"Death Ray" at Swank Hot Spot the Vdara Hotel in Las Vegas

Photo Courtesy: KRISTIN DONALDSON / LAS VEGAS SUN.......Too Hot to Handle? I was stunned when watching the NBC nightly news to learn that the design of the new chic Las Vegas Vdara Hotel had an anomaly in its building design.  It seems the sun's reflection is deflected by the parabolic curve of the facade of the building and creates an intense hot spot near the pool.

The Vdara Hotel 

"The refraction moves across the pool deck over a period of 90 minutes," company spokesman Gordon Absher told Reuters. "It's never in the same place from day to day or week to week because the sun is changing its elevation in the sky."MGM Resorts, which owns the property, has sought to correct the problem by installing a high-tech solar film over each of the 3,000 glass panes covering the south facade of the Vdarato scatter the rays. But the concentrated sunlight remains hot enough at certain times, in certain spots, to melt plastic and singe hair, said William Pintas, 49, a Chicago lawyer and Vdara condo owner who first encountered the effect earlier after a dip in the pool. When his head started burning, he thought it was from chemicals in the pool."So I just laid down in the chair, and that's when my back and the back of my legs started burning, and I ran under a nearby umbrella. And I'm under the umbrella and there is no shading from the light or heat," he recounted. "It was the strangest thing."Pintas said he could even smell his hair starting to burn. Astonished and angry, he alerted hotel staff, then called the local newspaper to draw attention to the problem. Absher said MGM Resorts is "now looking into further mitigation procedures," including more umbrellas, additional foliage or shade structures. Courtesy Reuters

Photo courtesy: Outtraveler.com

By the way, this is a very gay-friendly hotel and that makes the  MGM Mirage Vdara Hotel  a very very C O O L  property......

"We are excited to welcome the LGBT community with a high-energy, upscale pool party unlike anything in Las Vegas," said Mary Giuliano, General Manager for Vdara Hotel & Spa. "With our designer architecture, personal service and unique location, Vdara is quickly becoming a hot destination for the sophisticated LGBT traveler."

Chic and Sustainable Eco Luxury Simplicity in Brazil

"Chic Simplicity-Luxury is Simplicity" is the motto of the Picinguaba Resort and it will definitely be going on the "Bucket List" for me.  Overlooking the peaceful bay at the heart of the Natural Park of Serra do Mar, the
tropical coastal forest running between Rio and São Paulo, about half an
hour's drive south of Paraty. It faces the sea and a 3 km-long protected sandy beach. The hotel offers 10 comfortable rooms all opening onto the natural surroundings and the sea, including a dream honeymoon suite with en-suite jacuzzi and a breathtaking view of the ocean. The local road stops at the beach and one has to walk the last 250m to the hotel, nestled in the forest.  A place to truly escape and get one with nature, they have taken care to create an escape attuned to the spirit of the place, with nothing to disturb nature's magic: no TV or telephone in the rooms, no Internet, no air-conditioning. Ahhhhhh.

Of course the Sustainability factor has something to do with the reason we chose to blog about this unique and chic place.  The village of Picinguaba is located in the heart of the Mata Atlantica rain forest, a unique ecosystem, part of which is listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. Its conservation is capital for the future of our planet. Therefore they take special care to apply and promote environment-friendly ways, using biodegradable products, composting, using only reusable drink bottles and even making their own soap from kitchen oil residue. They take good care of their employees with salary and the benefits that have a marked influence on the economy of the village. Financing language classes and employing fisherman to catch local fish for the resort. The loyal members of our team not only get a salary, but also education and training and an opportunity for personal development.

Few places on earth remain so untouched.  Much of the surrounding rainforest is primary forest and classified as UNESCO World Heritage, since it is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Both the sea and the mountains too are blessed with a huge variety of fauna and flora. You may see dolphins, sea turtles, innumerable varieties of fish and birds, such as toucans, humming-birds, and even some endemic species such as ant-eaters, slothes, or leopards (but deeper in the forest and rarely seen!).

"It’s all about tropical nature."

The idenity – the decoration, the architecture, the ingredients they use, the people who work here, the way they receive their guests comes naturally as it is also also the identity of Picinguaba, of the people born in this village, and that of Brazil. "We believe luxury is simplicity. Our simplicity is not the contrary of wealth, nor the contrary of sophistication. Bringing something to its simplest reality can be a rather complex process. Our simplicity is an unpretentious attitude, naturally pleasurable things and real vibes that together generate authentic happiness." 

The rooms are simple but comfortable, walking out onto a vast garden with the sea as a backdrop. Overgrown luscious tropical flowers and plants form natural screens for the rooms, with humming birds as visitors.

Vila Picinguaba Village is friendly and relaxed, a welcoming locale of people living in harmony with nature, a rare balance.

They even offer Art Groups and Projects on their Farm in Catucaba.  They have made
room for an artist residence program and are hosting artists under the
exchange mode, where they can stay in a charming house (alone or with
their family), with an atelier at their disposal, as well as natural
food from the farm. They can stay from 10 days to 2 months and be
dedicated to create in this very special and peaceful environment, be
visited by our guests, and leave some of their art. 

Post Author Tamara Wallop

for Globally Gorgeous

Sustainable Vineyards And Wine Tours in Santa Barbara County

Anyone traveling to, or living near Santa Barbara should definitely put Sustainable Vine Tours on their "to do" list.  This tour highlights the region's rich history and covers  farming the grapes, walking through the vineyards and, of course, wine tasting. Door to door service from Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez, tours of 3 vineyards and a gourmet organic picnic lunch are included.  You're in the capable hands of  a guide who knows the winemakers personally and has a deep knowledge not only of  the area but also the wine making and farming processes.  

More and more wineries are using organic and bio dynamic farming methods.  This makes for a healthier wine and  ultimately a healthier planet because grapes are among the most pesticide- laden produce.

Organic wines range from being 70% to 100% "organic."  100% organic wines contain only naturally- occurring sulfites whereas wines labelled "Made with Organic Grapes" may have artificial sulfites and cannot qualify for the organic USDA seal. In bio dynamic practices, the wine is not only 100% organic but the farmer goes above and beyond-- making their own compost, using knowledge of the stars and planets to time what they do, and bringing the farming process more closely in tune with nature.

The Santa Ynez wineries featured in the tour all produce remarkable wines, maintain a high level of personal service and practice sustainable agriculture.  If you can't take the tour, visit the wineries directly or at least treat yourself to some organic bio dynamic wine delivered to your door.  

Ampelos Cellars ( Certified Sustainable, Organic and Bio Dynamic Vineyard)

Coquelicot Winery (Organic Vineyard)

 

Coquelicot has some beautiful pictures on their website of their vineyard, tasting room and the grape harvest.

Wine Ratings

Alma Rosa – Robert Parker 90 points 2005 Chardonnay, El Jabali Vineyard

Ampelos – Wine Spectator 91 points 2005 Pinot Noir "Rho" 

Beckmen – Wine Spectator 91 points 2007 Purisima Mtn. Vineyard Block 6 Syrah

Demetria – Wine Enthusiast 94 points 2005 Pinot Blanc

Presidio – LA Times #1 Cool Climate Syrah 2004 Artistic License

Sunstone – Wine Enthusiast 90 points 2003 EROS

Alma Rosa (Certified Organic Vineyard)

Demetria Estate (Bio Dynamic Vineyard)

Sunstone Winery (Certified Organic Winery)

Presidio Winery (Certified Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard)



To book a tour check out the Sustainable Vine Tours site here.

Eco Luxury Tourism: The Altiplano in Chile

Talking about Chile is like talking about
California in one way:  they’re
both long coastal places with a huge diversity of terrain and character.  There’s a desert, the Pacific ocean,  forests  of enormous endangered trees, and a renown wine country.   But there the similarities end.  Chile is California on steroids--more
extreme in its contrasts of desert and mountains.  Only 265 miles wide, its fashion-skinny length takes in some startling scenery.

Only  in the past
few years has there been much luxury travel available but now it’s becoming difficult
to choose exactly where to spend time. 
Most people think of touring Patagonia, but the Atacama desert is a place we recommend.  The  Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa is a wonderful choice along the San Pedro River.

This desert is amazing.  With a huge aqua sky 
and the changing colors of the hills, the scenery is nothing short of
sensational.

We like to travel in the winter ( June –
August) when the days average in the 70s and the nights are refreshingly
cold.   

Each guest suite offers desert views.

Dining is an experience.

Local indigenous materials were used in the architecture and interiors as well as local artisan's  crafts.

Design is a balance of nature and simplicity at Atacama.

Guest Rooms have all the essential luxuries.

We prefer to  keep our focus on the stunning landscapes and its inhabitants
--like llamas, vicuna, and the unique 
birds of the Altiplano. 
There’s truly nothing like the quiet serenity of this arid place to
restore a person’s psyche.

By the way, we also like the glorious  Awasi  boutique hotel on the San Pedro River. The first Chilean hotel to volunteer carbon offsets through the British company, EcoSecurities, the owners have always been committed to non-invasive tourism. 

Sublime Journeys-Sustainable Travel

"Luxury Off The Beaten Path"

If you are looking for  a sublime experience through Central or South America, Sublime Journeys offers inspirational adventures that delivers both substance and style.  Choose from themes as Active Adventures, Rainforest Getaways, Breathtaking Voyages, Rainforest Getaways or Romantic Getraways.   While catering to people from all walks of life, they take specialty to the gay and lesbian community.  They offer small group getaways as well as single escapes. They use local & indigenous guides wherever possible to ensure sustainable support for local communities.

Sublime Journeys is the choice for all travelers who want conscientious travel with style. A percentage of all Sublime Journeys profits is donated to local organizations in each country that we operate in that supports sustainable development.

"Our World has many challenges and we strive to forge a connection with
many indigenous communities who are frequently marginalized by
mainstream society. 

Sublime Journeys uses local & indigenous guides wherever possible to
ensure sustainable support for local communities. The gay & lesbian
community worldwide has many challenges and shares a connection with
many indigenous communities who are frequently marginalized by
mainstream society. Sublime Journeys sustainable travel initiatives
offer these communities the chance to maintain their cultural heritage while educating others on their cultural identity.

Taking
it to the top, Sublime Journeys is committed to responsible and
sustainable tourism.  They aim to educate travelers and the diversity of
cultural wealth of the places they visit.

Adventure and Opportunity for Art Collectors: Art HK 10- May 27-30 2010

ART HK is the leading showcase for international Modern & Contemporary Art in Asia with over 150 galleries participating from 29 different countries.  ART HK reflects Hong Kong’s ‘Gateway’ status in presenting a unique opportunity for collectors to see and buy work of a quality and geographical diversity not available anywhere else in the world.

Exhibitors are a strong line up of high-caliber International galleries.  Accessibility remains a key priority with introductory guided tours and workshops for aspiring collectors and works available for as little as US$1,000 right through to US $10 million.

Chicago River Runs Green on St. Patrick's Day

If your not from Chicago you may not know that every year on St. Patty's Day The Chicago Journeymen Plumbers dye the River Green. Really Green, but the dye they use is actually orange when they put it in the River

Here's a link to cool article in the Christian Science Monitor about the history and process of why this has become a Chicago Tradition on St. Patricks Day.