CasasNaAreia in Portugal.

If you’ve been aching for a peaceful escape that’s both eco and modern, we couldn’t think of a more stunning place to sit back and relax than Casas na Areia in Comporta, Portugal. Designed by architects Aires Mateus, this gorgeous retreat takes old masonry buildings and turns them into new, contemporary structures set upon the sand. Creating a delicate balance between the natural landscape and modern architecture, Aires Mateus’ design is able to evoke a poetic visual and visceral experience from its inhabitants.

 

Palazzo barocco, Positano, Italy.

This stunning Baroque style Palace is one of a kind. It is located high in Positano, about 10 – 15 minutes walk up from the town and beach and has the most impressive views over the town, the typical Amalfi coastline and the Mediteranean sea. Its uphill position and property location makes it difficult to reach and is not advisable for guests with limited mobility. This palace is for rent by Leo Trippi Luxury Travel.

Compound in the dunes by Ike Kligerman Barkley.

Compound in the dunes by Ike Kligerman Barkley is on a rolling site overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this beach house brings together two contrasting ideas – nineteenth century Shingle Style design, and a contemporary preference for material and textural expression over architectural detail. While the exterior captures the local design aesthetic, the interior treats light, space and surface in a distinctly modern fashion. Photographer: Peter Aaron / Esto.

Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa in Mexico.

High upon a majestic clif fside overlooking the azure Pacific is a place of awe-inspiring natural beauty. Time slows to the rhythm of waves against rocky spires. Sea breezes whisper through tropical groves. Welcome to Capella Ixtapa. Intimate in scale, discreet in every respect, Capella Ixtapa envelops you in tranquil seclusion. From the open sea just beyond, the resort’s interior spaces f low organically, an extension of their natural surroundings. Sweeping Pacific views, a private balcony and plunge pool g race each guestroom. Our Personal Assistants, always within reach, see that your every preference is met and every wish, fulfilled. It’s the Capella custom. All around you, endless ocean vistas cast their spell. Capella Ixtapa Resort and Spa in Mexico.

Villa Baie, Côte d’Azur.

The exteriors are set with extensive furnished terraces and a heated infinity pool facing the sea that extends with a lawned garden. On 3 levels distributed by a lift up to the solarium terrace, the interiors bathed with sunlight comprise, on the upper floor an entrance hall from the parking and garage, the master suite with dressing and bathroom, one double bedroom with bathroom and one double bedroom with shower, all opening onto the solarium terrace. Down, the main level opening onto terraces comprise a large living room, a dining room, a professional kitchen, a day toilet, a double bedroom with bathroom and a double bedroom with shower room. The pool level it set with a large furnished beach club and a service bedroom. Villa for rent by Leo Trippi.

St Leon 10 by SAOTA and Antoni Associates.

St Leon 10 is located in the affluent suburb of Bantry Bay, in Cape Town, South Africa, the project was completed in 2006 by SAOTA and Antoni Associates.

Hotel Leela Goa, India.

Hotel Leela Goa Combine the opulence and luxury of The Leela with the natural beauty and Portuguese heritage of South Goa for the ultimate beach holiday. The hotel is set in 75 lush acres with a pristine beach, a 12 hole golf course and world class dining. While the rooms and suites, The Restaurant and the signature Jamavar have been designed by Jeffrey A. Wilkes, the principal designer of DESIGNWILKES, the art and embellishment has been done by Mrs. Madhu Nair.

Villa Hermosa in Costa Smeralda, Italy.

The villa has a private park of approx 5.000 sq. metres, large living room with exit on covered terraces and internal patio, dining room, kitchen, and outdoor dining area, 2 master bedrooms each one with bathrooms en-suite, 1 twin room with bathroom, 1 double room with bathroom and access to another room with 2 beds (ideal for kids). Laundry area with staff bedroom with 2 beds and bathroom. Large private swimming-pool with sea view, 2 covered parking places plus 1 uncovered. The villa is situated in a complex with custodian, share swimming-pool and direct access to the beach equipped with umbrellas and chairs.

This property is for sale by Christie’s International Real Estate

White Luxury house in Mykonos, Greece.

This stunning residence stands majestically on a rocky cliff above the new port  of Mykonos. From its elevated position it affords breathtaking panoramic views of the town with its famous windmills, the Aegean Sea including the sacred island of Delos, and captivating sunsets. The property, dramatic and impressive, yet a serene and private haven, is only a few minutes away from the lively and cosmopolitan town of Mykonos.

SCULPTURED INTERIOR: Impeccably designed and decorated, the 650m2 villa is defined by a sophisticated minimal style. Its all-white rounded walls and gleaming floors exude a feeling of cool luxury and create a seamless flow of space. At the entrance of the main house a vertical picture window frames a striking view of the port below. The expansive living room includes appealing built-in sitting areas and several windows that take full advantage of the light and the fabulous sea and town views. A few steps lead up to the dining area with a fireplace and on to the unique fully-equipped kitchen. Special features include beautifully exposed rock formations, thick wood-beam ceilings, and plentiful arches. Two spacious master bedrooms with their own bathrooms complete this part of the house. In the garden, two stone-built independent suites allow guests to enjoy their privacy.

EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOORS: Broad stone-paved terraces surround the villa while fan-shaped pergolas and a covered dining area are ideal for relaxed
summer entertaining. A horizon swimming pool merges with the azure seascape and overlooks the town. The island’s natural rocky terrain is
perfectly preserved and highlighted with abundant mature cactuses. A separate studio for staff and sheltered parking space are situated at the side of the property. The land area is 4.000sq.m.

This property is for sale by Christie’s International Real Estate

House Sedibe by Nico van der Meulen Architects.

Situated within the heart of Bryanston in Johannesburg South Africa, this stand gracefully borders the Riverclub golf course. Positioned on top of a sloping site, it proudly elevates above its surroundings. Originally a single storey traditional house, this brief involved adding a second storey and increasing the areas to more than double its existing size. The style of the house was modernized, prioritizing the views, while ensuring natural northern light penetrates every room. The idea of elongating and stretching the building to its maximum length was birthed upon by studying the layout of the existing plan. Likened to an elastic band that is stretched, the concept resulted in lengthened facades that framed the landscape. Strategically using frameless folding doors allowed for a transparency on the two longest facades making this contemporary home truly unique. Brilliantly planned and designed, the layout of the house promises views of the golf course from almost every room. Long and narrow in form, the design was successful in seamlessly merging the interior with the exterior. Walking over a Koi pond before entering the house sets the tone of tranquility which engulfs you as you make your way through the well designed open plan double volume spaces. Suspended bridges and a glass staircase pierce the majestic double volume space contributing to the open and airiness of this design. In keeping with natural colours and materials Nico van der Meulen Architects ensured the house blends in with its surrounding. Architectural brilliance resulted in a design that presents unobstructed views to the park, while combining the practicality of everyday living with the comfort of luxurious open spaces.

House Sedibe by Nico van der Meulen Architects

Malimbu Cliff Villa Lombok Island, Indonesia.

Hugging the hillside above Lombok’s dramatic, virtually untouched western coastline, Malimbu Cliff Villa combines modern luxury with breathtaking panoramas to create an exotic island retreat. This stylish, contemporary and ultra chic villa, with four bedrooms plus a kids bunk room and 18-metre infinity pool, has been designed for total rest and relaxation.

Whether watching monkeys swing through the coconut trees, sipping cocktails as the sun goes down or soaking in a sea-view bathtub, it’s hard not to fall under this villa’s spell. With the bars and restaurants of Senggigi just a short drive away, and the idyllic Gili islands, renowned for their world-class dive sites, within easy reach, Malimbu Cliff Villa really does offer something for everyone.

Cove 6 by SAOTA and Antoni Associates.

The owner’s brief was to design a house inspired by its indigenous fynbos surroundings, which is part of the recently established The Cove, a Private Estate, with the Pezula Golf Estate as backdrop. The site, located on an exposed cliff edge overlooking a rocky peninsula, is perched above a dramatic seascape with spectacular views. The site is 1 of 6 exclusive use areas permitted on this reserve. Its owner’s, a well-traveled couple who live in the United Kingdom, wanted a house with seamless indoor-outdoor living for summer holiday retreats. The house had to take maximum advantage of the spectacular views and surrounding landscape.

Cheval Blanc Randheli Hotel, Maldives.

Cheval Blanc Randheli features a contemporary vision of the Maldives. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy has conceived one-of-a-kind spaces skillfully combining local traditions and finest materials to create a stunning experience, in complete harmony with its pristine natural surroundings.

Bathed by the turquoise waters of Noonu atoll, Randheli is a true haven of lush vegetation. Here, century-old palm trees shelter delicate ephemeral flowers creating a luxuriantly verdant décor which changes with every season to provide a renewed sense of discovery time and over again.

Clifton View 7 by Antoni Associates, Cape Town.

Description by Antoni Associates :

The clients brief was to completely strip out the double-level apartment and to re-configure the interior layout to accommodate four bedrooms, en-suite, a gym, entertainment cocktail bar, cinema room and wine cellar. The site is perched over dramatic boulders and the Atlantic Ocean and experiences sweeping views of the Clifton beaches as well as the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Access is gained to the apartment on the upper level. The dining room, living room and kitchen are open plan and have direct access to the extensive terrace. The open plan dining area acts as a pivotal focal point between the spiral staircase and the main entertainment space. The success of the space is a culmination of bespoke detailing, unexpected stylistic juxtapositions and dramatic artworks. Moving through the apartment is a journey of styles and ideas that all fuse together to make the apartment a tailored and personally nuanced space. This tailored look was achieved by avoiding over use of recognizable brand names; the clients instead were keen to create one off signature pieces through the OKHA Design Studio. A feature spiral stair was introduced to link the two levels of the apartment. Feature timber screens extend from the upper level through the upper volume to contain this circulation space. The pool bar leads onto the swimming pool and spa terrace with uninterrupted views of the seascape. The infinity pool allows the eye to flow from the pool to the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Lighting design is an important feature in any project. Bold and discreet lighting was specified in conjunction to create a powerful ‘wow’ factor and layering of lighting was used to set various moods throughout.

Villa Belle in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Villa Belle is a spacious and luxurious über styling 3 bedroom villa, set in lush tropical surroundings on a hillside overlooking the captivating bays of Choeng Mon and Plai Laem. Designed to encompass these wide panoramic vistas of the azure Gulf of Siam and neighboring islands, Villa Belle enjoys these exquisite backdrops from any platform, within this very special residence. Located on the much sought after north coast, the villa is a short distance to the nearby golden sands of Choeng Mon beach, rated by many as one of the most beautiful beaches on Samui. The long curvaceous bay with tantalizing turquoise waters is the perfect swimming beach, dotted with rustic Thai restaurants or more upscale eateries, like The Sala Samui. This ideal locale is further enhanced by its tranquil setting away from it all, yet in only a few minutes drive, guests can enjoy funky shops, mouth-watering restaurants and the islands main lively entertainment areas.

Summer Beach House.

With this magical corner of Komporta (Portugal), the designer and decorator Pequenina Rodrigue fills you with a weekly dose of interior design inspiration summer. I’m very sentimental idyllic image of this beautiful house in sea sand dunes  beauty and relaxation.

Hotel Encanto in Acapulco by Taller Aragones.

The Encanto Hotel was built in Acapulco with few resources, economic materials, and local labor. The building tries to retain a human scale. Occa- sionally narrow, even small compared to or in contrast with its great heights; it has corners where only two people fit, intimate spaces that shelter and protect its guests. In this hotel, the potential for amazement is con- stant. One cannot help but observe each place, there is no room for distraction: common areas, private spaces, all designed for concentration and relaxation. Encanto is also a great labyrinth whose exits open out onto and are completed by the ocean. Everything was playfully created to generate continual momentum from the sea, to compel those staying there to seek and find a way out, arriving at it always and capturing it with their gazes.

Coastal House in Costa Brava, Spain.

Richard Shapiro’s House in Malibu.

North of Malibu on a bluff overlooking Broad Beach, Richard Shapiro created a romantic villa with a splash of Mediterranean style.

Viceroy Maldives Resort & Spa.

A constellation of islands lay in the shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean, where the last true vision of paradise can be found. Less than a one hour flight from Malé, up to the Maldives’ uncharted northern edge, beckons an island of singular beauty. Over 17 acres of palm-edged, pristine sand rises Viceroy Maldives, where only 61 villas encircle a lagoon of startling blue.
No detail remains unanswered, with Viceroy’s unparalleled service enriching the resort’s soaring interiors and elemental lounge areas. Five diverse dining venues, including the Treehouse, offer everything from casual beachside cuisine to elegant fare while incorporating Middle Eastern, Asian and European influences. Treatments and yoga at the Ayurvedic spa are balanced by the island’s wealth of outdoor activities accessible from the Dive & Water Sports Center.