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Distinguished as one of the most prestigious gated communities in the entire nation, The Sanctuary offers the utmost in quiet seclusion in Boca Raton's internationally acclaimed yachting enclave. Featuring some of Boca Raton's finest residences, estates in The Sanctuary are nestled on winding tree-lined streets and finger isles capturing protected views over the tranquil waterway to a lush nature preserve. Deepwater dockage for substantial yachts is a prized asset of this community. Some residences are located on expansive double lots with multi-yacht dockage, while other coveted estates are located on a point, opening up panoramic views over the water and preserve. In The Sanctuary's sublime seclusion and idyllic natural beauty, many residences feature magnificent outdoor entertainment spaces with amenities that rival those of an exclusive private resort.Photo Source
One of the nation's most sought-after yachting communities, established more than half a century ago, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club takes its place as Boca Raton's prestigious signature address, synonymous with the resort lifestyle envisioned by Addison Mizner in the 1920s. In fact, Forbes included Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club amongst the nation's most exclusive gated communities. Many properties here feature private yacht dockage at their doorstep, and have quick access to the open ocean through the nearby Boca Raton Inlet. Some are sprawling compound-like estates encompassing multiple lots, and several overlook the magnificent Royal Palm golf course, a signature design by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Residents of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club enjoy exclusive club amenities, such as a full-service marina, fitness center, swimming pool, tennis and croquet courts, and fine dining.Photo Source
Le Lac is a private gated enclave featuring 32 luxury estates in Boca Raton. This exclusive community is nestled amongst an idyllic setting featuring expansive lakes, lush greenery, and access to nearby upscale amenities. Situated upon 200 acres of land, Le Lac is a vast and scenic neighborhood dotted with sparkling lakes throughout. Estate properties in Le Lac are situated on over an acre of land, providing privacy and serenity for these impressive mansions. The community hosts 32 estates valued from $5 million to over $20 million. Surrounded on all sides by golf courses and country clubs, this is the ideal residence for the golf enthusiast and socialite. Le Lac residents enjoy the privacy of their own exclusive community while still maintaining a reasonable distance from several of the area's attractions.Photo Courtesy of Stonebridge Country Club
In western Boca Raton, Stonebridge Country Club is a private gated community with just under 400 residences on 400± acres of lushly landscaped grounds. Known for its elegance and luxury, Stonebridge Country Club features a new 40,000±-square-foot clubhouse as its centerpiece, complete with an elegant dining room, Grille Room, and Lakeside Lounge. The Club's newly renovated golf course designed by Karl Litten plays host to the LPGA Tour. Other amenities include the newly renovated 6,000±-square-foot fitness center and the tennis complex with 16 Har-Tru courts, four of which are lighted for night play. Stonebridge Country Club hosts spacious custom-built residences overlooking the scenic golf course and tranquil private lakes from their beautiful indoor and outdoor living spaces.Photo Courtesy of Velaa Private Island
You simply cannot get more exclusive and luxurious than a visit to a private island. Velaa Private Island provides the ultimate escape, as you encounter the stunning beauty of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Select from their beach villas located along the water or their floating villas stretching out over the ocean, and bask in the sun in your private pool and terrace. Get the royal treatment at the spa, go diving to experience stunning marine life, stay active at their sports facilities, stretch your body, mind and spirit at yoga, enjoy exceptional wines at the island's tower-like cellar, and cruise around the island. Choose from their wide selection of water sports, including sailing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing, kite surfing and more. Between all of these action-packed activities, indulge in the creative plates at Velaa's collection of eateries.Photo Courtesy of Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort
Las Ventanas al Paraiso is the ultimate tropical getaway, offering a wide range of accommodations along the white-sand beaches of Los Cabos. In addition to the desirable services offered to all resort guests, there are a number of upscale amenities available at an additional charge, including golf, a spa, tennis instruction, beach cabanas, desert excursions, horseback riding, a beach cinema, yachting, surfing, sailing, sunset cocktail cruises, pets' luxury programs, a Mini Cooper rental, and much more. Experience these amazing features within a three-bedroom oceanview suite, three-bedroom oceanview villa, or even the Ty Warner Mansion. This 28,000-square-foot mansion is poised directly on the water's edge, offering panoramic views overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Ty Warner guests enjoy the services of a round-the-clock staff, including a personal assistant and butler.Croatia has become a popular travel destination as of late, especially in Dubrovnik, a walled historic city along the sea. Look out over turquoise waters teeming with colorful sailboats, run your finger along ancient buildings, and take in the cool ocean breeze on the beach's white sand. Escape from this bustling city to Hotel Croatia Cavtat located on a pine-forested peninsula overlooking the unspoilt Cavtat Bay just thirty minutes south of Dubrovnik. This exquisite resort hosts two private beaches, an outdoor pool, a spa, and five upscale restaurants. Take it all in by booking the Ambassador Suite, offering sea views and an expansive terrace.
Photo Courtesy of Corte di Gabriela
Walk through the cobblestone streets of Venice, Italy, surrounded by charming canals teeming with gondolas. Enjoy your visit in this captivating and romantic city to the fullest with a stay at Corte di Gabriela, a luxury hotel set in a distinguished 19th century palace in the heart of Venice. Corte di Gabriela hosts 11 exclusive suites, featuring exquisitely furnished rooms that offer a refreshing blend of historic and modern design. Book your stay in one of the luxury rooms, where you'll find meaningful and attention-grabbing decor pieces and beautiful touches of design by Philippe Starck or Mies Van Der Rhoe. Get swept away by the captivating charm of Venetian culture within your temporary home in the heart of the city.Photo Courtesy of Helena Bay Resort
If you have yet to visit New Zealand, it should be added to your travel bucket list immediately. This large island nation in the Pacific Ocean is filled with majestic mountains, rolling hills, bright green vegetation, teal blue waters, and exotic wildlife. Become immersed in the area's natural beauty at Helena Bay Resort, an exclusive oasis along the pristine coastline of New Zealand's North Island. In fact, Helena Bay Resort was named the best new hotel in the world by the luxury global research group, Luxury Travel Intelligence. Experience this world-renowned hotel with a stay in one of their villa suites or junior suites. The two villa suites have extensive balconies with views overlooking the ocean, fireplaces, a minibar, a separate living room, and much more.Photo Courtesy of The Conservatorium
Experience the breathtaking architecture and enchanting culture of Amsterdam, a city laced with historic canals, bicycles, flower stands, houseboats, and tall, skinny seventeenth-century buildings. Dwell in the midst of it all at The Conservatorium, crowned the number one luxury hotel in the Netherlands. Located in the Museum Square district, The Conservatorium offers immediate access to the Van Gogh Museum, Concertgebouw, Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and Amsterdam's most indulgent upscale shopping. The hotel itself is a work of art, featuring Art Nouveau interiors and eye-catching contemporary design by designer Piero Lissoni. Indulge at the hotel's impeccable eateries and bars, and relax at the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre with a spa, fitness center, lounge bar, and more.With a trip to Napa Valley, you can experience one of the world's most desirable destinations without packing your passport. This renowned wine region hosts a myriad of vineyards, resorts, spas, hot springs, upscale eateries, and many more luxurious attractions. Experience the wonders of this area with a stay at Bardessono, a contemporary luxury resort nestled in the heart of Yountville, which is completely surrounded by vineyards. Your comfort and satisfaction is the utmost priority at this hospitable hotel, and every one of their 62 rooms was designed with the guest experience in mind. Your stay is maximized with in-room spa services, an on-site restaurant with farm-fresh ingredients, a rooftop pool, gardens, and much more.
Photo Courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition
Necker Island is a private island paradise amongst the British Virgin Islands. Experience the wonders of the Caribbean in this gorgeous, exclusive setting — whether you book an individual room or reserve the entire island. During select weeks throughout the year, the island has "Celebration Weeks," where you may book an individual room and share the island with other couples and families. Otherwise, you may reserve the entirety of Necker Island for 34 people total, in which you will have access to the Great House with eight bedrooms and one master suite, sleeping a total of 18 guests. Further accommodation includes a bunk room, six Balinese-style houses, and two Temple Houses. This is the perfect arrangement for a large family reunion, wedding, or a private getaway event.Photo Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt
For a change of scenery, head to the Swiss Alps for a cozy vacation amidst a beautiful mountain setting. The Chedi Andermatt is a luxe hotel nestled in the Alps just 2 minutes from the ski lifts at Naetschen and 4 minutes from Gemsstock Mountain. Experience the ultimate in luxury within the hotel's gorgeous interior combining Alpine chic with Asian expression. The posh accommodations feature wood, leather and stone accents to create a cozy environment for guests. After an active day spent at the slopes or exploring the many attractions of this scenic area, unwind at the spa and grab a bite to eat at any of the Chedi's extraordinary restaurants.This Estate is For Sale Here
It's no secret that less is more for the current architecture world — at both the macro and micro level. Minimalist exteriors feature large and bold shapes, sharp lines, shiny metals, and natural materials, and interiors host bright white walls, chic built-ins and expansive rooms. In fact, the color white epitomizes this clean and simple look that is so desirable right now. Fueled by modernity and technology, this trend is taking over the design world, inside and out.Photo Courtesy of Tesla
Design typically corresponds to the current cultural concerns during the time it was conceived. So it's no surprise that builders are starting to construct with a greater emphasis on sustainability and ecological intelligence. Sustainable building, commonly known as green construction, means both the structure and building process are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. We have noticed a major increase in solar-powered homes throughout the world, as architects use both active and passive techniques to reduce energy dependency in buildings and homes, often through the installation of solar panels. Tesla's solar-powered roofing materials are invisible when viewed from the street, yet are fully exposed to the sun from above. Sleek tile designs include Tuscan glass, slate glass, textured glass, and smooth glass.This Estate is For Sale Here
We are also seeing an increase in floor-to-ceiling glass walls in both corporate structures and modern homes. Many "walls" slide back and forth or open with the press of a button to create seamless indoor/outdoor living. Glass walls add a striking modern look and feel, let in glorious rays of sunlight to a home's interior, and maximize vistas by providing a panoramic snapshot of surrounding scenery. This transparent design feature is especially attractive for South Florida homebuyers, as they can more easily appreciate water views, enjoy indoor/outdoor tropical living, and soak in as much sun as possible from their home's interior.Photo Courtesy of Guz Architects
Along the lines of sustainability, rooftop gardens have started to emerge atop homes and corporate structures all around the world. In fact, some buildings depend on their green roofs to improve the quality of the structure, the environment, and the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Benefits of rooftop gardens include stormwater management, improved air quality, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and much more. Not to mention, the aesthetic appeal of these gardens in the sky adds a significant touch of natural beauty to an otherwise unnatural structure.This Estate is For Sale Here
Architects have become braver as of late, daring to combine unpredictable materials to create unified and stunning works of art. This concept is similar to a dish served at a high-end eatery that combines textures, flavors and temperatures to create a cohesive experience. Likewise, mixed materials in architecture add a unique element and interest to the overall look and feel of a design. You can easily see this trend on exteriors of new construction modern homes or buildings, where the designer has layered blocks of contrasting materials, often in square or rectangular shapes. We particularly admire the combination of cold metals and warm wood, which emit a clean, sophisticated and modern look when paired together.Photo Courtesy of GDS Architects
The surreal concept of invisible buildings may not seem achievable, but master architects aspire to make this dream a reality. Mirror-like facades help buildings blend into their surrounding environment by reflecting the sky, neighboring buildings, and other elements of the landscape. Architects in South Korea are taking this a step further with their plans to create the world's first invisible tower. Tower Infinity will use a high-tech LED facade system that creates a reflective cover surrounding the massive 1,476-foot structure that will appear transparent by day and bright at night.