road bikes, luxury bicycles, 3D printing, J.Laverack, Aston Martin, titanium bicycles, high-quality cycling, innovative design ## Introduction In the world of cycling, a new revolution is brewing, one that combines cutting-edge technology with the elegance of luxury design. The collaboration between British company J.Laverack and the renowned luxury sports car manufacturer Aston Martin has...

The ways roads are used, with ever larger and heavier vehicles, have dramatic consequences on the environment – and electric cars are not the answer Today, there is an average of 37 tonnes of road per inhabitant of the planet. The weight of the road network alone accounts for a third of all construction worldwide, and has grown exponentially in the 20th century. There is 10 times more bitumen, in mass, than there are living animals. Yet growth in the mass of roads does not automatically correspond to population growth, or translate into increased length of road networks. In wealthier countries, the number of metres of road per inhabitant has actually fallen over the last century. In the United States, for instance, between 1905 and 2015 the length of the network increased by a factor of 1.75 and the population by a factor of 3.8, compared with 21 for the mass of roads. Roads have become wider and, above all, much thicker. To understand the evolution of these parameters, and their environmental impact, it is helpful to trace the different stages in the life of the motorway.  Until the early 20th century, roads were used for various modes of transport, including horses, bicycles, pedestrians and trams; as a result of the construction of railways, road traffic even declined in some European countries in the 19th century. The main novelty brought by the motorway was that they would be reserved for motorised traffic. In several languages, the word itself – autostrada, autobahn, autoroute or motorway – speaks of this exclusivity.  Roman roads varied from simple corduroy roads, made by placing logs perpendicular to the direction of the road over a low or swampy area, to paved roads, as this engraving from Jean Rondelet’s 19th‑century Traité Théorique et Pratique de l’Art de Bâtir shows. Using deep roadbeds of tamped rubble as an underlying layer to ensure that they kept dry, major roads were often stone-paved, metalled, cambered for drainage and flanked by footpaths, bridleways and drainage ditches Like any major piece of infrastructure, motorways became the subject of ideological discourse, long before any shovel hit the ground; politicians underlined their role in the service of the nation, how they would contribute to progress, development, the economy, modernity and even civilisation. The inauguration ceremony for the construction of the first autostrada took place in March 1923, presided over by Italy’s prime minister Benito Mussolini. The second major motorway programme was announced by the Nazi government in 1933, with a national network planned to be around 7,000 kilometres long. In his 2017 book Driving Modernity: Technology, Experts, Politics, and Fascist Motorways, 1922–1943, historian Massimo Moraglio shows how both programmes were used as propaganda tools by the regimes, most notably at the international road congresses in Milan in 1926 and Munich in 1934. In the European postwar era, the notion of the ‘civilising’ effect of roads persevered. In 1962, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, then‑secretary of state for finances and later president of France, argued that expanded motorways would bring ‘progress, activity and life’. This discourse soon butted up against the realities of how motorways affected individuals and communities. In his 2011 book Fighting Traffic: The Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City, Peter D Norton explores the history of resistance to the imposition of motorised traffic in North American cities. Until the 1920s, there was a perception that cars were dangerous newcomers, and that other street and road uses – especially walking – were more legitimate. Cars were associated with speed and danger; restrictions on motorists, especially speed limits, were routine.  Built between 1962 and 1970, the Westway was London’s first urban motorway, elevated above the city to use less land. Construction workers are seen stressing the longitudinal soffit cables inside the box section of the deck units to achieve the bearing capacity necessary to carry the weight of traffic Credit: Heritage Image Partnership Ltd / Alamy To gain domination over cities, motor vehicles had to win priority over other street uses. Rather than restricting the flow of vehicles to minimise the risk of road accidents, a specific infrastructure was dedicated to them: both inner‑city roads and motorways. Cutting through the landscape, the motorway had, by definition, to be inaccessible by any other means of transport than motorised vehicle. To guarantee the fluidity of traffic, the construction of imposing bridges, tunnels and interchanges is necessary, particularly at junctions with other roads, railways or canals. This prioritisation of one type of user inevitably impacts journeys for others; as space is fragmented, short journeys are lengthened for those trying to navigate space by foot or bicycle.  Enabling cars to drive at around 110–140km/h on motorways, as modern motorways do, directly impacts their design, with major environmental effects: the gradient has to be gentle (4 per cent), the curves long (1.5km in radius) and the lanes wide, to allow vehicles to overtake each other safely. As much terrain around the world is not naturally suited to these requirements, the earthworks are considerable: in France, the construction of a metre of highway requires moving some 100m3 of earth, and when the soil is soft, full of clay or peat, it is made firmer with hydraulic lime and cement before the highway’s first sub‑layers are laid. This material cost reinforces the criticisms levelled in the 1960s, by the likes of Jane Jacobs and Lewis Mumford, at urban planning that prioritised the personal motor vehicle. When roads are widened to accommodate more traffic, buildings are sliced and demolished, as happened in Dhaka’s Bhasantek Road in 2021 Credit: Dhaka Tribune Once built, the motorway is never inert. Motorway projects today generally anticipate future expansion (from 2×2 to 2×3 to 2×4 lanes), and include a large median strip of 12m between the lanes, with a view to adding new ones. Increases in speed and vehicle sizes have also translated into wider lanes, from 2.5m in 1945 to 3.5m today. The average contemporary motorway footprint is therefore 100 square metres per linear metre. Indeed, although the construction of a road is supposed to reduce congestion, it also generates new traffic and, therefore, new congestion. This is the principle of ‘induced traffic’: the provision of extra road capacity results in a greater volume of traffic. The Katy Freeway in Texas famously illustrates this dynamic. Built as a regular six‑lane highway in the 1960s, it was called the second worst bottleneck in the nation by 2004, wasting 25 million hours a year of commuter time. In 2011, the state of Texas invested US$2.8 billion to fix this problem, widening the road to a staggering total of 26 lanes. By 2014, the morning and afternoon traffic had both increased again. The vicious circle based on the induced traffic has been empirically demonstrated in most countries: traffic has continued to increase and congestion remains unresolved, leading to ever-increasing emissions. In the EU, transport is the only sector where greenhouse gas emissions have increased in the past three decades, rising 33.5 per cent between 1990 and 2019. Transport accounts for around a fifth of global CO₂ emissions today, with three quarters of this figure linked to road transport. Houston’s Katy Freeway is one of the world’s widest motorways, with 26 lanes. Its last expansion, in 2008, was initially hailed as a success, but within five years, peak travel times were longer than before the expansion – a direct illustration of the principle of induced traffic Credit: Smiley N Pool / Houston Chronicle / Getty Like other large transport infrastructures such as ports and airports, motorways are designed for the largest and heaviest vehicles. Engineers, road administrations and politicians have known since the 1950s that one truck represents millions of cars: the impact of a vehicle on the roadway is exponential to its weight – an online ‘road damage calculator’ allows you to compare the damage done by different types of vehicles to the road. Over the years, heavier and heavier trucks have been authorised to operate on roads: from 8‑tonne trucks in 1945 to 44 tonnes nowadays. The European Parliament adopted a revised directive on 12 March 2024 authorising mega‑trucks to travel on European roads; they can measure up to 25 metres and weigh up to 60 tonnes, compared with the previous limits of 18.75 metres and 44 tonnes. This is a political and economic choice with considerable material effects: thickness, rigidity of sub‑bases and consolidation of soil and subsoil with lime and cement. Altogether, motorways are 10 times thicker than large roads from the late 19th century. In France, it takes an average of 30 tonnes of sand and aggregate to build one linear metre of motorway, 100 times more than cement and bitumen.  The material history of road networks is a history of quarrying and environmental damage. The traces of roads can also be seen in rivers emptied of their sediment, the notches of quarries in the hills and the furrows of dredgers extracting sand from the seabed. This material extraction, arguably the most significant in human history, has dramatic ecological consequences for rivers, groundwater tables, the rise of sea levels and saltwater in farmlands, as well as biodiversity. As sand is ubiquitous and very cheap, the history of roads is also the history of a local extractivism and environmental conflicts around the world.  Shoving and rutting is the bulging and rippling of the pavement surface. Once built, roads require extensive maintenance – the heavier the vehicles, the quicker the damage. From pothole repair to the full resurfacing of a road, maintenance contributes to keeping road users safe Credit: Yakov Oskanov / Alamy Once roads are built and extended, they need to be maintained to support the circulation of lorries and, by extension, commodities. This stage is becoming increasingly important as rail freight, which used to be important in countries such as France and the UK, is declining, accounting for no more than 10 per cent of the transport of commodities. Engineers might judge that a motorway is destined to last 20 years or so, but this prognosis will be significantly reduced with heavy traffic. The same applies to the thousands of motorway bridges: in the UK, nearly half of the 9,000 highway bridges are in poor condition; in France, 7 per cent of the 12,000 bridges are in danger of collapsing, as did Genoa’s Morandi bridge in 2018. If only light vehicles drove on it, this infrastructure would last much longer. This puts into perspective governments’ insistence on ‘greening’ the transport sector by targeting CO2 emissions alone, typically by promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Public policies prioritising EVs do nothing to change the mass of roads or the issue of their maintenance – even if lorries were to run on clean air, massive quarrying would still be necessary. A similar argument plays out with regard to canals and ports, which have been constantly widened and deepened for decades to accommodate ever-larger oil tankers or container ships. The simple operation of these infrastructures, dimensioned for the circulation of commodities and not humans, requires permanent dredging of large volumes. The environmental problem of large transport infrastructure goes beyond the type of energy used: it is, at its root, free and globalised trade. ‘The material life cycle of motorways is relentless: constructing, maintaining, widening, thickening, repairing’ As both a material and ideological object, the motorway fixes certain political choices in the landscape. Millions of kilometres of road continue to be asphalted, widened and thickened around the world to favour cars and lorries. In France, more than 80 per cent of today’s sand and aggregate extraction is used for civil engineering works – the rest goes to buildings. Even if no more buildings, roads or other infrastructures were to be built, phenomenal quantities of sand and aggregates would still need to be extracted in order to maintain existing road networks. The material life cycle of motorways is relentless: constructing, maintaining, widening, thickening, repairing, adding new structures such as wildlife crossings, more maintaining.  Rising traffic levels are always deemed positive by governments for a country’s economy and development. As Christopher Wells shows in his 2014 book Car Country: An Environmental History, car use becomes necessary in an environment where everything has been planned for the car, from the location of public services and supermarkets to residential and office areas. Similarly, when an entire economy is based on globalised trade and just‑in‑time logistics (to the point that many service economies could not produce their own personal protective equipment in the midst of a pandemic), the lorry and the container ship become vital.  The final stage in the life of a piece of motorway infrastructure is dismantling. Like the other stages, this one is not a natural outcome but the fruit of political choices – which should be democratic – regarding how we wish to use existing roads. Dismantling, which is essential if we are to put an end to the global extractivism of sand and aggregates, does not mean destruction: if bicycles and pedestrians were to use them instead, maintenance would be minimal. This final stage requires a paradigm shift away from the eternal adaptation to increasing traffic. Replacing cars and lorries with public transport and rail freight would be a first step. But above all, a different political and spatial organisation of economic activities is necessary, and ultimately, an end to globalised, just-in-time trade and logistics. In 1978, a row of cars parked at a shopping centre in Connecticut was buried under a thick layer of gooey asphalt. The Ghost Parking Lot, one of the first projects by James Wines’ practice SITE, became a playground for skateboarders until it was removed in 2003. Images of this lumpy landscape serve as allegories of the damage caused by reliance on the automobile Credit: Project by SITE Lead image: Some road damage is beyond repair, as when a landslide caused a large chunk of the Gothenburg–Oslo motorway to collapse in 2023. Such dramatic events remind us of both the fragility of these seemingly robust infrastructures, and the damage that extensive construction does to the planet. Credit: Hanna Brunlöf Windell / TT / Shutterstock 2025-06-03 Reuben J Brown Share

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.Overwater bungalows are now deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, but are still a relatively newer phenomenon in the world of hospitality characterized by sublime seascapes on all sides, water glittering like gemstones beneath your bed, and steps leading directly into the ocean.There was a time when cruise ships, yachts, and other sailing vessels were your primary options for housing right on the sea, when comfort was subject to swells and storms, not to mention space constraints. Now, as planes—both the standard and float version—descend into destinations such as the Maldives and French Polynesia, passengers can spot long, often gracefully arching lineups of bungalows that cut across famously crystalline cerulean waters. This type of villa has become so prolific it’s now found from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Belize to Switzerland.It all started in 1967, on the island of Raiatea—which, without a sandy beach, was proving a challenging sell for tourists. A trio of Californians known as the Bali Hai Boys conceived of a new type of accommodation: the overwater bungalow. At the time they assured the government that, like traditional Tahitians’ fishing huts, they would not harm the coral with their pandanus-leaf-thatched-roof structures, and that edict still holds true. Their trio of bungalows at Bali Hai Hotel became a craze that spread to Bora Bora and beyond; after all, the charming stilted cottages offered immersion into the magic of the sea, sans snorkel mask or air tank. Now nearly 60 years old, the iconic honeymoon hideaways, sought-after spots for not just romance but easy access to throngs of Technicolor sea creatures below, are looking better than ever.Over more than a half century, but especially in the last decade, the overwater villa has gone from strikingly simple to, in some cases, over-the-top opulent—though there are still plenty of affordable, modest versions around the world. Its homeland, French Polynesia, lays claim to somewhere around 1,000 properties, from Moorea to Rangiroa and Bora Bora. Of any destination, overwater villas are most abundant in the Maldives, with more than 170 resorts in the same category.Wherever they stand, overwater accommodations often feature similar elements, such as thatched roofs made of natural, indigenous materials. Bungalows are usually attached to a wooden pontoon walkway unless we’re talking about one very special overwater villa in the Maldives that floats, can be moved to different locations, and (thanks to state-of-the-art engineering) doesn’t rock and roll with the ocean’s swell. As interiors go, barefoot island rustic with lots of wood is a popular aesthetic, while some spots, like JOALI MALDIVES and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, are incredibly glamorous. Panoramic views of the countless shades of blue outside are requisite, while overwater pools, jacuzzis, and suspended hammocks have become popular amenities, too.Because these revolutionary structures make for fun daydream fodder, here we look at some of the most heavenly modern overwater bungalows from around the world.Photo: Courtesy of Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve1/30Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi ArabiaPerks: Private beach with cabanas, spa, watercraft rental, kids’ club, Bang & Olufson speakers, stargazing experiences, nature walksThe birds soaring above have perhaps the best view of Nujuma, Saudi Arabia’s solar-powered Red Sea villas which debuted in 2024—20 of which are of the overwater persuasion. The walkway connecting them is circular, evoking a string of pearls, while each of the dwellings is vaguely seashell-esque, with sculpted, shapely rounded roofs. Inside, those graceful curves are intact, arching over the bedrooms and bathrooms tinted in sandy hues and embellished with locally made artifacts. Even the swimming pools are devoid of any sharp edges or corners, which is all in keeping with the soft, sweeping lines that are so pleasing to the eye. From $1,999 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Joali Being2/30JOALI Being, Bodufushi Island Raa Atoll, MaldivesPerks: Hydrotherapy hall, herbarium, yoga and fitness classes, wine cellar, multi-generational play zone, sound pathThere’s a heavy emphasis on wellbeing at this Maldives private island resort, and that ethos extends to its strikingly-hued villas, each of which has its own pool and comes with bicycles for guests, plus meditative musical instruments and mindful games. Curvy, arcing, and spiraling, like nature herself, the biophilic overwater villas reference seashells and waves and take their palette from the island’s foliage and sand. With soaring ceilings and tubs you’d want to spend all evening in, there would be seemingly no reason to leave, yet among the resort’s extra-comprehensive spa and hydrotherapy hall are two sanctuary-like watsu (water massage) pools and an inspiring yoga pavilion, not to mention Edenic open-air restaurants and an ocean-view tea bar. From $1,851 per night.BOOK NOWPhoto: Gili Lankanfushi3/30Gili Lankanfushi, North Malé Atoll, MaldivesPerks: The world’s largest standalone overwater villa, Mr/Mrs Friday private butler service, sunset cruises, Coral Lines project and coral nurseryIt’s not only the overwater bungalows but the attitude on Gili Lankanfushi that makes it a unique proposition. Shoes go in a bag at the outset of the boat ride to the resort and are literally not worn again until departure, and it even exists in its own special time zone to maximize sunshine hours. A Robinson Crusoe vibe pervades the 45 villas that fan out around a North Male Atoll private island, operated ultrasustainably down to an extensive plant-based menu featuring island-grown ingredients. The overwater bungalows have rooftop terraces, al fresco bathrooms, and water hammocks, with the world’s largest overwater villa, dubbed the Private Reserve, also featuring a gym, cinema, steam and sauna, and a water slide that delivers guests directly into the sparkling sea. From $1,796 per night.Book NowPhoto: Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts4/30Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, Leeward Islands, French PolynesiaPerks: Local art, tennis, swimming pool, spa, three restaurants and two bars, wedding coordinator, vanilla plantation visits, Tahitian pearl jewelry shopTraditional Polynesian architecture and its natural materiality—see thatch, mother of pearl, wood, bamboo, pandanus leaves, coconut fiber, coral, and stone—feature heavily in this lush resort within view of Bora Bora but peacefully set apart from it. The panoramas are what differentiate the bungalows; guests can choose to gaze at Taha’a, Bora Bora or the west for the sunset, however the Taha’a Overwater Suite has perhaps the best perspective toward the first, known also as Vanilla Island. From $1,352 per night.Book NowPhoto: Patina Maldives, Fari Island5/30Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, MaldivesPerks: 13 culinary concepts, including plant-based and Nordic-Japanese fusion, spa, art and creative workshops, visiting practitioners, marina, beach clubAt this Maldives resort, modernist architecture by Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27—think clean lines; low, flat roofs that hold solar panels; expanses of glass that open fully on three sides; and concrete infinity pools that bleed into the seascape—contrasts the majority of overwater bungalows beautifully. The serene one- and two-bedroom hideaways were built with sustainably sourced materials and are outfitted with custom millwork, free-standing double bathtubs, earthly palettes of rattan, linen, and fiber, as well as furniture by the likes of Vitra, Bassam Fellows and Paola Lenti. Beyond showcasing the natural resources surrounding it, the resort’s ethos embraces wellness, responsible and innovative dining, and art from global names as well as the artist-in-residence program. From $2,630 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort6/30Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, Emirate of Ras Al KhaimahPerks: Mangrove lagoon sanctuary, six F&B outlets, curated experiences, cruising, padel, kids’ and teens’ clubs, spa with seen treatment roomsWhen it debuted in early 2024, Anantara’s new Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah resort became the first in the Emirates with overwater villas, and they’re as decadent as one would imagine for the deluxe destination. The Maldives’ dhoni-shaped thatched roofs inspired these, which feature vaulted ceilings, large decks, Arabesque flourishes, mashrabiya motifs and infinity swimming pools, naturally, across layouts that sprawl from 880 to 2,200 square feet. Free-standing bathtubs plus dual rain showers in the indoor-outdoor shower maximize enjoyment of the turquoise Persian Gulf and might even result in guests watching sea turtles swim in the protected mangrove lagoon while bathing. From $240 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Bawah Reserve7/30Bawah Reserve, IndonesiaPerks: Seaplane arrival, plastic free, private overwater dinners, included activities, 13 beaches and two lagoons across six private islandsAn Earth-first attitude pervades Bawah Reserve, where among treehouse lodges, beaches, suites, and pool villas, the 11 overwater suites give guests the most intimacy with the Indian Ocean. Refined wood-shingled roofs, rustic timber railings, warm recycled teak walls, recycled copper bathrooms and tables and chairs made from flotsam with mural walls—designed by Sim Boon Yang—provide a new fresh feeling take on the concept, in Indonesia’s Anambas Islands in the Riau Archipelago. The private island escape is all-inclusive, so although the suites are a paradisiacal world in and of themselves, there are many activities as well as 13 beaches and two lagoons to explore. From $1,628 per night.Book NowPhoto: Stevie Mann for Soneva8/30Soneva Secret, Makunudhoo Atoll, MaldivesPerks: Remote, dedicated team for each villa of Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and private chef, in-house marine biologist, astronomical dinner cruise, retractable roofsThirty years of experience went into the creation of Soneva’s new-in-2024 ultra-luxe, uber-bespoke, super-secluded concept in the remote Haa Dhaalu atoll. It has just 14 total villas across beach and water, with some on a lagoon that can only reached by boat, and each comes with three dedicated staff including a private chef and a Barefoot Guardian butler who can plan astronomical dinner cruises, snorkeling with manta rays or “secret day” options for surprise personalized itineraries. The villas themselves—built of FSC-certified wood with open-air bathrooms—are an exercise in thinking of everything: bedroom roofs that retract with a touch for sleeping under the stars, adventurous roof deck slides for splashing into the crystalline lagoon, and massage beds for private therapies. Coming online in 2025 is a perhaps even more immersive accommodation than the overwater villa: the Maldives’ first floating villa, a two-story wonder designed to eradicate movement from waves, as well as three floating solar farms. From $3,300 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of TA’AKTANA9/30Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo, Flores, IndonesiaPerks: Spa and salon, water sports, overland and water-based explorations (including to Komodo dragons), cocktail masterclasses, high tea, lap poolThe emerging destination of Labuan Bajo—gateway to Komodo National Park—on Flores had never seen overwater villas until seven of them opened in 2024 with Ta’aktana, a luxurious resort that draws from the region’s unique culture as much as it does its land- and seascapes. Still, the genre isn’t totally unknown. The seven circular bungalows with rounded interiors reference Labuan Bajo’s historical sea nomads who once lived in stilt houses, and they include fossil wood from antique phinisi sailing ships, upcycled stingray leather detailing, hand-carved patterns inspired by Flores’ lingko cancar rice field, and local macrame. From $431 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Nayara10/30Nayara Bocas del Toro, PanamaPerks: Solar-powered treehouses, 70-foot freshwater pool, 100-year-old Elephant House restaurant, elevated oversea sandy beach on stilts, 100% off-gridSixteen overwater villas at this sustainable adults-only resort in Panama’s Bocas del Toro province hug the mangrove-thronged coastline of a lush private island that also includes a collection of solar-powered treehouses designed by IBUKU. Highlighting traditional materials such as thatched roofs, timber walls, and glass floor panels, they invite intimacy between guests and the aquamarine water, which is easily accessible via stairs for kayaking, SUP, or snorkeling excursions. The resort also boasts the world’s first overwater beach, a 90-by-20-foot tray of creamy sand with steps descending into the sea. From $1,077 per night.Book NowPhoto: Moeava de Rosemont11/30Four Seasons Bora Bora, French PolynesiaPerks: Private islet, tennis courts, sunset cruises, beach bar, spa with signature rituals, ATV excursions, kids’ club, vegan and vegetarian menusWhile all the overwater bungalows at this impeccable property epitomize the genius of the genre with their celebration of the gorgeous environs, the four Otemanu Overwater Bungalow Suites are truly awe-inspiring. Whether you're in the airy living room, noshing at the dining table, bathing in the sculptural tub, lounging in the palapa, or swimming at the edge of the infinity pool, the lagoon’s beautiful blues are staring back, truly the star of the scene. From $1,967 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Song Saa Private Island12/30Song Saa Private Island, CambodiaPerks: Open-air spa, diving and snorkeling, scenic boat trips, meditation sessions, sea kayaking, spa and wellness programs, private beachCambodia might not be the last place you’d expect a breathtaking resort of overwater bungalows, but it’s probably surprising. In 2012, the Koh Rong Archipelago became home to this sustainable Robinson Crusoe–chic property with, among other layouts, a two-bedroom overwater Royal Villa of rough-hewn timber, with a vast glass floor in the living room (alongside driftwood furnishings), a half-moon infinity pool with an expansive terrace, dual oversize sunken bathtubs, a personal chef, and a private jetty complete with a boat for the guests’ exclusive use. From $1,338 per night.Book NowPhoto: Laucala Island Photographer13/30COMO Laucala Island, FijiPerks: 240-acre organic farm, glass-sided infinity pool, hilltop spa and yoga pavilion, three bars, private 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, horseback riding, surfingThe Overwater Villa on this private island property is more like an overwater estate. It’s distinctive not just for its split-level design, but its dramatic outdoor spaces—massive terraces and a large pool carved directly into the rocks on the shore. Guests of the two-bedroom stunner are transported to and from the main resort facilities by private yacht (or they can walk on a wooden pathway), but with 3,000 square feet of flawlessly curated luxury and the emerald lagoon at their feet, there’s not much reason to go anywhere at all, except maybe to the signature COMO Shambhala Spa. From $6,500 per night.Book NowPhoto: Mel Yates14/30One&Only Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, MaldivesPerks: beach club, treehouse, beach cruisers, wellness activities and spa, adults-only pool, outdoor movie theater, kids’ clubThere are hundreds of overwater bungalows in the Maldives, but these have the distinction of being some of the most private, since only a couple connect to each pontoon, each facing a different direction in the unbelievably turquoise Indian Ocean for an edge-of-the-earth feel. Lofty wood-beam ceilings keep things light and airy in the Grand Water Villa, but understandably extras like the long infinity pool (complete with built-in submerged chaise), separate jacuzzi, draped outdoor daybed and lounge areas minimize time spent inside. (It’s also worth booking a visit to one of the spa’s overwater couples'-treatment suites.) From $2,680 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Cayo Espanto15/30Cayo Espanto, BelizePerks: Personal butler, private dock, just seven villas, customized meals by private chef, scuba diving, yacht, helipad, fly fishingAs island paradises go, this one—featuring the first overwater bungalow in Belize—is up there. While all the recently refreshed villas are luxe, Casa Ventanas, at 1,100 square feet and more than 150 feet of privacy, goes above and beyond with custom-crafted furnishings, a glass floor featuring a light that can be switched to different colors to filter the sea-creature-filled waters below and new glass shower walls for taking in ocean panoramas while bathing. From $2,295 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Hotel Palafitte16/30Hôtel Palafitte, Neuchâtel, SwitzerlandPerks: Lakeview restaurant, bar with live music, cycling adventures, seasonal outdoor terrace lounge, Sunday brunchThe overwater craze is not confined to tropical climes. This Swiss bolthole became the first and only hotel in Europe built on stilts when it was constructed as part of the National Expo 2002 as a “surprising work” by architect Kurt Hoffmann with a group of students. Actually, the stilts reference ancient Swiss construction techniques, but also give guests of the 26 over-lake bungalows (each with a private terrace) the sense of being on a remote island, complete with access to stand-up paddling, boating, and waterskiing to make up for the lack of tropical fish. From $382 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of St. Regis Hotels & Resorts17/30The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French PolynesiaPerks: Lagoonarium sanctuary, spa and fitness center, 24/7 butler service, sailing and diving, swim-up bar, complimentary non-motorized watersportsAt a low-season rate of more than $4,500 per night, the Overwater Royal Otemanu Villa with Pool—it’s worth noting the 20-by-16-foot infinity edge pond is the largest suspended pool in the South Pacific—is one of the more extravagant ways to vacation at this St. Regis resort. Crafted of exotic noble woods with vibrant accents, the nearly 3,000-square-foot bungalow is a prime place to watch neon lagoon fish either behind glass portholes or in the flesh via private ladder access. From $2,013 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Six Senses18/30Six Senses, Ninh Van Bay, VietnamPerks: Six Senses Spa and Alchemy Bar, yoga pavilion, kids club, Earth Lab sustainability center, outdoor cinema, private beachOne of the beautiful things about overwater bungalows is that, to a large degree, they allow nature meld with the indoors, and tend to act as frames for their postcard-perfect surrounds. An ideal example is this destination on the bucolic coast of Vietnam, where excessively private 1,600-square-foot Water Pool Villas overlook the bay’s coral formations and give way to flawless sunset vistas, not to mention boasting plunge pools, outdoor showers, handcrafted wooden bathtubs, and steps into the water for snorkeling. From $770 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Conrad Hotels19/30Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French PolynesiaPerks: Private beach, infinity pool with swim-up bar; gratis snorkeling equipment, paddleboards and kayaks; private island for picnics and dining, spa and hammam, floating helipadThe former Hilton Bora Bora Nui, fully and beautifully reimagined to become a more sumptuous Conrad is set on arguably the most spectacular part of Bora Bora, and is home to the only two-story overwater bungalow in French Polynesia. With a palette that reflects their azure surroundings, the Presidential Villas (there are two)—outfitted with a well-being room with sauna, three bedrooms, a private sundeck, a pool, and a bar—are like the ultimate playgrounds in one of the planet’s prettiest neighborhoods. From $1,588 per night.Book NowPhoto: Courtesy of Six Senses20/30Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll, MaldivesPerks: A well-known surf wave, wellness programs, spa and salon, two restaurants, ice cream parlor, sandbank dining, scuba diving, library, volleyballThe over-ocean villas at Six Senses Laamu have at least one thing most don’t: a sunken glass bathtub over the turquoise saltwater. A soak there is one time to skip the bubbles for an experience akin to an ocean bath. The timber-clad bungalows with signature pops of color also have their own treetop deck for appreciating the sun-soaked seascape or vibrant sunset. Other signature hallmarks of the genre are present here, too: net overwater hammocks, wide timber terraces, sun loungers, and outdoor showers. There are also offerings with personal swimming pools. From $1,056 per night.Book Now

In a move that casts a shadow across Apple’s upcoming Worldwide Developer’s Conference, OpenAI has announced that it will purchase io, the AI startup founded by acclaimed former Apple designer Sir Jony Ive, who helped create the iMac, iPod, and iPhone.  The deal sees Ive’s hand-picked io team of talented Apple alumni merge with OpenAI. Ive himself stays out the $6.5b deal. He will retain independence at his company LoveFrom but will be taking on “deep design and creative responsibilities across OpenAI and io.” Toward the human interface for AI The intention is to design the user interfaces for AI-enabled machines that will define the future of tech. (I hate to say “I told you so.“) “This is an extraordinary moment,” declares the OpenAI press release announcing the deal. “Computers are now seeing, thinking and understanding. Despite this unprecedented capability, our experience remains shaped by traditional products and interfaces.” While OpenAI doesn’t quite go so far as to say the move means AI is about to enter its iPhone moment, the company quite clearly believes this to be the case. Ive famously left Apple in 2019, working as an advisor for a while until he ceased working for the company completely, just before beginning io. “I have a growing sense that everything I have learned over the last 30 years has led me to this moment,” said Ive. Apple echoes are everywhere For a veteran Apple watcher, there’s a lot of echoes within the announcement. Even the press release has an Apple-like resonance, headed up by a tasteful picture of Ive with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Longtime Apple watchers really should not ignore these echoes. Ive and his hand-picked team of historically important former Apple design talent, including Evans Hankey and Tang Tan, will take over design and creative at OpenAI to build AI-enabled devices people can use to make things. If that sounds familiar, think back to Apple founder Steve Jobs and his description of computers as “bicycles for the mind.” That sounds like what OpenAI now intends to make. It isn’t just an intimation of Apple, it’s all about muscling into similar innovation space. “I hope we can bring some of the delight, wonder and creative spirit that I first felt using an Apple Computer 30 years ago,” said Sam Altman. You can watch a short video featuring Altman and Ive discussing their plans here. A change in the balance Of course, Apple has its own relationship with OpenAI, but the appointment of its acclaimed former designer to the company will change the balance of power — particularly as Apple itself is struggling with artificial intelligence. To put the deal into some kind of context, analyst firm Gartner expects worldwide genAI spending to reach a total of $644 billion in 2025, an increase of 76.4% from 2024. This spend includes a huge increase in sales of AI devices, particularly servers and smartphones.  “By 2026, generative design AI will automate 60% of the design effort for new websites and mobile apps,” writes Gartner Market Databook, which anticipates that by 2026, over 100 million humans will “engage robo-colleagues (synthetic virtual colleagues) to contribute to enterprise work.” An analyst perspective So, what does Gartner think the deal means for OpenAI, Apple, and the future of tech?  I spoke with Chirag Dekate, Gartner VP and analyst for quantum technologies, AI infrastructures, and supercomputing. He thinks the arrangement will put OpenAI in competition with all the big hardware players in tech, and, perhaps more importantly, reflects an evolutionary step in AI, one that ends up with far more intelligent devices that feel natural to use. I reproduce his analysis below, as it’s far too wide in scope to paraphrase. What does this deal mean for OpenAI? Dekate: “This marks a next phase of evolution for OpenAI. Market trends as indicated by Google at their I/O event yesterday, Meta, and other innovators, are clear: Leadership in AI is not just about building powerful models anymore, it’s about shaping the entire experience around AI. Bringing Jony Ive on board to design AI-native hardware shows that like Google, Meta, and peers, OpenAI is serious about creating devices where the tech and the design work hand in hand. “Until now, Open AI was reliant on its peers and ecosystems in the cloud to diffuse AI into products and experiences. With this acquisition, Open AI, rather than relying on others to bring its models to life, is stepping into the driver’s seat. OpenAI wants to craft the physical touchpoints of AI themselves, devices that feel intuitive and indispensable in everyday experiences. “This acquisition is also a strategic move. With this kind of vertical integration, OpenAI is positioning itself to go head-to-head with the likes of Google, Meta, and Tesla, not just on software, but on how we experience AI in the real world.” How will this impact Apple and its user base? Dekate: “This is an interesting moment for Apple. With Ive, the company’s longtime design visionary, helping build the next generation of AI devices outside of Apple, it could introduce new ways for people to interact with technology, possibly in ways that challenge Apple’s current product thinking. Today’s iPhone experience — and, more broadly speaking, the Apple experience — leaves a lot to be desired. It is expensive, clunky, and feels dated, especially around AI. “Here the lack of AI nativity within Apple is clear and experienceable for most Apple users. Android experiences from Samsung, and Google Pixel offer more AI native infusion in a way Apple doesn’t. For Apple users, it means more options on the horizon. If OpenAI and Ive succeed, we could see the emergence of new layers of abstraction-designed AI devices that rival Apple’s in terms of experience and aesthetics but are more innovative and ready for AI-native era in a way Apple’s current products aren’t. “That said, Apple isn’t standing still. They’re likely to ramp up their own AI integration, maybe even explore new device categories to stay ahead. It’s not a threat to Apple’s ecosystem yet, but it is a reminder that in an AI-native era, yesterday’s leaders may not be always have an advantage if they do not have AI-native cores.” What’s the bigger picture for the industry? Dekate: “This collaboration is part of a broader shift: AI is moving from digital and into the physical world. We’re seeing it with Google’s robotics and XR efforts, Meta’s smart glasses, Tesla’s Optimus, and Nvidia’s AI platforms. OpenAI’s potential move into devices and physical AI is an accelerant. “The future isn’t just smarter software; it’s intelligent devices that feel natural to use. The industry is heading toward AI-first hardware, designed from the ground up for seamless, human-like interaction. And in that world, design matters more than ever. “As AI becomes part of how we live and work, the companies that can make that experience intuitive, elegant, and even joyful, like Ive has done in his past, will lead the way.” You can follow me on social media! Join me on BlueSky,  LinkedIn, and Mastodon.

Credit: Sea to Summit / Bote / Kelty / Mashable Photo Composite Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Learn more about how we select deals. Best REI Anniversary Sale deals Best camping deal REI Base Camp 4 Tent $331.79 (save $142.21) Best water sports deal Bote Wulf Aero inflatable paddle board $475.09 (save $83.91) Memorial Day is just a few days away, which means it's time to think about every amazing outdoor adventure you have planned for summer of 2025. If last year's gear got put away wet and dirty, it's time to consider some upgrades. Instead of doing this the Thursday night before leaving for a weekend adventure on Friday, spend Memorial Day weekend sorting through your gear and deciding what needs a refresh.Coincidentally, the REI Anniversary Sale is on now through May 26 and has thousands of deals that take up to 30% off outdoor gear. Snag a new paddle board, replace the cooler, finally keep in touch with a Garmin inReach, or get a cozier sleeping bag.Plus, if you happen to be an REI member and you see something that's not on sale, use code ANNIV2025 to take 20% off. A lifetime membership to the REI Co-op costs just $30 which means joining to apply to 20% coupon could mean the membership has already paid for itself. Mashable Trend Report: Coming Soon! Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! You May Also Like In terms of what's on sale during the REI Anniversary Sale expect to see 30% off tons of REI Co-op brand gear, 20% off REI bicycles, and up to 25% off tons of camping gear from Nemo, Kelty, Therm-a-Rest and more. Below are some of our favorite deals or you can spend hours browsing the entire sale selection.Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI REI Base Camp 4 Tent $331.79 at REI $474 Save $142.21 Why we like itThe outdoors is a wonderful place to spend sunny weekends but it's no time to skip out on sleeping. You'll want to head out with a cozy sleeping set-up which relies on a functional tent, and that's where the REI Base Camp 4 Tent comes into play. It's part of the brand's Anniversary Sale which means you'll be saving 30% on the tent, scoring it for $331.79 instead of the normal price of $474. Related Stories In terms of function, the Base Camp 4 Tent is ready to sleep you and three friends with its durable materials that are also water repellent. The wide two door means no sleeper is trapped inside and everyone will have easy access for that inevitable 1 a.m. latrine trip. Of course, the pockets and hang loops make camp organization much easier. More camping dealsSea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag (3 pack) — $52.39 $69.95 (save $17.56)GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Base Camper Cookset — $67.39 $89.95 (save $22.56)Kelty Low Loveseat — $97.39 $129.95 (save $32.56)Helinox Chair Zero — $104.89 $139.95 (save $35.06)Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket (two person) — $149.19 $199 (save $49.81)Sea to Summit Traveller 45F Down Sleeping Bag — $149.19 $199 (save $49.81)Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camp Stove — $164.99 $220 (save $55.01)NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P Tent — $374.89 $499.95 (save $125.06)Best water sports deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bote Bote Wulf Aero inflatable paddle board $475.09 at REI $559 Save $83.91 Why we like itYou've tried out the paddle boards from the local rental shop and decided it's a great way to get out on the water, but have you tried your own? Bote makes some impressively designed paddle boards and the Bote Wulf Aero is on sale during the REI Anniversary Sale for $475.09, down from the usual price of $559. At 10 feet 4 inches in length, the Bote Wulf means you can spend the day out on the water instead of on the crowded shoreline and the included travel bag means everything is so much easier to carry to the lake. You'll also get a three-piece adjustable SUP paddle, a hand pump, a coiled leash, and a removeable Aero center fin, and an Aero repair kit.More outdoor gear sales at REINRS Ninja PFD — $119.89 $149.95(save $30.06)Garmin inReach Mini 2 — $299.99 $400 (save $100.01)Cannondale Topstone 3 Bike — $1,119.93 $1,400 (save $280.07)Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c Bike — $1,169.09 $1,299 (save $129.91) Topics Outdoors Lauren Allain Contributor Lauren Allain is a freelance journalist covering deals at Mashable. She graduated from Western Washington University with a B.A. in journalism and holds an M.B.A from Webster Leiden. You can find more of her work online from publications including Reader’s Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Seattle Refined, and more. When she’s not writing, Lauren prefers to be outside hiking, bouldering, swimming, or searching for the perfect location for all three.