NEOM unveils new resort with incredibly long infinity pool

The article titled "The infinity pool" explores the often serendipitous nature of career opportunities, particularly emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary engagement. Authored by Abraham Loeb, from the Harvard Astronomy Department and the Institute for Theory and Computation at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the piece was published in Nature Physics on November 3, 2015. The core idea presented is that career advancement and new opportunities are not solely dependent on a linear path within a specific discipline. Instead, they frequently arise from unexpected encounters, collaborations across different fields, and a willingness to explore beyond one's immediate area of expertise. Loeb suggests that while hard work and dedication within a chosen field are essential, being open to and actively seeking out interdisciplinary connections can significantly broaden one's professional horizons. This approach allows for the cross-pollination of ideas and methods, leading to innovative solutions and unforeseen career trajectories. The concept of an "infinity pool" metaphorically represents the vast and interconnected landscape of knowledge and opportunities that exist when one breaks down traditional academic or professional silos. It implies that by venturing into new intellectual territories, individuals can discover a seemingly endless array of possibilities for research, collaboration, and personal growth. This perspective challenges the conventional view of career development as a confined and predetermined progression, advocating instead for a more fluid and expansive approach. The article likely draws upon examples, either implicit or explicit, from the author's own experience or observations within the scientific community, particularly in astronomy and astrophysics, where interdisciplinary work with fields like computer science, engineering, and mathematics is increasingly common. Such collaborations are crucial for tackling complex problems that transcend the boundaries of a single discipline, such as data analysis in large-scale astronomical surveys or the development of new observational technologies. The commentary encourages young researchers and established professionals alike to cultivate a mindset that embraces intellectual curiosity and adaptability. In essence, the piece functions as a reflection on career strategy, urging individuals to be proactive in forging connections outside their immediate domain. It highlights that success is often a blend of preparedness and the ability to recognize and capitalize on unexpected opportunities that emerge from a broad and inclusive intellectual engagement. This broader perspective on professional growth is especially pertinent in modern scientific research, where complex challenges often necessitate diverse expertise. #CareerOpportunities #InterdisciplinaryResearch #AstronomyAndAstrophysics #ScienceCareers #ProfessionalDevelopment #PhysicsCommunity #AcademicLife

Lake Como, renowned for its picturesque setting at the foothills of the Alps, has long been a favored retreat for the affluent. In this historic location, the 19th-century Villa Roccabruna, once the residence of opera singer Giuditta Pasta, has been transformed into a hotel by the Mandarin Oriental group. This property, characterized by its neoclassical architecture and surrounded by lush botanical gardens on the lake's southeast shores, recently unveiled a significant addition: the world’s largest floating infinity pool. The floating infinity pool, measuring 40 meters in length, was designed by the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, who also conceived the overall hotel structure. The hotel itself comprises 21 rooms, 52 suites, two restaurants, an award-winning spa located on a lower level, and two separate villas. The pool's design is intended to harmoniously complement the villa's existing architecture, particularly the vaulted stone colonnade that provides its support. The pool's construction features a dark local Cardoso sandstone finish, which contributes to its seamless integration with the deep cobalt blue waters of Lake Como. Its impressive infinity edge creates an optical illusion, blending the pool's water with the lake. A prefabricated steel structure, finished in a glossy deep green, further enhances this effect by subtly reflecting the water’s surface. This engineering marvel was designed in Switzerland, manufactured in Finland, and then assembled on-site in Italy. An notable aspect of the pool's engineering is its catamaran-like form, specifically designed to mitigate the impact of lake waves. The structure is discretely anchored to the lake bed and provides direct access to the NAMI Café via a ramp. The NAMI Café, located poolside, offers a casual dining experience with a menu of pizzas, burgers, salads, cocktails, and healthy juices. This cafe is uniquely framed by the historic, massive stone arches of the villa, adding to its distinctive ambiance. The entire project represents a blend of historical preservation, modern architectural design, and advanced engineering, contributing a new, prominent feature to Lake Como’s luxury hospitality landscape. #floating #Hotel #pool #LakeComo #InfinityPool #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryTravel #HerzogDeMeuron #MandarinOriental

This article highlights a selection of luxurious hotels across India that feature infinity pools, offering guests breathtaking views and an elevated swimming experience. Infinity pools, also known as zero-edge pools, create a visual illusion where the water surface merges with the horizon, giving the impression of an endless body of water. The concept of vanishing-edge pools can be traced back to ancient recirculating fountains, with modern designs popularized by architect John Lautner in the 1960s, notably featured in the James Bond movie ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. The featured properties are diverse in their geographical locations and the natural vistas they offer. Le Meridien Forest Resort in Mahabaleshwar is situated amidst the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, providing panoramic hill views from its temperature-controlled infinity pool. Ananda In The Himalayas, an award-winning luxury property at the foothills of the Himalayas, offers private infinity pools in its villas overlooking Sal-tree forests, complementing its wellness-focused amenities. Evolve Back in Kabini caters to adventurous travelers with its infinity pool providing serene lake views, perfect for watching sunsets after a day of safaris and nature walks. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, located 8,825 feet above sea level in the Pir Panjal range, boasts an infinity pool with stunning views of pine trees and snow-capped mountains, positioned within a seven-acre verdant landscape. Beyond By Sula in Nashik, a popular destination for wine enthusiasts, features an infinity pool overlooking the expansive Gangapur lake and lush vineyards, making it an accessible luxury escape from Mumbai. Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala is nestled among numerous canals and 25 acres of greenery, with its infinity pool offering mesmerizing views of Vembanad Lake, especially during sunset. This resort, known for its heritage cottages and water-based activities, has even hosted Prince Charles. Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Spa in Port Blair, Andaman, combines island beauty with luxury, offering an infinity pool experience that allows guests to witness stunning sunsets over the adjacent Chidiya Tapu biological park, surrounded by endemic flora and fauna. Finally, Ahilya By The Sea in Goa is unique for its infinity pool that provides exhilarating sunrise views over Dolphin Bay, housed within independent villas. Kurumba Village Resort in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, offers an offbeat, sustainable luxury experience with its infinity pool looking out onto the Nilgiri mountains from a former spice plantation. These properties leverage their unique natural surroundings to enhance the appeal of their infinity pools, positioning them as central elements of a luxurious vacation. #Gulmarg #InfinityPool #InfinityPoolsInIndia #Kabini #Kerala #Mahabaleshwar #Nashik #Uttarakhand #LuxuryTravel

The article delves into the design and features of the 88.5-meter superyacht *Nirvana*, built by Oceanco and designed by Sam Sorgiovanni. Delivered in 2012 under the code name Y707, *Nirvana* was, at the time, Oceanco's largest yacht in its Y-coded series, even though the shipyard has since constructed larger vessels. The yacht is managed by Y.CO and is available for charter. Sorgiovanni styled *Nirvana*'s interior and exterior to facilitate an active lifestyle, featuring a distinctive slightly flared bow and a swooping curve that begins aft of amidships. A signature element of Sorgiovanni's design is the brightwork on the transom and a mahogany-look strip outlining the cap rail, visually extending the yacht's length. This design choice provides a nostalgic contrast to the contemporary yet whimsical interior, which draws inspiration from a tropical island rainforest rather than a sandy beach house theme, as seen in Sorgiovanni's earlier design, *Anastasia*. The interior of *Nirvana* avoids a kitsch aesthetic, offering a refined, sophisticated contemporary feel with Balinese and Indonesian design accents. Nearly 200 materials were utilized, including 10 different wood veneers such as eucalyptus, teak, oak, and palm wood. The bamboo flooring is designed to mimic sand ripples, providing a smooth tactile experience. Materials like black mother-of-pearl, white onyx, and limestone are integrated with other natural elements and fabrics. The color palette predominantly features earth tones, punctuated by splashes of green in various shades, appearing in upholstery, leafy-design carpets, silk throw pillows, and *objets d’art*. *Nirvana* features six decks, interconnected by a main stairwell and a unique six-person glass lift encased in a woven stainless-steel art piece, resembling a bubbling whirlpool. The main saloon, accessible from the aft main deck, incorporates textural art, including back-lit bamboo wall panels, a layered wire Balinese sculpture, a Brazilian fossil, and a metal sculpture inspired by cumulus clouds. The main deck also houses the dining area and a sitting room that can convert into a massage room. Instead of a large aquarium, these spaces are divided by two vivariums containing various exotic creatures like water dragons, bearded lizards, turtles, a chameleon, and exotic frogs. Guest accommodations on the main deck include a full-beam VIP suite and four double cabins, all with en-suite facilities featuring rain showers and bathtubs. Each cabin is equipped with a Crestron panel for controlling amenities such as lighting, blinds, internet access, yacht itinerary via GPS, and film selection. The main aft deck boasts a large oval-shaped 7.5-meter pool, which was the largest and first fiberglass pool on an Oceanco yacht at the time of its construction. This depth-adjustable pool can be filled with either fresh or seawater. The owner’s exclusive deck features a 150-square-meter master suite with an asymmetrical layout for enhanced privacy and circulation. A skylight illuminates the bedroom, while his-and-hers facilities are adorned with white Iranian onyx, a large shower, bathtub, and dressing rooms with black onyx and zebrano wood. The suite includes a private sitting room and an office, complemented by a vast exterior terrace forward with a whirlpool and sunbathing options. The guest suites feature ceilings made of woven Indonesian rattan with lacquered nickel borders, sandblasted oak veneer walls and furniture, and barramundi leather-covered bedside tables. A saloon-cum-cinema and games area with full-height windows and folding balconies offer stunning sea views. The exterior aft deck serves as the primary alfresco dining area, with an expandable table for 18 guests and a built-in buffet bar. This space is made multi-seasonal by windscreens and doors. Higher up, an 85-square-meter gym with an inset treadmill and free weights is located aft of the bridge. An adjacent traditional sauna features a stone-motif resin floor and a shower clad in Chinese black mother-of-pearl. The sundeck aft functions as a touch-and-go helicopter pad, complete with 14 inset lights and foldable wings for safety. A whirlpool surrounded by sunbathing cushions offers breathtaking 360-degree views. *Nirvana* is also equipped for water sports, featuring an enlarged sea terrace door leading to a tender garage with four hydraulic cranes managing two 11-meter Vikal tenders, an 8.5-meter ski boat, six Jet Skis, and four WaveRunners. A water-sports room provides diving equipment and a drying cabinet for wetsuits, with direct sea access via a lower lobby that opens into a beach club platform for Jet Ski docking. For entertainment, a lower deck cinema shows 3D films, featuring suede-upholstered tiered sofas, a bar, and a popcorn machine, with a library of 3,600 films available via a Kaleidescape system. Designed for both owner and charter guests, *Nirvana* combines luxury with an active lifestyle. The yacht is capable of ocean crossings, powered by twin 4000 series MTU main engines, reaching a maximum speed of 20 knots and a cruising range of over 5,000 nautical miles at 14 knots. #Superyacht #Oceanco #SamSorgiovanni #YachtDesign #LuxuryCharter #InteriorDesign #YachtFeatures #NirvanaYacht #NavalArchitecture