A climactic ending for Eric Prydz with Deadmau5 at Hï Ibiza

Read article : A climactic ending for Eric Prydz with Deadmau5 at Hï Ibiza

Eric Prydz is one of the most successful electronic producers on this planet. As his first residency came to a close, here's how it all went down.

Looking at his long career you cannot deny that the Swedish craftsman is able to do it all. His music style varies greatly, a truly diverse producer of dance sounds. First, you have the popular releases under his own surname, notably the chart topping 2004 hit Call On Me. Then you have the trance stylings of Pryda, releasing huge tracks like The End, under a progressive house infused label named Pryda as well. He delves even further into the music with Techno projects like Cirez D moniker and his other label, Mouseville. Truly a man of many talents. In previous years on the island of Ibiza, he has played at Amnesia, gathering many fans whilst doing so.

This year, there has been a shift in the Ibiza clubbing world. Many events have changed venues, some new events have been formed. The Ushuaïa Entertainment owned, Hï Ibiza was built over the winter of 2016/17 and stands in place of where Space was. The brand new venue is like something out of a science fiction movie, unbelievably cool and crisp decor with fantastic sound and lighting production inside.

With such a high profile venue fresh on the White Isle, all that was left was to book great artists to play over the summer season. The booking of Eric Prydz's 10-event residency was a brilliant choice. Prydz has been recently amazing audiences with his globally successful 4.0 show and electronic music fans have pretty excited, filling the venue every week.

Over the past 10 shows, we have seen a massive amount of fantastic artists come and feature alongside resident Prydz. Matthew Dear, Kölsch, Pig & Dan, Agoria, Catz 'N Dogz, Tube & Berger and Dusky have all featured on the island, with some memorable sets. But the act for me stood out from the all rest of them over the season was deadmau5.

I went to both dates he played. For me, it was the fulfilment of a 10-year wait to see him and he did not disappoint. As his first appearance on the island after two years, it was great to see him at the closing party of the season, first alongside Cristoph in the Theatre room and then a special back-to-back set from Andrea Oliva and Nick Curly in the Club room, the ending of this epic residency was an incredible experience.

Starting off proceedings for the evening, Cristoph, who is newly signed to Pryda recordings played an atmospheric techno set with heavy selections such as Receiver by HD Substance and a 2pole remix of Inter Galaxy. The British DJ warmed the crowd ready for the arrival of deadmau5. Inside the Theatre room, you could clearly hear that a lot of time and money has been spent on the sound system, an Adamson system now fitted in the place of a Funktion-One rig.

Just outside the Theatre is a beautifully decorated smoking area, like stepping into a scene from Avatar with its glowing neon trees. Around them are various drink-specific bars serving beer, cocktail, tequila and other alcoholic beverages, each decorated in a different way. My personal favourite is the cocktail bar featuring a pink neon sign and flamingos, looking like something straight out Vice City.

Stepping back into the venue, deadmau5 had begun his set, mixing electro samples with hard techno beats, very different from his usual style of productions, more akin to his Testpilot alias. Dancing along to the thumping beat of the kick drum, he masterfully adjusted his analogue kit to bring in chopped and screwed samples of Sometimes Things Get, Whatever followed by dark techno selections such as Sin Control by Raxon.

The black coated Theatre room is a perfect performance space for the Canadian DJ, with strobes and spotlights flashing in time to the beat, lighting the raving audience. The crowd cheered as he placed on his famous mouse head. Next he dropped Onze by Kiko, and the bass rumbled through the dance floor the music pulsating through everyone in the venue. In true deadmau5 fashion, he added a comedic element to his by adding Armageddon vocal snippets (show me what you got!) from popular cartoon Rick and Morty.

Taking a short break from the Theatre room, I took this time to wander around the rest of the venue, stopping first by the Wild Room, the unofficial third room where the bathrooms are. There Paul Reynolds was entertaining a small crowd with funky house tracks like Most Precious Love by Blaze and The Word is Love by Steve Silk Hurley. This area was a welcome change to the hard beats of the other rooms, a nice winding down area of sorts, where you can stop for a bathroom break and still boogie.

In the Club room, Andrea Oliva and Nick Curly were smashing out a Tech House set in a brilliant b2b unison. The lighting in the Club room is more minimal. In here, strips of blue lights flashed from the ceiling as Oliva dropped in the funky, Barrump by Claude VonStroke. Curly followed this with Disco Rain by Gaetano C & Ninho, a techy track with a disco vocal flavour added, also combining tribal percussion elements for an overall more upbeat offering in comparison to the darker Theatre offerings of deadmau5.

With the end of deadmau5 time on stage imminent, he played Systematika by Guy Mantzur & Roy Rosenfeld, a simple but effective techno track which builds and builds into a peak. At this point, he slipped in the famous Ghosts n Stuff vocal and the crowd erupted, every hand reaching to the ceiling of the Theatre. It was an exhilarating feeling that the whole room experienced as this electronic anthem played out to the end of deadmau5 set.

It was now time for Eric Prydz to take over the room in what was the most anticipated part of the evening. He started off in customary Prydz fashion by playing all of his unknown ID tracks first. These, of course, are always the best, grabbing the crowd's attention straight from the get-go. The rising sounds lifted up the audience, with drops sending them wild, dry ice cannons firing and strobe lights flickering. The scene in front of me was one of Prydz dominating the dance floor, fully in control of his musical arena.

The previous time I had seen Eric Prydz he had opted for a darker set, playing tunes that you would expect him to play as Cirez D, for example, his new release under Mouseville, as well as The Accuser, a dark tech monster which has been rocking dance floors this season. However, for the closing, he opted for a more trance and progressive style of set, which was extremely well received. Throughout his set he was flirting with the crowd, adding in synths very close to some of his signature tunes and raising the elation in the room.

He then rewarded the eager crowd with his remix of Flashback by Calvin Harris. The visuals in the Theatre were vamped up for Prydz set as the ceiling LED roof parts lowered, rotating over the crowd displaying space age visuals. Prydz then dropped in the anthemic Rush, a track from his Pryda project as green lasers shone brightly from the stage. These moments make Eric Prydz shows so special.

As the night drew to a close, one last trip around the venue revealed the secret garden tucked away in the corner of the venue. Similarly decorated to the other outside venue, but with a scattering of Tipis where clubbers enjoyed the cool Playad'en Bossa evening in comfort. My friend for the evening said, “The future of clubbing is now”. In some ways he is right, Hï Ibiza has gone to a lot of effort to distinguish itself from other clubs in Ibiza and for the most part, they have created a space that caters to a new generation of clubbers very effectively.

Once more stepping onto the Theatre dance floor, I caught another great track by Pryda: Power Drive was keeping the crowd well-entertained with its electro progressive vibe. As a final present, he brought in a private edit of Pjanoo, which was met with rapturous applause by the audience.

The emotion in the room was one of pure happiness, with everyone smiling. The vibe was shared by Prydz who clapped along with the crowd. His persona on stage is of a man who really enjoys his job and he is right to do so, as it is one of the best jobs in the world. Now with a hugely successful season completed, I hope we can expect more of Eric at Hï Ibiza for many years to come.

Salt Lake City Bets You’ll Trade Dollars for Balance

Read article : Salt Lake City Bets You’ll Trade Dollars for Balance

Ask someone to name up-and-coming technology hubs and you’ll likely hear about places such as Austin, Portland, or Vancouver. If they’re really on top of things, you’ll also hear about a metro area you may not have expected: Salt Lake City.

Yes, Salt Lake City. It’s a region pegged as conservative and blandly business-like. But in truth, Salt Lake City’s tech sector dates back to the 1970s, when WordPerfect and Novell set up shop in the area. During the 1990s, Ancestry.com and Omniture were founded there; when Adobe bought Omniture in 2009, it liked the locale so much it began building campuses for other business units.

Locally, the area’s tech scene is known as “Silicon Slopes.” It encompasses the area from Ogden south to Provo, with Salt Lake City in-between. JD Conway, senior talent acquisition partner for HR solutions provider BambooHR, believes the local tech community is unique because of its combination of established tech companies that continue to grow, its attractiveness as a location for Silicon Valley companies that want to cost-effectively scale up, and its “perfect soil” for startup growth.

An Unusual Business and Lifestyle Mix

Local tech leaders agree that the region combines an unusual mix of lifestyle, business and economic factors that make it attractive to tech pros. “It’s a really good ecosystem of companies that balances work, technology and lifestyle,” according to Matt Bingham, vice president of product at Instructure, a learning-software company headquartered in Salt Lake City. “What I’ve found in 10 years here is that there’s an allure with the lifestyle, along with a great tech experience.”

“There aren’t many places in the world where it’s faster to get to a ski lift than to make a short commute to the office. You’ve got that here,” added Nathan Rawlins, CMO of Lucid Software, which makes cloud-based design applications in the Salt Lake City suburb of South Jordan. “Just the other day I met with someone at 10 in the morning who apologized for wearing board shorts to the meeting. He’d been out wakeboarding before heading into the office. I think most people would gladly give up those quality hours on [Silicon Valley’s Highway] 101 every day in exchange for a wakeboard run, hitting a mountain bike trail, or getting to the slopes for some night skiing.”

Opportunities Now, and Growth Predicted

While it’s certainly true that lifestyle and flexible work hours are attractive to tech pros, so are compensation and growth opportunities. And here’s when a decision on whether or not to work in Utah comes down to personal preferences.

Like most regions of the country, Salt Lake City faces a shortage of technology talent. Bingham describes this scarcity as being driven by growth: Companies are expanding faster than the talent pool. As a result, businesses are already competing hard to lure the best tech pros they can find, both locally and from other markets. “With so many growing companies, there’s demand for just about any role,” Rawlins said.

For his part, Bingham emphasizes engineering. “Anyone with an engineering background, you’re needed here,” he said.

In terms of dollars, however, you probably won’t make as much in Salt Lake City as you would in California or New York. According to Salary.com, for example, an intermediate-level software engineer in Silicon Valley earns a median salary of about $103,000; in Salt Lake City, they’d make around $83,000. Dice pegs the average tech salary in Utah at $89,798, lagging many of the nation’s tech hubs.

Interestingly, Salt Lake employers don’t tap dance around the salary differences. “Salaries aren’t as high, but disposable income is,” said Bingham. And as companies grow, he expects to see compensation increase.

“A higher quality of living is attainable at almost half the cost of Silicon Slopes’ cousins in the Valley,” added Conway. “Because of its lower cost versus higher quality of living, more tech pros see it as an attractive place to relocate, and fewer native Utahans see the need to leave.”

A look at Zillow.com backs that up: The real estate web site reports that a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath house in San Francisco recently sold for $1 million. A similar, 1,700-square-foot house in Salt Lake City sold for $228,000.

Near-Term Limits

Still, Bingham noted, the fact that Salt Lake City’s tech sector is still relatively small limits the possibility of movement, at least in the near term. Though the breadth of opportunities is growing, “you don’t have 20 different startups to jump to every 12 to 18 months,” he said. “This is a good place for a three-year gig, as opposed to a 12-month gig.”

The bottom line is the Salt Lake City area is changing rapidly in terms of business, technology and culture. Though known as a conservative area, the city has grown “quite cosmopolitan” as more people relocate into the region, Bingham observed. Established companies continue to expand their footprints, while local colleges and coding programs build up the entry-level workforce and feed the startup population’s labor needs.

“I’m confident the tech scene here is going to continue to thrive,” said Rawlins. “So many tech companies in Utah have followed what has been an untraditional path, with a focus on profitable growth and strong fundamentals. That’s a recipe for long-term sustainability.”

Related Posts

Eero WiFi System Review | Digital Trends

Read article : Eero WiFi System Review | Digital Trends

One of the biggest recent movements in the networking industry is the introduction of mesh technology. This tech made its debut in 2016, promising a blanket of wireless connectivity that fills every inch of a home or office. These systems are typically sold in kits of two or more identical devices that can be spread out vertically and horizontally to create a connected web of coverage.

We’ve taken a close look at several solutions over the last several months, and now we have the Eero system in-house. This system hit the market in February of 2016, selling as a three-pack for $400, a two-pack for $300, and as a single unit for $200. That may seem rather expensive, but feature-packed, high-performance routers can cost up to $300 and broadcast from only a single point in the home or office.

Eero’s initial setup focuses on simplicity

The Eero kit we received was the three-pack shipped in a rectangular box. After opening the lid, the unit on the left sported a pull-off tab printed with the word “Start.” We lifted the unit out of the box to see a cardboard insert with instructions to download the Eero app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store. The unit’s power adapter was found sitting under this cardboard insert.

Once the app was installed on an Android device, we created a free account, positioned the first Eero unit next to the ISP’s modem, plugged the provided Ethernet cable into one of the two ports on the Eero, connected it to the modem, and fired it up. The app then proceeded to connect to the Eero unit through Bluetooth, which honestly caused us a few headaches later. However, with the initial unit, we didn’t have any problems creating the network name, password, and device location description.

Eero WiFi System review" />

Eero WiFi System review" />

The second unit is what caused the headaches. This was planted in the same location we used for other mesh network setups, but for some reason the Eero app said we were getting a poor connection to the first unit. To make matters worse, the app wouldn’t let us proceed with installing the second unit despite the connectivity issue, forcing us to relocate the unit. However, no matter where we planted the second unit, we received a poor connection message, even when it was seated next to the first Eero unit and modem.

Awesome customer support saved the day

After yanking out buckets of hair, we broke down and called technical support. A technician had us connect the second unit to the first unit via an Ethernet connection so that the two could communicate and verify they were connected. After that, we disconnected the second unit, placed it back into its original location in the next room, and balance returned to the Force. The third Eero unit gave us no problems whatsoever.

Eero is a good system for mainstream customers, but enthusiasts may want to look elsewhere.

So, what happened? The technician said it was a bad Bluetooth session. Based on his comments, this wasn’t the first case of bad Bluetooth connectivity, and drives home the point of relying solely on a Bluetooth connection to establish a network is not without problems. Customers should have access to a web-based interface via a wired connection just in case the setup process hits a roadblock. However, several of the mesh-based networking setups sold on the market seemingly ignore this type of user control.

When all was said and done, we had the first unit connected to the modem in the Dining Room, which is in the center of the house. We moved the second unit into Bedroom #3, and the third unit was placed in Bedroom #4. Thus, we created a straight line throughout the house instead of a C-shaped layout as we used for the Luma system.

While there is a lot of wireless activity in the Living Room, we wanted to make sure the blanket covered every aspect of the house, including Bedroom #4 that’s — one of two rooms converted from a garage. Since we don’t have a second floor, we wanted to create a large horizontal blanket.

Eero’s mobile app offers easy management

With everything set up, we headed back into the mobile app. The home screen shows the current internet speed, the active Eero units, and all the connected devices. Tap on an Eero icon and users will see details like broadcast strength (in bars), IP address, firmware version, model number, serial number, and more. Tap on a connected device icon to see its current activity, connection strength, which Eero it’s connected to, its IP address, MAC address, and so on. There’s a menu button on the home screen for accessing network settings.

As previously indicated, the Eero system isn’t exactly feature-rich when it comes to network customization. There’s no web-based interface here to dig into the gritty details, but rather a simple app for switching on/off a guest network, adding additional Eero units, getting help, and adjusting basic network settings. The app can be used to establish profiles, which can be used as makeshift parental controls.

For instance, parents can create a profile assigning a child to a specific connected device. The profile is locked to the device’s MAC address so that Eero can associate the child with the device no matter what IP address it uses. Thus, the parent can pause the child’s internet access or set a scheduled pause, blocking access at night, or during homework time.

As for the actual customizable network settings, these are rather slim. Users can use a custom DNS rather than the ones provided by the router, customize the DHCP server, assign a static IP address to a device, create port forwarding rules, and switch on/off Universal Plug and Play. Users have no control over switching channels, establishing channel widths, and so on.

And that’s a shame, as users should have complete control over their network. But this isn’t the first mesh-based network we’ve seen with semi-closed settings. The whole point of systems like Eero and Luma is that customers plug-and-go without having to think about the ideal channel for 2.4GHz or which security protocol to use. For the novice user, the “advanced” settings may be more than they can chew, but experienced network tweakers will find very little meat to nibble.

Eero WiFi System Compared To

Eero’s simplicity extends out to its appearance

Each Eero device is identical, sporting two gigabit Ethernet ports, a USB 2.0 port, and a power connector. They measure just 4.75 (W) x 4.75 (D) x 1.34 (H) inches, making them capable of fitting in just about anywhere in the home or office. The upper casing is a shiny white with rounded edges, while the bottom half and built-in curved “feet” feel somewhat rubbery. The USB 2.0 port, according to tech support, can’t be used at the time of this publication, but will eventually serve a purpose in the future.

The whole point of systems like Eero is that customers plug-and-go without having to think about channels or security.

Inside the Eero you’ll find a dual-core processor clocked at 1.0GHz, 512MB of system memory, and 4GB of internal storage used solely by the operating system. They also each have a Bluetooth Smart Ready component, and two internal incoming and outgoing antennas providing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Each unit is capable of up to 300 megabits per second on the 2.4GHz band and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band.

Based on the company’s FAQ, Eero seems to believe that coverage is more important than offering the fastest wireless speeds, and that makes sense. Until the mass population has a gigabit connection to the internet, crazy fast wireless speeds are unnecessary. As Eero points out, streaming Ultra HD content to a single device requires a connection at 25Mbps.

Note that the connection issues we had with setting up the second unit had nothing to do with its ability to broadcast a network signal. Instead, the problem was with the unit trying to register itself to the account through the smartphone’s Bluetooth connection.

There’s a few other things we need to point out before we get into performance numbers. Eero supports a very basic Quality of Service capability, which may be expanded in the future to provide configurations that match specific needs for gaming, video streaming, and so on. The system does not support Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE), which is used for DSL connections. The system currently isn’t supported outside the United States either, as Eero is certified to only work on 120V power outlets.

So how does the Eero network perform?

We used four devices to check their connection speeds: one smartphone, two tablets, and a notebook. Here is what we found:

	Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge	Samsung Galaxy Tab E	Microsoft Surface 3	Lenovo Ideapad Laptop Internal	Lenovo Ideapad Laptop External
Eero Max 5GHz Speed:	867Mbps	867Mbps	867Mbps	867Mbps	867Mbps
Device Max 5GHz Speed:	867Mbps	450Mbps	867Mbps	Not Measured	433Mbps
5GHz Tested Speeds:	650Mbps	150Mbps	790Mbps	Not Measured	433Mbps
Eero Max 2.4GHz speed:	300Mbps	300Mbps	300Mbps	300Mbps	300Mbps
Device Max 2.4GHz Speed:	400Mbps	300Mbps	400Mbps	150Mbps	150Mbps
2.4 GHz Speeds:	Not Measured	150Mbps	Not Measured	72.2Mbps	Not Measured

The tested speeds are based on numbers provided by Android and Windows 10. As shown above, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone doesn’t hit the theoretical 867Mbps Wireless AC speed, but it didn’t reach that ceiling on similar mesh-based network setups either. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Tab E tablet is bottlenecked by having only two internal antennas (1x output, 1x input). If anything, the device with the best performance was Microsoft’s Surface 3 tablet.

As for the Lenovo laptop, the 72.2Mbps speed on the 2.4Ghz band isn’t anything new. That’s because the internal Wireless N component has one antenna for output and one for input, so the width of the wireless connection is important. Eero is likely broadcasting a footpath-sized narrow connection, and we know the laptop doubles to 150Mbps when it’s connected to a wide, freeway-like connection (we saw this with Netgear’s Orbi system). The external, dual-band Wireless N adapter we connected to the Lenovo in our test was Trendnet’s AC600 Mini Wireless USB Adapter that’s capable of up to 433Mbps on 5GHz, and up to 150Mbps on 2.4GHz.

Of course, the Lenovo laptop originally hit the market in 2013. It’s not that old, but in terms of how fast technology advances, it’s way out of date. But not every customer will have a sparkly new laptop connecting to a sparkly new mesh-based wireless network. The bottleneck suffered by the Lenovo laptop is a good example of why customers need access to the roots of the network to squeeze every drop of speed out of their wireless connection.

Mesh-based networks tend to limit customization

Unfortunately, the trend to lock down most of the settings in mesh-based networking setups appears to be a common factor save for Netgear’s Orbi system. Thus, systems like Eero and Luma may not be ideal for gamers who need full control over where data packets travel across their network. And without a real QoS service to dictate what device has priority over others, even mainstream customers may experience issues streaming content on multiple devices.

Now here are the speeds and signal strengths picked up by the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone at various locations throughout the house:

Location	Speed	Strength	Signal
Dining Room	650Mbps	100 percent	-34 dBm
Living Room	351Mbps	62 percent	-73 dBm
Front Porch	585Mbps	91 percent	-57 dBm
Bathroom Shower	468Mbps	100 percent	-46 dBm
Laundry Room	585Mbps	82 percent	-63 dBm

The dining room is ground zero, as that’s where the first unit is connected to the modem. However, the living room took the biggest performance hit because of two walls that blocked the connection. The front door is made of glass, thus the connection to the front porch stemmed from the living room unit and the unit in bedroom #3. The laundry room had a good connection due to a somewhat direct line of sight to the unit in bedroom #4.

Eero isn’t feature-rich when it comes to customizing.

As a reference, we saw different numbers with Netgear’s two-unit Orbi setup. Using the same Android device to test the connection speeds and strengths, we saw 780Mbps in the dining room, 650Mbps in the living room, 97Mbps on the front porch, and 260Mbps standing in the bathroom shower. That said, the numbers may have everything to do with the positioning of the satellite systems, as the Orbi satellite was previously placed in the living room whereas we chose to move the second Eero unit out of the living room and into bedroom #3.

For better coverage, we presume that an additional Eero unit placed in the far corner of the living room might provide connectivity in that area, and perhaps even an additional unit located in the far corner of bedroom #1 as well. The drawback to purchasing additional units is that they cost a hefty $200 each, which isn’t cheap.

Our Take

Eero appears to be a great system for customers who want a plug-and-go solution. There’s no back-end web-based interface or detailed settings to deal with, just a mobile app to manage some of the generalized details. However, PC gamers and enthusiasts who want to control every aspect of their network may want to look elsewhere, such as Netgear’s Orbi system, which provides better detailed manageability.

Is there a better alternative?

The DT Accessory Pack

Honestly, we’ve tested quite a few of the new mesh-based setups and they appear to be similar in nature save for the Netgear Orbi system. We liked the Orbi specifically due to its robust customization capabilities. However, our current top pick in this arena is the Securifi Almond 3 router, which can be used as a mesh networking device even though it doesn’t ship as a kit. The Almond 3 also as a nifty built-in touchscreen and solid smart home support.

How long will it last?

Mesh-based networking appears to be here to stay. It may eventually replace the router due to the coverage capabilities of multiple units creating a web of connectivity as a single access point. It’s also better than adding a wireless extender to a network for filling dead spots because the signal has already degraded to a point when it’s picked up by the extender. Mesh networking promises full coverage no matter where users move throughout the home or office.

Should you buy it?

Only if budget is not a factor. The Eero three-pack kit is rather costly, and extending its coverage means shelling out $200 per additional unit. That’s a huge investment given that the mass availability of faster Wireless AD devices and networks will be in full swing by the end of 2017. Still, for now, the Eero is a good system for mainstream customers.

5 bedroom flat for sale, 147 Maxwell Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 5AE

Read article : 5 bedroom flat for sale, 147 Maxwell Drive, Pollokshields, Glasgow, G41 5AE

Property Details

An incredible main door conversion offering stylish and spacious living accommodation over two levels. Finished to an exacting standard throughout and cleverly extended by the current owner to offer a truly unique home. Extending to around 1700 sq feet this property is set in an elevated position at the end of a long gravel driveway, away from the main road and nicely screened by mature trees and shrubs. Maxwell Drive is a highly sought after street within Pollokshields, close to excellent public transport links including Dumbreck railway station for easy access to Glasgow City Centre. There are also a range of shops, bars and restaurants nearby, and highly regarded local schools.

The internal accommodation comprises; main door entrance that opens into a magnificent open plan kitchen/ living room with solid oak flooring and bi-folding doors that open onto the private rear gardens. The kitchen is fitted with modern high gloss wall and floor units, integrated appliances, wooden worktops and a breakfast bar for casual dining. The open plan living room offers space for formal dining and a casual sitting area. The living space on the ground floor is also fitted with a high tech Opus system adding to the “lifestyle” this property offers. There is a double bedroom on the ground floor with a stunning en-suite shower room with Velux window. Completing the ground floor is useful utility cupboard.

Stairs lead to a half landing where there is a large family bathroom with white four-piece suite including double shower cubicle.

The upper landing gives access to the remaining apartments and has two large windows that floor this space with natural light throughout the day. There is a grand formal lounge with feature fireplace and bay window to front, master bedroom that also offers a fireplace and bay window, two further double bedrooms (one of which offers an en-suite shower room) and a single bedroom/ study. All of the rooms are beautifully finished and cleverly mix traditional features with contemporary living. There is a large loft space that is partially floored, offering a great space for extra storage.

The specification includes gas central heating and double glazing (excluding one window).

There is a long private driveway to the front allowing for off-street parking for several cars. To the rear of the property is a beautiful landscaped garden with a wooden decked area- ideal for dining and entertaining outside in fine weather. An exceptional home not to be missed. 

This house description is based upon information supplied by the owner, or on behalf of the owner. These property particulars are produced in good faith and do not constitute or form part of any contract. s1homes do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in this document.

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Sold price history for G41 5AE in past 5 years

Sold price history for G41 in past 5 years

If a property value displays '0', don't worry it just means no properties have been sold in that area during that time.

Sold house price data is supplied to us by the Registers of Scotland, a government department responsible for compiling and maintaining property registers, every month. There can be a delay of up to 3 months from when a property is sold to being recorded with Registers of Scotland. We provide house price data for your information only, we do not accept any liability for any errors. If you have noticed any incorrect information, please contact Registers of Scotland.

Texas ‘bathroom’ bills stalled in special legislative session

Read article : Texas ‘bathroom’ bills stalled in special legislative session

Texas measures to restrict access for transgender people to bathrooms in schools and public buildings appear doomed this week after hundreds of businesses stood in opposition and moderate Republican powerbrokers blocked the bills.

The so-called bathroom bills have caused rifts among Republicans who control the state’s legislature, leaving no likely path to passage before a 30-day special session wraps on Wednesday, analysts and lawmakers said.

“The bathroom bill in this session is dead and buried with dirt over its coffin,” said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston.

Enactment in Texas, the most populous Republican-dominated state, could give momentum to other socially conservative states for additional action on an issue that has become a flashpoint in the U.S. culture wars.

But House Speaker Joe Straus, a pro-business Republican who controls the agenda in the body, has shown little interest in passing a bathroom bill, which he said was not a priority.

His position was buffeted by a well-financed campaign from major corporations including Texas-based energy companies Halliburton and ExxonMobil Global Services , which have said the bills were discriminatory and would make it hard for them to recruit top talent.

Supporters of the legislation, who say it can help protect women and children from sexual assaults, have not given up.

But they acknowledge there is only a slim chance of success, with lawmakers still trying to reach deals on almost all of the 20 priority items set by Republican Governor Greg Abbott for the session.

Senate Bill 3, which made it through the Senate and stalled in the House, requires people to use restrooms, showers and locker rooms in public schools and other state and local government facilities that match the sex on their birth certificate, as opposed to their gender identity.

A push for bathroom bills nationally sputtered after North Carolina partially repealed such a measure in March after boycotts by athletic organizations and businesses that have cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars.

Opposition against the Texas measures includes global tech giants IBM and Apple , major Texas city police chiefs who contested claims the bills would protect public safety, left-leaning religious leaders and the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars team.

Republican Representative Ron Simmons, who sponsored a version of the bathroom legislation in the Texas House, said the privacy issue at the heart of the bills is supported by a wide majority of Republican primary voters.

“Just because we don’t pass legislation doesn’t mean that the issue is not going to be there,” he said.

(Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Leslie Adler)

Smart Devices in the Washroom? It's Not as Crazy as You Think

Read article : Smart Devices in the Washroom? It's Not as Crazy as You Think

Advertisement

For centuries, the washroom has arguably been the most private room in the house. You could shut yourself away inside, lock the door, and escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Not anymore. Hundreds of companies are trying to join you in there, ready to log, record, and advise on every aspect of your bathroom routine.

Whether that’s for better or for worse is highly debatable. However, I’m not here to discuss the relevant merits of smart devices in the washroom — I just want to let you know about the best gadgets available right now.

Here’s what an average day could look like in a smart bathroom.

Morning

First, let’s take a look at a typical morning routine.

7:00 AM: Empty Your Bladder

Time to get real. The first thing we all do in the morning is head to the toilet. And at that ungodly hour, the last thing you want to be doing is dealing with cold surfaces, loo roll, and toilet seats.

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It’s easier to get a smart toilet and let technology do the hard work.

The Ove Smart Toilet offers all the bells and whistles you could ever want. It has a heated seat, a five-jet bidet, water temperature controls, an automatic flush, a self-cleaning feature, and an automatic seat. Models from other manufacturers might even offer foot warmers, overflow protection, nightlights, and Bluetooth speakers Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $25 and up to $300 in 2016 Best Bluetooth Speakers Under $25 and up to $300 in 2016You can't beat the convenience of going wire-free. Great audio quality may always need wired speakers, but for music on your phone Bluetooth speakers are a must-have accessory nowadays. Read More.

7:05 AM: Weigh Yourself

Once you’ve emptied yourself, it’s time to get on the scales. If you weigh yourself before you start eating and drinking, you’ll get the most accurate results.

However, if you’re striving for a 21st century bathroom, an old analog scale isn’t going to cut it. You need a high-tech body analyzer Use Automated Health Tracking to Lose Weight and Live a Healthier Life Use Automated Health Tracking to Lose Weight and Live a Healthier LifeHealth tracking is about taking care of your food, your workouts, your productivity, and your moods. Modern fitness trackers can now automate it all to help you lose weight and live a healthier life Read More.

Check out the Withings Smart Body Analyzer Wi-Fi Scales (UK). Obviously, these scales can tell you what you weigh, but they will also display your body fat measurements, body mass index (BMI), heart rate, and information on the air quality in the room.

Withings Ws-50 Smart Body Analyzer, White Withings Ws-50 Smart Body Analyzer, WhiteHeart rate measurement by stepping on the scale Buy Now At Amazon$119.00

7:15 AM: Shower

Opinion is split on whether a steamy bathroom is a good thing. On the one hand, it is great for your lungs and offers some welcome warmth on cold winter mornings. On the other, everything gets saturated (including electric plug sockets), and you then have to wipe down the mirror.

If you prefer a stream-free washroom environment, get a humidity sensor such as the Aeotec MultiSensor 6 (UK).

Rather than powering up the extractor fan every time you turn on the bathroom light, you can combine the two so it only runs whenever excess humidity is detected. This little sensor can save you power and cut back on unnecessary noise.

Aeotec Multisensor 6, Z-Wave Plus 6-in1 motion, temperature, humidity, light, UV, vibration sensor Aeotec Multisensor 6, Z-Wave Plus 6-in1 motion, temperature, humidity, light, UV, vibration sensor6-in-1 Z-Wave Plus MultiSensor: motion, humidity, temperature, light lux, UV, vibration sensor. Buy Now At Amazon$58.99

7:30 AM: Get Out of the Shower

Once you get out of the shower, you’ll need a towel. And, if you’ve installed a humidity sensor, it’d be preferable if the towel was already warm since there’s not going to be any hot steam in the room to keep you toasty.

Sounds like you might need a heated towel rail. However, if you want a smart heated towel rail, you need to connect it to a smart switch The Automated Outlet: What Can Smart Outlets Really Accomplish? The Automated Outlet: What Can Smart Outlets Really Accomplish?Here are seven creative and useful ways you can make smart outlets work for you. Read More. It will let you program your towel to get warm at the same time every morning.

Consider pairing the VonHaus Electric Towel Rail, which has an AC adapter, with a Belkin WeMo Smart Switch (UK).

WeMo Switch Smart Plug, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon AlexaWeMo Switch Smart Plug, Wi-Fi, Works with Amazon AlexaWorks with Amazon Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately) Buy Now At Amazon$42.00

8:00 AM: Get Ready

After breakfast, it’s back to the bathroom to prepare for the day. For most people, that means a lot of time spent looking into the mirror.

Smart mirrors are becoming increasingly popular. For example, in October 2016, Panasonic debuted its Smart Mirror at the Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies conference in Japan. It can do everything from offering make-up advice to recommending what outfit you should wear in light of the weather forecast 5 Apps That Make the Weather More Entertaining 5 Apps That Make the Weather More EntertainingWeather apps with jokes and GIFs; with pixels and profanity. Your morning will never be the same. Read More.

I covered smart mirrors in more detail when I described a smart home of the future 10 Future Technologies You'll See In Your Home in 3 Years 10 Future Technologies You'll See In Your Home in 3 YearsWhat technology do experts think you'll have in your house by the turn of the decade? I'm going to walk you through a typical day in the smart home of the future. Read More elsewhere on the site.

Another option is the Tech2O Cyber Mirror. It’s a mirror, TV, and web portal all rolled into one. It boasts a 32-inch screen, and it’s got an IP65 waterproof rating, meaning it’s safe for using in damp conditions.

Evening

After a long day at the office, a smart bathroom can offer you everything you need to unwind.

7:00 PM: Bath Time

If you thought running a bath was as simple as putting in the plug and turning on the tap, think again.

You can now get baths that offer “chromotherapy.” For those that don’t know, chromotherapy attempts to use colors to make your body healthier 4 Subreddits You Should Read For Tips To Stay Healthy and Fit 4 Subreddits You Should Read For Tips To Stay Healthy and FitI will tell you right now that I couldn't possible write an article about living a healthy life. I'm a self-confessed Taco Bell connoisseur. However, I can certainly tell you where you can find some other health tips.... Read More and more harmonious. Pegasus offers a bath with 11 different colors and five preset energizing programs. And if you’ve already got a Whirlpool bath, you can buy chromotherapy lights directly from the company’s online store.

If you’ve not got time for a bath, don’t worry. There are plenty of smart showers to choose from as well.

KOHLER K-9245-CP 2.5 GPM Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker, Polished Chrome KOHLER K-9245-CP 2.5 GPM Moxie Showerhead and Wireless Speaker, Polished ChromeIncludes showerhead, wireless speaker and micro USB charging cable Showerarm and flange not included Buy Now At AmazonToo low to display

One example is the Moxie showerhead. It has Bluetooth speakers that can play music, podcasts, or the radio for up to seven hours continuously. You can also adjust the water flow from a bill-slashing 2.0 GPM to a full-force 2.5 GPM.

If you want to go more upmarket, check out the offerings from Moen. Its “U” product has a connected app that can program the shower to start at the same time each morning, adjust the temperature, and even set which nozzles are used.

10:00 PM: Freshen Up for Bed

As the evening wears on, you might want to freshen up your hands and face in a bid to relax yourself before bed. Your splash-and-dash wash will be much more enjoyable if you have a digital electronic faucet.

They are touchless (and thus reduce germs), they have digital flow controls (saving you water and money), and frequently come with digital temperature control settings and programmable flow configurations. The programmable flow is especially useful when you’re brushing your teeth. The water won’t cut off if you take your hands away from the infrared sensor.

Check out the offerings from Grohe if you want one in your washroom.

Would You Like a Smart Washroom?

In this article, I’ve shown you 11 devices and appliances that can turn your boring “dumb” bathroom into a washroom from the future.

But is a smart bathroom right for you? Would you enjoy having all this tech around you while you shower, or do you appreciate the bathroom’s value as one of the last bastions of tech-free living?

Whatever your opinion, I’d love to hear from you. You can leave all your thoughts and opinions in the comments section down below.

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Londoner's Diary: Woody Johnson to soothe the UK-US pain

Read article : Londoner's Diary: Woody Johnson to soothe the UK-US pain

Could our inflamed relations with the United States use some gentle Johnson & Johnson baby oil? In troubled times, we might need a little diplomacy. So a timely arrival — and a first concrete date in the schedule — from our new American Ambassador, Woody Johnson.

So upstanding they named him twice, Johnson was nominated to the post by Donald Trump in June, approved by the Senate at the beginning of this month, and sworn in at the Oval office by Vice President Mike Pence on Monday. He has already confirmed his first scheduled appearance: invitations have gone out for a dinner for the Pilgrims Society — an Anglo-American body promoting transatlantic goodwill — at Middle Temple Hall in September.

“We are delighted that the new American Ambassador to the Court of St James has accepted our invitation to give his first formal address to the Pilgrims,” the letter to members reads, also stating, rather obviously, that Ambassador Robert Wood Johnson IV is the great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I, who founded the Johnson & Johnson brand that fills up your bathroom cabinet. “In addressing the Pilgrims, he follows his predecessors in a tradition going back over one hundred years.” Johnson is likely to return the favour by hosting the Pilgrims himself: previous ambassadors have thrown receptions for the organisation at their Winfield House residence in Regent’s Park. 

It will be a pretty tough act to follow: Matthew Barzun, our last ambassador, was a beloved fixture in London society, throwing legendary parties attended by such stars as Taylor Swift, Kate Beckinsale and Cate Blanchett. Will they be as keen to show up for Trump’s man in London? 

---

Is the writing on the wall for Postman Pat? Yesterday, the Royal Mail unveiled its new fleet of electric vans, which have a wider view to help drivers keep an eye on cyclists and pedestrians. Tech magazine Wired notes that the vehicles will be “autonomous-ready”, using the same technology as self-driving cars. Hopefully Royal Mail will resist cutting Pat and the rest of the workforce. Jess the Cat included. 

Channel 4’s Jon Snow loses his identity

You know nothing:Jon Snow (Getty Images) It’s not easy being the second-most famous person with your name. Yesterday Channel 4 broadcaster Jon Snow gave the annual MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival and voiced his resentment at having lower viewing figures than the Game of Thrones character played by Kit Harington. “I was thinking back to what I’d done over the years, and I had to consult Google,” he said. “I was appalled to discover that other fellow with the same spelling had hogged the first 50 entries, where once I was supreme. Winter sure has come for that bastard!” Who knows, Snow senior might be on top again soon: in Game of Thrones, one’s hold on power is often precarious.  Quote of the Day 'I didn’t want her eyes to fall on my perfect baby’ Harriet Harman tells Peter Hennessey for Radio 4 why she once hid in a room with her young child when she saw Margaret Thatcher approaching Nicola swerves questions on CBB SarahDesigner and muse:Henry Holland and Nicola Roberts (Getty Images) Corona brought the spirit of its beach homeland to The Shard last night, inviting guests to watch the sun go down from the altitudinous spot. Actress Kara Tointon and fashion designer Henry Holland were among the throng, with Holland announcing that it was his first time. “I’ve never been taken up The Shard,” he said. “Nor have I taken anyone up The Shard. So I was so pleased to accept the invitation.” He attended with Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts, who received questions about what she thought of her former band mate Sarah Harding’s antics on Celebrity Big Brother. Roberts kept shtum.  --- Clever marketing at yesterday’s first night for Loot, the revival of the Joe Orton play set in a funeral parlour. A quick flick through the programme led our eyes to a large advert from Evershed Bros, the funeral directors, advertising their six London offices. In the play, a couple of young thieves remove a dead body from a coffin and replace it with the loot of the title. We imagine such things wouldn’t happen at Evershed Bros. The souped-up ChancellorPass the potatoes: Angela Merkel (Getty Images) An unexpected expedition into the unknown: Angela Merkel’s kitchen. The long-serving German Chancellor is a formidable figure on the world stage, but it seems that she is also a dab hand in the kitchen. Yesterday Bunte magazine ran an interview with Merkel, in which she talks through her method for making a personal favourite: potato soup. “I always pound the potatoes myself with a masher, rather than using a machine,” she said. “That way there are still little lumps left at the end.” The soup is, apparently, one of Merkel’s specialities. Guests have also singled out her beef loaf, and her plum cake is famous.  Jeremy Corbyn will be pleased to hear that she even grows the potatoes herself. The Labour leader has a beloved allotment plot in his constituency, but Merkel settles for her own garden. This year is set for a bumper crop.  “They’re looking good,” she says. “But I haven’t started harvesting them yet.”  Tweet of the Day “Migration figures ‘far lower than thought.’ Lucky we got this accurate data or we might have made an historic mistake” J K Rowling responds to the results of a review of UK immigration which found that most foreign students go home after university. Rip-off of the day: a letter to The Spectator from a recent BA passenger asked if they were justified in their shock when they were charged double for a strong cup of tea “as they sold it by the tea bag”. Manhattan welcomes Brooklyn Start spreading the news: Brooklyn Beckham is in New York to start a new course at Parsons School of Design, but his old man David just couldn’t let him go without one final selfie. “Exciting times and hard work coming for this little man,” he wrote as they walked down a Manhattan street.  Jay-walkers:Brooklyn and David Beckham (@davidbeckham) Follow The Londoner on Twitter and Facebook here

The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

Read article : The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Caribbean

With infinity pools overlooking the water, canopied beds ideal for cuddling, and elegant spas for couples' massages, many Caribbean hotels were designed for romantic escapes. But of course, some are better than others for vacationing with a significant other, so we set out to find the best of the best. After visiting hundreds (and hundreds) of hotels throughout St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and dozens more Caribbean destinations, we compared and evaluated each breathtaking property. Take a look at the most romantic hotels in the Caribbean, and get inspired!

1. 

   Romantic? Undoubtedly. Unique? Absolutely. Expensive? For sure. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its canopied bed, raised whirlpool tub, and (in all but the entry-level category) private infinity pool. Getting to Jade Mountain can be tedious, even nauseating, but its organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design make the long journey worthwhile.

2. 

   Interiors here are designed by fashion icon Oscar de la Renta, and the 30 rooms feature comfortable four-poster beds with crisp, white Frette linens and unique wicker canopies. Bathrooms have coral floors, deep hot tubs, large stand-up glass showers, and toiletries from L'Occitane -- about as good as it gets in the D.R. The best part: the nightly turndown includes a drawn bath with floating red flower petals and tea lights. Tortuga Bay's luxury Six Senses Spa is one of the D.R.'s best.

3. 

   This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. The treehouse-style villas -- which have missing fourth walls, and in most cases, private plunge pools -- are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with a multi-level series of small outdoor mineral pools. All of this comes at a price, but Ladera is still significantly cheaper than the ultra-glam Jade Mountain (rates are often around half as much). Ladera is within close range of several of the island’s best tourist destinations -- notable cocoa plantations are within walking distance, the pristine white sands of Jalousie beach are a short drive away, and tourist hot spots like the volcano and Tet-Paul nature trails are both nearby.

4. 

   This 23-room luxury boutique hotel is a Balinese-inspired paradise in Curacao where the details make the difference -- hand-carved teakwood pieces, gift bags left on the beds, and candles lit all around the property are just a few examples. The highlights of the resort are the elegant rooms and villas, some with private pools, the excellent fine-dining restaurant, and a lovely (though man-made) stretch of tranquil beach. This is the top luxury resort on Curacao, without contest.

5. 

   One of Jamaica's most romantic escape (for adults only), the Caves' 11 unique, private cottages and suites are tucked along lush garden paths and dramatic seaside cliffs (there's no beach) carved with steep stairways down to the water and into incredible grottos.. A top-shelf bar, an Aveda spa, free cooking classes, and intimate, incredibly attentive service make it Jamaica's best all-inclusive. High-quality food celebrates local ingredients, and the scene is laid-back and bohemian -- suited to travelers who appreciate outdoor showers and artful decor in favor of conventional luxury.

6. 

   This luxury all-inclusive resort is one of the most elegant and well-regarded hotels on the island, with 64 posh suites dotting a quarter mile of beachfront. Spice Island is a serene oasis amidst the bustling Grand Anse beach area, with clean lines, and a polished, upscale vibe that still maintains the laid-back charm of the Caribbean. The resort includes two restaurants, a beautiful spa, and a variety of activities, but peace and relaxation are also easy to find. The nice pool area is quiet and private, yet the beach -- though beautiful and clean -- is shared by locals and guests of nearby resorts.

7. 

   Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales, this 1,000-acre resort on a private island is the definition of tranquility. With an incredible infinity-edge pool, world-renowned COMO Shambhala Spa, waterfront Balinese-style villas, doting service, and more than three miles of pristine beaches, it's easily one of the most luxurious and romantic options in the Caribbean. But hefty price tags put it out of reach for many, and the rare level of privacy comes as the cost of convenience -- a boat commute is required to reach any nightlife or shopping.

8. 

   This luxurious Viceroy is truly a stunner. It has arguably the best location on St. Lucia, right in between the Pitons, St. Lucia's famous volcanic spires, and on a beautiful white-sand beach. Its 79 rooms are minimalistic, chic, and mostly white, and all come with private plunge pools, butlers, and 24-hour room service; the larger villas and cottages offer living rooms and huge bathrooms (some with outdoor showers and hot tubs). Features include a family-friendly pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and free water sports. The romantic tree-house spa is one of the island's best. The resort's restaurants and bars are pricey, but all-inclusive rates are available to help guests keep costs in check. Unlike Ladera and Jade Mountain, the other two St. Lucia properties on this list, Sugar Beach does allows children, but it tries to ensure peace and quiet for couples, as well, and opened an adult-only beach in spring 2016. 

9. 

   The Geejam is made up of only five private, high-tech cottages on the lush (rainy) foothills of Port Antonio. The setting is gorgeous, the service is extraordinary, and one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches is only 10 minutes away. Quiet seclusion it has; a pool, spa facilities, and direct beach access it does not.

10. 

    This adults-only luxury resort offers just two room types: deluxe rooms on the second floor, and slightly larger junior suites on the lower level with access to the beach. Sprawling across 11 acres on the west coast of Barbados, the property is situated closer to the waterfront than others in the area, due to it being built before legislation forced future resorts to build further inland. The pink Colonial-style property is romantic, and offers two restaurants and bars, as well as free afternoon tea on the terrace. Because there are only 72 rooms, the beach never feels crowded. Excellent amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and free non-motorized water sports. But all this comes at a price -- room and restaurant prices are some of the steepest in Barbados.

11. 

    One of Barbados' most exclusive resorts, The House is the definition of luxury. Located on the ritzy west coast, the adult-only property doesn’t even have a sign out front on the road. The property is secluded and private, with manicured gardens, koi ponds, and a chic lounge area. The rooms are spacious and contemporary with upscale amenities including a massage jet shower and a free bottle of rum punch. Thoughtful freebies include welcome drinks, champagne breakfast, and jet lag revival massages. There is no spa on-site -- surprising for a hotel of this caliber.

12. 

    This is called One&Only for good reason -- there’s nothing quite like it on Paradise Island, or anywhere in the Bahamas for that matter. The 106 rooms and suites, split into two sections, are luxurious, though those in the newer Crescent Wing are a bit more modern and stylish. Guests have access to the amenities at the Atlantis but the advantage of being removed from the crowds. Expansive manicured grounds have two outdoor pools, a romantic garden and statuary modeled after Versailles (a dream for weddings), and the endless stretch of white-sand beach and turquoise waves. Health and wellness nuts are spoilt for choice with daily yoga, an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor/outdoorfitness center, and a Balinese-style spa with private villas. After a day in the sun, guests return to the room to find champagne and strawberries waiting, and many choose to begin their evening with sunset drinks at Jean-Georges' Dune restaurant.

13. 

    Rosewood Tucker's Point's obvious lures aside -- four pools, a private beach, a championship golf club, a tranquil spa, four restaurants, and spacious rooms featuring million-dollar views -- it’s the fine-tuned details that make this 200-acre property truly spectacular. For example, in the library just behind the lobby, old photos of Bermudian cricket matches, cabinets filled with china, and an antique Oriental rug feel like a swanky 1920s living room frozen in time. Rosewood is easily one of Bermuda’s top luxury resorts, but the rates are also higher here than anywhere else on the island. But perfection (or near-perfection) has its price, and at Tucker’s Point, it’s well worth it.

14. 

    Crowded beaches are unheard of on this private island resort where a maximum of 28 guests at a time have free range of 50 acres and three beaches. Personal boats for daily excursions, on-call service, spacious villas with fully stocked kitchens and wet bars, and a host of all-inclusive activities make Fowl Cay a standout gem in the Exumas. However, some of the villas feature outdated decor and worn furnishings that seem inconsistent with the resort's high nightly rates.

15. 

    If you ever wondered where the stars might go for R&R, look no further than the minimalist Le Sereno, a chic five-pearl boutique hotel reserved for travelers seeking all-around luxury. The simple, elegant interiors by famed designer Christian Liaigre are matched by top-notch amenities and lovely views of the ocean, and the option of in-room (or oceanfront) spa treatments as well as 24-hour room service makes for a truly pampering experience. The hotel’s restaurant, while tasty, is quite pricey -- even for fancy St. Barth's -- and the semi-private beach is not as pretty or wide as the island’s numerous other strips of sand. The hotel is best for couples who don’t mind paying a little extra and renting a car to reach the secluded romance of this hillside hotel.

16. 

    This luxury boutique is heavy on style and refinement, with British Colonial design and 28 huge multi-room suites (they start at 1,080 square feet) featuring kitchens, terraces, and high-end bathrooms. Property highlights include a lovely, tranquil pool, personal beachfront service, a small but spectacular spa, and one of the Providenciales’ most romantic dinner spots. However, its remote location on the point of the beautiful, 12-mile Grace Bay beach -- while peaceful and quiet -- makes it necessary for guests to rely on expensive taxis or car rentals to explore the island.

17. 

    The Caribbean Club is a luxury boutique hotel located on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The 37 spacious suites and villas are individually owned and exquisitely decorated, and all have full kitchens, balconies with ocean views, and marble bathrooms with separate whirlpool tubs and rainfall showers. The Club has one of the nicest stretches of beach along the Seven Mile coast with white sand, turquoise water, and calm waves. The beach and pool areas are not crowded, allowing for a quiet and serene tropical getaway. The restaurant here is one of the best on the island, but note that there is no spa.

18. 

    Easily the most luxurious resort in St. Martin, the 55-acre La Samanna resort brings tranquility to an otherwise tourist-filled island. Featuring two beautiful pools, an extensive wine cellar, a yoga and Pilates studio, a European-style spa, and the island's most pristine beach, this 81-room, eight-villa retreat is hard to beat. The vibe is about as fancy as it gets for St. Martin, so of course everything -- from the nightly rates to the dinners and spa treatments -- comes at a sky-high cost.

19. 

    Decked out in signature pink, the 112-room Sandy Lane is the creme de la creme of Barbados -- indeed, it's one of the most luxurious resorts in the world -- known for unparalleled service and distinct touches. Guest amenities run rampant; perhaps the most noteworthy is access to the super exclusive Green Monkey golf course with a separate apparel line that can only be purchased after completion. A Rolls Royce Phantom, top-notch spa, outstanding restaurants, and celebrity sightings are just a few aspects that set the elegant Palladian-style hotel apart from the rest. This is a very special place, for those who can afford it.

20. 

    Sandals is the epitome of a couples-only Caribbean mega-resort. With 11 restaurants, 373 luxurious rooms, and six pools, it's expansive, if not a bit overwhelming. You could easily get lost in the 27 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and along the pathwayswinding between buildings. The Sandals brand is evident at every turn, and the experience can feel generic, pre-packaged, and lacking in authenticity. However, this popular upscale all-inclusive with elegant rooms is definitely dedicated to creating memorable, romantic getaways. (Just be prepared to share yours with a few hundred other couples.)

21. 

    The relaxed, tranquil environment of this adults-only boutique resort is a major part of its appeal. This isn't Antigua's fanciest property, but it doesn't need to be: Simple Caribbean style (think: thatched roofs, stone, and rattan), a truly gorgeous beach, and all-inclusive food that's better than average for the island make for a winning combo. Water sports are also included in the rate, but the ocean here can get a bit rough so guests shouldn't count on being able to swim in it every day.

22. 

    The Bucuti is a romantic, adults-only resort at the southern end of Eagle Beach. This intimate, 104-room property has 14 acres of beach, and the main activity here involves lingering on the sand under shaded palapas; there's also a chic infinity edge pool. Rooms are stylish and have higher-end amenities such as iHome systems, charging docks, and built-in TVs in the bathroom mirrors. A free breakfast buffet is served daily, and dining is a highlight -- including five-course menus at the intimate gourmet spot, Carte Blanche -- and plenty more restaurants are within walking distance. The resort sees a high percentage of repeat visitors, so book early.

23. 

    This charming all-inclusive boutique resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea, features 57 separate cottage-style rooms painted in Caribbean pinks and blues. The rooms have a rustic style featuring exposed wood beams, and some have private plunge pools. It is a posh adults-only property catering to couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners -- but it offers a much more intimate atmosphere than massive couples-only resorts like Sandals.