River of dreams
River living never looked so good thanks to +31 Architects. The Dutch architectural firm has completed a curvy house boat (above) on the river Amstel in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Watervilla de Omval has a kitchen and living space parallel with the water, with cabins below the water line reached via a split level that houses the bathroom. With a roof that forms a terrace at one end of the house boat, this contemporary vision of living on water is bound to change peoples' ideas about houseboats.
Radio Gaga
If your kitchen or bedroom needs some zing, then the Vita Audio R1 MkII should fill the role happily. Based on the popular and highly rated R1, the Vita Audio R1 MkII is a sleek desktop radio. This special limited-edition version sports the same beautiful design but with a luxurious high-gloss finish that makes a statement. The LCD display makes the R1 MkII easy to use and it can also be made portable, with the separately available Backpack rechargeable battery pack and protected with the Carrypack leather carry case.
Boutique Bliss
If luxury - and a great rooftop pool - are high on your holiday agenda then The Hotel Gansevoort in New York should fit the bill. The luxury boutique hotel, designed by Stephen B. Jacobs, has a fully equipped spa with amenities that include massages, facials, manicures, steam rooms and a hair salon. The Gansevoort Hotel's Ono Restaurant, the Garden of Ono and its accompanying bar, O Bar, comprise the multilevel restaurant and lounge area and serves Japanese cuisine.