Jade Mountain Whats so special

With private infinity pools, personal butlers and beautiful white sandy beaches, Jade Mountain, which overlooks the Pitons (two volcanic plugs that form part of a World Heritage site), has everything youd expect from the Caribbean.

The hotel is a glorious feat of architecture, and stands near Soufrire, on the west coast, says Stylist Magazine. Clever design and landscaping leave the front of the open-plan suites open to the elements, while maintaining complete privacy. Youll get your own private pool, lounge area, and sun terrace.

Guests are assigned a butler on arrival and each suite comes with a mobile phone on which to phone them. But you shouldnt need much assistance: everything is helpfully laid out for you and the fridge is stocked with a bento box, petit fours and drinks.

The two-storey restaurants speciality is fresh seafood, including scallops and lobsters.

A double room costs from $1,025 per night, on a room-only basis. For more information, visit the hotels website at http://www.jademountain.com, or call the US booking office free on 0800-141 2859.

A gorgeous location, all-inclusive packages and high level of luxury combine to make this a relaxing, magnificent getaway from the British weather.

Spread over 12 acres of tropical gardens, the well-run East Winds Inn is an unflashy and utterly tranquil haven, says Fred Mawer in The Daily Telegraph. Dont let the fact that its all-inclusive put you off the hotel is much classier than that might imply. The rooms are located in cottages scattered around the gardens.

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Where to stay in St Lucia

KKR & Co. (KKR), the private-equity firm run by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, said fourth-quarter profit more than doubled as appreciation in its buyout holdings fueled paper gains and its funds sold investments at a profit.

Economic net income after taxes, a measure of profit excluding some costs, increased to $773.6 million, or $1.08 a share, from $337 million, or 48 cents, a year ago, New York-based KKR said in a statement today. Analysts had expected earnings of 89 cents a share on that basis, according to the average of 14 estimates in a Bloomberg survey. KKR said it will pay stockholders a dividend of 48 cents a share on March 4.

KKR was the most active private-equity firm in 2013, according to research firm Dealogic, investing more than $17 billion in 34 companies. The firm agreed to buy landscape-maintenance company Brickman Group Ltd., insurance-technology company Mitchell International Inc. and a pair of industrial-lifting businesses from Melrose Industries Plc (MRO), all in deals valued at more than $1 billion.

KKR had a strong quarter on the back of very good returns, Christopher Harris, an analyst at Wells Fargo & Co. in Baltimore, wrote in a note to clients today. With ENI and the dividend both above expectations, we see the stock doing well.

KKR sold its remaining stake in retailer Dollar General Corp., a 2007 buyout that... Read More

KKR sold its remaining stake in retailer Dollar General Corp., a 2007 buyout that returned more than 4.5 times KKRs money for one of its most profitable investments. Close

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KKR sold its remaining stake in retailer Dollar General Corp., a 2007 buyout that returned more than 4.5 times KKRs money for one of its most profitable investments.

KKR rose 2.9 percent to $23.89 in New York. The stock has declined 1.8 percent so far this year as the Standard & Poors 500 index of large U.S. companies has fallen 4.1 percent.

Among KKRs dispositions in the quarter were share sales of hospital operator HCA Holdings Inc., European broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, NXP Semiconductor NV (NXPI) and French floor maker Tarkett SA. (TKTT) KKR also sold its remaining stake in retailer Dollar General Corp. (DG), a 2007 buyout that returned more than 4.5 times KKRs money for one of its most profitable investments.

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KKRs Fourth-Quarter Profit More Than Doubles on Holdings

Pool Tile (800) 609-1497 Pool Tile World
http://www.pooltileworld.com Pool Tile (800) 609-1497 Pool Tile World glass pool tile is regarded as one of the finest renovation products for a person #39;s res...

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Pool Tile (800) 609-1497 Pool Tile World - Video

Photo provided The Poolside Pavilion Community Members consist of Tony Donadio - Donadio & Associates, Brad Schuh - Summit Construction, Robert Paugh - Bill Bryant & Associates, Tony Della Porta - Della Porta Construction, Sam Jelmby - Helmet House, Chris Long - Roof Authority, Robin Pelensky - Surlaterre Landscape Architecture, Martina Tannery - Martinas Photography, Marsha Damerow - Fat Cat Graphics, Ginny Blossom - Certified Fundraising Consultant, The Garden Club of Indian River County and Beverly Paris - Paris Productions.

An artist rendering of the pavilion planned for Leisure Square, a 20x20 prefabricated structure to be customized with upgrades.

Jeff Matthews, director of programs for the rec. department, with Bev Paris, a public relations specialist and volunteer for the city.

VERO BEACH VERO BEACH When Jeff Matthews, manager of recreation programs for the City of Vero Beach, was asked what improvements hed like to see at Leisure Square, he didnt hesitate to request shade on the pool deck.

Now, there are plans to build a poolside pavilion at the public facility with a free kick-off event on March 1 called Community Day at Leisure Square.

On any given Saturday, 500 people check in at Leisure Square recreational and aquatic campus on 16th Street to work out or take classes.

The city-owned complex has long been an integral part of the neighborhood, a place where generations of children have learned to swim, do back walkovers and shoot hoops.

Situated on 10 acres between 27th and 43rd avenues, Leisure Square contains wide open soccer, rugby and lacrosse fields, an expansive pool and basketball courts, as well as five buildings housing year-round gymnastics, dance and exercise classes.

Prior to the city acquiring Leisure Square in 1992, it was a YMCA. Back then, people didnt know as much about the dangers of overexposure to the sun.

Summer campers used to be outside in the sun 90 percent of the day, says Matthews, who learned to swim at the former Y as a boy growing up in Vero Beach.

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Plans for poolside pavilion at Leisure Square

Anaheim Contemporary Outdoor Living Area Rim Flow Pool - Urban Landscape Design 3d Fly-Through
Anaheim Contemporary Outdoor Living Area Rim Flow Pool - Urban Landscape Design 3d Fly-Through Phone: 949.32.URBAN Web: http://urbanlandscape.com Follow us...

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Anaheim Contemporary Outdoor Living Area & Rim Flow Pool - Urban Landscape Design 3d Fly-Through - Video

By Steve Jacobs, Nature Designs

Aside from your home, your landscape is typically the second largest personal asset you own. Its an asset that can add tens of thousands of dollars of value to your home. Landscaping not only adds value immediately; it continues adding value for years to come because while other home renovations, such as kitchen and bathroom upgrades, eventually go out of style, plants and tree continue to grow and become more lush and valuable year after year. To ensure that youre adding value to your home, heres a list of investment opportunities to consider:

Add large trees that are healthy and properly prunedRecent nationwide surveys show that mature trees in a well-landscaped yard can increase the value of a house by 7 percent to 19 percent. Not only do trees contribute to curb appeal; they provide much-desired privacy and shade. Strategically placed trees can also cut down on air conditioning and therefore electricity bills.

Quality hardscape Brick, stone, and exposed aggregate there are so many wonderful options for hardscapes. We dont typically recommend pavers or concrete for estates because pavers dont often give that high-level appearance while concrete and stamped concrete tend to show age over time. Its important to choose a hardscape option that complements your garden and home. Investing in a quality driveway material is also something to consider since driveways play such a key role in curb appeal.

Swimming poolsThanks to San Diegos incomparable weather, San Diegans can throw pool parties all year-round! A swimming pool is a must if your goal is to convert your backyard into an oasis. Not only do pools add to your quality of life; a well-designed pool adds value in the luxury home market.

Water features Imagine lounging in your backyard listening to the trickle of water from your fountain, waterfall, stream or pond after a busy week. Water features add a peaceful ambience to an outdoor space, help drown out neighboring noises as well as enhance the beauty of your landscape. Water features also add an element of uniqueness to your landscape that can increase your property value.

Outdoor kitchens and living rooms Experts say that outdoor kitchens and living rooms help sell homes in warmer climates. Its key to build outdoor kitchens and living spaces that blend with your homes design. As an added bonus, you can use the drain water from your outdoor kitchen sink to irrigate your flower beds.

Curb appealFirst impressions are lasting, which is one of the reasons curb appeal is so important for the value of your home. There are so many wonderful ways to enhance curb appeal such as adding colorful planting beds, columns and walls, and upgrading light fixtures. Its also important to prune and lace trees and shrubs to show off their beauty.

In order for landscaping to increase your property value and the value of life in a meaningful way, its imperative to have a landscaping plan. Your landscape is a living asset, meaning that much care is needed so that each plant thrives. A good professional landscape contractor will look comprehensively at the site before choosing hardscape materials and plantings because, for example, if the wrong plant is planted in the wrong location, the results can be overgrown plants that are too close to the house, that block windows and views, or trees with roots that destroy a walkway or driveway. Quality landscape maintenance from trained professionals will ensure excellent results.

Whether youre looking for short term landscaping solutions to increase your home value to sell immediately or long term landscaping solutions to increase your quality of life and property value, visit Nature Designs to learn how we can help make your landscape even more of an asset. Log ontohttp://naturedesigns.net/ or call us at(760) 945-4321.

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Investing in Your Second Largest Asset Landscaping

For the royal treatment, spend the night in a castle. Here are five to consider.

1. CASTELLO DI CASOLE, TUSCANY, ITALY.

Stay in a reconstructed farmhouse surrounded by vineyards or opt for a suite adjacent to the pool and spa in the centre of the 1670-hectare estate.

Oozing with charm, the restored castle and grounds, dating to 998, provide a fairy-tale backdrop for a family holiday that might include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, yoga in a restored church, exploring neighbouring villages or learning to create local specialties. In the warmer months, enjoy evening concerts on the lawn as the sun drops below the rolling Tuscan hills.

Details: castellodicasole.com

2. OHEKA CASTLE, HUNTINGTON, NEW YORK

This French chateau-inspired castle was built in 1917 as the summer retreat for financier and philanthropist Otto Kahn. Docent-led tours provide visitors a glimpse into the Roaring '20s, when the mansion was the scene of lavish parties attended by Hollywood luminaries and royalty. Guests can enjoy an indoor pool or private beach, explore the extensive gardens, play tennis or work up a sweat in the fitness centre.

Details: oheka.com

3. ASHFORD CASTLE, MAYO, IRELAND

Shed your armour and relax within this enchanting 140-hectare landscape. With 700-year-old turrets as your backdrop, fish in nearby ponds and rivers, ride horses or refine your skills on the nine-hole private golf course.

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Holiday like royalty in a castle

Cel Gulapa and Fadzil Hamzah

Monday, Feb 03, 2014

CHINA - Construction is under way on a hotel resort that burrows into a 30m-deep quarry outside the city of Shanghai. Infographics journalists Cel Gulapa and Fadzil Hamzah dig deep to get the details

It is a hotel where you can rock climb and bungee jump, among other regular offerings.

The InterContinental Shimao Hotel in Shanghai's Songjiang district will have 380 rooms over 19 storeys, and a night's stay is expected to cost about $420.

Part of the hotel will be built into the cave and the extreme sports facility will be cantilevered over the quarry.

The rest of the hotel will be built into the mountainous landscape and guests will be able to enjoy watersports on the lake and use the nearby cliffs for rock climbing and bungee jumping.

There will be a swimming pool and sports centre, banquet hall and conference rooms. Among its restaurants is an underwater one that holds a 10m-deep aquarium.

The hotel, expected to be ready by next year, is designed by British firm Atkins which boast Dubai's Burj Al Arab Hotel as part of its portfolio.

The firm has designed the Chinese hotel to blend with the landscape. It will be fitted with an eco-friendly roof and will use naturally available resources for power.

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China's 5-star cave hotel

Orange Beach Landscape and Pool
Fully interactive landscape presentation created in VizTerra, professional 3D landscape design software. Powered by VizTerra - http://www.structurestudios.com.

By: Jeff Hendrix

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Orange Beach Landscape and Pool - Video

The mid-point of the 2013-14 scholastic season has come and gone, and much has happened in the high school wrestling landscape. This includes the development of Aaron Pico no longer being part of the scholastic wrestling pool. Pico is going to focus exclusively on an international wrestling career, and then move onto mixed martial arts. Since he is no longer wrestling scholastically, or in college, Pico will no longer be evaluated in the grade rankings. As a result, Mark Hall moves into the No. 1 slot for the Class of 2016. The other four No. 1 positions remain unchanged: Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md./USOTC) leads the 2014 group, Lance Benick (Totino Grace, Minn.) is best in the 2015 class, Spencer Lee (Franklin Regional, Pa.) is tops among the Class of 2017, while Cade Olivas (California) is the top junior high wrestler.

A notable mover in the senior class is Dylan Milonas (Blair Academy, N.J.), who is now No. 18 after winning titles at the Ironman and Beast of the East. An additional positive mover in that group is Zeke Moisey (Bethlehem Catholic, Pa.) up to No. 21 after winning titles at both the Beast of the East and the Escape the Rock Tournament.

Among juniors the notable mover is Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.), who is now No. 4 overall after winning titles at both the Walsh Ironman and Kansas City Stampede.

A newcomer to the junior high top 15 is Theorius Robinson (Colorado), who won a title at the Tulsa Nationals earlier this month.

InterMat Platinum is required to view all the rankings.

Class of 2014 | Class of 2015 | Class of 2016 | Class of 2017 | Class of 2018+

Sneak Peek

Below is a sneak peek at the top wrestlers in each grade.

Class of 2014 (Top Ten): 1. Kyle Snyder (Good Counsel, Md.) 2. Chance Marsteller (Kennard Dale, Pa.) 3. Bryce Brill (Mount Carmel, Ill.) 4. Nick Nevills (Clovis, Calif.) 5. Bo Nickal (Allen, Texas) 6. Micah Jordan (St. Paris Graham, Ohio) 7. Jason Nolf ( Kittanning, Pa.) 8. Joey McKenna (Blair Academy, N.J.) 9. Thomas Haines (Solanco, Pa.) 10. Sam Stoll (Kasson-Mantorville, Minn.)

Class of 2015 (Top Five): 1. Lance Benick (Totino-Grace, Minn.) 2. Logan Massa (St. Johns, Mich.) 3. Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco, Calif.) 4. Ke-Shawn Hayes (Park Hill, Mo.) 5. Myles Martin (McDonogh, Md.)

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Grade rankings updated; Hall now No. 1 sophomore