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.”

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High Tech Bathroom Faucets for Digital and Electronic Upgrades

Read article : High Tech Bathroom Faucets for Digital and Electronic Upgrades

The easiest way to upgrade your modern bathroom can be installing a new high tech bathroom faucet, and with today’s innovative technologies many digital and electronic faucets are available to the home owners. Whether it’s a sink faucet or a bidet mixer, there are plenty of high-tech ideas to choose from. If you’re remodeling, we want you to be aware of what’s available now. Read on for the coolest upgrades and sources.

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The high tech bathroom faucet Mood by Noken (above) is a digital sink faucet that comes with a display showing temperature and flow rate. It allows to set programs for teeth brushing, face and hands washing, as well as limits on temperature and flow. It has to be plugged in via a 9V transformer (included), and there is also a battery back-up.

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This faucet (above) is a pat of the Mood collection, a new modular bathroom concept that includes sinks and toilets integrated with mirrors, faucets and other bathroom accessories.

The digital display with electronic controls (above) enables the water flow and temperature to be customized for each use and user needs. Noken.

A bathroom faucet with a sliding temperature control – Regolo by CEA Designs. Not digital but no less cool, one slider controls both the water temperature and the flow.

This creative faucet (above) works with either horizontal or vertical installation. Just move the slider right and left or up and down. CEA Designs.

For those looking for modern aesthetics and trendy upgrade ideas, there is HansaLatrava, a high-tech bathroom faucet from Hansa (above). This electronic basin mixer creates a luxurious water experience with a fine water “curtain” achieved through the specially developed jet. Photographs by Octopus Design, the designers of this faucet.

An integrated control panel with two electronic push-buttons, one to turn it on and off and another to adjust water temperature with the visual help of a LED indicator. Power supply is included by Hansa.

This is totally high tech (above) – the HansaMurano X is a touch-free bathroom faucet activated by an infrared motion sensor that not only turns the water on and off but also senses when someone is approaching and turns on the light, presenting the sink with a pretty glow. The top surface also boasts two sensor buttons to set the temperature.

HansaMurano X was designed for Hansa by Bruno Sacco, a former chief designer at Daimler-Benz.

It’s also a waterfall faucet. “Water pours into sink in a broad but wafer-thin laminar spray, while the fine water curtain is created by a special jet former”. A glass layer is sandwiched between the two chrome plates, giving the faucet its characteristic look. Hansa.

For the ultra-modern high-tech upgrades, there is this cool bathroom faucet collection Ametis from Graff. It includes a vessel sink faucet, a countertop sink faucet, a wall-mounted sink faucet and a bidet faucet, all in single-lever design, and in 3 finishes – polished chrome, black, and white.

The lever on / off handle is a modern touch that maintains the sleek, slender lines of the faucet. A LED light ring around the lever indicates water temperature changes. Graff Faucets.

LED lights turn from blue to red and vice versa as the water temperature changes. A fluid design form with a sleek curve sets the Ametis faucets apart from the rest.

This matte black countertop faucet (above) would be a great fit for an ultra modern bathroom.

Above is the electronic bathroom faucet Nomos F4101 from Fima Carlo Frattini. Wow, it looks very high tech, and it can do a lot. Using the touchscreen display, Nomos allows you to regulate the water flow rate and water temperature, program your personal settings and check your water consumption. In addition, there is an on-screen comfort button that offers water at 38°C in an instant. The faucet will also sound alarm if something isn’t working right.

Nomos F4102 electronic sink faucet (above) has a pivoting spout, otherwise it offers the same features as F4101.

Two more faucets (above) from Fima Carlo Frattini with the same electronic touch-screen but in a more classic contemporary design and with a swivel spout – the bidet mixer Nomos GO F4112 and the lavatory mixer Nomos GO F4111.

Grohe has two digital bathroom faucets to offer with the same high tech wireless functionality: Grohe Veris F-Digital (above) and Grohe Allure F-Digital (below). These are some of the coolest faucets available on the market today as they are operated by a wireless Digital Controller that can be placed anywhere around the faucet.

The minimalist Grohe Allure F-digital sink faucet. The circular control has a square base plate to match the faucet design.

Grohe F-digital wireless Digital Controller changes its LED color from blue to red as temperature gets adjusted.
The On/Off button lets you start or stop the water, the Plus/Minus buttons let you adjust the temperature, and the Outside Dial lets you control the water flow by rotating it. The LED illuminated ring gives you instant visual feedback of the water temperature, and a memory function lets you memorize your preferred settings.

Two modern Grohe Veris F-Digital faucets installed on a double-sink vanity, with two wireless controllers placed side by side.

Grohe Veris F-digital wall-mount basin faucet with digital controller attached to natural stone.

Grohe Veris F-digital bidet faucet with digital controller (above).

The KWC ONO touch light PRO bathroom faucet (above) comes in multiple high-tech designs, suitable for a deck-mount or a wall-mount installation. This is not an ordinary faucet which is quite expected from KWC. For greater installation flexibility, it consists of three independent components – a spout, a programmable electronic control and a mixer valve – all three mounted each at its own location as found convenient.

The KWC ONO touch light PRO wall-mount sink faucet and its electronic touch control installed on the same plate.

Above is the KWC ONO touch light PRO electronic control, with two LED lighted rings. Tap briefly once for cold water (blue), twice for warm (orange) or three times for hot water (red), to call up the pre-defined settings. To set your preferred temperature, simply turn the control. To regulate flow, press and turn the control. To memorize your own settings, press the control and hold it down until the light ring shines purple.
There is also an option for a wireless control unit that can be placed anywhere in the room.

BLOK Electronic faucet from Treemme (above) is an interesting combination of an unusual faucet design and an electronic temperature indicator.

The glowing LED-illuminated ring is embedded within the spout, so you can monitor temperature of the water with ease. This attractive and useful feature adds a futuristic edge!

Faucet integrated into a shelf, Blok is a high tech bathroom solution that is very pleasing on the eye and useful at the same time. Treemme.

Grohe Ondus Digital bathroom faucet (above) is a part of the Grohe Ondus Faucet collection and is in a class of its own.

There are three electronic control options: either an integrated one (with a digital display, also integrated), as shown above, or an external wireless panel or both. Back-lit icons on the touch control make it look high-tech. And of course, the coolest feature – a back-lit digital display that shows temperature in large digits – adds to the futuristic look. For a complete list of exiting features, visit Grohe.

For a bathroom sink faucet, there are two designs available – a deck-mount and a wall-mount. And the deck-mount version can be purchased with an integrated aerator or with the Grohe Ondus flow straightener for a cleaner look (shown). Both designs come in several color combinations including one entirely black for a totally high tech appeal. Grohe.
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For more ideas on high tech bathroom upgrades, check out our shower head trends as well, and for the latest in all fixtures, check the modern bathroom furniture section.

10 Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Read article : 10 Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Romance and cruising would seem to go hand in hand, particularly if you've spotted any of the cruise lines' advertisements showing photos of couples snuggling at the bow at sunset, or sipping orange juice on their private veranda in bathrobes, or even -- and this one we have a hard time believing -- spending time alone on a deserted beach with their mega-ship anchored in the background.

Advertisements notwithstanding, cruising can be one of the most romantic vacation options, but choosing the right cruise line and, even more specifically, the right ship within the fleet, can be a challenge. You don't want that sunset marred by crowds on deck, the romance of a dinner for two killed by the whiny kids at the next table or a cozy evening ruined by cramped cabins with minimal amenities.

For our top picks, we looked at criteria that we would deem universally romantic: ships that offer cabins with private balconies, great bathrooms and extra-special amenities; options for dining a deux; cozy nooks and date-night venues; and almost-private open-deck spaces for relaxing by day and stargazing by night.

Here are our favorite ships for celebrating or rekindling romance with your sweetheart.

Princess Cruises | Paul Gauguin Cruises | Windstar Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Line | SeaDream Yacht Club | Celebrity Cruises | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Crystal Yacht Cruises | Azamara Club Cruises | Viking Ocean Cruises

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1. Princess Cruises Best Ships: Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess

Why: The youngest of Princess' Grand-class ships -- Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess -- blend big-ship options and small-ship cozy. Romance has always been the Love Boat line's focus, but the tiny, charmless balconies and bigger size of its newer Royal-class ships mean that the elder sisters still win in this category.

Sweet Digs: Each boasts the line's traditionally high percentage of suites and mini-suites. Suites feature separate sitting areas, large balconies and walk-in closets, and come with perks like evening canapes, a complimentary mini-bar setup, laundry services, use of the ship's thermal suite and complimentary dinner in a specialty restaurant on embarkation night. But even the standard mini-suite is charming and comfortable. Plus, the line is rolling out its new Princess Luxury Bed fleetwide through 2018. With pillow-top mattresses, Jacquard-woven cotton bed linens and fluffy duvets, you might be inspired to snuggle in bed a bit longer.

Onboard Romance: What could be more romantic than a night at "Movies Under the Stars," reclining on padded loungers while snuggled under wool tartan blankets on the pool deck? Or for quiet tete-a-tetes with your sweetie, try Adagio, a lovely and private top-deck lounge. During the day, we love The Sanctuary, a (mostly) shaded retreat, complete with waiter service, spa menu and massage services (a couples' massage is available).

Dinner for Two: Open-seating (as well as traditional) dining is available. But the most romantic option is the Ultimate Balcony Dining dinner experience. For an extra fee, cruisers are treated to a lobster dinner with Champagne and course-by-course service. (Or have a romantic breakfast in your cabin with the line's Balcony Breakfast option.) Only caveat: Your cabin must have a balcony. We also love the ships' specialty restaurants. Request a banquette at Crown Grill, a steak and seafood restaurant with an open grill; indulge in a multicourse meal at the Italian Sabatini's; or share dishes with your sweetie at Share by Curtis Stone or The Salty Dog Gastropub. For a more casual option, try Vines, a wine and sushi bar. If chocolate is your aphrodisiac of choice, be sure to try the onboard cocktails and desserts created by master chocolatier Norman Love.

Downside: While the deluxe mini-suites are lovely and comfortable, the all-open-air balconies are anything but private.

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2. Paul Gauguin Cruises Best Ship: Paul Gauguin

Why: Designed, built and decorated to sail year-round in the romantic South Pacific, the cozy, 332-passenger Paul Gauguin offers an air of tropical festivity. Dining is restaurant-style, the staff is superb and the ship is highly inclusive (cocktails and other beverages are included in cruise fares). But it's the ship's remote and lush island destinations that really turn up the notch on the romantic nature of the trip.

Sweet Digs: You know this is a ship intended for couples when most cabins come with a queen-sized bed and only a limited number can be split apart into twins. Consistent with the decor around the ship, cabins are tropically inspired. When you embark, you might find that your cabin attendant has showered the bathroom sink with red rose petals. Definitely book ahead so you can nab a balcony cabin. It's not a trip to the South Pacific if you're not out on your balcony, savoring coffee, as Bora Bora pulls into view. And just when life onboard couldn't be any better, suites and category A and B veranda staterooms feature butler service.

Onboard Romance: Dance cheek to cheek with your honey to the tunes of a chanteuse in La Palette Lounge, or gaze at the sea or stars from the lounge's top-of-ship vantage point.

Dinner for Two: For such a small ship, the choice of restaurants is superb. L'Etoile, which offers French cuisine accented with Polynesian touches, serves as the main venue. Couples will appreciate plentiful tables for two and an attentive wait staff that will keep your glasses filled with house wines and nonalcoholic beverages. Two casual venues offer indoor and alfresco dining, with reservations-only dinners. And there's always room service for meals in bed or on your balcony.

Downside: French Polynesia is a long trip from just about anywhere, so be prepared to endure hours on a plane before you get to your luxurious destination.

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3. Windstar Cruises Best Ship: Wind Surf

Why: Wind Surf's both a sailboat and cruise ship, and it features a hybrid blend of cruise traditions (such as the crew show, organized shore excursions and multiple eateries) and utterly romantic vistas. Carrying just 310 passengers, the ship's onboard ambience is relaxed (no set seatings at dinner) and its itineraries focus on ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Baltic that are often too small to appeal to massive ships.

Sweet Digs: What Windstar's cabins lack in size and variety, they make up in style. The staterooms offer decadently soft bedding, L'Occitane bath products and flat-screen TVs with DVD players. Most suites are simply two standard cabins opened up and joined together, but having two bathrooms is generally a boon for marital bliss. For a special occasion splurge, book one of two Bridge Suites, which feature separate living rooms and bedrooms, a whirlpool tub and a massaging shower.

Onboard Romance: A favorite spot -- and it's remarkably quiet -- is at the outside tables at Wind Surf's cigar bar; it's a great place to sit under the stars (or enjoy a quiet cocktail). If it's too chilly for sitting outdoors, head to the indoor section of the Compass Rose lounge to listen to some pre-dinner music over drinks with your sweetheart.

Dinner for Two: For casual daytime dining, the glass-walled Veranda offers seating outdoors as well as indoors. It's adjacent to the grill and features both buffet fare and choices from a menu. At night, enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner by the pool at Candles, sample French-influenced contemporary dishes at Stella Bistro or dine in the main restaurant, AmphorA, which features local and creative cuisine.

Downside: This ship is small and cabins are close to the water, so in rough seas, you'll definitely feel the motion of the ocean and perhaps watch the waves close in over your porthole. If you're prone to seasickness, bad weather might kill the romance of a Windstar cruise.

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4. Norwegian Cruise Line Best Ships: Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade

Why: Norwegian's "Freestyle Dining" philosophy (passengers can dine without the hassle of assigned times and tablemates at a variety of restaurants) is perfectly suited to table-for-two travelers. While the line's newest and biggest ships are full of Las Vegas flash and nonstop entertainment action, we prefer its Jewel-class for the right mix of romantic options and plentiful activities.

Sweet Digs: If you can afford them, the ships' Haven suites -- Courtyard Penthouses, Owner's Suites and Garden Villas -- are tops for a romantic getaway. These suites are located away from the fray in a private-access area of the ship -and offer a host of special perks, from access to an exclusive pool area (complete with padded loungers and hot tub) to VIP-only breakfast and lunch in either Cagney's Steakhouse or Moderno Churrascaria. The suites feature separate living and sleeping rooms, flat-screen televisions, butler service and swishy bathrooms, some with a whirlpool tub set into a picture window alcove.

Onboard Romance: Active couples can play a little one-on-one basketball on the sports deck or race each other up the rock climbing wall; while those looking to relax together can snag side-by-side loungers in the spa's relaxation room or take a dip in the thalassotherapy pool. At night, snuggle up to your honey, cocktail in hand, on one of the plush couches (on Norwegian Gem) or canopied beds (on Norwegian Pearl) that serve as loungers in the Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club; on Jewel and Jade, hit up Bar City to have your pick of multiple bars and drink styles.

Dinner for Two: Try dinner at Cagney's, the dedicated steakhouse, and Le Bistro, a French eatery.

Downside: These mega-ships aren't exactly intimate, and you might have to queue up for your dinner table for two if you don't eat at odd times or make reservations in advance.

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5. SeaDream Yacht Club Best Ships: SeaDream I and SeaDream II

Why: These nearly identical 112-passenger yachts win top romantic honors for sophisticated couples who want luxury (phenomenal dining and great service) in a casual ambiance. The ships are gorgeously restored; dining is all as-you-wish; cabins, though cozy, are outfitted with everything you could possibly need; and service is outstanding, personable, attentive ... and subtle. Fares are all-inclusive, too, which means tips and most drinks are included in your fare. Choose a warm-weather itinerary if you want to spend time playing with the ship's water toys offered from its onboard marina.

Sweet Digs: There are only four types of stateroom. The most romantic is, of course, the Owner's Suite (with a fabulous windowed bathroom); the Admiral Suite has similar amenities but is somewhat smaller. The Commodore Suites are basically two standard cabins put together -- we actually preferred our standard accommodations. The 195-square-foot standard cabins feature separate seating areas and bedrooms, with a small but exquisitely outfitted bathroom (huge shower-for-two with three shower heads). Add to that fine linens and great mattresses on the bed, high-tech flat-screen televisions, DVD and CD players, stocked mini-bars and plenty of storage space.

Onboard Romance: Our favorite place for sunset-timed port departures was on one of the Balinese beds on the top-most deck. Tucked around the smokestack, they are built just a bit above the deck railing, which gives you a sense of floating above the water. (You can also reserve one for a night sleeping under the stars.) We also loved the Top of the Yacht bar for after-dinner drinks to a soundtrack of live music.

Dinner for Two: There are two primary venues. The Main Dining Salon (indoors) feels like a restaurant at an elegant, small boutique hotel. But our favorite spot was the Topside Restaurant; it's an open-sided outdoor eatery (covered, though, so shaded) and there are a handful of wonderful and private nooks.

Downside: There are no cabins with balconies, but the open decks are so expansive and there are so many lovely nooks that you'll never miss them.

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6. Celebrity Cruises Best Ship: Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse, Silhouette and Reflection

Why: Celebrity's newest ships are sophisticated and hip, and cater to couples on adult getaways, rather than families on holiday. Plus, there are plenty of onboard spaces tailor-made for parties of two -- from wine bars to multiple specialty dining venues, double pool loungers and top-deck lawns perfect for picnicking.

Sweet Digs: For a true splurge, suites range in size from 300 to 1,636 square feet, with amenities such as separate living room/dining room areas, baby grand pianos, whirlpool tubs and large balconies. For couples who enjoy the spa experience, Celebrity's AquaClass cabins and suites create an oasis of calm on the bustling ships with massaging showerheads, complimentary spa-oriented bath and body products and upgraded bed linens. Plus, couples can seek further R&R with complimentary use of the AquaSpa Relaxation Room and Persian Garden and exclusive specialty restaurant, Blu. There's also good news for pairs looking for a private retreat without breaking the bank -- 85 percent of all cabins feature private balconies.

Onboard Romance: It's easy to rekindle the romance with a picnic for two in the Lawn Club, a real grass lawn on the ships' top decks. Or hide away in a corner of the Deck 4 wine bar or martini bar, and get a little tipsy with your loved one; the aft Sunset Bar is great for views. The pool deck and adults-only Solarium also have cozy double sunbeds and hammocks for snuggling in the sun.

Dinner for Two: With so many top-notch specialty restaurants onboard, any table for two will do for a romantic night out. Our favorite for couples (and anyone else, for that matter) is Murano, the upscale Continental restaurant offering both tasting and a la carte menus. Treat yourself and your sweetie to luxe dishes like caviar, escargots, sweetbreads or foie gras. For dinner with a view, dine early at the back-of-the-ship Tuscan Grille, an Italian steakhouse with a wine country feel.

Downside: Onboard dates don't come cheap, whether you're shelling out for glasses of wine or fabulous cocktail creations, splurging on a specialty restaurant meal (Murano charges $45 per person) or booking upper-class cabins.

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7. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Best Ship: Seven Seas Explorer

Why: You can't go wrong with the "Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built," an all-suite, all-balcony vessel that features personal service, gourmet cuisine and the most-inclusive cruise fares of the major luxury lines. You don't have to worry about lover's quarrels over the price of shore excursions, which pre-cruise hotel to book or how many drinks to order -- it's all covered by your cruise fare.

Sweet Digs: Take your pick! The smallest cabin on Explorer is a 219-square-foot suite with an 88-square-foot balcony and marble bathroom. The largest is a whopping 2,917 square feet and features a luxurious bed with topped with a $90,000 horse-hair mattress and $60,000 bed linens; an in-cabin spa complete with private sauna, heated ceramic lounge chairs and unlimited spa treatments; and a 958-square-foot balcony -- with a hot tub, dining table and assortment of loungers -- that wraps around the entire front of the ship. If you want to spoil yourself but can't quite afford the ship's top suite, know that all Penthouse Suites and higher categories come with butler service, upgraded toiletries and free use of iPads and iPods onboard.

Onboard Romance: Head to the gorgeous spa and gym area to get a little sweaty together (personal training for two?) and then relax in the back-of-ship infinity pool or heated ceramic loungers. Or visit the Observation Lounge for 180-degree views by day and cocktails and music by night. If you like learning together, sign up for a cooking class at the Culinary Arts Kitchen.

Dinner for Two: It's easy to get a table for two on these ships, even in Compass Rose, the main dining room. And the food is superb, with no drop in quality from the specialty venues to the main dining room. For date night, try the pan-Asian Pacific Rim, modern French Chartreuse or the Prime 7 steakhouse -- you'll need to make reservations for these popular venues but there's no fee.

Downside: Because its prices include nearly everything, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has some of the highest cruise fares in the industry.

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8. Crystal Yacht Cruises Best Ship: Crystal Esprit

Why: If you want to sample the high life, where days are spent lounging on a day bed in the sun with a drink in hand, swimming and snorkeling or touring the more yacht-y ports, Crystal Esprit beckons. The 62-passenger yacht is also incredibly high-tech, carrying Jet Skis and a three-person submersible; cabins loaded up with state-of-the-art technology; and even an outdoor flat-screen TV for movies under the stars.

Sweet Digs: Most cabins are identical and a generous 280 square feet so you won't feel like you're tripping over your honey on a small ship. Rooms come outfitted with high-tech touches, such as a Soundbar speaker system, iPads for accessing ship services and flat-screen TVs loaded with movies. Enjoy the services of a butler, a stocked mini-bar and Krups coffee maker, king-sized bed and even a rain shower in a spacious bathroom. For truly special vacations, snag the one Owner's Suite onboard, which has separate living and sleeping areas and an egg-shaped soaking tub in the bathroom.

Onboard Romance: Most passengers are splashing in the water or enjoying complimentary tours during the day. If you're onboard, you're likely to be found cuddling on a Balinese bed or dipping your toes in the plunge pool. At night, catch a flick on the outdoor screen, or get social in The Cove, the ship's living room with live music and bar service.

Dinner for Two: The elegant Yacht Club Restaurant is the only dinner venue onboard. You won't have trouble snagging a table for two and will be spoiled for choice with a regular menu and special four-course menu offered each evening. For total privacy, order room service off the Yacht Club's menu and take date night back to your cabin.

Downside: Crystal Esprit offers port-intensive itineraries, so if you're looking for sea days, you won't find them. The yacht uses Zodiacs to tender, with some wet landings, and rocks and rolls when not in sheltered waters. If you have mobility issues or are prone to seasickness, the romance might be lost rather than found on this small ship.

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9. Azamara Club Cruises Best Ship: Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest

Why: Azamara offers two twin intimate ships and a destination focus, so you can bond with your loved one over new experiences and incredible adventures ashore. The line will constantly hand you opportunities for memorable date nights with its Nights and Cool Places after-dinner excursions and complimentary, once-a-cruise AzAmazing Evening shoreside event. The onboard atmosphere is geared to adults, so your vacation-for-two won't be disrupted by unruly rug rats.

Sweet Digs: Standard cabins are pretty cozy, but 46 suites offer more luxury and elbow room. The most sought-after are Ocean and World Owner's Suites, which command the fore and aft of the cabin decks. Think king-sized beds, marble baths and enormous private balconies. If the two of you love the spa life, book a Spa Suite, located near the ship's spa facilities; the suite comes with in-room spa music, a glass-enclosed soaking tub and separate rain shower, a free evening excursion and a spa credit. Couples massage, anyone?

Onboard Romance: Take your partner for a whirl with ballroom dancing in the Cabaret Lounge, or look for that green flash at the Sunset Bar, cocktail in hand. For the ultimate in romance, though, book the Nights in Private Places package. For one night, you'll get the aft spa deck all to yourself. A private butler will serve a candlelit dinner, you can float in the thalassotherapy pool while gazing at the stars, and then spend the night snuggled up on the canopied daybed, done up in fine linens. Just be sure to slip your robe back on when the butler comes to serve breakfast in the morning.

Dinner for Two: Tables for two are not hard to come by in Azamara's main, open-seating restaurant, but for a more intimate repast, book into one of the specialty restaurants, the Prime C steakhouse or the Italian Aqualina. Special event meals not to miss include a jazz brunch, Officers' BBQ with suckling pig and barbecue ribs and the White Night dinner served on deck.

Downside: If you like onboard nightlife, Azamara's options are limited. The casino is small and theater offerings are hit and miss. You won't find a packed disco or dancing well into the wee hours.

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10. Viking Ocean Cruises Best Ship: Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky and Viking Sun

Why: With beautiful sun decks and a huge Nordic-inspired spa, Viking Ocean's four identical ships are ideal for couples who love to relax...after a hard day of touring in port. The line's destination focus includes jam-packed itineraries, late nights and overnights in port and included shore excursions. Well-appointed cabins, included Wi-Fi and wine with meals, multiple dining venues and a no-kids-under-16 policy seal the deal.

Sweet Digs: You can't go wrong when every cabin has a balcony, thoughtful touches like plentiful outlets and quiet-closing drawers, and bathrooms with heated floors. Upgrade to one of 14 Explorer Suites for sprawling verandas, separate living rooms and bedrooms and soaking tubs in the bathrooms. If nothing but the best will suit your sweetheart, book the one Owner's Suite with its private sauna, dining area and wet bar, and comfortable living room with stereo system.

Onboard Romance: During the day, relax in the light and airy, glass-enclosed Wintergarden Conservatory and take your honey to tea for finger sandwiches and scones in the late afternoon. Or lounge by the all-weather main pool, with retractable roof, or aft infinity pool. A cool drink is never far away. At night, camp out in Torshavn, to dance, enjoy a cabaret show or sip Armagnac in a dark corner.

Dinner for Two: The mouth-watering food at Manfredi's will start your date night off right. The Italian venue is complimentary and offers an expansive Italian menu. Don't miss the daily specials and definitely save room for dessert (as difficult as that might be). If your style is more casual, check out the sushi bar in the World Cafe buffet or the cured meats and bacon-and-pea soup served faux-fireside at Mamsen's.

Downside: All that running around in port can you leave you exhausted, with little energy for romance at day's end. Be sure to factor in some relaxation time with your special someone, but expect limited entertainment onboard (day and night) and no casino.

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.