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    • Article Category: Travel

    Austin Proper Hotel and Residences artfully places itself at the cultural crossroads of Downtown Texas’ skyline

    Rising above the coast of the city it’s named after, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences is all set to open its doors this winter in Texas. Crafted by interior designer Kelly Wearstler, its 244 rooms and suites, 99 branded residences and luxury amenities—all blend lifestyle and well being with aesthetic interiors. The property also offers creative offices, bespoke design and a peek into the local culture.

    Unfurling over three years, Wearstler’s creative vision for the site features an individualistic view blending a tradition of artistry and craftsmanship that defines the city. The influence of the most stately homes in Texas’ capital city animates captivating details from a sculptural staircase installation of 60 patchworked rugs to the lobby’s monolithic wood-and-ceramic grandfather clock. An essence of local art is seen throughout with textural plays on every surface, ranging from the pool deck to antique mirror finishes in the rooms. With the city as its muse, the designer detailed each room for refined living and restful evenings. Deeply influenced by indigenous arts and crafts, every space in the property exudes a cultural essence.

    This luxury hotel will host McGuire Moorman Hospitality, the award-winning team behind Austin’s best dining and entertainment spots. The landmark eatery provides its patrons with lip-smacking, Meditteranean inspired cuisine and flavours. Keeping in line with the hotel’s commitment to wellness, this urban getaway accommodates a soothing lounge and spa as well as a spacious fitness centre. An array of high-end facilities encourage the guests to linger on the property or even set up a temporary office with a view of the pool.

    World’s most eclectic novelty architecture

    Imitation is the best form of flattery and in the case of these quirky installations rightfully so. Novelty Architecture has given rise to some of the most unusual yet visually stunning structures around the world. These buildings are shaped like the products they cater their services to, creating a brand new approach to the world of architecture. The Big Pineapple, Bathurst, Eastern Cape, South AfricaNestled in the city of Bathurst, South Africa, The Big Pineapple stands 56 feet tall and is the world’s largest pineapple building. This structure was crafted to emulate the tropical fruit—to pay tribute to the fruit and the sweet earnings it brought. The structure hosts three floors and is made of metal and fibreglass and features an observation platform. The interior brandishes a tourist shop and a great view.Adidas Shoe Box, Barcelona, SpainPop-up stores are all the rage and Adidas harmonized the trend almost perfectly. The Adidas Originals Pop-up shop at the primavera music festival in Barcelona, Spain was definitely a star attraction. The footwear company modelled a shoebox structure with a partly opened lid for its latest pop-up store. The store was detailed to the tee with everything ranging from the information of the shoe on the side of the ‘shoebox’ to a couple of laces peaking from the roof, definitely our favourite!National Fisheries Development Board Building, Hyderabad IndiaThe National Fisheries Development Board Building in Hyderabad India is quite the paradox to your mundane government offices. Crafted in 2012, the giant fish-shaped building appears to float mid-air and hosts three floors. The 1,920-square-meter structure was designed this way by the Central Public Works Department of India to promote all work related to fishing. The building features rectangular scale-like windows that perforate its silver body, a hollow mouth and eyes that bear blue glass.Gibeau Orange Julep, CanadaThe Montreal skyline hosts an unusual silhouette of an orange shaped structure. The Gibeau Orange Julep in Canada that stands tall at 3 stories and 40 feet wide was originally a snack bar with off the wall beverages. Crafted by Hermas Gibeau in 1932, the eatery and the staple orange julep drink is named after himself. According to the Montreal Gazette, the city’s main English language newspaper, The Gibeau, is among the ‘Top Ten Most Important Montreal Symbols’ Today, it is one of the oldest and most iconic fast-food joints in the country.High-Heel Wedding Church (Budai Township, Taiwan)Located at Ocean View Park, in Taiwan’s Budai township, on a large concrete disc stands a massive glass slipper that looks like its straight out of Cinderella’s fairytale. However, in reality, this unique structure is a church that caters to women. Built in 2016, the edifice has 320 blue-tinted panes, set into a metal grid. The female-centric decor embodies love seat benches, biscuits and cakes, and maple leaf decorations. The building is also used for weddings and photoshoots. Sanrio Strawberry House (Tokyo, Japan)Built in 1984, Sanrio Strawberry House was one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping centres for children. This structure is spun on two sides by a smaller strawberry on one and a mushroom on the other. The three-storied structure houses Sanrio merchandise on the first two levels and the third level is a strawberry themed playroom to the tee with strawberry-shaped tables to fixtures. This store was a door to a world of fantasy where kids can frolic in strawberry fields.

    Mimicking the undulations of the Jordanian desert, Oppenheim Architecture crafts an encompassing golf academy and club in Aqaba

    Inspired by the natural topography of the dunes and mountains of the surrounding desert, the sprawling Ayla Golf Academy and Clubhouse in the coastal city of Aqaba in Jordan, unfolds out into an organic, approximately 13,000 sq ft development. The 18 hole signature golf course, designed by athlete-turned-designer Greg Norman, is surrounded by residential, hospitality and commercial spaces that are conceptualised by Oppenheim Architecture to connect the built environment with the natural. The design practice is influenced by tribal Bedouin tents as seen in the final construction. Conventional walls and ceilings resemble curved shotcrete shells, creating magnificent triangular entrances between the folds.

    The triangular entrance of the clubhouse restaurant ; Photographs by Rory Gardiner
    Built in a hue that echoes the warm shades of the enveloping Aqaba mountains, every single structure that makes up the academy and clubhouse captures the elemental vibrancy of the rolling desert landscape. To tackle extreme weather conditions, a Corten steel perforated screen is fitted—similar to the traditional Arabic mashrabiyya (windows enclosed with carved wood latticework)—to allow sunlight to filter in. This seemingly delicate yet sturdy structure includes subtle sustainable elements. Take, for instance, the building that houses the academy. It features an open air lobby, circulation areas, insulated roofs, cavity walls and double glazed windows to induce cooling and eliminate the need for air conditioning. The architectural rm also worked with a local artist, whose plan of a raw, adorned look is achieved by applying a traditional pigmentation technique to interior spaces—perfectly emulating this leisure destination’s inspiration.
    Detail of the Corten steel perforated screen ; Photographs by Rory Gardiner

    Iconic Architecture Series: USA

    The Chrysler building, Empire State building and Guggenheim museum in New York, Grand Opera House in Delaware, Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, Portland Observatory in Maine, Drayton Hall in South Carolina, The Bean in Chicago, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles…there is no end to the list of architectural masterpieces scattered across the United States of America. These unforgettable edifices stand out on the landscape of civilisation as some of the best creations of humanity. Here are some iconic structures that captivate minds and beguile souls across time. Chapel of the Holy Cross, ArizonaSculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude from New Orleans wanted to build a modern church. When the Diocese of Los Angeles rejected her proposal to build such a church in Los Angeles, she chose Budapest for its location. However, the start of World War II dashed her plans and she returned to Sedona, Arizona. It was here, in the wild beauty of the desert land, where the sculptor realised her dream in 1956 with the help of architect Richard Hein. The cross wedged between two russet rocks is set against a stunning backdrop of the Coconino National Forest seen through a massive, floor-to-ceiling window.Dalí Museum, FloridaThis museum in St. Petersburg, Florida celebrates one of the most famous painters of the 20th century. By juxtaposing the rational with the fantastical, Florida based architect Yann Weymouth has designed a monument that befits the Spanish surrealist painter. A geodesic glass form known as the enigma seems to emerge from the non descript rectangular building made of hurricane-proof walls. Inside, another prominent architectural feature—a helical staircase that recalls Dali’s obsession with spirals —pays hommage to the venerated painter.Flatiron building, GeorgiaThe oldest skyscraper in Atlanta, mostly unchanged since its conception in 1897, is the original flatiron building that predates the more popular one in New York. Designed by American architect Bradford Gilbert, who also built New York City’s first skyscraper, it is known as the English-American Building. The two levels at the base of the eleven storeyed building include half columns and stone piers separated by large glass windows. This narrow triangular structure is one of Atlanta’s most striking examples of the Chicago Style in urban architecture, setting a precedent for most of the city’s later downtown buildings. Transamerica Pyramid, Northern California This obelisk-shaped building along San Fransisco’s skyline was awarded LEED® Gold status by the US Green Building Council for its eco-conscious practices. Designed by William Pereira & Associates, the pyramidal structure was not welcomed by the public initially. However, later on, they warmed to it and recognised it as an inseparable part of the city’s skyline. The tallest building in San Fransisco has two wings that house the elevator shafts that cannot run at the angle of the building itself and the stairwell. With a white quartz exterior and an aluminium spire on top, the original headquarters of Transamerica Corporation is lauded for its architectural mastery within the bounds of enviromental sustainability. Brutalist Building: The Bank of London and South America, Buenos Aires—What started out as a British bank, which operated in South America was later acquired by Lloyds Bank Limited in 1918. The new headquarters in central Buenos Aires was designed by Italian-Argentine architect Clorindo Testa, a pioneer of mid-20th century Brutalist architecture, in 1966. With a memorable concrete facade, it is one of the best examples of brutalism in Argentinian architecture.

    Iconic Architecture Series: Europe

    The Colosseum in Rome, Louvre in Paris, Brandenburg Gate in Germany, Guggenheim museum in Spain, Dancing House in Prague…there is no end to the list of architectural masterpieces scattered across the continent of Europe. These unforgettable edifices stand out on the landscape of civilisation as some of the best creations of humanity. Here are some iconic structures that captivate minds and beguile souls across time. Sagrada Familia, SpainThis UNESCO world heritage site has been under construction for more than a century. In 1882, architect Francisco de Paula del Villar began the project, however, a year later, famed modern architect Anton Gaudi took over. He combined Gothic and Art Nouveau elements and, in signature Gaudi style, created something stunningly unique and memorable. One of the project’s greatest challenges is the construction of ten additional spires, each symbolising an important Biblical figure in the New Testament. The Sagrada Família, which is also the final resting place of Gaudi, has been funded through anonymous donations and contributions over the years. Duomo, FlorenceOne of Italy’s biggest churches, the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo features the largest brick dome ever made. The construction began in 1296 but the dome, a daring design of Filippo Brunelleschi, was completed in 1436. The founding father of Renaissance architecture took an innovative approach that involved vaulting the dome space without any scaffolding by using a double shell. The inner dome is made of light bricks set in a herringbone pattern, while the outer one serves as a sturdy, wind resistant covering. The exterior of the basilica is clad in polychrome marble panels in pink and green hues. The cupola at the top offers splendid panoramic views of the Tuscan capital.Pena Palace, PortugalDestroyed in the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755, this palace was commissioned by King Ferdinand to to Lieutenant General and mining engineer Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege to serve as a summer residence for the Portuguese royal family. With a decadent and surreal mix of brightly coloured terraces, mythological statues and decorative battlements, set against the verdant Parque de Pena forest, the Pena Palace epitomises the 19th century Romanticist style of architecture. Once a modest monastery, it is now used for state occasions by the President of the Portuguese Republic and other government officials.Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, RussiaCommissioned and funded by the Imperial family of Russia, the construction of the church began in 1883. Its architecture, which brings to mind 17th century Yaroslavl churches and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, inspires romantic nationalist feelings. Decorated with Italian limestone and semi precious stones, the church houses one of the largest collections of mosaic in the world. The interior was designed by some of the most celebrated Russian artists of the day, such as Viktor Vasnetsov, Mikhail Nesterov and Mikhail Vrubel. Brutalist Building: Western City Gate, Serbia—Designed by Mihajlo Mitrović in 1977, this brutalist structure features two towers connected by a bridge. The taller tower is residential, while the other is commercial. The 36 storeyed building with the revolving restaurant on top is the second tallest skyscraper in Belgrade.

    Five captivating open-air museums that promise a larger than life experience

    We bring to you outdoor displays spread across vast open lands, that allow you to freely breathe, live and enjoy unconfined creativity and imagination…

    Hakone Open Air Museum
    Nestled between the quiet valleys and verdant hills of Japan, the capacious Hakone Open-air museum was created to allow free movement between nature and art. Perfect to visit in any season, the museum has on permanent display 120 masterpieces by famous contemporary sculptors, although the Piccaso collection remains its key attraction.

    Ekeberg Sculpture Park
    Beneath the breathtaking Norwegian skies lies the Ekeberg sculpture park. Spread across 25.5 acres of lush green, it is home to heritage works of masters such as Renoir and Rodin. Breaking away from the flat and masculine form it revolves around women as the focus subject and is also the exact spot where artist Edvard Munch was inspired to paint his famed Skriket (The Scream).
    Den Gamle 
    Opened in 1914 as the world’s first open-air museum, The Old Town in Aarhus, is built to create an illusion of town life complete with half-timbered structures for buildings, gardens, post office and museum staff impersonating the roles of town figures. An outdoor history class, the museum captures the evolution of Danish societies and architecture.
    Goreme Open Air Museum
    Built atop, a 2.6 million-year-old volcanic eruptions, the Goreme Museum in Turkey is a stunning architectural marvel of rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this museum is a treasure trove to some of the finest specimens of frescoes from the Byzantine era.
    Laumeier Sculpture Park
    Step into a sculptor’s haven amidst dense trees, as you stroll through modern installations that are well conceptualised, dramatic and often thought-provoking. Tucked away in the quaint city of Missouri, the collection includes over 60 exhibits, both temporary and permanent that are mostly themed on current trends and issues.

    Dune Art Museum’s concrete shell was shaped by hand by local workers in Qinhuangdao

    On a quiet beach along the coast of northern China’s Bohai Bay, the UCCA Dune Art Museum is carved into the sand, where it gently disappears. Countless years of wind have pushed the beach’s sand into a dune along the shore several metres high, stabilised by low-rising shrubs and another ground cover. Inspired by children’s tireless digging, the museum lies beneath this dune.

    “Digging” creates a series of interconnected, organically formed spaces, which resemble caves — the primeval home of man, where the walls were once a canvas for some of humanity’s earliest works of art. Hidden between the sea and the coast, the design of the Dune Art Museum is simple, pure, and touching.

    The decision to create the art museum underneath the dunes surrounding it was born out of the deep reverence for nature and the desire to protect the vulnerable ecosystem, formed by natural forces over thousands of years. “The context was nature. Because of the museum, these sand dunes will be preserved instead of being levelled, as has happened to many other dunes along the shore”, explains Li.

    The architects chose to leave the irregular texture of the formwork, so these traces of the manual construction can be read across the walls. Sustainability was also key to the project. A series of cell-like contiguous spaces accommodate the museum’s rich and varied programmes. These include galleries of different sizes and a café. After passing through a long, dark tunnel and a small reception area, space suddenly opens up as you enter the largest multifunctional gallery.

    There, a beam of daylight from the skylight above silently yet powerfully fills the space. Looking through different openings framed by the building, museum-goers can observe the ever-changing expressions of the sky and sea throughout the day. A spiral staircase leads to a lookout area on top of the sand dune, guiding curious audiences from the dark recesses of the cave-like galleries to the vast openness above. Nestled between the water and land, the museum emerges as a secret shelter — with ever-changing expressions and elements, the sky and sea stimulate boundless creative energy.

    Encased abodes of finer living and rich culture — 5 Heritage Hotels across India

    Just like wine tastes better with time, these hotels stay eternally beautiful, living on to tell stories of eras gone by.Gratitude Hotel, PondicherryA property estimated to be nearly 150 years old, Gratitude at Pondicherry retains the ambience and spirit of its French, Creole and Tamil past. With high columns, wide arches, an inner courtyard and the madras terrace roof, it has a stature that truly befits a heritage structure. What gives Gratitude its true charm is the quiet joy and peace that gives it a healing atmosphere. It is rare to find a place of such quietude inviting one to introspect and go on an inner soulful journey without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.Bal Samandh Lake Palace, JodhpurMerely 5km from the city centre is the WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace, in the vicinity of the crystalline Bal Samand Lake. Built in red sandstone and employing the typical ornate Rajput architectural style, this heritage hotel has a dramatic history replete with tales of valour and strife, romance and culture. The tastefully designed garden rooms possess an aura of royalty — with their own rose gardens, croquet lawn and restaurant. Lalit Grand Palace, SrinagarThis historical palace dating back to early 20th Century was designed and created by Maharaja Hari Singh himself, a canvas of his keen love and interest for architecture and fine living. Encircled by snow-capped Himalayan ranges and overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake, the palace was initially conceived as a Royal Summer Residence. Later, it became the foremost choice of holiday retreats for many important personalities. Resplendent in its royal heritage and exuding old-world charm, the hotel transports you back in time. It offers a sweeping view of the famed Srinagar scenery and expansive Chinar gardens.The House of MG, AhmedabadThis palatial building was restored to adaptively reuse the spaces. It is meant to cater to a modern lifestyle while staying true to its historical perspective as well as the traditional customs and hospitality of a Gujarati home! One of the oldest buildings in the city, it represents the architectural colonial heritage of the early 20th Century. The hotel has 38 well-appointed rooms — a gallery showcasing traditional textiles of India from the Mangaldas family collection, a tribal heirlooms boutique and a heritage bookstore — making it a modern-day time machine with verdant courtyards and verandahs.Ramgarh Heritage Hotel, HaryanaA luxury boutique hotel, the Ramgarh Heritage is part of an ancient haveli that has existed for 325 years. Located in Panchkula, the hotel is reminiscent of the pre-independence era. It has elegant, luxurious interiors dotted with historic artworks and antiques — a legacy passed down from generation to generation. Spanned across 26 opulent rooms and suites, each customised with unique elements like the artwork on display, mysteriously connected corridors or elaborately decorated ceilings, this aesthetically pleasing space promises an exciting stay, especially to the history buffs!

    Five incredible homestays in the hills that you need to experience

    As a cold wave envelops the subcontinent this holiday season, snuggle up in a warm blanket, roast some marshmallows on a campfire and experience the beauty of clear, star-filled skies. Take a look at our selection of some of the most breathtaking homestays.

    Taara House, Manali: Perched 6600 feet above the ground, this cottage utilises Burma Teak, English Oak and Pine to create the perfect homely setting in the mountains. An all-glass house, for dining under the stars and breathtaking views, is the highlight of this residence that will transport you to a bygone era with its charming decor. www.taarahouse.com

    Meena Bagh, Ratnari: Far from the towns of Himachal that are buzzing with tourists, this beautiful home is nestled in the middle of an apple orchard. Enjoy a tranquil stay to relax and connect with yourself, loved ones and nature.www.meenabaghresorts.com

    Sylvan Villa, Kasauli: Atop the pristine Dharampur hills, this villa is speculated to have been the first school in the city, almost 100 years ago. It’s old-world charm and stunning views will have you reminiscing the stories your grandparents once told you of easier times as you relax and unwind in the fresh air.www.sylvanvilla.com

    Dwarika Residency, Shimla: This boutique property provides splendid views of the Himalayas and Pabber river. Apple orchards in full bloom welcome you in the warmer months, whilst a blanket of pristine white snow and cosy interiors enchant you in the winter. Bask in the sun, poolside or sit around the campfire at night in this gorgeous bungalow.www.hotelshelapani.com

    La Belle Vie, Nainital: Made with stone and reclaimed wood, this homestay is just 100 meters from Naukuchiatal Lake. Indulge in recreational activities like paragliding, trekking and nature walks when you aren’t lounging around the ‘at one with nature’ decor of this space.

    Photographs courtesy the properties’ websites mentioned above

    The majestic Alila Fort Bishangarh will have you wishing you were to the manor born

    The bold, striking architecture of Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, sitting atop a granite hill, overlooks the sublime Aravalli Hills and appears seamlessly sculpted from the surrounding rustic terrain. Once a warrior fort occupied by the Rajputs eons ago, this luxury hotel now has 59 palatial rooms, each propped with understated decor, and offering uninterrupted views of Bishangarh’s rural beauty. If you fancy doing something different by exploring the outdoors, the hotel can arrange an “Alila Experience” like a cooking class, temple visit or camel ride through the village.

    Defying the rule of prolific opulence in Indian heritage hotels, this one boasts clean lines and minimalism, with smooth marble and dark wood forming the core of its foundation. “The irony and dilemma of the design was in creating luxury with complete simplicity, and capturing the 360 degree views without disrupting the architecture of the fort,” reveals Ritu Khandelwal, an interior designer from Jaipur firm Sthapatya Architects, who worked intensively on the project.
    The food concept and menus are innovatively curated by the renowned chef Ranveer Brar, to bring back the olden ways of preparing dishes on an open fire and slow cooking in hot sand. Ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced wherever possible, with produce grown in the organic kitchen garden too. There are several dining options, from Nazaara, the beautiful al fresco restaurant offering traditional Rajasthani delicacies, to Amarsar, an airy and atmospheric, tile encrusted room, with a menu inspired by the Silk Route.
    Alila Fort Bishangarh remains completely at home in its organic setting, respectfully preserved in a unique marriage of history and modernity that is truly surprisingly different.