Posts from the ‘The Hermitage’ Category

May 22

The Hermitage – The Desert Lotus Hotel, Gobi Desert, Mongolia

PLaT Architects have created this seriously amazing, geometric hotel design located in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia.

The Xiangshawan Desert Lotus Hotel is set in this dramatic desolate landscape that changes from rolling, golden sand dunes in summer, to icy snow-covered peaks in the winter. Not one for the faint hearted, this holiday location is more suited to the adventure seeker and those wishing to experience the wonders of mother nature, including blizzards and sandstorms!! When the weather is clear, the resort offers unique activities such as camel rides, desert surfing and sand skiing.

The hotel is a visually spectacular arrangement of white sails which cover, and protect, the underlying hotel and its guests. It appears like a mirage, rising from the dunes and becoming one with them as the sand fills the lobby floor. Due to the ever shifting grounds it is built on, PLaT architects needed to invent a unique structural system to anchor the hotel and allow flexibility to deal with the elements. A huge part of the design process was the consideration of how to utilise solar, water and wind energy to run the hotel in an environmentally friendly, self-sufficient way.

I think this hotel is definitely one for the bucket list.

May 15

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The Hermitage – Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa Chile

Prepare to be wowed by this stunning design by Chilean architect Cazú Zegers, who is the founder of A.I.R.A design group.

Located on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park in the southern tip of chile lies Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa. It is a discreet piece of architecture which blends into the surrounding environment through the choice of building materials and the organic shape of the structure. The use of wood throughout is really spectacular, a surprising mix of modern and rustic which you cannot imagine would work, yet it does perfectly.

The hotel overlooks Lake Sarmiento and the mountain peaks of Torres del Paine National Park. The park is a largely undiscovered paradise of flora, fauna and wildlife which has protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since the late seventies. The hotel has many tours, lead by expert guides, where you can take in the surrounding Mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and forest areas that make up the 370,000 acre park.

And after all those excursions you may want to relax a little and enjoy the in-house pampering available at Uma Spa, after all, you are on holiday right?!

The Hermitage – Tierra Patagonia Hotel and Spa Chile

May 8

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The Hermitage – Mr Aristotle

So this week our Hermitage is actually more an experience than one set location.

If you are thinking of something a little different this mothers day for mum, why not choose from the great range of tours that the boutique experience company Mr Aristotle provides. They have tours in many countries throughout the world that vary in price brackets $0-$150 upwards. Think shopping, adventure, dining, so many choices, so many fun experiences to have.

Do you self a favour and check this site out!!

P.S This is in no way a sponsored post. I stumbled across this site and thought it was just too good not to share

May 1

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The Hermitage – Songjiang Shimao Hotel China

So this is a little bit of an optical illusion in the fact that it isn’t quite reality yet, BUT who could wait?!

Behold the amazing Songjiang Shimao Hotel, or Songjiang Wonderland Continental, which is currently under construction in China. Located close to Shanghai, this hotel is being built on the site of an abandoned quarry in Songjiang. This stunning design is the work of re-known Atkins Global and is believed to having the working budget of US$555 million.

The 5 star, no expense spared hotel will consist of 19 stories that curve with the form of the existing quarry. 17 floors will sit below ground while the remaining two will be underwater once the quarry is filled to create an artificial lake. Plans are also in place for the lake to become the source for the hotels electricity and heating via new geothermal technology.

The roof of the hotel will be disguised with greenery and hanging gardens will soften and disguise the edges of the structure. A vertical glass atrium will form the centerpiece of the hotel, running the full height of the building to create the illusion of a waterfall, completing this mirage style design.

Estimated to be complete between 2013-15, I for one cannot wait to see real images of this fascinating design.

Apr 10

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The Hermitage – Hotel STRAF Milan Italy

What I love about this hotel is how metal has been used in the Architecture as well as in the fittings, even some of the artworks!

Hotel Straf is located in the city centre of Milan Italy. It contains 64 rooms, a bar, restaurant and conference centre. The minimal design is the creation of the Vincenzo De Cotiis whose artistic style is apparent in the architecture as well as the interior decorating. The artworks that adorn the walls are created by De Cotiis and as such complement this minimal, pared back vision. I guess the beauty in this hotel, and minimal style in general, is that the materials are allowed to shine.

My favourite rooms in the hotel would have to be the bar (!) because the inclusion of that ridiculously comfortable looking brown leather sofa, it warms the space and begs you to get comfy and stay awhile longer AND the brass bathroom, Swoon! Seriously, take the virtual tour and you will see what I mean, AMAZING!

The Hermitage – Hotel STRAF Milan Italy

Apr 3

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The Hermitage – Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa

One of the most beautiful tropical island destinations in the world has to be Bora Bora. It delivers everything you could dream of, crystal blue waters, lush green vegetation and bleached white sand. These assets have helped Bora Bora to become one of those “Must See” places in the world. Featured in nearly every travel magazine available, Bora Boras scenery is as postcard as they come.

The Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is one of the best hotels in the area. Their rooms and suites are a perfect combination of modern and traditional architecture. The over water accommodations are just stunning, who wouldn’t want to relax on that deck or dive straight into that crystal clear water?

The Hermitage – Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa