Unusual Hotels – Whitepod Switzerland

An eco-tourism concept

The resort provides an alternative means to explore the Swiss Alps. With the use of the pods (dome shaped tents), pitched on wooden platforms, Whitepod offers low impact accommodation in an untouched and pristine alpine environment. Isolated from all urban pollution, the mountain region lends itself beautifully to such an eco-tourism development.

The camp opened on the 20th of December 2011

The Whitepod domain is

• 15 geodesic-dome pods surrounding a central chalet called the Pod-house
• The chalet Les Cerniers, a traditional wooden chalet which acts as base-camp for the whole resort, and offers an inventive and refined cuisine in its new restaurant
• 7km of ski slopes with private ski lifts
• The Alpage de Chindonne, an authentic mountain lodge, which can accommodate up to 80 guests in rooms of dormitories, and its traditional Swiss restaurant

The Whitepod resort is the ultimate mountain escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!

An eco-tourism concept

Whitepod aims to be a model for sustainable tourism by using a number of measures to limit its impact on nature, for example

• Minimize daily water and electricity consumption
• Reduce waste production
• Favor the use of renewable resources
• Increase the clients' awareness of environment protection

The Pods

A pod is a geodesic structure anchored on wooden platforms, and naturally isolated from the cold and the snow - all pods are equipped with wood-burning stoves, organic luxury bedding and full services bathrooms.

At the center of the 15 pods, stands a charming early 1800s wooden chalet where guests meet for breakfast in the morning or gather in the evening around its central fireplace for evening drinks and socializing.

The recently built spa guarantees complete relaxation after an active day in the forest or on the ski slopes.

Cost for 2 people 325 weekdays, 480 at weekends

• Buffet breakfast at the Pod-house. Access to the relaxation area, All equipment necessary for the stay - back bag, headlights, snowshoes, sledge, Access to our private ski slopes, Free WIFI at the Pod-house, Tea-Time - afternoon tea & pastries served everyday, Parking, All taxes

Discover their Romantic Package for 2 people, 2 nights in a pod

• Welcome drink
• Dinner for 2 at the chalet Les Cerniers
• Candle lit dinner served in your pod, Gourmet basket, Champagne
• Guided snowshoeing tour (small group of maximum 8 people) Half day,
  Equipment and picnic provided.
  One Aromatherapy massage for 2
• Price for 2 people & 2 nights
  CHF 1'580 / EUR 1'280
  Thursday & Friday = CHF 1'780 / EUR 1'450
  Friday & Saturday = CHF 1'980 / EUR 1'610
  Saturday & Sunday = CHF 1'780 / EUR 1'450

For all information www.whitepod.com

Tagged: Castello Dal Pozzo, Hotels, Italy, leisure, skiing, Travel, Unusual hotels

Winter Pictures

In the Alps, more than a metre of fresh snow in 5 days. Absolutely fantastic.

On the Lake back in Italy, no snow, no rain, autumn colours but cold at night.

Tagged: Castello Dal Pozzo, Italy, Lake Maggiore, Recreation, Things to see, Travel

Emma Louise Teams Up With Wankelmut For “My Head Is A Jungle”: Listen To The Moody Anthem

As far as bizarre sound experiments go, teaming an Australian indie-pop diva with a German house DJ is probably one of the kookiest I can think of. Happily, it turns out to be a match made in heaven as one listen to “My Head Is A Jungle” proves. Brisbane-based Emma Louise has been generating massive hype for a couple of years before finding commercial success at home with excellent debut album Vs Head Vs Heart.

The singer-songwriter’s gloomy, atmospheric tunes obviously caught the ear of Wankelmut (who scored a number one hit across Europe in 2012 with “One Day/Reckoning Song”) because the 24-year-old added a dance beat and turned the eerie love song into a club smash. After conquering Germany, the unlikely duo is ready to go international with their moody house anthem.

“My Head Is A Jungle” is being serviced to clubs around the globe and could well find love in the US given the current pro-EDM climate. Immerse yourself in their gloomy but danceable world after the jump.

Share your appreciation for this unlikely musical cocktail in the comments below.

Whatcha Say: Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey Had Our Readers Talking

Following the release of the former Disney pop princess’ Stars Dance, we asked our readers which Selena Gomez album they most preferred. Check back on Monday to see which album reigned supreme — those who leave a comment are entered to win a signed copy of Stars Dance.

While we’re still waiting to hear music from the ARTPOP era, news about Lady Gaga was all over Idolator this week. From her VMA performance announcement, to writing a track for the new TLC album (!!), Mother Monster is preparing for her grand return. Most interestingly, an old Lana Del Rey demo hit the web, in which the “Summertime Sadness” singer disses Gaga.

Ariana Grande followed up her summer hit “The Way,” with the throwback “Baby I,” produced by Babyface, while Icona Pop released another new track, titled “All Night,” from their upcoming debut album. Plus, we brought you exclusive Idolator premieres from Hockey, Cash Cash, and Royal Teeth. Check out some of the week’s best comments below!

:: When we asked what Usher was thinking while getting wrapped up for a boxing match in this week’s Caption This, tunechi42 hopped into the ring on Instagram with her cleverest quip: “Once we’re in the ring, we’re not ‘lovers and friends.’”

:: Rumors about the delay of Beyonce‘s album had her rep denying all news “because an official release date was never set.” Drew could see right through the publicist’s words on Beyonce's Album Is Not Delayed: An Official Representative Finally Speaks Out: “Good try... Just because they didn't set an official release date doesn't mean that things are delayed behind-the-scenes. My money is that she came up with a bunch of "meh" material (read: "Run the World") and her label stepped in.”

:: A storm rose amongst fans of Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga when Lana’s old demo “So Legit” hit the web with some not-so-nice words towards Mother Monster. Lana del queen expressed their thoughts onLana Del Rey Takes A Stab At Lady Gaga On Acerbic Diss Track "So Legit": Listen: “lmao people need to get over this tho? lana was bitter and angry back then, obviously her feelings for gaga have changed. there's a reason this was unreleased. and obviously this track would sound bad???? it's a demo, a very rough draft of the final song.”

:: Fans of AlunaGeorge were happy this week when their album went live for streaming. But Alfredo Sauce was a little confused at the lack of “George” on the band’s upcoming tour on Stream AlunaGeorge's 'Body Music,' Including The Bonus "This Is How We Do It" Cover: “My body is SO ready for 'Body Music.' I don't think they will latch onto the US audience like they did in the UK, but they will definitely get a lot of indie/underground attention. The only thing I find weird is that Aluna will be doing promo and touring without George. Why be AlunaGeorge then?”

:: Busta Rhymes released his rump-shaking video with Nicki Minaj for “#TwerkIt” this week to much fanfare. Lil Papi was not a fan of the rauchy video or its trendy title on Nicki Minaj Twerks It Out In Busta Rhymes' "#TwerkIt" Music Video: “Wait but lyk can dey stop usin # in front of names lyk dat aint cute? n lyk no 2 dis song. is busta even relevent? bye”

:: That Ariana reign just won’t let up! We got a clip of the latest Ariana Grande song this week–a duet with The Wanted‘s Nathan Sykes from the upcoming soundtrack to The Mortal Instruments. Holly was especially excited about the singer’s upcoming collaboration on Ariana Grande Duets With The Wanted's Nathan Sykes: Hear A Snippet Of "Almost Is Never Enough": “Ariana Grande is my favourite female singer and Nathan Sykes is my favourite male singer so for them to sing this amazing song together is crazy. There voices go so well together and I knew they would because I knew they could both have similar styles. I can't even listen to this song it is so perfect it makes me cry.”

:: A leaked picture from Lady Gaga‘s upcoming V Magazine photo shoot caused quite a stir on the site, dividing fans on the singer’s natural look. Sbutler323 left nothing but love for the pop diva on Lady Gaga Appears Nude In New Shoot By Inez & Vinoodh For 'V Magazine': See A Photo: “I have to say...this picture completely changes my perspective of LG. This is pure, natural beauty guys...I'm glad that she's not perfect because that individuality makes a person beautiful. If this pic is not touched up too much then I'm going gaga for Gaga...lol.”

Spotted: Rihanna Flaunts Her Jacquie Aiche Body Chain in Poland!

Rihanna took a much-needed break from her demanding job as a performer and went straight to the beach to unwind with friends over the weekend. For months now, she has been traveling around the world for her Diamonds World Tour concert, and this might’ve taken a toll on the multitalented artist. Despite the stress, Rihanna still looked sexy and stylish while basking under the summer sun in Poland. Check out the photos below.

Rihanna spending some time on the beach in Sopot, Poland, on July 7, 2013

How do you like her look, ladies?

For a beach trip in Poland, Rihanna looked amazing in a Mikoh Mundaka bikini. She used her Rihanna for River Island white crochet midi skirt to cover up her bottoms and wore a chic pair of Miu Miu sandals. She accessorized by throwing on a diamond filigree body chain necklace from Jacquie Aiche, which made her whole look very stylish! We’ve seen some celebrities, such as Miley Cyrus, flaunt body chain necklaces before, but Rihanna made hers a bit personal by having it designed with her last name, Fenty.

Body chain necklaces are no longer new in the fashion department. So, if you’ve been wanting to own one this summer, then we’ve got a few chic choices for you below.

l-r:
Vanessa Mooney The Neptune Body Chain, $140 (before: $175)
L’Agence Beaded Body Chain, $320 (before: $400)
Jacquie Aiche Bezel Body Chain, $220

Credit: WENN.com

The post Spotted: Rihanna Flaunts Her Jacquie Aiche Body Chain in Poland! appeared first on Your Next Jewelry.

Ashlee Simpson Piles On Bangles for a Dance Class

Leave it to a punk rock fashionista like Ashlee Simpson to have a workout attire as edgy as her usual style. The 28-year-old singer/songwriter was spotted going to Third Street Dance Studio in an all-black attire - a poncho, a tank top, sweats, and a Birkin - accessorized with a huge stack of slim bangles.

Ashlee Simpson on her way to Third Street Dance Studio in West Hollywood on July 8, 2013

In fashion, the punk world is no stranger to stacking bracelets, and Ashlee did it with such gusto, even going as far as combining bangles with different styles and materials. That always guarantees an interesting stack! With those much bangles, though, we can’t help but wonder if she might have been just a little too noisy in her dance class.

A pile of bangles making Ashlee Simpson’s all-black attire shimmer

Here are some bangles and bangle sets you can mix and match for days when you feel like working out a la Ashlee Simpson.

Michael Kors Seaside Luxe Geode Bangle, $95

Iosselliani Brass Bangle Set, $305

Gemma Redux Mood Bracelet, $159

Mercedes Salazer Indigenous Bangle Set, $65

Kelly Wearstler Hexagon Bangle, $175

Credit: JP/JFXimages/WENN.com

The post Ashlee Simpson Piles On Bangles for a Dance Class appeared first on Your Next Jewelry.

Inspired by Art

Fashion and art are basically attached at the hip. So for today's spring outfit styling, I drew inspiration from this colourful print by Brittany Bass.

Rock Party print, $30, Brittany Bass

So...here are the outfits...

Spring fashion inspired by art

Spring fashion inspired by art

Spring fashion inspired by art

Art image courtesy of Brittany Bass. Outfits styled by Jordana via Polyvore.

Sample sale: our Jenny Bird

Well now, this looks promising. Okay not really, but Jenny Bird's jewelry and leather goods are stylish and the look of classic-but-trendy, a hard-to-nail vibe that she's got in spades

I don't often mention this kind of thing but since I'm a huge fan of Toronto designer Jenny Bird (who else can boast having chased me down the street in '06 in Toronto to discuss my handbag AND ensuing massive celebrity popularity? just sayin).

I've written about Jenny here featuring her art deco-inspired bag & earrings, here about the awesome Buckle Down bag and that season's knock-out jewelry collection, here about her roaring lion ring that I love, here about her bracelet for bee and pollinator conservation last year (all funds raised went to benefit the organization, by the way, none of this 25%-of-profit business).. Come to think of it, this much writing is more than any other designer I've ever fawned over. Jenny, I love you.

There's also another good reason to be writing about this- I'm thinking I'll go to Jenny's sample sale. I don't often check these things out but what the heck, it's time to live a little.

Here are some of Jenny Bird's current creations (most likely not on sale, but you never know):

Netted leather tote, $395

King serpent bangle, $85

Serpent hoop earrings, $55

Half moon pendant, $325

Ram ring, $85

All images courtesy of Jenny Bird.