11-14 Jun 2023
Le Meridien Lav,
Split,
Croatia
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12-15 Jun 2023
Raffles City Convention Centre,
Singapore
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02-04 Jul 2023
Cotswolds Water Park Hotel ,
South Cerney,
United Kingdom
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11-12 Sep 2023
The Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis, IN. ,
Lake Buena Vista,
United States
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12-14 Sep 2023
Gwel an Mor,
United Kingdom
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26-29 Sep 2023
Eau Palm Beach ,
Manalapan,
United States
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04-06 Oct 2023
Karlovy Vary ,
Czech Republic
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Aidia Studio reveals plans for desert safari lodges with retractable shell inspired by cacti |
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By Megan Whitby 18 Aug 2020 |
Called the Oculus, the pods consist of a double-glazed dome encasing a luxury hotel room, which is shrouded by a collapsible shell Credit: AIDIASTUDIO
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Mexican design firm, Aidia Studio, has unveiled plans for a complex of 25 luxury hotel pods with collapsible shells, located in the Rub’ al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi.
Called the Oculus, the pod consists of a double-glazed dome encasing a luxury hotel room, which is shrouded by a collapsible shell for shading, temperature control, camouflage and privacy.
The outer shell is made up of 60 shading panels which create a dense lattice to shelter the cabin, drawing inspiration from several desert cacti species which feature thick outer skins, foldings and fins to control heat and solar radiation.
The panels densify towards the crown, to adapt to the curvature of the pod, and in doing so, protect the pod by reflecting the harsh vertical sun radiation.
This outer layer can morph into different configurations depending on the time of the day, climate and needs of users, and also folds downwards to reveal a frameless acrylic dome for stargazing.
During daytime, the skin retracts sideways opening the front of the pod and unveiling the doors to the front deck.
When the shell is fully deployed, it camouflages the pod among the desert scenery to allow guests to go wildlife spotting from the comfort of their own cabin.
Aidia designers Rolando Rodriguez-Leal and Natalia Wrzask acted as lead architects for the project which is currently under concept design stages.
The complex is planned to include both standard (50sq m) or VIP (80sq m) size pods.
According to Aidia Studio, the main goal behind Oculus' design is to improve the environmental performance of the building through self-shading.
The proposed design also includes eco-friendly features such as incorporating technology to harness solar energy to power the pods, as well as water tanks to filter and recycle greywater.
The Oculus complex is envisioned to be built in the middle of a gravel plane backed by a tall sand dune, with the 25 cabins spread around the site in the shape of a constellation.
Aidia Studio is also planning to create a central hub of four pods with the same design as the cabins but on a larger scale.
The buildings will house a reception and guest toilets, reception lounge, restaurant and kitchen and staff functions, and all be interconnected via transition sleeves and held together by an elevated outdoor deck.
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09 Jun 2023
Cancer patients who practise YOCAS yoga can benefit from reduced levels of inflammation – helping their road to recovery and even preventing cancer from returning. The finding comes from research led by the University of ... More
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09 Jun 2023
Spas operated by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) will harness the healing power of music following the upcoming launch of a new Wellness Music Programme. Debuting across the group on Global Wellness Day (10 June ... More
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08 Jun 2023
Sonu Shivdasani, co-founder of barefoot luxury hotel and wellness brand Soneva, has confirmed there will be a new Soneva opening by the end of 2023. Speaking at a webinar with WGSN, Shivdasani revealed: “The new ... More
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07 Jun 2023
Sustainability-focused trade association GSN Planet has launched a new training programme to educate spa professionals about environmentally conscious spa management. Now accessible on the GSN Planet website, the Sustainable Spa Practitioner course provides wellness practitioners ... More
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06 Jun 2023
Hilton Hotels & Resorts will expand its luxury Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand with a new resort and luxury spa in Orlando, Florida, by the end of the year. Named Conrad Orlando, the 433-key property ... More
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05 Jun 2023
Cape of Senses, Lake Garda’s upcoming five-star, adult-only spa hideaway, is due to open its doors in South Tyrol on 8 July 2023. Situated 200 metres above Lake Garda on the east side, the Torri ... More
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02 Jun 2023
Lifestyle brand Equinox has told HCM it plans to fight a ruling by the US courts that it must pay pay US$11.25m to a former employee who claimed she was discriminated against due to race, ... More
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02 Jun 2023
Austria’s five-star alpine wellness retreat Hotel Krallerhof has been updated with a new nature-centric glass-fronted spa, Atmosphere by Krallerhof. Embedded in the slopes of the Asitz mountain, the five-star Salzburger hotel’s new adults-only wellness facility ... More
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01 Jun 2023
JW Marriott has branched into the luxury safari segment with a wellness-forward retreat property in one of Africa's most renowned wildlife and wilderness conservation regions. Sitting within Southwestern Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, JW Marriott ... More
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01 Jun 2023
Global online architecture platform Architizer has spotlighted innovative spa and wellness architecture concepts around the world as part of its 11th Annual Architizer A+Awards. Founded on the premise of democratising architecture, the annual A+Awards honour ... More
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31 May 2023
Industry event Spa Life UK is back for 2023 from 2-4 July at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, in South Cerney. The annual event is organised to equip attendees with valuable insights, educational ... More
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30 May 2023
Iconic Texas hotel and wellness destination Texas The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa has announced the appointment of Kelleye Martin as the new director of its Trellis Spa. With more than 25 years of experience ... More
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Matrix Fitness |
Matrix Fitness, one of the world’s leading commercial fi tness brands, is a division of Johnson
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