Here are the top 10 most spectacular pools at some of the world’s most well known luxury resorts; some designed by famed architects and designers too. So, if you’re looking forward to a relaxing poolside break, complete with romantic moods and scenic views, these are the places you wouldn’t want to miss.
| Anantara Resort, Golden Triangle
Overlooking the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, the Anantara Resort stood tall in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The structure draws its strength from the rich cultural traditions, historic heritage and natural beauty of its surrounding; creating an atmosphere of freedom and harmony that goes along with its name—without end, in Sanskrit. |
Pelican Hill, Newport Harbour
Built by Donald Bren, chairman of the Irvine Company, the Pelican Hill is a Meditteranean-style resort, located in California’s Newport Coast—also dubbed as the American Riviera. The clubhouse pool of the resort is probably has one of the best view a pool can have, taking in not only the lower terraces and golf courses of the hotel but the whole of Newport Harbor. Lining the pool are 300,000 hand-cut blue glass tiles.
Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas
Originally designed by Howard J. Backen in 2002, architect and designer Jim Rimelspach was later sought to renovated the compounds of the Esperanza, an Auberge resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; its infinite pool being one of the prominent features of the resort. The infinity pool, gazing out to the Sea of Cortes, is interrupted only by the swim-up bar.
Shanti Ananda Maurice, Mauritius
The beachfront hotel and spa in Mauritius is designed as a calm and holistic environment for all its visitors. The designer, Chandu Chhada collaborated with architect Jean-Marc Eynaud on the structure, while Bill Bensley landscaped the 32-acre project. The 3 swimming pools added to the desired effect—the quietness and calmness is in line with the spiritual atmosphere of the hotel and spa, as stated by Eynaud.
Intercontinental, Kowloon
In a city best known for having the best view of Hong Kong as a whole, the 340-square-foot infinity pool, located on the terrace of the hotel’s Presidential Suite, overlooks an impressive panorama of the city’s skyline across the Victoria Harbour. The pool is open to all visitors at the hotel, located on the third floor.
| Hotel Caruso Belvedere, Ravello
Hailed by French poet André Gide as “between the sky and the sea,” the infinity pool at the Hotel Caruso in Italy creates a horizon that seems to go on forever. The pool itself, located on the top floor of the hotel, perched about 1’000 feet above the famed Amalfi Coast—a scenic view that has captured the breath of even the famed, including Hollywood legend Greta Garbo and former First Lady Jackie Onassis. |
Four Seasons, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Unlike the others, this Four Seasons is the most spectacular during the time of winter. The 3 hot-spring-style outdoor whirlpools, filled with hot water, not only beautifully complements the winter wonderland, but also offers visitors a panoramic view of the Tetons as they soak themselves in the warm water, enjoying a warm drink or simple the scenery.
Observatory Hotel, Sydney
Talk about swimming under a starlit sky. A first glance at Sydney’s Observatory Hotel’s indoor swimming pool and you may not believe you’re actually indoors. The ceiling of the pool is design to mimic the vast starlit night sky of Australia, with fibre optic stars glittering upon deep blue; while the inner pool is finished using glass tiles from Mexico in 4 shades of aqua and blue.
La Mamounia, Marrakesh
Winston Churchill once called the hotel, located in Morocco, the most beautiful place in the world; now, restored to its former grandeur, the hotel now has a few newly-added features to its landscape, including an outdoor pool. Set amid La Mamounia’s fabled gardens, the pool is a tribute to the Menara basin, an oasis fit for royalty.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap
The Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor certainly reminds us of Cambodia’s long ago past—an age where the Khmer kings still ruled. Its main swimming pool is inspired, both in design and proportion, by the ancient bathing pools the temple of Phimeanakas in Angkor—a luxury privilege once only reserved for royalty. The pool is also the largest in the kingdom, being 114 feet long.
| As usual for every year, the IBE (International Beauty Expo), organized by Elite Expo has returned for its annual event at KL Convention Center, this time starting on the 22nd of May and ending on the 15th of May.
It wasn’t hard finding the venue, with posters and banners featuring the event or its sponsoring participants’ service and products all over the hall, leading to the entrance piece by piece. However, one could admit that the event for this year is indeed better than last year’s, with more well-known speakers, as well as more overseas participants and services or products available. |
Health enthusiasts would be happy to find that there is a section of the exhibition entirely dedicated to exhibitors from Singapore—which is quite well-known for all-natural or organic health and beauty products at affordable prices. One booth giving out samples of brown rice tea and multigrain porridge seemed to be quite the hit for visitors of all age groups, and others are faring equally well too. Women’s sexual health is also another focus in this event, as we have a few new participating booths offering healthcare services and products related to female personal hygiene and supplements.
The seminars are another sure-hit, especially for all the girls and women. Saturday’s seminar had renowned make-up artist and stylist Mr. Kevin (known as 凯文老师 or 小凯老师) demonstrated his skills as well as explaining the fine points to the audience. At the end of the seminar, an autograph session was also arranged for eager fans as well as the audience while the upcoming photography session made sure that the fans will stay around longer to have a shot with their idol. Aside from Mr. Kevin, there are a few other famous names too, such as Judy Lin and Lee Chung Yuan, both who are well-known in Taiwan.
Other events held during the 4-days include the International Nail Art Competition, one which saw the attendance of several internationally-renowned nail care and beauty specialist as honorable judges as a wide range of talented participants, such as students from styling academies and art colleges, or make-up-artists-in-trainings gave their best for the contest. Audience who missed the actual event is able to get a glimpse of the nominees’ masterpieces from the photographs displayed.
Even when it was coming to an end, there is still a huge crowd around the hall, snatching up last minute bargains before the closing. With all the quality products and services available at bargain prices, it is indeed one of the best opportunities for brides to be to get some fashion tips, healthcare tips and also beauty care tips, all under one roof.
A beautiful home is one that appeals to all your five senses: sight, smell, touch, sound and taste—all in harmony. And the following are some suggestions that you might refer to add the enchanting touch to your living abode.
Smell
In short, make your house smell pleasant, and it doesn’t have to be just air fresheners. Lighting scented candles and incense (provided there is someone is present to keep an eye on the flame); natural scent from flowers in the garden or pots, soaps, potpourri, or even from food (e.g. freshly-baked bread and cakes or cooked meals) and fresh laundry.
Sight
Anything that is pleasant to the eyes is allowed; though fresh plants and greenery are the best to cure sore eyes. Pictures and artwork (displayed in the right arrangement without clutter) are also a good source of inspiration. A small pot of lucky bamboo or cactus (even fake ones) could lighten up a drape corner, but if plants are not your favorite, pottery artworks will just do fine.
Touch
This will apply most appropriate on furnishing and décor, where you’ll usually come into contact with—rugs, curtains, cushions and sofa covers, or even wall paper. However, for rugs, carpets and curtains, it will be best to have ones that are not only comfortable to touch, but matches the theme and color of the room as well.
Sound
Décor ornaments such as wind chimes and water fountains (either garden-size ones or mini-bird-bath ones) sometimes create the most soothing natural sounds in the house, where the stress in a whole day’s work can be unwind with the soothing rhythms of flowing water. Or, make your garden bird-friendly with trees and plants, and each morning will be a lovely day greeted by sweet melodies straight from Mother Nature’s own talented singers.
Taste
This element would be the most important regarding the areas associated with food (kitchen, dining room etc), and it is important that the décor will go well with appetite (or improve one’s appetite). Fresh fruits in a basket or ceramic bowl on the dining table; clear jars of spices or snacks (cookies etc) displayed on the kitchen counter or cabinet racks, or fancy bottles of wine or sparkling juice on the shelf.
For most of us, family and soul mate are some of the most important people and aspects of life. In the spirits of Hari Raya, keep the loves lasting between you and your family, as well as soul mate, by these 3 simple guidelines.
Don’t take things personally
Sometimes, the harshest comments may come from the people we valued most. Parents and in-laws especially can be the worst critics in the whole world. Or it might be your beloved’s not-so-enthusiastic replies. Sure, such comments would have stung; but half the time, they just don’t mean what they said, or, in the case of parents, it might just be the way that time has shaped them. If that is the case, just don’t let the comments get to your head, and forgive them for the slip. It is the best gift after all, particularly during this festive season.
2. Have fun together
Try new activities, pick up new hobbies, explore new places for new adventures—together with the people you love (your dearest spouse, your mom & dad, your in-laws etc). Through new activities and ideas, you and your beloved might get the chance to discover some talents you’ve never realize you have, or some secret tips that your mom or mom-in-law knew, but never mention. If you have children, take them out for a trip together. You’d be amazed at how much they could show you the world in a refreshing point of view. And during this Hari Raya, try baking homemade sweets and snacks together with your family and children; or perform any ritual together. Nothing beats the fun in a whole family activity.
3. Willing to negotiate expectations
We know that none of us can achieve 100% perfection. Sometimes, admitting your faults to each other is the first step towards understanding and a long, loving relationship. Even more important if it involves new changes or adaptations due to circumstances, such as one out of both working spouse lost his/her job due to the current slowdown. It will take some time for the jobless spouse to get use to his/her current situation, and for the working spouse to handle the financial burden. Give each other time to sort out and prepare; acknowledge the need to take things by each other’s own pace, and compromise a little when necessary.
Lasting love within a family, as well as between spouses is not something impossible. And during the Raya season, this is just the time to ask for forgiveness and share the love.
In a few more days, Malaysia will be celebrating her 52nd Independence anniversary on the 31st August 2009. As for the lucky couples having their wedding around the month of Independence Day celebration, here are a few suggestions to add a touch of nationalism and patriotism in your big day.
National-Day Theme for Wedding Ceremony
Instead of standard wedding ceremony colors, incorporate the Malaysia’s flag colors and design into your wedding dinner and reception. The yellow star and moon as mobiles or confetti pieces; the red and white stripes stretched out as banners and ceiling decoration; you might even add in our National Flower, the hibiscus, in the floral arrangements.
While you don’t necessarily need to deck all the chairs and tables in blue, yellow, red and white, you may choose one of the colors as the main colors (yellow and white will be ideal, though Chinese couples may prefer the red), and use the other colors as complementary (blue napkins, yellow-gold cutlery and candles etc.)
Also, you may try adding in the national anthem and other patriotic songs in your playlist for the ceremony music.
Colors for the Attire
For a standard white wedding gown, add in some red, blue or yellow-gold to go with the theme; or you might want to choose a fusion-style wedding dress—like a cheongsam-kebaya, or a traditional attire different from your own culture.
For the bridesmaids and best men, have them dress in the range of our National flag’s colors; maybe a hibiscus corsage for the men, and hibiscus flower bracelet/ hair ornaments for the ladies. A hibiscus bouquet will definitely complete the look.
Food for the Occasion
Complete the menu with all Malaysian cuisines and delicacies. For one having a Chinese-style banquet (where tradition requires it), you might like to have some Malaysian flavors added into the menu, or mix and match food from different cultures for a change.
Most importantly, make sure it is suitable for all guests of different cultures and beliefs. Meat such as fish and chicken will be the best for dishes.
The main spirit of the National Day is for all Malaysians, no matter culture or beliefs, to enjoy the day together, while remembering our forefather’s efforts to fight for our Independence. So, as long as all your guests are having a good time, it will be the best for a National-Day theme wedding.
While Malaysia celebrates her 52nd independence anniversary, some couples might also be celebrating their decades-long wedding anniversaries as well. So, what keeps a marriage going? What made it possible to fulfill the “till death do us part” vow?
For our grandmothers and mothers, divorce rates during their time are less compared to our time now. It might be the stigma that society sees with divorced women during those times that discouraged most from initiating the step. But for those who had truly stood with their husbands until present, they have their own advice and tips.
Only True Love?
Most of them would have told you with a smile that true love is not everything, or the only thing between couples. The dynamics in a relationship will not remain unchanged for years.
“Marriage is when you will spend the rest of your lifetime with another person. And it is not easy to begin with.” Madam Lum, a housewife, had admit that it did took some time to get used to married life, during the start of her 50-years marriage. The differences in habits, little quirks in each other’s life. “In the end, it is either learning to accept each other’s differences, or nothing will work out.”
“When you’re married, you’ll have a new role to fulfill, new expectations to meet.” Ann Lee said. Married for 10 years to her husband, the school teacher admit that she, as a wife now, is expected to raise children, take care of the household and her husband, aside from her own career. “There will be compromises and sacrifice, but a marriage comes with responsibilities that you cannot avoid.”
“But being married doesn’t mean you quit your life!” 55 years-old Joy laughed. The retiree now lives with her husband in their old home in Pasir Pinji, where both still find the time to indulge with each other’s interests(she likes a nice read once in a while he likes fishing) and meet up with each other’s friends. “It’s like giving each other some breathing space.” She added with a smile.
Learning to cope with a new life, accepting the responsibilities of a new role, and adjusting to a new level of relationship is the core in a successful, long-lasting marriage. While love had been the spark, communication and efforts to understand each others and sharing burdens is the glue to solidify the vow of “till death do us part”.
