Traditional Charm Blended With Modern Luxury: Almyra Villa in Paros, Greece

As you step inside, you will discover stylish interiors decorated in a minimalist manner. But the real magic happens outdoors: “The swimming pool terrace is beautifully appointed with sun beds, a dining table with chairs and a cozy lounge area under a shaded pergola where guests can escape the sun after a refreshing swim into the crystalline waters of the pool. The endless views to the sapphire waters of the sea and the sprawling green fields create an atmosphere of serenity and purity”. Sleeping here for a night translates into reducing your holiday budget with  $741 – $1,145/night, depending on the season.

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Fluid Geometric Design in Mumbai: Auriga Restaurant and Nightclub

Turning an old factory warehouse into a restaurant and nightclub was a challenge for Sanjay Puri Architects. Auriga Restaurant and Nightclub adorns the streets of Mumbai, India in a successful effort of proving that sculptural design can help re-imagine unused buildings.

Stripping off external walls in order to expose the interiors to natural light, architects imagined a “web of aluminum fins that are folded in angular planes”  dressing up the exterior. The first floor shelters the nightclub opening into an outdoor patio, while the restaurant occupies the upper floor from where there is a better view of the surrounding vegetation.

Abstract elements shape the walls, columns, ceiling, kitchen counter and bar, while dark grey granite floors compose a visual connection within the space. The restaurant is dominated by the use if wood, while the nightclub flaunts steel elements. Contrasting in terms of materials but closely tied together by design, the Auriga Restaurant and Nightclub plays with our perception of space and tickles our creativity. 

Quote: Love, like a chicken salad or restaurant hash, must be taken with blind faith or it loses its flavor. - H.Rowland

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Friendly Ski Retreat in the Swiss Alps: Chalet Ibron

There is something so incredibly welcoming about the Chalet Ibron in the Swiss Alps, and we “blame” this appeal on the fascinating landscapes it neighbors, as well as on its friendly architecture. The villa’s exterior evokes a sense of privacy and serenity due to the traditional style and materials (wood, stone) employed. Boasting four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the place is large enough to accommodate a large group of friends, but is particularly alluring for adventurous couples.

Located in a dreamy setting, it is no wonder that the indoor-outdoor relationship was maximized: “Side by side, tucked against a beautiful hillside, the numerous balconies and large terraces give you bird’s eye views of the village and the surrounding mountains, encompassing all three of Zermatt’s ski areas. The chalet has all the latest technology with flat-screen TVs, more than a hundred satellite channels, a rotating fireplace and geothermal heating to reduce the chalet’s carbon foot-print as much as possible”. The cost for a stay here ranges from $488 to $2,821 per night, depending on the season.

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Daily Dream Home: Villa Di Gioia

Today’s dream home is located in a charming seaside resort named Bisceglie in Italy and was designed by Italian architectural firm Pedone Working. Known as +Villa Gioia, the stunning contemporary house flaunts its volumetric silhouette under the clear blue sky.

Materials and colors employed in the construction of this home resonate with the traditional regional architecture. The architecture is different though. Sleek  lines and extensive use of glass led to displaying a minimalist design. Its linear architecture accentuated by the use of a metallic structure framing the glass volume that is the living area proves efficient and eye-catching. Within this L-shaped floor plan, bright social spaces shine under the lens of photographer by Sergio Camplone.

Social spaces on the ground floor are reached via an outdoor concrete staircase floating above the pool. Indoor/outdoor lines get blurred, but so does the interior floor plan. Everything is open and illuminated, with natural light bouncing off white walls. Leading up to the private area, an open staircase accentuates the main feature of this home: transparency. The residence’s studied architecture encourages natural light use and wind energy usage. Built using “rules of sustainability and of the Mediterranean passive house”, Villa Di Gioia embraces an eco-friendly perspective on dream homes.

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Twins were born, but haven't realized that..

(Video of the day) - Enjoy this amazing video: Twins were born, but haven't realized that..

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New Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG revealed

At the upcoming LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz will premiere the S65 AMG 2014, its new luxury sedan powered by a V12 twin-turbo engine with 630hp.

Quote: Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz. - Janis Joplin

This third iteration of the Mercedes S 65 AMG has a 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine with a total output of 630hp coupled with an automatic 7G-Tronic transmission offering three driving modes (economical, manual and sport). The sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3s, and its top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

The model’s fuel consumption over a mixed cycle is announced at 11.9L/100km, for CO2 emissions equivalent to 279g/km. The Mercedes S 65 AMG also has a lithium-ion battery, which allows it to save more than 20kg compared to the traditional starter and back-up batteries.

In terms of safety features, the Mercedes S 65 AMG stands out for its Pre-Safe autonomous emergency braking system and its night vision assistant. Extra options include a 360° camera, exclusive seats, or even individual entertainment systems for each of the back seat passengers.

The new S 65 AMG will be available in the sedan version only from March 2014 in certain markets, with prices starting at €232,050 (around $310,600).

Last spring, Mercedes garnered headlines in the automotive world with the presentation of its new S Class, designed around three major principles: luxury, safety and energy efficiency.

The range will be available with four engine systems, including two hybrids (S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid and S 400 Hybrid) equipped with a small electric motor.

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