2018 Atlas Azalea lodge review

The 2014 Omar Apex holiday lodge, measuring 46ft x 20ft, presents a stylish and well-appointed living space, distinguished by its classy exterior and hip roof design. French doors open into the living area, offering a preview of the interior's coordinated color scheme. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area is brightly lit by ten windows, each adorned with Roman blinds featuring wide horizontal stripes in aqua, mocha, and cappuccino, complementing the decor. The living space is furnished with two sofas upholstered in a soft duck egg blue chenille fabric, accented by large scatter cushions that introduce varied textures and subtle blue/green tones. A large pouffe with a glass inlay sits between the sofas. Aqua vertical blinds cover the French doors. A notable feature is the electric flame effect fire, set within a raised hearth and mounted on a distinctive leather-look feature wall, which also incorporates a television aerial and power point. On the reverse side of the feature wall, a breakfast bar is integrated, complete with floating shelves, a wall-mounted television aerial socket, a power point, and a USB power socket. Two black and chrome leather-look chairs accompany the walnut worktop, which extends from the spacious and well-equipped U-shaped kitchen. The kitchen is outfitted with high-gloss cream furniture, walnut carcasses, and plank-effect cushion flooring. Appliances include an integrated fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, a four-burner gas hob with a stainless steel splashback and extractor, and a built-in single electric oven and grill. The adjacent dining area features a walnut table and six chairs, illuminated by a pendant light, two Velux windows, and full-length windows. A utility room, located off the main hall, continues the kitchen's design theme with ample cupboards, an integrated washer/dryer machine, the central heating boiler, walnut worktops, and a fully opaque glazed door to the exterior. The lodge reviewed includes three bedrooms. The third bedroom, suitable for use as a study or studio, contains twin beds with a central bedside table, a wall-mounted television socket, and wardrobes at the foot of each bed. The color scheme in this room features teal and cream curtains and a teal bed runner. The second bedroom also has twin beds, but is distinguished by large chocolate brown leather headboards and a single wardrobe. The main bathroom is designed with an 800mm wall-hung basin, a vanity unit, and a feature mirror with LED lighting. The bath includes a concertina-style bath screen and a mosaic feature wall. The master bedroom is a highlight, featuring a 4ft 6ins bed with a padded headboard, two freestanding bedside cabinets, a chest of drawers, and a teal-colored bed runner with coordinating curtains. A walk-through wardrobe leads to a luxurious en-suite shower room, which boasts a 1400mm walk-in shower with a mosaic tile feature wall, a 600mm wall-hung basin and vanity unit, LED lighting, towel storage, down lighters, and an aqua-colored blind. The Omar Apex lodge is constructed to BS 3632 residential standards and features Canexel cladding with brown PVCu window frames. The overall verdict suggests a sumptuous interior design, a practical layout, and a high level of luxury, positioning it as a top-of-the-range, five-star model. While the interior is highly praised, the review indicates a potential area for improvement in energy-friendly lighting. The design allows for personal customization at the point of order. The recommended retail price, ex-works, is £97,100, including 20% VAT, with additional charges for transportation, installation, and annual maintenance by park operators and/or distributors. #HolidayLodge #OmarApex #LodgeReview #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #ResidentialStandard #HomeDesign #HolidayHome #StaticCaravan

The 2018 Pemberton Arrondale lodge review examines a popular model offered in two sizes: 45ft x 16ft and 42ft x 16ft. The larger model, which is the subject of this review, is designed to residential specification BS3632, ensuring high insulation standards with 200mm in the roof, 100mm in walls, and at least 65mm in the floor. This specification also includes insulated windows with low-E glass and Argon gas, resulting in superior U-values that exceed British Standards. An optional utility room can be added for additional storage and space for appliances like a washing machine and tumble dryer, along with a sink, and the review unit showcases this beneficial addition. Additionally, a Platinum Package is available, which upgrades the roof to Metrotile, adds wood paneling to ceilings, wallpaper finishes, and tiling/aqua-board in bathrooms and kitchens, alongside domestic interior doors. Externally, the Arrondale lodge features a fully pitched, pantile roofline with a slightly offset center. The reviewed model has light green Canexel cladding with a slate trim and a central badged finial. The lodge is built on a pre-galvanized twin-axle chassis and offers various cladding options, including vinyl, aluminum, timber, and Canexel, each with multiple color choices. The flooring is made of moisture-resistant boards, and all exposed pipework is fully lagged. The windows and doors are uPVC double-glazed, with a large single window and bi-fold doors at the front, providing access to an optional front deck. The roof overhangs at the front, incorporating three inset LED downlights. The manufacturer offers various decking styles and colors, along with exterior lighting. Upon entering, a central lobby provides access to the bathroom and two bedrooms to the right, and the open-plan kitchen and lounge area to the left. The optional utility room, located straight ahead from the lobby, offers practical storage solutions for coats and boots. The main living area, combining the lounge, kitchen, and dining spaces, is notably spacious and open-plan, with a single floor-to-ceiling column near the island breakfast bar. The interior design features a stylish color palette of browns, beiges, and creams, accented with teal and turquoise in a central rug, contributing to a contemporary and inviting aesthetic. The lounge includes retro-styled armchairs and a chic corner chaise sofa, selected for both style and durability. The bi-fold doors create a wide opening, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, complemented by subtle yet practical curtains, Roman, and vertical blinds. A coffee table and two-shelf side tables are provided, with ample wall space for additional furniture. The lounge features a dark timber-effect fireplace with a remote-controlled flame effect electric fire. Above the fireplace, on the 'chimney breast,' is space designated for a large flat-panel television, with a shelf at floor level for media devices and storage. The kitchen maintains the stylish theme with teal-colored high-gloss cabinet doors, a bespoke worktop, and pale grey vinyl flooring. A large breakfast bar with three leather high stools separates the lounge and kitchen, facing a dining table with four high-back upholstered chairs. Natural light is abundant due to a large window, augmented by a pendant light fitting. The kitchen is efficiently arranged with built-in high-level double ovens, a microwave, and a fridge/freezer. It also includes ample storage cabinets, a five-burner hob unit with an extractor hood and fan, a dishwasher, and a washer/dryer. Lighting in the kitchen area comprises inset LED downlights and three glass pendants above the breakfast bar. Continuing from the utility room, the twin-bedded room is tastefully decorated with beige, brown, and dark green accents, coordinating with curtains, blinds, and bed throws. The beds are raised to allow for under-bed storage, and each features a wide, padded headboard extending across the room. A central table with a shelf and reading lamp, a tall wardrobe, and a full-length mirror complete the room, which feels spacious. An optional single bedroom can be fitted into the utility room space on the larger model. The family bathroom, accessible via Jack and Jill doors from both the lobby and the master bedroom, includes a full-length domestic bath, a contemporary square hand basin, and a low-profile, double-flushing toilet positioned to optimize space. The bathroom features easy-wipe grey vinyl flooring and waterproof clad walls, complemented by brown Venetian blinds and timber cabinets. A large shower cubicle is available as an alternative to the bath. The master bedroom is luxuriously appointed with a large, striking headboard, a 5ft lift-up bed with a luxury mattress, and coordinating throws, curtains, and cushions in a bold purple accent color. It includes a vanity unit with a shelf, storage, mirror, and chair, alongside a large double wardrobe. Discreet lighting includes soft reading lamps, suspended pendants, and a table lamp. The en-suite bathroom off the master bedroom offers a generous shower, storage, a toilet, and a hand basin, contributing to a sense of luxury and comfort. #PembertonArrondale #HolidayLodge #LodgeReview #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #ResidentialSpecification #ModernInteriors #CaravanHolidays

This review provides an in-depth look at the 1-bedroom villa at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, based on a recent stay by four adults. The villa proved to be a suitable accommodation for the group, and it is also suggested as an ideal option for families of two adults and two to three children. The article highlights the exceptional design of Aulani's rooms, which successfully balance thematic elements with luxury, a feat Disney resorts sometimes struggle with, especially at Walt Disney World. This balance is attributed to Aulani's position as a standalone resort facing competition from other luxury Hawaiian hotels, necessitating a high standard of quality beyond just being a Disney property. The review proceeds with a detailed tour of the villa's various sections. The kitchen is described as gorgeous, featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and rich wood cabinetry, despite being primarily used for storing beverages and preparing coffee during the visit. Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining table adorned with traditional Hawaiian upholstery. The living area, equipped with a queen pullout sofa bed, boasts substantial and well-made furniture, along with thick, textured carpeting. The villa includes a spacious balcony with two separate access points, four chairs, and two tables, offering a view of the resort and a pleasant spot to enjoy live evening music. The master bedroom is noted for its authentic Hawaiian designs, detailed headboard, and overall high-quality fixtures and materials, indicating a lack of corner-cutting in its construction. Subtle Disney details are integrated throughout the room, preserving the resort's cultural and historical accuracy. The high-quality bed runners further emphasize the attention to detail. The layout of the master bedroom in relation to the main living area is discussed, leading into the master bathroom. A luxurious amenity highlighted is the set of Aulani bathrobes. The master bathroom features an exceptionally spacious shower with dual heads, described as a "spa shower." Disney toiletries are also provided. A minor layout concern is raised regarding the shared master bathroom, a design common in older Disney Vacation Club 1-bedroom villas. While suitable for two adults seeking extra space, this arrangement might be less convenient for larger families or multiple individuals needing simultaneous bathroom access. Despite this, the overall layout of the 1-bedroom rooms is deemed quite appealing. The review emphasizes that the quality of the room is particularly important at Aulani because, unlike resorts adjacent to theme parks, guests are likely to spend a significant amount of time within the resort itself. The cost of Aulani is compared to high-end Disney hotels like the Grand Floridian and Grand Californian, noting that Aulani offers a superior blend of quality and themed accommodation. The article concludes by reiterating that while the rooms are well-designed and tastefully decorated, Aulani as a destination may not appeal to everyone, and recommends consulting the Aulani Trip Planning Guide for further consideration. #AulaniResort #DisneyVacationClub #HawaiiTravel #LuxuryAccommodation #HotelReview #ThemeParkAlternative #FamilyTravel #ResortAmenities #InteriorDesign

Mirtilla Alliata di Montereale, an Italian architect, has completed Casa Azzurra, a desert retreat in Joshua Tree, California. This residence is characterized by its blue-tinted walls, which are designed to reflect the changing colors of the desert sky. Situated on a 10-acre elevated site, Casa Azzurra offers expansive views of the surrounding mountains and is intended as a vacation rental for multi-generational families or groups of friends seeking a tranquil escape in nature. The architect describes the project as a place for connection, inspired by Italian hospitality and the serenity of the desert environment. The single-storey structure consists of two main concrete volumes positioned perpendicularly and connected by an L-shaped wooden pergola. This pergola creates significant shaded outdoor living areas, including a sunken lounge with a fire pit, an outdoor dining space, a hot tub, and a 30-foot lap pool, providing ample opportunities for relaxation in the cooler evening temperatures. The exterior walls feature textured cat-face stucco, tinted in five distinct shades of blue, deliberately chosen to mimic the sky's evolving hues. The brightest blue sections face a central courtyard, creating a protective corridor that grants access to three of the four bedrooms within the main residence. Inside, each bedroom is uniquely decorated in a different jewel tone, a design choice inspired by Alliata di Montereale’s memories of family visits in Italy. These vibrant colors stand in contrast to the beige plaster finish prevalent in the open-plan main living space. This central area boasts high ceilings and large sliding glass doors, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoor living spaces. The interior furnishings, textiles, and artworks enhance the space, while elements like kitchen cabinetry are subtly integrated into the neutral decor. The design incorporates Murano glass fixtures, Salvador Dalí prints, and a blend of linen, wood, and stone textures, creating an elevated yet inviting atmosphere. In addition to the main house, the property includes a separate, smaller guest house. This guest house offers enhanced privacy and is located adjacent to a pickleball court. It features an angular roof and a minimalist interior, with wood-paneled walls and a custom-built platform bed strategically placed beneath a row of angled windows, allowing for optimal stargazing. Mirtilla Alliata di Montereale, who studied at SCI-Arc and has experience working with notable architects such as Frank Gehry and Kulapat Yantrasast, has contributed to the growing collection of innovative residences in the Joshua Tree area. This region, east of Los Angeles, is known for its distinctive architectural projects, including the mirrored Invisible House and a wood-and-stucco house and art studio influenced by mid-century Eichler homes, as well as various glamping sites like an Airstream park and weathering steel cabins. #DesertRetreat #JoshuaTree #CaliforniaArchitecture #OutdoorLiving #ModernResidentialDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #VacationRental #Stargazing

The 2025 Atlas Avanti 1 static caravan, a model designed for affordability, is reviewed following the news of Atlas Leisure Homes entering administration in early March 2025. Despite the manufacturer's closure, units are still available at dealerships and holiday parks, making the review relevant for prospective buyers. This two-bedroom model distinguishes itself by maximizing space, storage, and style in each room, opting for a two-bedroom layout over a three-bedroom alternative to achieve this. The caravan features a side entrance leading into a central corridor that separates the sleeping and living areas. The kitchen and dining area are positioned to the left of the entrance, with a half-height partition wall visually dividing the dining space from the lounge. The L-shaped kitchen, though not exceptionally large, provides ample surface area and a generously sized sink and drainer. It includes a four-burner hob with a glass splashback and an extractor fan. The cabinetry, finished in oak with matt black metal handles, offers significant storage with seven large cupboards, accommodating various kitchen items. The dining table, made of the same oak as the cabinetry, seats four with beige chairs, complementing the overall decor. A stylish dresser with a double cupboard base and oak slat-supported floating shelves marks the transition between the dining and lounge areas, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality. The lounge is furnished with two beige, brushed-cotton two-seater sofas angled towards a large, optional double-opening patio door and an entertainment wall. The decor incorporates a coastal influence, contributing to a holiday atmosphere. The entertainment wall features slatted oak panels, two storage cupboards, and shelves, with integrated sockets and HDMI cabling for a neat technological setup. An optional footstool provides additional storage. Lighting in the lounge includes a feature lamp with a large filament bulb in a geometric matt black metal casing and soft floodlights in the dining area. Large windows throughout the caravan, particularly by the dining area, ensure natural light floods the interior, including the corridor. The accommodation area includes a shower room accessible from both the corridor and the master bedroom, functioning as an en-suite or a family shower room. This shower room spans the full width of the space, illuminated by a Velux roof light, and features a large oval basin set into an oak-finished cabinet with stylish slats and a large, black-rimmed mirror. The master bedroom houses a king-size bed with a marine blue headboard against the side wall, framed by oak slats that also appear opposite the bed, forming a dressing table with a large circular mirror, a drawer set, and a marine blue stool. Shelves above the dressing table and headboard, along with under-bed storage, enhance practicality. Bedside tables with oak tops and matt black metal legs flank the bed. A wardrobe with two sliding mirror-glazed doors, framed in matt black, adds a touch of luxury typically found in higher-end holiday homes. The twin bedroom at the rear of the caravan presents a unique layout where the two single beds are parallel but have headboards at opposite ends. This configuration is facilitated by the placement of a wardrobe at the foot of one bed and the en-suite access. The headboards in this room mimic the style of the master bedroom, featuring oak slats and a shelf in a smaller scale. The en-suite for the twin bedroom is a compact yet functional washroom equipped with a toilet, basin, and mirrored storage unit. Despite Atlas Leisure Homes' administration, the 2025 Atlas Avanti 1 is highlighted as a well-appointed and practical static caravan, offering unexpected quality and design for its price point. Its unique layout, practical features, and coastal-inspired decor make it a notable option in the affordable static caravan market. #StaticCaravan #AtlasAvanti #CaravanReview #HolidayHomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AffordableLiving #LeisureHomes #TwoBedroomCaravan

Amanzoe, the celebrated Greek outpost of the Aman hospitality brand, offers a luxurious hilltop retreat in the Peloponnese, designed by the late American architect Ed Tuttle. This destination, featured as the backdrop for a summer fashion story, is the third Aman property in the Mediterranean, following Montenegro’s Aman Sveti Stefan and Turkey’s Amanruya. Ed Tuttle was a significant influence on Aman’s architectural style, having designed seven of their properties, including the inaugural Amanpuri in Thailand in 1988. Situated on the eastern edge of the Peloponnese, a short drive from Athens, Amanzoe embodies Aman's signature blend of tranquility and dramatic experiences, seamlessly integrated with the spirit of its location, sea, and sun. The resort, featuring 38 suites, is strategically positioned just outside the charming town of Porto Heli. The architectural design of Amanzoe is characterized by its low, gentle composition, which is both refreshingly clean and contemporary. The aesthetic employs serene neutral colors and minimalist architecture while subtly referencing classical Greek architecture through elements like column and cornice detailing. The entire complex is thoughtfully embedded into its verdant surroundings, providing expansive 360-degree views of the sea and the lush natural landscape. Amanzoe is ideally situated atop a gentle hill, approximately a ten-minute walk from the heart of Porto Heli. Key building materials, such as marble and stone, are extensively used throughout the resort, forming a fundamental part of Amanzoe’s architectural identity. Tuttle, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 75, considered these materials to be “the most basic and noble materials of Greece.” The design incorporates beige-colored Sinai Pearl Antique and dark-green Guatemala Verde marble, complemented by the region’s traditional dry stone cladding. Additionally, timber elements, particularly the pergolas on the outdoor terraces, further connect the spaces to the local environment. Alongside the hotel offerings, Amanzoe also includes several private villas, designed in a similar style, providing exclusive accommodations for guests. Amanzoe exemplifies a harmonious blend of modern luxury with classical Greek influences, set within a breathtaking natural landscape. The resort’s design prioritizes a sense of calm and integration with its surroundings, offering an immersive experience that reflects both the heritage of the region and the sophisticated standards of the Aman brand. This thoughtfully curated environment ensures that guests can enjoy both the serenity of the retreat and the cultural richness of the Peloponnese. The meticulous attention to detail in material selection and architectural composition creates a cohesive and elegant destination that stands as a testament to Tuttle's vision and Aman's commitment to exceptional hospitality. #Amanzoe #EdTuttle #LuxuryResort #GreekArchitecture #Peloponnese #HospitalityDesign #TravelDestination #MinimalistArchitecture #InteriorDesign

This review provides an in-depth analysis of Disney's Wilderness Lodge, a Deluxe Resort at Walt Disney World themed to the Pacific Northwest and U.S. National Parks. The article covers various aspects of the resort, including its different accommodation options, thematic elements, room features, dining, transportation, and guest perks. The Wilderness Lodge is highlighted as a multifaceted resort, comprising the main building with standard hotel rooms and Copper Creek Villas, a separate Boulder Ridge Villas building for Disney Vacation Club members, and the Cascade Cabins along the waterfront. The author, a self-proclaimed fan of the resort, acknowledges its subjective appeal, noting it's not a universal fit for all guests, but is the Brickers' preferred choice among Walt Disney World hotels. The review addresses current and upcoming construction projects, including exterior refurbishments and room renovations expected to conclude by September 2025, with potential exterior work extending until 2027. It also mentions the ongoing construction of Disney Lakeshore Lodge nearby, emphasizing that despite these activities, the impact on guest experience is minimal, and the author plans to return. The resort is particularly recommended for holiday stays, with the Old Faithful Club Level suggested as a luxurious splurge, offering a unique experience in its grand lobby. However, standard rooms are also praised for their value among Magic Kingdom area resorts. Wilderness Lodge's thematic strength is a major focus, drawing inspiration from Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn and Yosemite's Ahwahnee Hotel. The article details unique design elements such as the 82-foot Grand Canyon Fireplace, towering 55-foot totem poles (Raven Pole and Eagle Pole) that tell stories, and Native American carpet patterns. These details, combined with nods to historical figures like Lewis & Clark and Teddy Roosevelt, create an immersive environment that transports guests away from the theme park hustle. The author emphasizes that these details are not merely decorative but hold significant meaning, contributing to the resort's authentic feel. Guest rooms, recently refurbished, maintain the rustic and Native American-inspired aesthetic with practical upgrades. While the author personally preferred the previous style, the new rooms offer improved functionality, including better storage, power outlets, USB ports, and significantly enhanced lighting. A notable design feature is the illuminated window between the bathroom and bedroom, reminiscent of Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Spring. Transportation options include boat service to Magic Kingdom, which is highly recommended, and efficient bus services to other parks, making access generally convenient except for Animal Kingdom. The dining scene at Wilderness Lodge is described as robust, featuring options like Artist Point, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Geyser Point Bar & Grill, Territory Lounge, and Roaring Fork. Geyser Point Bar & Grill is singled out for having one of the best burgers at Walt Disney World, and Story Book Dining at Artist Point, a Snow White character dinner, is noted as a popular option. Beyond the interiors, the outdoor areas, including trails, trees, and a man-made geyser, are highlighted as essential to the resort's charm, offering a sense of tranquility. The pools, while not the best at Walt Disney World, are appreciated for being less overcrowded. Guests also benefit from Deluxe Resort perks like Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, offering significant advantages for park access. Despite a rack rate starting at over $550 per night, Wilderness Lodge is positioned as a comparatively more affordable Deluxe Resort, often available for around $400 with discounts. Its value is attributed to its strong theme, quality, and location relative to other Deluxe options, particularly when compared to Animal Kingdom Lodge. The article concludes by reiterating the author's strong recommendation for Wilderness Lodge, citing its transportive theme, updated rooms, convenient transportation, excellent dining, and overall well-rounded experience, especially during the Christmas season. #DisneyWildernessLodge #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyResortReview #LuxuryHotels #ThemeParkAccommodation #PacificNorthwestTheme #DisneyDining #ResortAmenities #TravelGuide