades, its terrace, park and sophisticated beach club on Worthersee have been the playgrounds of history’s movers and shakers. In 1990, Schloss Velden became the private residence of the German industrialist, Gunter Sachs, and was the setting for several films and the popular Austrian/German TV series “Ein Schloss am Wörthersee” (”A Castle on Lake Woerth (Wörthersee)”) in the 1990s. Today, our Velden hotel is recognized as an icon of luxury and wellness world-wide to guests and travelers.

The standard rooms are located in both the Historical Chateau and the new wing of the hotel and range in size from 31- 54 square meters / 334-581 square feet. These guest rooms bring together the historic character of the Chateau and the modern amenities of the 21st century. Each room features a LCD television, wireless LAN, refreshment center stocked with complimentary mineral waters and soft-drinks, bedside touch panel control for lighting and drapes.

The Kaiser Suite is the finest accommodation that is offered at Schloss Velden, A Capella Hotel. This impressive suite is over 300 square meters / 3230 square feet and includes two bedrooms, a large parlor, a study, and a fully equipped conference room. Additionally a large balcony with a dining area for eight offers expansive views of Lake Woerth (Wörthersee). In fact, lake views can be enjoyed from every room.

Visit Schloss Velden Capella for more information.

Colette

The concept store Colette, quite possibly the most stylish store in all of Paris, was founded ten years ago by Indie-preneur Sarah Lerfel and her mother Colette Roussaux. Located in the heart of Paris, Colette is a world leader for trendsetters where you can find a vast variety of exclusives items such as books, CDs/DVDs, electronics and high end designer clothing.

Have a closer look to Colette with Flake TV

W Hong Kong

Located in West Kowloon, the hub of the buzzing financial district of Hong Kong, the new W Hong Kong brings a large dose of New York swankiness to the cosmopolitan Asian business capital.

The W Hong Kong marks the W brand’s third property in Asia and celebrates W Hotels’ ten year tradition of innovative design, signature amenities and warm, whimsical style. Offering a sensory multiplex of contemporary design and comfort, W Hong Kong embraces the heritage and mysticism of traditional Chinese culture.

W Hong Kong

Japanese designer Yasumichi Morita and Australian interior designer Nic Graham have created an environment that offers unique and complementary interpretations of mother nature in their respective spaces within the hotel. Elements of wood, stone, water, fire and metal used generously throughout the hotel’s colorful spaces and rooms seamlessly blend with the W brands signature design elements. The hotel also showcases original works by several renowned artists including Lee Bul from Korea as well as Daniel Crooks and James Angus from Australia.

As many Hong Kong structures go, the hotel’s best feature is its magnificent rooftop pool which is perched almost 700 feet above sea level, featuring a gorgeous butterfly mosaic created by Australian designer Fabio Ongarato. The pool looks out over the entire island and boasts one of the most breathtaking views of the city.

The W Hong Kong is truly an exciting addition to the W brand’s growing international footprint in the world’s most exciting cities and emerging destinations, including Barcelona, Istanbul, Athens, Milan, Shanghai and Santiago.

For more informaion about the W Hong Kong visit starwoodhotels.com

Atlantis, The Palm Dubai

Atlantis, The Palm is the $1.5 billion mega resort with 1,539 rooms and a huge aquarium holding more than 65,000 marine animals. The first resort on Dubai’s man-made Palm Jumeirah island opened with a massive celebration show.

The fireworks show was designed and produced by Fireworks by Grucci, the team behind the design and engineering of the fireworks at the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics Games in Beijing. Custom-made shells had been shipped in from across the globe, creating a light spectacle, set off from over 716 firing locations around the island including 400 balconies at the resort. Some series of shells burst at an altitude of 245 metres, and were visible from space.

The display followed an unprecedented high definition video illumination sequence. Designed by Marie-Jeanne Gauthé creative director for Jean Michel Jarre in Paris, the visual display used the 200 metre-wide Royal Towers as a canvas to visualise the story of Atlantis, making it the most ambitious HD video projection on a standing surface.

Highlights of the opening celebration

Mondrian South Beach

Designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, Mondrian is a quiet enclave just minutes from the bustling center of South Beach with spectacular views of the ocean, bay and downtown Miami. Just as Delano brought unprecedented style to up-and-coming Miami Beach in the ‘90s, Mondrian South Beach, is pioneering revolutionary, world-class design in a growing neighborhood for a new generation of style-conscious travelers.

Mondrian’s Main Swimming Pool

Around the pools, gardens and bay, Mondrian South Beach makes playful use of space with multiple outdoor living areas. A large swimming pool is adorned with an oversized custom lamp by plunge pools, a pool bar and cabanas for private rental, and surrounded by lush gardens hung with hammocks and landscaped into a labyrinthine trail with lounge areas, secret pathways and “kissing corners.” A second level terrace offers flexible entertaining spaces for dining, private events, and enjoying the superb sunset views. A separate kids’ pool and play are includes a tented sandbox and toy room and large cabanas for family rental. Jet skis, boating and water sports are offered on the bay.

The indoor lobby, decorated in exuberant style with oversized furniture and motifs inspired by fairy tales, connects via a dramatic elliptical staircase to the mezzanine, event spaces and meeting rooms. Public areas include a five-star restaurant, Agua, our 4000’ spa featuring wet and dry treatment rooms, and a fully-equipped gym over looking the bay.

For more information and reservations visit mondrian-miami.com

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach

Created by noted New York design firm MOVK, Southern Florida’s largest wellness spa provides a total sensory experience giving potential residents a tangible sense of the Canyon Ranch Living healthy living philosophy.

The Canyon Ranch Miami Beach sits oceanfront with multiple pools, wellness centers and healthy restaurants. Each one or two bedroom suite offers a big balcony, a sitting area and even a kitchenette. There are physicians on staff (presumably to evaluate your health and design a program for your stay, not prescribe meds for a bad hangover), as well as nutritionists, life coaches, and fitness instructors.

“Canyon Ranch Living is the natural evolution of the Canyon Ranch experience,” says Mel Zuckerman, founder of Canyon Ranch. “The project is the fulfillment of Canyon Ranch’s longtime mission to develop a community where residents can embrace the joy of healthy living.”

For more information and reservations visit canyonranchmiamibeach.com