The refined atmosphere of the lifestyle of Sicily’s noble 19th-century families, immortalized in Luchino Visconti’s film “il Gattopardo”, still arouses an authentic, unique charm.

Sicilian countryside, coast and islands are full of real gems that in the past were the Sicilian, noble families’ summer residences.

Today it is possible to live again this enchanted atmosphere suspended in time by going on a holiday in one of the wonderful Sicilian villas. Sicily offers a wide selection of dwellings, surrounded by nature or set on the sea front, that suit the most exigent guests.

Looking at these amazing Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia. Designed by Singapore based WOHA and built on 14.4 hectacres, the Alila Villas are a prime example of amazing sustainable architecture.

With Alila Villas Uluwatu, the architects wanted to create more than the usual stereotypical ideas of Bali, creating a design that worked with the dry Balinese Savannah vegetation and gently sloping site, not against it.

These modern contemporary Balinese villas use sustainable wood for construction (old timbre telegraph poles and wood railway sleepers) to replicate the typical dry Balinese Savannah vegetation.

Notable design features include the flat roofs, laid with batu chandi (local volcanic rock). This porous Javanese rock (a product of Mt Merapi’s eruptions) serves a threefold purpose: insulation; as a means of blending in with the local landscape; and for water absorption to support plant life.

Even the jigsaw-like exteriors of the pavilion serve more than an aesthetic purpose. The slats of these exteriors are made from a mixture of recycled wood and bronze, allowing for breeze to circulate yet maintaining privacy in partially shielding its occupants away from prying eyes.

The villas are perched on limestone cliffs with a stunning view over the Indian Ocean, large windows that extend into the natural open spaces. This green resort opens its doors to the public in 2009. Via Contemporist

Powerhouse Company designed this amazing villa set in the woodlands of Holland.

Despite the weak housing market, Donald Trump has recently sold the Palm Beach estate he bought for $US41.35 million in 2004 for $100 million (he came down from $125 million).

The 80,000-square-foot property at 515 N. County Road sits on 6 acres and has 475 feet of unobstructed oceanfront, making the price per linear foot $210,526.

However, the new owner, billionaire and Russian fertilizer tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, is actually considering tearing down the mansion and possibly subdividing the property, according to sources.

Zaya, a Abu Dhabi-based real estate company has launched its first of many property ventures; Nurai, a spectacular private community of limited edition resort beach-front estates and water villas on a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

Derived from the Arabic word “nour” meaning light, Nurai is surrounded by clear waters and ringed with pristine sandy beaches. Lying immediately northeast of Abu Dhabi, the island is set in isolation away from the hustle and bustle of city life yet is within minutes from the mainland.
People interested in resort beachfront estates will have their choice of two designs – ‘The Shoreline’ or ‘The Seaside’.

The Shoreline estates will consist of six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, private beach and rooftop garden with a total build area of 12,275 square feet.

Similar in size, but with five bedrooms and six baths, will be The Seaside estates. No detail has been overlooked. Each resort residence includes luxurious amenities such as a private beach and garden, infinity swimming pool, concealed service quarters and outdoor showers.

The resort is due to open in 2010 and the prices for the residences start at €20 million ($30 million)

Via zawya