Tom Gauld on the creation of an infinity pool

The Treyam Resort, located in the Gulf of Aqaba in Saudi Arabia, is set to redefine luxury travel with its focus on environmental preservation and innovative design. This upcoming resort, developed by NEOM, aims to offer a high-end vacation experience while minimizing its ecological footprint. Unlike traditional resorts that often alter the landscape, Treyam will be suspended in the air, with contact points only on either side of a lagoon, ensuring less disruption to the natural environment. A central feature of the Treyam Resort will be the world's longest infinity pool built on a bridge. Measuring an impressive 1,476 feet in length, equivalent to four football fields, this pool will offer guests panoramic views of the Gulf of Aqaba and the surrounding lagoon. Situated 118 feet above the water, the pool is designed to provide a sensation of "floating on air," offering an immersive experience of the natural surroundings. This unique pool design is a testament to NEOM's commitment to combining innovative architecture with sustainable practices. The resort will feature 250 rooms, each designed with glass ceilings and glass floors. This architectural choice is intended to maximize views of both the sky and the lagoon, allowing guests to experience the natural beauty of the area throughout the day and night. The design suggests a single-story layout for each unit to enable these unique ceiling and floor views, offering an unparalleled connection with the environment. Treyam caters to a diverse range of guests, offering activities for both adventurous spirits and those seeking relaxation. Adventurous guests can partake in various land and sea activities, including sailing, diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, waveless surfing, mountain biking, and hiking. For guests prioritizing wellness and relaxation, the resort will provide extensive technology-enhanced health and wellness offerings, alongside luxury spa treatments. The resort also promises gourmet dining experiences and a variety of beverages. A core principle guiding the development of Treyam, and other NEOM resorts, is environmental stewardship. The project emphasizes giving back to the environment rather than exploiting it. A significant portion—95%—of the land acquired for the resort will be dedicated to conservation efforts. This commitment includes protecting historical sites, such as a Roman shipwreck and Al Muwaylih Fort, and preserving the habitats of native species like the green sea turtle and the sooty falcon. NEOM's broader conservation goals for the region include establishing 12,500 square miles of protected areas, saving 148 native plant species, planting 100 million trees by 2030, restoring 1.5 million hectares of habitat, and creating the world's largest coral garden. These initiatives aim to demonstrate that luxury tourism can coexist with and contribute to environmental sustainability, with a goal of attracting five million visitors by 2030 who appreciate this eco-conscious approach to travel. #LuxuryTravel #InfinityPool #SaudiArabia #SustainableTourism #NEOM #EcoResort #ArchitecturalInnovation #GulfOfAqaba

This blog post highlights ten extraordinary swimming pools from various locations around the world, presenting them as must-visit destinations for travelers seeking unique aquatic experiences. Each pool is detailed with its specific features, location, and the distinct ambiance it offers, ranging from natural geothermal baths to architecturally stunning man-made structures. The selection begins with the Grace Hotel's Infinity Pool in Santorini, Greece, which is notable for being the largest infinity pool on the island. It provides expansive views of the Aegean Sea and the volcanic landscape of Imerovigli, enhancing the scenic beauty of the Greek isle. Next is the Bondi Icebergs' Open Air Rock Pool in Sydney, Australia. This iconic seawater pool, located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, is described as a landmark for both locals and tourists, offering a historical swimming experience since its establishment in 1929. In Algarrobo, Chile, the San Alfonso del Mar's Seawater Pool stands out for its immense size, measuring 3,323 feet long. It functions as a large aquatic playground where visitors can engage in various water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and even sailing, all while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean. The Cambrian Hotel's Heated Pool in Adelboden, Switzerland, offers a contrasting experience with its warm 32°C water. This pool, connecting indoor and outdoor sections, is presented as an ideal spot for relaxation after skiing or hiking, providing views of the snowy Swiss Alps. Iceland's Blue Lagoon's Geothermal Spa Pool is included for its unique setting within a volcanic rock landscape. The pool's bright-blue geothermal seawater provides a mineral-rich spa treatment, with the added potential of witnessing the Northern Lights. Ubud Hanging Gardens' Twin-Tiered Pool in Bali, Indonesia, is recognized for its distinctive dual-layered, cascading design. It offers an illusion of floating above the dense rainforest canopy, making it a prominent feature of Bali's luxury accommodations. Italy's Grand Hotel Tremezzo's Floating Lake Pool in Lake Como presents a 'water-on-water' experience. This azure pool is situated directly on Lake Como, allowing guests to admire the alpine scenery of the Grigne mountains while enjoying a luxurious swim. In Fiji, the Glass Cube Lap Pool at Laucala Island offers an ultra-luxury experience. Located within a 2,000 square meter lagoon-style pool, the glass cube provides a unique setting for lap swimming, surrounded by tropical palms and overlooking a pristine white beach. The One & Only Reethi Rah's Serenity Pool in the Maldives is featured for its tranquil design, giving the impression of an endless stretch of water where the pool is nested within another pool, and then within the ocean itself, suggesting a layered aquatic environment. Finally, the Marina Bay Sands' Rooftop Infinity Pool in Singapore is highlighted as a well-known attraction. Positioned 57 floors high, this 150-meter-long platform offers panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a luxurious experience that attracts visitors globally. #LuxuryTravel #InfinityPools #SwimmingPools #TravelInspiration #GlobalDestinations #LuxuryHotels #UniquePools #GeothermalPools #ResortPools

With Memorial Day marking the official start of pool season, this article offers a comprehensive guide to transforming above-ground pool areas into resort-like outdoor spaces. It highlights that while above-ground pools can be more challenging to design around than in-ground options, various elegant solutions can make them aesthetically pleasing and functional. The article presents 22 ideas, tapping into the expertise of landscape design professionals. One suggestion is to add a gravel border around the pool, a practical choice that ensures good drainage and, when combined with potted seasonal plants, softens the pool's edges while adding color and texture. For those who enjoy entertaining, integrating the pool with a deck extension from an existing patio can create a larger, warmer, and more functional space for sunbathing and gatherings. Decorative elements like small tiles can give an above-ground pool a mosaic-like appearance that glitters in the sun, elevating its visual appeal. Building a deck around the pool not only provides a convenient spot for relaxation and cannonballs but also makes the entire landscape appear more cohesive and intentional. Adopting a minimalist design, such as a sleek white-tiled reflecting pool, can ensure the above-ground pool complements the overall elevated aesthetic of the home. Incorporating fragrant flowers around the pool's perimeter adds beauty and whimsy, though care must be taken to prevent chlorinated water from damaging the plants. For a monochromatic, resort-like feel, choosing white stone pavers, white tile, white wood for the deck, and a white privacy fence can make even small backyards feel expansive, reminiscent of a Greek getaway. To conceal the pool's sides and enhance the yard's beauty, planting a mix of native shrubs, grasses, and flowers creates a colorful border. If space or budget for chaises is limited, adding simple, light seating and side tables can still create a comfortable relaxation area that is easy to store. For families with rambunctious children, maintaining a simple grass lawn around the pool prevents damage from splashes and keeps maintenance easy. For a more natural transition, covering the pool's sides with large decorative stones can seamlessly integrate it into the landscape, especially if the stones match other elements on the property. If the budget allows, an above-ground infinity pool can be installed, particularly effective on sloped properties where the pool and seating can be strategically placed to align with distant views. Matching planters made from the same stone as the pool can add both beauty and functionality, providing extra resting ledges for drinks and snacks. Stone pavers are highly favored by designers for creating a resort-like ambiance around the pool, offering a refined alternative to lush grass. Building the pool directly up to the house, especially on sloped terrains, improves accessibility and prevents tracking mud indoors. Covering visible pool material with wood matching the deck creates a warm, cohesive look. Working with a sloped yard by excavating a flat area for the pool rather than flattening the entire space is also a smart design approach. Coordinating the pool's aesthetic with an outdoor fireplace and seating area creates a comprehensive outdoor entertainment zone. Installing a brick walkway ensures clean feet when transitioning from the pool to the house, while a thin gravel border aids drainage. Finally, eliminating grass entirely and paving the area around the pool can create a clean, mud-free environment that integrates seamlessly with the pool’s design. #AboveGroundPool #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeDesign #PoolDecor #PatioIdeas #HomeImprovement #SummerDecor #GardeningTips

NEOM, the ambitious mega-project funded by Saudi Arabian authorities, is steadily advancing with the unveiling of its latest luxury resort, Treyam. This development is part of NEOM's grand vision, which encompasses 10 distinct regions, with the initial phase of the futuristic city projected to be completed by 2030. Treyam follows other announced projects such as Gidori, a luxury golf course, and the floating port city of Oxagon and Sindalah islands. Treyam is conceptualized as a luxury lagoon resort, uniquely designed to integrate the desert landscape with the ocean. It features a luxury harbor, a serene lagoon, and a coral-rich shoreline, creating a distinctive environment. A central component of Treyam will be a 250-room luxury resort, offering a range of high-end amenities. These include sophisticated spas, comprehensive wellness centers, and a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, aiming to provide an exclusive experience for its guests. The most striking feature of Treyam is its 450-meter-long infinity pool. This pool is significantly longer than many notable structures, for instance, it is almost five times the length of the Old Bridge in Florence, Italy. The design integrates the pool into a bridge structure that will connect two distinct sides of the resort, making it both a recreational facility and a major architectural element. The overall NEOM project is estimated to cost an astonishing $1 trillion. This vast sum is allocated across its various components, with 'The Line', a horizontal skyscraper city and flagship region of NEOM, accounting for over $500 billion of the total budget. This implies that the remaining nine projects share the balance, with approximately $55 billion allocated to each, underscoring the immense scale and financial commitment behind this futuristic urban development. NEOM's continuous announcements of new regions and resorts like Treyam illustrate its commitment to developing a hyper-modern and luxurious destination. These projects aim to establish new benchmarks in urban planning, luxury tourism, and sustainable living, blending advanced technology with unique environmental designs. The integration of cutting-edge architecture with natural elements, such as the desert and ocean, highlights NEOM's innovative approach to creating a future city. #NEOM #LuxuryResort #Treyam #SaudiArabia #InfinityPool #MegaProject #FutureCity #LuxuryTravel #DesertOasis

The article highlights the latest innovations in swimming pool construction, focusing on enhancing performance, durability, and user experience. Jimmie Meece, president of America’s Swimming Pool Company, notes significant advancements in optimal depth designs, advanced materials, wider lanes, and wave suppression technologies. These innovations transform ordinary pools into high-performance environments with improved safety and hydrodynamics. Optimal pool depth is a crucial innovation, particularly for competitive swimming. Traditional shallow pools can create wave energy that rebounds, affecting a swimmer's speed. Modern designs recommend a three-meter depth to mitigate this issue, allowing waves to dissipate before impacting performance. While this is critical for competitive training, it also enhances the experience for recreational swimmers seeking a smoother environment. Advanced materials are another key area of innovation, offering greater durability and flexibility to withstand environmental stresses. Options include fiberglass, known for its resistance to cracking and flexibility to ground movement; high-density polyethylene (HDPE), valued for its strength, chemical, and UV resistance in liners and plumbing; composite materials, which combine fiberglass and resin for lightweight strength and corrosion resistance; PVC, commonly used for its durability and chemical resistance in piping; and reinforced concrete, made more durable and crack-resistant with additives. For competitive swimming and training, wider lanes reduce turbulence, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable swimming experience. This is complemented by wave suppression technologies, such as oversized gutter systems that capture water waves and prevent them from bouncing back, ensuring a calm surface essential for optimal swimming conditions. The article also covers popular features that enhance outdoor pools beyond basic functionality. These include tanning ledges for shallow water relaxation, infinity pools that create a visually stunning effect of water extending to the horizon, swim-up bars for entertaining guests within the pool, and water slides for added fun for all ages. For those preferring a minimalist aesthetic, the article suggests plunge or gunite pools with smooth surfaces, neutral-colored decking or concrete patios, lounge chairs, and automatic pool covers to maintain cleanliness and a sleek look. In summary, the pool construction industry is evolving with innovations that cater to both performance-oriented users and those seeking enhanced leisure. These advancements involve careful consideration of design elements, material science, and integrated features to deliver superior swimming environments. #PoolConstruction #SwimmingPools #AdvancedMaterials #PoolDesign #CompetitiveSwimming #WaterFeatures #HomeImprovement #Durability #Innovation