new trends on hospitality industry

Catherine AlulodJervin Ona

Hotel Songjiang; Shanghai, China

Jochman Martin’s architectural project, from Atkins study (also creators of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai), requires builders to have a great imagination to exploit the particular field: a huge quarry with a wall where the river flows, whose peculiarity is that a waterfall flows through the exterior structure, as it is part of the walls of a “throat” where water accumulates. Its structure is steel and glass, simulating another waterfall, like those in this quarry.

The Songjiang Hotel is set amidst a landscape virtually untouched, the source of inspiration has been the respect for nature.

The environmental air is reflected in that its elements reach a minimum energy and environmental impact (eg green roofs in areas above ground level and the utilization of geothermal energy).

It has 400 rooms, of which some overlook an aquarium. It also has a gym and pool.

In this hotel we have three environments:

• Underwater• From inside the quarry, with rocky cliffs and natural waterfall in the background• A ground level, with building at his feet.

The opening is scheduled for 2013.

Hydropolis Underwater Hotel; Dubai

Hydropolis will be the world's first luxury underwater hotel.

It will include three elements:

• the land station -where guests will be welcomed

•the connecting tunnel- which will transport people by train to the main area of the hotel

•the 220 suites within the submarine leisure complex.

It’s one of the “largest contemporary construction projects in the world”, consuming an area of over 260 hectares.

Poseidon Undersea Resort; Fiji

A 16-passenger luxury submarine will provide guests with the opportunity to explore the deep reefs of a lagoon while sipping cocktails. Guests will even have a chance to learn how to pilot a three passenger Triton submarine. Guests who enjoy diving will certainly thrill at the opportunity explore the gorgeous reef surrounding the resort.

For US $30,000 per couple, you can enjoy an all-inclusive vacation for 7 days in the resort. The package includes transportation to and from land, 4 nights in a luxury beach or over-water villa, 2 nights in a luxury undersea suite accessible by elevators, an exclusive diving experience onboard an expedition submarine, an initiation to piloting a 3-passenger submarine, wine tasting classes, access to the sports facilities and the spa, gourmet meals and drinks all stay-long and many more activities.

Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) Canada

The Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) first opened in January 2001. It was originally located on the shores of Lac-Saint-Joseph, Quebec, 30 minutes north of Quebec City, but has since moved closer to the city, 10 minutes away from Old Town Quebec. It operates from the first week in January to the last week in March. It was the first in the world to make a bed and everything else out of ice.