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By   Kaushik  Friday, October 26, 2012 Some years ago, a British engineering firm  Atkins  proposed an extravagant design for a five-star hotel located deep within a 100-meter, abandoned and half flooded pit near the base of Tianmashan Mountain in the Songjiang District of Shanghai. Construction on the 19-story, 380-room Shimao Intercontinental Hotel finally is already underway. Initially the hotel was expected to be completed by May, 2009, but construction commenced only in March early this year. The innovative design of the luxury resort hotel stands two levels higher than the rock face of the 100 meter deep quarry and includes underwater public areas and guestrooms. Instead of draining what water there is in the quarry, it will be flooded to become a sunken artificial lake. Two of the hotels floors housing guest rooms and a restaurant are to be situated underwater. An artificial waterfall will plunge down in front of the hotel's facade and into the quarry, at...

Nov. 18th, 2013 |  Photos Credit: Photographer Anhede/Manta Resort “Sleeping with the fishes” is taking on a new meaning at  Manta Resort , and thankfully, a more enjoyable one at that. The African property located on Pemba Island, a Tanzanian destination, is giving travelers a new way to get up close and personal with the Indian Ocean’s marine life. Dipping 13 feet below the water and sitting 820 feet offshore, the private floating island suite was designed by Swedish engineers and is only reached by boat and offers three-levels of living space. From the middle floor, jump into the turquoise blue waters and spend your day soaking in your surroundings. Or use the rooftop lounge area and relax under the sun or watch the stars sparkle at night. The bedroom showcases plenty of windows, making it easy to find Nemo and all of his friends. In the evenings, the dark ocean is illuminated by strategically placed spotlights so that the viewing fun can...