28-29 Jul 2024
Southern Sun Rosebank,
Johannesburg,
South Africa
|
03-05 Sep 2024
IMPACT Exhibition Center,
Bangkok,
Thailand
|
03-08 Sep 2024
Cruise London, Amsterdam, Zeebrugge,
United States
|
08-10 Sep 2024
Wyndham® Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs™ Resort,
Lake Buena Vista,
United States
|
10-12 Sep 2024
St Moritz Hotel & Spa,
Wadebridge,
United Kingdom
|
15-18 Sep 2024
Wigwam,
Phoenix,
United States
|
18 Sep 2024
Chesford Grange Hotel,
Kenilworth,
United Kingdom
|
19-19 Sep 2024
The Salil Hotel Riverside - Bangkok,
Bangkok 10120,
Thailand
|
|
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
Aidia Studio reveals plans for desert safari lodges with retractable shell inspired by cacti |
|
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
|
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.
|
|
News |
1 to 12 of 8769 news stories |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
25 Jul 2024
Retreat brand TheLifeCo Well-being will make its Caribbean debut in Gros-Islet, Saint Lucia, in 2025, as part of the Caribbean Jewel Seven Wonders project (CJSW). Since 2005, TheLifeCo has hosted retreat programmes focused on nutrition, ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
24 Jul 2024
Global online architecture platform Architizer has highlighted some of the world’s most innovative spa and wellness architecture concepts as part of its 12th Annual Architizer A+Awards. Split into 126 categories, the awards celebrate the work ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
24 Jul 2024
Billingehus, a tranquil Swedish countryside retreat, has unveiled its new 2,000sq m spa and announced new plans for additional upgrades by 2025. Situated between Gothenburg and Stockholm, the hotel and its new wellness facility are ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
23 Jul 2024
Bavarian destination spa and hotel Schloss Elmau is looking to celebrate the joy of dance by becoming the first wellness destination in the world to offer retreats focused on the Gaga intuitive movement practice. Gaga, ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
23 Jul 2024
Fitness-focused hospitality brand and management company Equinox Hotels has announced plans to open a modern new resort on the coast of the Gulf of Aqaba in northwest Saudi Arabia. The venture is part of the ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
22 Jul 2024
Plans have been unveiled for La Maviglia, a new luxury resort and expansive medi-spa set to open in Italy's Puglia region, renowned for its Primitivo wine, in 2027. Spanning 202 hectares of lush olive orchard ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
19 Jul 2024
Auberge Resorts Collection will launch its first UK property and destination spa in Mayfair, London, in 2025, following a deal with UK-based global private investment group Reuben Brothers. The 102-room hotel – called Cambridge House, ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
19 Jul 2024
A large new mineral springs destination has launched in Texas, inspired by some of the world’s most famous hot springs – such as Jordan’s Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon and Mexico’s Grutas Tolantongo. Located at ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
18 Jul 2024
A thought-provoking, US national probability study, The WELLSurvey™, has revealed that the majority of Americans now include several health and wellness practices in their everyday lives. They also view the concepts of 'wellness' and 'wellbeing' ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
18 Jul 2024
US integrative wellness brand The Well has named Ariella Willoughby as its new VP of operations, aiming to drive significant growth and operational success across its current and future locations worldwide. The Well, which launched ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
16 Jul 2024
Middleton Enterprises, a UK-based family investment office, has committed £1.6 million (US$2.1 million, €1.9 million) in funding to the Light Centre – a network of medical, therapeutic and wellbeing centres with four locations in London. ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
15 Jul 2024
Rianna Riego, a seasoned professional in the wellness and spa industry, has been appointed director of global business development at Seed to Skin Tuscany, a premier Italian botanical skincare and spa brand. Riego brings more ... More
|
![](http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/images/trans.gif) |
|
|
![](https://www.spaopportunities.com/images/trans.gif) |
Agilysys |
Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), is a leading
global provider of hospitality software
solutions that
[more] |
|
|
![](https://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/images/dir/400547_806825.jpg) |
|