World's second tallest building to open in Saudi

March 11, 2010 - Saudi Arabia

The world's second tallest building will be opened next August in Saudi Arabia, Meed has reported.

The 577-metre Makkah Clock Royal Tower will be 59 metres taller than the 508-metre tall Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan, but 251 metres shorter than the Dubai's 828-metre tall Burj Khalifa.

Developed by the Saudi Bin Laden Group, the tower is a part of the 4.5 million-square-metre, Abraaj al-Bayt complex, of the Kingdom Holding Co.

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya by Gilberto Borja

December 06, 2009 - Mexico

Mexican architect Gilberto Borja has designed the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya Resort.

The newest hideaway resort is set among 36 acres of tropical forests and milky white sands lapped by the cerulean blue Caribbean Sea.

As ever they have designed a fabulous enclave of luxury while retaining a distinctive feel for the setting.

Hainan Rendez Vous - China's 2010 Elite Event

November 23, 2009 - Sanya

China Rendez-Vous Ltd. and Visun Group announced the launch of Hainan Rendez-Vous, China's premier luxury lifestyle show.

This inaugural event combines private jets, yachts and megayachts, luxury real estate and lifestyle products in the stunning tropical environment of Hainan Island, the southernmost point in China.

Hainan Rendez-Vous will be held on April 2nd - 4th, 2010 in Sanya, the city set to become the epicenter of the flamboyant Chinese Riviera.

The first Villas branded by Bulgari Hotels and Resorts will be built in Bali

October 05, 2009 - Bali

Designed by the architectural firm Antonio Citterio & Partners, the project calls for the construction of five single family villas in Bali, Indonesia, in the extraordinary natural setting of the Bukit Peninsula, site of the existing Bulgari Resort.

Opened in 2006, this was the second luxury hotel built by the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts luxury group after the hotel in Milan was opened in 2004.

The five new villas, one of a kind, will be built in an area neighbouring the Resort, on a secluded upland plain bordered by cliffs plunging directly into the Indian Ocean.

772 Hotels for Sale on Bulgaria Real Estate Market

August 26, 2009 - Bulgaria

772 hotels around the county are currently for sale on the Bulgarian real estate market.

The lack of tourists, due to the global economic crisis, makes it impossible in some cases for the owners to pay there credits.

Another reason is that many of the hotels are working at loss, and their owners cannot afford to maintain the facilities, experts say.

Paris' Famed Hotel de Crillon for Sale

August 20, 2009 - Paris Ile de France

Paris’ famed Hôtel de Crillon, one of the world’s most luxurious hotels with a clientele of celebrities and royalty is up for sale by its American owner Starwood Capital for about US$420million.

Originally commissioned by Louis XV in 1758, the palatial edifice near the Champs Elysées on Place de la Concorde was converted into a hotel 100 years ago.

The hotel is more likely to be sold to a high net-worth individual or a property investor than a large hotel chain, the Times of London reports.

Blue-Crystal The Iceberg hotel in dubai?

August 10, 2009 - Dubai

German design duo Frank and Sven Sauer have designed Blue Crystal, the first year-round eco-sustainable ice lodge in Dubai.

Dubai’s arid desert climate doesn’t easily lend it to ice sculptures–especially not ones with 6 stories of luxury entertainment including an underwater lounge and ballroom.

But the German designers claim that Blue Crystal will harness the world’s natural energy sources, keeping it self-sufficient.

Burj Dubai opening date announced

August 03, 2009 - Dubai

The launch date for the world's tallest tower was finally made public last week, following months of secrecy.

The world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai, is due to open on 2 December.

The new opening date of the building had been kept untold until now, after it appeared that the Emaar project, which topped out at 818m earlier this year, would miss its original opening date in September.

The Opposite House in Beijing

July 30, 2009 - Beijing

This flagship hotel property of the Swire group in Beijing’s vibrant Sanlitun district redefines the high end of luxury.

Designed by Japanese starchitect Kengo Kuma, the hotel’s 99 contemporary guest rooms are among the largest in Beijing with more than half being over 70 sqm.

The rooms are strikingly simple with natural wooden floors and subtle touches of Chinese décor, lending each one a sense of place.

Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya

July 28, 2009 - Mexico

Inspired by the Mayan healing elements of water, air, fire and earth The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico has opened.

Latin flavours ripple in the waters of the Watsu Pool and Mayan Temazcal and three thatched roof spa palapas overlooking the peaceful water scene offer shelter for outdoor treatments.