Yes, that’s right, you sleep underwater! Utter Inn is an art project by Mikael Genberg – a local artist and sculptor which offers an underwater accommodation for the public. This floating underwater hotel in Stockholm, Sweden is sets 1km out to the middle of a Lake Malaren. It lies 3m below the surface of Lake Malaren and contains only twin beds and a table.

Guests can also swim, sunbathe or watch the fish (from both upstairs and downstairs) at the hotel. It’s a remarkable feeling to go to bed while the fish surround and watch you carefully. If guests prefer deluxe accommodation, someone can deliver dinner by boat in the evening. Average Cost: $250-350

Camel Valley Vineyard produces award-winning, world-class wines in a beautiful corner of Cornwall, England. Set in beautiful rolling hills it produces 90,000 bottles per year. It is only 10 minuets drive from the village of Nanstallon. There you’ll get the chance to taste some of the wines or purchase bottles of the Cornish Champagne.

There are tours offered at set times but people can also go along and have a tasting without booking. Every Wednesday evening between Easter and the end of October – a wine maker will personally guide you through the  winery, answering any questions you may have about the wine making process. There will be a fun wine tasting session on their lovely sun terrace, enjoying the views.

If you approach Porto Santo by air, the whole island seems a glorious-golden yellow against the glistening cobalt blue sea. The island is known as ‘painting made by god’ and is 46 km to the northeast of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. The island tending to remind of North Africa, rather than Europe – a starkly beautiful desert landscape of palm trees and cacti, dotted with pine groves and small wheatfields. Photo by: Tiagoto

The island is only 14 km long and 5 km wide with an incredible golden san beach, stretching 9 km along the south coast. Photo by: fernangar

The islander survive largely by fishing, subsistence farming and goat-herding, using donkeys for transport and oxen to tresh the grain. The main town Vila Baleira on the sout coast is a beautiful cluster of white-washed houses with medieval monuments, and small cafes, where you can hide in the shade of palm trees watching the fishing boats. This is one of the least developed beach resort in Europe – an unspoilt island paradise. Photo by: ctcsherry

When to go: February to October but if you taking children avoid July and August when the island is invaded by families. Population: 4,474. Getting there: Daily car ferry or fly from Madeira. You should know: The golden sand of Porto Santo is said to have therapeutic treatments. Photo by: f_araujo_abreu

Photo by: PLSeabra

Hallstatt is a small picturesque village around 80 km away from Salzburg and is one of the most visited towns in Austria (beside Salzburg and Vienna). Surrounded by steep mountains, situated on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, it is described as one of the most picturesque towns in all of Europe. Since more than 7000 years people are living here. It’s a major archeological landmark and since 1996 is recognized by the UNESCO as world heritage.

 
Visitors to Hallstatt and vicinity will find ancient salt mines, ice caves, culture museums and more. Hallstatt can be walked end-to-end in about 15 minutes, so choices of restaurants are limited, but for a traditional meal of schnitzel, knudel, and local bier try the Hetthaler. There are many Things to do: visit the Salt mine and Ice caves, see the bone chamber, go for hikes, enjoy a quiet night in a pension beside the lake.

Noorderlicht is an old dock place, used by 250 artists working in the fields of theater, film, media, architecture and design. The place is both cafe & restaurant and also a little getaway from the city. Especially when the weather is holding up, it’s a perfect way to spend a late afternoon contemplating your day in Amsterdam on the terrace overlooking the IJ and part of the city center.

The staff is very informal, laid back and friendly, but not particularly speedy when it’s busy. The food is always fresh, healthy and delicious. The menu changes with the seasons and offers a variety of prices, so you can decide if you want to stay on a budget or splurge a little. The desserts are to die for, especially the plum tarte tatin and hangop pudding with rhubarb sauce.

Getting there: An absolute must! From the new Aanmeersteiger behind Central Station, where the big ferry to Amsterdam Noord-establishes, leaves a NDSM ferry to the wharf. Hence it is five minutes walk to Northern Lights. Over 50 more after arriving straight and then turn right at the NDSM. Walk 300 meter straight to the sheds on your left. At the end you see right to a transparent dome ‘t IJ. Just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry back to civilization. Ferries operate daily at 12:00 till 22:00.

Atzaro is a century old family finca converted into luxurious accommodations with a cutting edge gastronomical restaurant and a blissful spa. It is nestled secretly in its own orange grove stands with an oasis of rest, where the flavours of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender mix to indulge your senses. It’s a luxury getaway for anyone looking for the more natural side of Ibiza.

The Atzaro offers a wide range of facilities and services as well as it’s wonderful landscaped gardens, with many fountains and private chill-out corners which make this 10 hectare estate and grove an ideal venue for self indulgence and an outstanding setting for any event.

There are reatment temples, couples or individuals, feature beautifully hand crafted ceilings and decor exquisitely accented with rich tropical woods, reflecting an Asian design philosophy carefully blended with Arabian and Ibizencan influences. The Spa facilities features Sauna, Hamm am (Turkish bath), gym, and a 43-meter lap pool. In a separate temple guests may exercise open classes or private sessions offering fitness at its best.

The cuisine has great respect for using the finest and freshest ingredients and produce, a combination of vibrant, cutting edge flavours, great ambience, friendly but yet professional service, an extensive wine list and exquisite surroundings make the restaurant a truly memorable experience.

Their rooms are divided between the old finca with it’s classical Ibizencan architecture. Both mix a sanctuary of open spaces and beauty where one can enjoy peaceful moments. All rooms have their private terraces (some have romantic fireplaces and skylights) with private plunge pool, fountains and outside daybed.

Isla Grande is where Panamanians escape for the weekend to get rid of the city system. You jump in a car or bus, and in two hours you swap Panama City for snorkelling in the Caribbean, on the maze of coral reefs that mark the edge of the Portobelo National Park. Photo by: ursucookie

Isla Grande is on 166 m from the mainland. Although it’s thick with tropical flowers, coconut palms and greenery, the largest of the islands in the area and the easiest and cheapest to get to, nobody went until the potholes in the road from Portobelo were repaired. By the time that happened, La Isla was safe from either ribbon development or high-end exclusivity. There are still no roads on the island – just a walkway that merges bars, markets, street vendors, small restaurants and few hotels. Big part of the island isn’t even accessible, because it’s carved up into half a dozen private estates, and apart from the path across its centre, you enjoy its charms from the waterline. Photo by: lburgee

Isla Grande is your chance to do a full-on tropical Caribbean island, with excellent reefs, and turquoise waters. It’s so lovely and people are so happy to be there. You’re expected to join in; and often you will find one or more communities that has always lived there. Make sure you’ve got food, drink, music and good fellowship to help your day go well. Photo by: perkele_cold

When to go: Any day of the week, any time of the year. Population: 200. Getting there: By car or bus from Sabanitas or Portobelo, to La Guaira, then by water taxi for a five minutes ride to the island. Photo by: Mikecron

The new extravagant hotel Roomz is a fresh spot for nightlife and meeting point for modern people who want to experience dynamic, sophisticated and affordable city life whether travelling for business or pleasure. In “Roomz” you will find a cool design in spatial dynamics, innovative architecture and ingenious functionality, as well as a multitude of amenities for a reasonable price.   

The hotel has 312 beds with ideal location in the heart of the new Wiener Gasometers business and office centre. The “Roomz Vienna” offers extraordinary holiday for business travellers with relaxing atmosphere and a lot of comfort. The hotel offers excellent travel connections, high-speed internet access, air conditioning, flat-screen televisions in the rooms and a large parking garage – amenities required by today’s travellers.

The hotel was built in nine months. Dynamic times naturally lead to dynamic developments. This factor is reflected in the astonishing pace of construction of the “Roomz Vienna”. On 6 June 2007, less than a year after breaking ground, the hotel was opened with highly motivated and keen personnel. The hotel will absolutely pique the senses of “people in motion”, thanks to the archisphere architects group – architects & designers with Gabriel  Kacerovsky.

Getting there: It is located near the Gasometer, an architecturally interesting residential and shopping complex housed in gigantic old gas containers, so guests won’t feel so isolated out here in Simmering. But no worries, the subway takes you straight into the heart of the city.

Islands, islands everywhere – hundred of them in the Mindanao Island group, of which is the largest by far is ‘big daddy’ Mindanao at 97,500 sq km. Mindanao is the centre of Islam in the Philippines, though it is now the island’s minority religion. Even so the struggle to secure an independent Muslim state on the island has been taking place for centuries and continues to these days. Photo by: frankeys creation

Mindanao is located at the mos southerly and easterly point in the Philippines. The island has a unique character that makes it seem very different from the rest of the Philippines. It is also a land between modern and traditional. Photo by: sweetcaroline?

The thriving industrial centre that is Davao City certainly belongs to the 21st century, as do the many intensive agri-businesses producing commodities like pineapples and meat. But once away from centres of population in the largely unspoiled back country, adventurous visitors will find themselves in a nature – lovers paradise and will be fascinated by the timeless way of life. Rich flora and fauna, astonishing attractions, stunning coastlines and islands, white sand beaches, crystal water, different ethnic communities with colourful festivals – all combine to make Mindanao a popular tourist destination. Photo by: anggebarcelona

There is more than enough of Mindanao to go round, but despite awareness of the importance of eco -tourism, some of the new facilities will seem intrusive to those who prefer things just the way they were. Photo by: rempleo (in a cocoon)

When to go: Any time – there is no significant wet or dry season and the climate is pleasant all year round. Population: 18,134,000. Getting there: Fly in to the recently upgraded Davao City international airport. You should know: Davao City is the world’s largest by area, at the last count sprawling out over 2,450 sq km and still growing. Photo by: Storm Crypt

If you’ve strolled in the sunny Barcelona you will came across magnificent modernist buildings gaze proudly over the tree-lined boulevards, sleek furniture, elaborate tapas, chic couture and handmade chocolates. Hidden from view, there are gardens and courtyards that offers shelter from the urban rush and an intimate view of everyday Barcelona life.

Most of the gardens have been carved in recent years from the patios that form the center of each city block, and are reached down narrow passageways or by cutting through a building. They are the ideal place to relax between the sights of the Eixample, which stretches from the old city to neighborhoods like Gracia.

The picture displays the swimming pool at Calle Roger de Lluria by a water tower. This is one of the first patios returned to the public by the city in the late 1980s and home to a looming brick water tower. “The patios are like a window onto Barcelona,” said Francesc Munoz Ramirez. He also mentioned that, ”You can be an urban voyeur — watch the business of the city from the inside.”

An enormous list of Barcelona’s often-overlooked public gardens — like the serene grounds of the Barcelona Seminary or the courtyard of the Casa Elizalde cultural center, where you can often catch a weekend children’s show — can be found on the Web site of ProEixample (www.proeixample.cat), a public-private partnership dedicated to revitalizing the Eixample. Photos by: Stefano Buonamici

Hotel St Martins Lane is a dramatic and daring reinvention of the urban resort. Entered through improbably tall, luminescent yellow-glass revolving doors—the tallest in London—St Martins Lane’s lobby is a soaring and theatrical space that offers a provocative manipulation with oversized columns and angled niches painted a deep fluorescent yellow, complemented by Portuguese limestone floors.

The hotels features meeting room hire, arrival fruit juices, yoghurt and granola shots, working lunch, afternoon fruit teas, fruit skewers and mineral water.

Most of the light-saturated bedrooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows and impressive views; a few suites even flaunt lush private gardens fragranted by orange trees. The Covent Garden hotel offers surprisingly good packages on their website, especially considering its list of amenities which includes a full gym and two restaurants. And though it caters to the more average Joe these days, even we have to admit: the Light Bar is still pretty damn cool.

At Martins Lane also features an Executive Boardroom with 24-hour multilingual secretarial staff available upon request, additional multi-use meeting spaces, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment. Plasma monitors for audio-visual playback, smart boards, electronic flip charts, portable computers, mobile phones and fax machines are also available upon request.

One of the best feature, which St Martins Lane offers is the Back Room, available for private functions, is a beautifully tranquil space lined in seamless white marble and featuring a zen-like wall of bubbling water. Its simple, streamlined elegance provides the perfect backdrop for a wide variety of private uses. Also available for special functions are the hotel’s acclaimed Asia de Cuba restaurant, Penthouse and Apartment.

Grass is a lovely spot to sip a colorful, tropical bottle surrounded by dense flora in Miami. Grass is 2 in 1 – lounge and restaurant, relax and eat, accompanied with quality chill music. A variety of substantial flower buds and plant specimens float in lit jars behind the bar, and the open air setting’s breezes rustle palm fronds overhead.

A variety of substantial flower buds and plant specimens float in lit jars behind the bar, and the open air setting’s breezes rustle palm fronds overhead. As well as favouring break beat and Michael Jackson, DJs have been known to fill its dance floor. The late-night party continues at their adjoining club, The King is Dead.

Grass Restaurant & Lounge is located on 28NE 40 Street, Miami Florida!

Once Das Triest was a former coach station on the route from Vienna to Trieste. Today renovation converted the property into a unique, luxury design hotel. Hotel Das Triest is situated in the heart of Vienna, about 10 minutes from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is designed by Sir Terence Conran with an overall unity which is warm and inviting. It is accompanied by a carefully chosen tailored selection of furnishing materials.

The hotel has 72 rooms, which immediately trnsport to guests a sense of Viennese flair through their lovely design. The suites offers 70 square meters of living space and are so popular that they have already become an insider tip within an ever widening circle of design hotel enthusiasts.

Das Triest can provide meeting space to 120 people in two naturally-lit, air-conditioned conference rooms. As well as the 70-seat restaurant Collio serves modern northern Italian cuisine. The Silver Bar offers chill music and lovely warm lighting.
There are fitness center with sauna and solarium and 3 spectacular gardens.

Each room has Satellite TV, VCR, phone and fax connection, NOKIA wireless LAN providing free internet on the guest’s personal laptop.

Cross-vaulted rooms give the building a distinctive flair, but rooms are casually broken up by Conran’s solid colour blocks of reds, yellows and royal blues, be it for the carpeting or the upholstered armchairs. Great care was also taken in selecting and pairing designer pieces by a host of renowned manufacturers and designers including Conran himself, B&B Italia and Casa Milano.

Alila Cha-Am is a tropical paradise situated in the charming coastal town of Cha-Am, on the north west coast of the Gulf of Thailand. This luxurious beachside resort is designed to be a sophisticated and contemporary lifestyle destination. From the grand entrance stairway to the rooftop reflecting pool, every detail is understated yet unforgettable. The Horizon rooms, Garden Terrace rooms and Pool Villas are conceived as personal retreats – spacious and elegant.

Originally a fishing village, Cha-Am offers a relaxed pace of life, and a more tranquil atmosphere than neighbouring Hua Hin beach. Its main appeal is its clean, white sand beach, which is thought to be the longest in Thailand, and which is where you will find a choice of excellent seafood restaurants.

The moment you arrived at  Alila Cha-Am, you can almost imagine you have the place to yourself. The innovative architecture includes bold shapes and clean lines softened by the palette of naturally-aged woods, limestone and subtle marble finishes. It’s a stimulating and sensual combination that gives a distinctive contemporary edge to this tropical resort.

Alila Cha-Am offers 72 Horizon Rooms and Garden Terrace Rooms and 7 Private Pool Villas, you can choose how secluded or connected you want to be without even stepping out of your room. The rooms and villas offer both indoor and outdoor privacy that invite you to while away the day, cooled by the gentle sea breezes. Each own-suite has stylish furniture and fabrics beautifully reflect the Thai heritage,  fully integrated wifi capabilities, large flatscreen TV, Apple TV featuring music and film collections, and mood lighting, you can tune in or out to your heart’s content.

The hotel also has a collection of two signature restaurants: Motion and Clouds Loft, Spa Alila (with 2 double treatment rooms, 2 single treatment rooms and 1 double Thai massage room centred around a thermal pool) and a Library with a modern selection of current magazines, novels and reference books.

How to get there: Alila Cha-Am lies on the premier beach resort of Petchabur, 163 km south of Bangkok and 26 km north of Hua Hin. Fly to Bangkok and then a leisurely drive from takes about 2.5 hours. Highlights: the landscape here is characterised by dense jungles and mountain ranges. Activities, there is much variety, from champagne picnics on the beach to energetic pursuits such as water sports and cycling.Take a tour of the ancient temples and pagodas that dot the surrounding area. Or pay a visit to the summer palace of King Rama VI.

Hainan is China’s Hawaii. It’s on the same latitude, with a highly developed agricultural economy, roads and infrastructure. It’s China’s smallest province, divided by a 1.5 km strait from Guangdong, and nestled between the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea. Like Hawaii it has the beaches, hills, forests, wildlife, and recreational roster. 

In the central highlands, the descendants of the Li, Miao and Han wear tribal dress in the villages, and ancient Chinese poetry proclaims the beauty of the waterfalls, gorges, lush forests with chattering monkeys – and the same coconut, banana, pepper and fruit fields you can see, if on a different scale. This is where to join the annual Water-Splashing Festival. 

Sanya, Hainan’s second city in the south, is the centre of beach life, and focal point of all tourism. Xiao Dongtian, to the west at Yazhou Bay is spectacularly pretty, with beauty spots alongside regular beach and countryside facilities. 

When to go: Year-round. Population: 8,200,000. How to get there: By air from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan, to Haikou or Sanya; by train and rail-ferry, from Guangzhou in Guangdong, to Haikou; by boat from several Chinese ports, to Haikou or Sanya. Photos by: Alfred(??) in Shanghai