Amaridian

Duvet St Gallen , home Switzerland .

Amangiri

Earth, Teach Me

Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with new light.

Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginning.

Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurture their young.

Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree that stands alone.

Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground.

Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky.

Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall.

Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring.

Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.

- An Ute Tribe Prayer

Set in the majestic Desert Canyon of Utah on the border to Arizona , Amangiri meaning Peaceful Mountain is in complete unity with its incredible surroundings. This is a resort that reaches into your soul and connects you to the Desert with Panoramic views from every angle, the colours of the pink sky and the splendor of the Canyons as your companion.

With 34 Suites in total with different layouts and categories some with larger terraces, Sunset views or sunrise views, some with pools and its two special suites the GiriJaala and the Aman Suite with dining al Fresco, terraces and large pools a home away from home. All Suites are designed with minimalistic but warm decor in Desert tones to blend the surrounding nature into your room. There is also an outdoor bedroom were you can sleep under stars for the very brave!

At the centre of the resort resides the Main Pavilion were you will find the dining room, cellar, library, Art Gallery where they showcase the regions best Art, Jewellery and Handcrafted wares from the Navajo tribes.

There is a a beautiful pool that blends into the canyon with king size sun loungers, and  next to the hot tub there is a fireplace area for the colder days. The vast 25, 000 Sq ft spa with floatation therapy, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms , even the indoor treatment rooms have spectacular views of the Canyon. The spa menu was created to reflect the Navajo Healing and Culture Traditions. There is also a a yoga pavilion and a the classic gym for those in need, which I find doubtful as Amangiri organizes the most incredible trips in the surrounding areas, hiking trails of different levels with names such as Coyote, Studhorse, Cave Peak and Hodoo. 

Visit the Naional Parks such as Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, North and South Rim and Monument Valley. Or if water is what gets to you visit Lake Powell or go Fly Fishing in the Colorado River. Last but not least take it all in from the sky with Hot Air Baloon Flights or a Private plane, not too shabby this Amangiri.

Wait there is still more, they do some specials tours and events during different times of the year. Full Moon Yoga on a sandstone platform a 15 minutes hike away from the resort . Presentations  and lectures "Dinosaurs of the Grand Staircase" were you will learn about the creatures that used to live in the area from archeologists that will bring some artifacts from the dig site. Love the stars? Then watch the stars via a Dobsonian Telescope with Amangiris Astronomy guide who will give you a tour of the night sky. For culture fanatics there is outdoor Opera in the amphitheater formed by the rocks.

Yes I am obsessed with hotels in the desert. Are you dreaming yet? xo

Photos via Amangiri, Flickr.

http://www.amanresorts.com

Qasr Al Sarab

Ahlan wa sahlan,

The Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter has now a magical new Desert Hotel.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Hotel by Anantara, which is loosely translated by as Palace of The Mirage, it has all that a hotel in the desert should offer, adventures by Camel , mountain bikes or traditional guided walks, the vistas must be spectacular. They also offer Archery Lessons, tennis and for those who just want to relax there is a pool or if you are really lucky at your Private Villa with a Butler to help you make decisions. Let us not forget The Hammam Spa where there are Royal Rituals to try out. My favourite would be a Bedouin dinner in the middle of the  Liwa Desert at Sunset.

This has inspired me to do a Desert Hotel Series, I love the colours and the magic that desert feeds to you.

I included for the first time a piece of music , but can't seem to upload the video. Hope the link works.

Enjoy xo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3lWwBslWqg&feature=share

http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/anantara-qasr-al-sarab

All photos via Qasr Al Sarab Hotel.

Looks like My Soul x

DI∆MOND ST∆R

INTERMISSION

LUX AETERNA

A Journey of Light, from distant galaxies to small drops of water

3D Animation by Cristobal Vila

www.etereaestudios.com

Music Theme "The Gift" by Johann Johannsson

www.johannjohannsson.com

Oh Herve!

I would kill for a Herve Van Der Straeten piece, I know its a bit extreme but anyone that sees his work feels the same way.

Studied painting at Le Ecoles des Beaux Arts, he started his career with jewellery design which am a collector of and always get such nice compliments on. His jewellery have a very architectural and geometric look to them , made of bronze or gold which give a beautiful glow against the skin.

He then transitioned on to Furniture and lightning , made in house by his highly skilled craftsmen , with such exquisite precision and meticulous attention to detail , I am sure that his work will be a future classic.

Herve has received numerous awards including the esteemed Chevalier des Art et des  Lettres and the L’Entreprise de Patrimoine Vivant .

His line is represented by the wonderful Ralph Pucci International with location both in New York or LA, or you can make an appointment at Herve Van Der Straeten Gallery in Paris. For the Jewellery you can buy it at Neiman Marcus , Bergdorf Goodman in the USA or Erickson Beamon in London.

Just Splendid xo

Image Sources and where to buy,

www.vanderstraeten.fr

www.ralphpucci.net

www.bergdorfgoodman.com/search.jhtml?N=0&Ntt=Herve+Van+Der+Straeten&_requestid=1541

www.ericksonbeamon.com

Food is Art III

Quails Egg | Egg

Sweet Jelly | Limoncello

Chocolate | Cheese with Pears

Pumpkin Soup | Soup

Chiacchiere | Cherries

Sea Bass | Sushi

Mullet | Tripe

Octopus | Meatballs

Steak | Bonbons

Asparagus | Basmati Rice

Bread | Pepper

Sea Urchin | Spiedini

Yoghurt with Figs | Foots

Eye | Oysters

Snails | Muricidae

The Dark side of Food Photography. Silvia Badalotti's striking compositions are are a little disturbing and intense to look at but the light, background and contrasts makes them mesmerizing. Taken from the forthcoming Black Food Book, cannot wait to see the rest of these images.

All images via,

www.finedininglovers.com

www.silviabadalotti.it

HERMES SPLENDID VISIONS

The First Step in The New Century : Party of Princes Paris 2000

Colour and Fantasy Paris 2004

Indian Fantasies (Colour) Paris 2008

Year of Africa : The Traveller's Room Paris 1997

Argent Contemporary Paris 2011

Travel the world with the stupendous windows of Hermes Paris. Pure Creative genius! I think I will make this into another series, there are so many to choose from.

I wonder if they hire more than one team to do the window displays. What an amazing job, wish I could do that. I shall investigate this further, in the meantime enjoy your journeys.

www.hermes.com

Picnic Splendor

Photos via Rolls Royce

Photos via Krug

Photos via Bonhams Auction House England

Photos via Bonhams

1957 Ford Carbeque Photos via Top Speed

Martell Trunk made by Pinel

Gorgeous summers days, perfect for a luxurious picnic.