Misool Eco Resort

Marit, a DTI regular, wrote us recently about her resort in Indonesia and we had to share this dreamy place with everyone. Those of you living through a terrible winter (like myself), I am warning you that the photos below might result in a few tears shed so I recommend having a tissue on hand. "Your blog has been a big inspiration to me as we've been designing our resort and home in West Papua, Indonesia. We're an eco resort in the true sense of the word, using only reclaimed wood in the construction of our 11 cottages, dive shop, restaurant, and pier. I could go on and on about that stuff, but I think the aspect that might be of most interest to you is our Water Cottages, designed by UK-born but Australian-based architect Viv Faithfull at WH Architects in Melbourne. There are 8 of them built on stilts over a tranquil lagoon."

"I designed the sideboard in the first photo and our Javanese craftsmen built it. It took 18 men to move it into place! The rattan furniture was made in one of the local villages. Together with Conservation International, we made a project to bring rattan artisans from Bali to Papua. The local villagers now have an income that doesn't rely on unsustainable exploitation of marine resources. And we have great, locally made furniture!"

*sniffle sniffle* See? I told you! Thanks so much Marit for sharing your incredible home with us. Maybe one day....

Kelly Wearstler does it all

I LOVE Kelly Wearstler's style, and when we got an email about a new project of hers I was excited to post about it.

"Poised to aesthetically amaze the most astute of second-home buyers with inspiring designs by internationally acclaimed tastemaker Kelly Wearstler, Viceroy Anguilla will unveil its model four-bedroom villa on Barnes Bay, March 15. This season offers the final opportunity to own part of Viceroy’s flagship overseas development – a limited collection of beachfront and blufftop villas, townhomes and resort residences embracing the pristine natural beauty and tranquility of this West Indie Island. "Overall, I was inspired by the tranquil beach setting," comments Wearstler of her work at Viceroy Anguilla. "In designing the property, we used textiles and techniques from all over the world, including hand-carved wood pieces from Asia, hammered metalwork from India and beaded artwork from Africa which offer a visual contrast with the modern architecture.""

WOW!!! Vacation anyone???

L'Hôtel Particulier de Montmartre

L'hôtel Particulier de Montmartre is an incredible hotel in Paris. It's actually a townhouse consisting of 5 luxury suites that are each 45 to 80 square metres, and each one is designed by a renowned artist. There's the "Tree with ears" room, the "Vegetal room", the "Curtain of hair" room, the "Poems and hats" room and the "Vitrine room". And OMG, the salons are to die for - filled with mid-century classics. What an experience it would be to spend a night here.

Eagle's Nest

The weekend is over and it's time to head back to work. Unless you want to join me on a virtual getaway. Eagle's Nest is set within a 75 acre estate atop its own private ridgeline offering spectacular views of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. The elegant and simple, eclectic and informal interiors of the luxury villas enhance the breathtaking vistas. Imagine the sunsets viewed from the edge of our horizon edge pool. I'm dreaming of the room service. New Zealand food and wine is some of the best in the world. If only we were really there. (P.S. I am actually on a week's break but nowhere as romantic as this.)

Images from Kiwi Collection

Fasano hotels

The Fasano hotels of São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro are perfect for lovers of mid-century modern design. The São Paolo location was voted one of the 50 best hotels in the world in 2004 by the Condé Nast Traveller hot list. I was sold when I got to the photo of the view off the balcony. And after just walking home 45 minutes in a blizzard, I am now going to stare at that photo for 45 minutes.