Elton John's new soft-rocking digs. S Prettiest Hotel Pools. The world's largest pool in Algarrobo, Chile.
(Courtesy of the San Alfonso del Mar) There are a few things that most of us check before booking a hotel: First, if it's clean; second, if it's affordable; and third, if it has a pool. And though we might have been hoping to splash about or swim some laps in an Olympic-size pool, we so often book a place that has a tiny water-filled hole with too much (or too little) chlorine and the occasional child-size Band-Aid floating on the surface. Sure, having a hot tub helps justify a Podunk pool, but why should we settle for anything less than spectacular? To answer that question: we shouldn't.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel Marina Bay, Singapore In Singapore, bigger is better. Hotel Caruso Belvedere by Orient-Express Ravello, Italy Perched along Italy's Amalfi Coast and less than 50 miles southeast of Naples, the Hotel Caruso Belvedere by Orient Express occupies what was once an 11th-century palace. An American Castle in the Ozarks. If you're in the mood for an opulent and unique home, but a $12 million private island isn't your style, then Castle Rogue's Manor might be right up your medieval alley.
Located overlooking White River in Eureka Springs, Ark., this 15,000 square-foot castle sports 12 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 17 acres of land, and a $1.8 million price-tag. It is also a castle, just like the name implies. The property was once a mere house sitting on 20 acres of land, but according to the original builder, the site overlooking White River "just screamed for a castle. " Now Castle Rogue's Manor, anchored at the top of a 100' limestone bluff, enjoys a 360-degree view over the surrounding Ozark scenery as well as the nearby river, lake, and town of Beaver.
If that $1.8 million price-tag sounds huge, just remember Castle Rogue's Manor contains 15,000 square feet. The interior paneling is made from black walnut and cedar logs which were created from trees on the property itself. S Biggest Buildings. The economy may be shrinking, but when it comes to architecture, big is in.
Seems whenever there’s an economic downturn, buildings go to new heights. The Empire State Building went up in 1931 during the Depression. Similarly, Dubai'sBurj Khalifa topped out at 2,723 feet in 2010, deep into the Great Recession. When times are tough, nothing says stability like a big, solid structure—and these new buildings often become tourism icons. Today’s superlatives of architecture trend toward high-tech achievements; even the concept of sustainable architecture is entering the record-setting race. Biggest Clock Tower: Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower,Mecca, Saudi Arabia This mega–clock tower broke several world records when it opened in 2011. Biggest Solar Building: America's Biggest Mansions for Sale. America's Largest Luxury Home Sales of 2011.
Romania's ice hotel Pictures. Workplace Wonderland. Davison International Inc., a 285-employee company that designs and creates kitchen gadgets, toys and other consumer products, relocated in 2006 to a 61,000-square-foot building in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Its interior, which followed a year-long, $5 million renovation, is intended to encourage creativity and a positive attitude among staff. One third of its inventions are its own creations. The remainder are commissioned by third parties. Inventalot Courtesy Davison This castle, Inventalot, has a round table for meetings. Pirate Ship Courtesy Davison Stationed aboard the pirate ship are a handful of product designers who specialize in children's toys.
Giant Shoe This giant shoe is a work space intended to inspire ideas for new baby products. Animal House The blue house is where Davison staff researches and designs pet products like the Hydro Bone -- a rubber toy that releases water as the dog chews, and which sells for around $10. Continued Kitchen products are conceptualized in this house. Homes With Amazing Staircases.