First Enchantment The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature gets an official reveal trailer confirming that fairies are so back As promised, Maxis has dropped the first trailer for the next major expansion to The Sims 4, coming this July. Image credit: EA / Maxis News by Sherif Saed Contributing Editor Additional contributions by Rebecca Jones Published on June 12, 2025 Our first look at Enchanted by Nature, the new expansion coming to The Sims 4 next month, has officially arrived. Maxis and EA previously confirmed that the first trailer would be dropping today, before we get a deep look at gameplay on June 26. This is the game’s first major expansion since Businesses & Hobbies arrived in March, and as the name suggests, adds nature-inspired content. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The major reveal, of course, is the long-anticipated return of fairies to The Sims, and it looks as though plenty of notes have been taken from their extremely well-received debut as a playable occult type back in The Sims 3. We all kind of saw that one coming though, since EA are surely too canny to blatantly tease Simmers with a popular returning feature only to pull the rug out. More unexpectedly, it seems that your Sims will soon be able to reject indoor life entirely by foraging for their meals, wild bathing, and sleeping out under the stars. All fun and games until they run afoul of one of several new and interesting ailments being introduced in the pack; fortunately, treating said ailments with traditional remedies also seems to have a big role to play as part of the new Apothecary... crafting type? Skill? Career? We'll surely find out more in that gameplay trailer, due out later this month. All of this takes place the new world of Innisgreen, which is partially inspired by Ireland, but only if you squint through a heavy layer of folklore and fantasy theming. It's definitely more Hobbiton than 21st century hometown for the most part, unless our Irish cousins have started living in whimsical treehouses and neglected to tell us; although one neighbourhood does seem to be based on the more down-to-earth setting of Cobh, County Cork — home of the famous "Deck of Cards" painted houses. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Enchanted by Nature is part of a larger nature-themed season for The Sims 4. Though the expansion itself doesn’t arrive until July 10, the limited-time event, Nature’s Calling, kicks off June 24 to set the scene for what’s to come. Then, on July 1, the game’s next update will arrive, bringing with it more nature-themed skins and other customisation options. This is all part of The Sims 4’s June-August roadmap, which developer Maxis outlined just last week. The roadmap also revealed another major update is scheduled for August 19, itself adding even more customisation options to the game. Next up, of course, is the proper Enchanted by Nature gameplay reveal, which takes place just two weeks from now, on Thursday, June 26.

The Krusty Burger is a health inspector's nightmare, responsible for spawning the Krusty Burger, the Ribwich, The Clogger, and the Steamed Ham (per Principal Skinner). It comes with seven minifigures, including Krusty the Clown, Sideshow Bob, Homer Simpson, and Officer Lou. You can purchase it for $209.99 on June 4, although LEGO Insiders can order the set via Early Access beginning on June 1. You can sign up for free here.LEGO The Simpsons: Krusty BurgerOut June 1 for LEGO Insiders, and June 4 for everyone else.$209.99 at LEGO StoreTo learn more about the set and its creation, we interviewed its designer. Ann Healy is a 39-year-old Senior Model Designer who's worked with the LEGO Group for the past six years. Here, lightly edited for clarity, are her thoughts on creating LEGO The Simpsons: Krusty Burger, the first new LEGO Simpsons set in nearly a decade. What other LEGO sets have you had a hand in designing over the past six years? Healy: I worked for three years on the LEGO Friends line. A few years ago, I got the opportunity to work on a Disney favorite of mine: The Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage set from Hocus Pocus. That project took years in the making to come to market, and I’m quite proud of it. More recently, I have been working on the LEGO Icons team. From last year’s products, I designed the McLaren MP4/4 & Ayrton Senna set and the Poinsettia LEGO Botanicals set.What drove the decision to revive the Simpsons brand after such a long hiatus? Healy: We saw that even after a 10-year stretch since a new Simpsons set, there was still a lot of love for The Simpsons amongst LEGO fans. Our market research showed that there is huge brand loyalty for The Simpsons, appealing to people globally. Designing the Krusty Burger in LEGO brick form serves as a natural continuation of our Simpsons line and gives us the opportunity to make new, never-before-seen LEGO minifigures.LEGO designers often build in their free time, working towards builds that they hope will one day become sets.“Coincidentally, the original Simpsons House and Kwik-E-Mart LEGO sets were some of the last sets I purchased before I knew I would be coming to work at The LEGO Group. In my first week working here, I found an early prototype of the Krusty Burger set on a shelf in our office. For context, LEGO designers often build in their free time, working towards builds that they hope will one day become sets. It gave me hope that someday, I might get the chance to work on something like that. Five years later, to my surprise, our Head of Marketing pulled that same prototype off the shelf and said it was time to revisit The Simpsons! I volunteered right away as a lifelong fan of the Simpsons. I couldn’t believe my luck!Describe the process of designing and building this set as best you can. How many times did you have to build the entire model in the course of finalizing it?Healy: I started with refining and updating the old prototype, figuring out the general layout and developing a building-instruction flow. I worked digitally first, then built the model physically. From there, I would go back and forth between digital and physical, seeing if the model would work with real bricks. We have design team check-ins where I showed progress on the model and got suggestions from our Creative Lead and the other model designers. I had several check-ins with the IP partner, where I would show them the latest updates and they could give feedback on the model and mini figures. I also had internal review meetings with our Model Governance and Building Experience teams, where we build the model, review every construction step, evaluate the play experience and test the strength of the model.I did not keep track of every time I rebuilt the model, but I would estimate at least 20 times. The last time I built the Krusty Burger set was when the first production boxes arrived from the factory. I built it one last time for quality assurance!Krusty Burger isn't a fully realized location in the show in the same way that Moe's Tavern is, or the Kwik-E Mart is, or the Simpsons’ house is. Which TV episodes did you use to map out the Krusty Burger and determine how it's set up? Healy: Disney was a great partner in sending us reference images and layouts when available. Also, I watched as many episodes of The Simpsons as possible, so I could translate the TV animation into a real, physical, toy playset. Season 20, Episode 21, “Coming to Homerica,” is the episode we used the most in reference, because it features the Mother Nature Burger that we reference several times in this LEGO set. The “Ribwich” from Season 14, Episode 12, “I'm Spelling as Fast as I Can,” is also featured. Other referenced episodes of note include: Season 6, Episode 15, “Homie the Clown” – Homer performs at a Krusty Burger Season 12, Episode 13, “Day of the Jackanapes” – Bart and Sideshow Bob go to the Krusty Burger. Season 10, Episode 1, Lard of the Dance” – Homer tries to sell grease from the restaurant.Season 7, Episode 15, “Bart the Fink” – Features the IRS Burger takeover.Season 19, Episode 1, “He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs” – Homer hides in the Krusty Zone ball pit. Season 15, Episode 10, “Diatribe of a Mad Housewife” – Shows the Krusty Burger drive thru sign. Season 21, Episode 4, "Treehouse of Horror XX" – Features the Krusty Burger in “Don't Have a Cow, Mankind.”What's your favorite deep cut Easter Egg in the build? Healy: Above the Krusty Burger drive-thru window, there is a kitchen display screen, showing that someone has placed an order for 700 burgers. This is a reference to the Season 5 episode “Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood,” in which Krusty has unwisely opened a Krusty Burger oil rig in the middle of the sea.What was the most challenging aspect of designing this build? How were you able to overcome it? Healy: The most rewarding challenge of designing this set was building the Krusty Burger Sign with LEGO bricks. The IP partner paid a lot of attention to the proportions of Krusty’s face within the sign, giving us reference material and tips on how to best capture his likeness. We even got hand-drawn doodles of the Krusty the Clown from them! One of my model-designer colleagues used to work as an illustrator and used his skills to capture Krusty’s features in brick-form even more accurately. In addition, it was challenging to get the heavy Krusty Burger sign to stand up and remain stable on a single axle. Our Element Lead on the design project suggested we use a new element she was developing, an axle sleeve, to increase the weight the rod could hold upright. This new element did the trick.The most rewarding challenge of designing this set was building the Krusty Burger Sign with LEGO bricks.“Is this a one-off revival of the Simpsons brand? Or is this the beginning of a longer partnership, where we can expect to see more LEGO Simpsons themed sets in the near future?Healy: I cannot speculate on future products, per the LEGO Group’s and our partners' policies. Nonetheless, as a huge Simpsons fan myself, I am hopeful that fans have a positive response to this set!LEGO The Simpsons: Krusty Burger, Set #10352, retails for $209.99, and it is composed of 1635 pieces. You can purchase it on June 4 for the general public, or starting on June 1 for LEGO Insiders. You can sign up for LEGO Insiders for free here. And stay tuned! We will be building, photographing, and reviewing LEGO Krusty Burger later this month,Kevin Wong is a contributing freelancer for IGN, specializing in LEGO. He's also been published in Complex, Engadget, Gamespot, Kotaku, and more. Follow him on Twitter at @kevinjameswong.

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

Perks: Hot tub, mountain view, swimmable pondThe Catskill Mountains are known for having a plethora of intimate, rustic lodgings, and the Willow Treehouse doesn’t disappoint. The modern build of the tree house was designed by Antony Gibbon and built by William Johnson. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room and bedroom overlook the woods and the swimmable pond. Plus there’s a full kitchen with a modern aesthetic, if your travel crew likes to prep at home. Don’t forget to soak in the wood-burning hot tub. From $456 per night.BOOK NOWCozy TreehouseLocation: Sanbornton, New HampshirePerks: Shared beach access, snowmobile trails, grillThe Cozy Treehouse, planted 12 feet in the air inside New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, is made from a mixture of reclaimed materials, and features plumbing, heating, a full bathroom, and a kitchenette with a medium-size fridge. Get back to nature by firing up the outdoor grill while relaxing in some Adirondack chairs. Plus, if the outside world beckons during your getaway, there’s Wi-Fi available in this unique tree house. From $418 per night.BOOK NOWRyders TreehouseLocation: Baird, TexasPerks: Screened-in porch, waterfront location, fireplaceIf you’re looking for a vacation rental in the Lone Star state, consider a trip to Baird, where the Ryders Treehouse instantly captivates with an outdoor spiral staircase that leads up to a plush bedroom and well-stocked screened kitchen. The outdoor offerings are just as cozy in this two-story tree house: Relax in the hammock or on the porch swing that hangs from the sturdy branch of one of the many live oak trees that surround the property. From $474 per night.BOOK NOWTreefLoft at Base CampLocation: Perryville, MissouriPerks: Deck, rain shower, bathtubFor a design-focused treehouse experience, consider TreeLoft at BaseCamp. A skylight just above the king-size bed allows for nocturnal sky gazing with a remote solar shade to keep you sleeping in the wee morning hours. There’s a rain shower for two in the walk-through bathroom, a relaxing soaking tub, and plush robes for your comfort. The kitchen offers an indoor-outdoor coffee bar and tiny appliances for all your cooking needs. Outside you’ll find a hot tub placed next to towering, eastern, red cedar trees with a privacy fence, a separate deck for grilling or nesting in the trees, and a firepit below with ambient lighting for s’mores or storytelling to make this a one-of-a-kind experience. From $587 per night.BOOK NOWHeartland TreehouseLocation: Langlois, OregonPerks: Outdoor tubs, sauna, outdoor kitchenIf your idea of relaxation is spending time in the great outdoors soaking in a tub, then the Heartland Treehouse, in Oregon, is your spot. The wooden deck is outfitted with white side-by-side tubs with an elegant candelabra in the middle. The outside is just as cozy as the inside, as the treehouse has built-in benches and a firepit in the middle for ultimate woodsy vibes. From $228 per night.BOOK NOWLuxury Treehouse with Views of the SierrasLocation: Visalia, CaliforniaPerks: Mountain view, shared outdoor pool, barbequeFor a modern, design-forward tree house experience, look no further than this luxury treehouse with views of the Sierra, resting just steps away from a 300-acre almond farm. The treehouse bedroom has a beautiful wooden bed frame with a Casper mattress and a cozy fireplace for cool evenings. Take nature walks around the area that could lead to chance encounters with opossums, red-tailed hawks, owls, and red foxes. From $268 per night.BOOK NOWThe Sanctuary TreehouseLocation: Cobb, Califonia

At a time when digital convenience often overshadows physical spaces, the newly opened Yellamundie Library in Western Sydney proves they’re not going out of style; they’re just getting smarter. Designed by fjcstudio as part of the Liverpool Civic Place development in Sydney, this striking new library isn’t just a place to read, it’s a place to gather, grow, and imagine. Serving one of the most rapidly developing and culturally diverse regions in Australia, Yellamundie is a civic space built for now and built for what’s next. Walk by Yellamundie and you’ll immediately know something is different. Its oval form and round windows break away from the rigid geometry of the surrounding urban blocks. This building curves like the nearby Georges River it’s inspired by, creating a gentle pull for people to step inside. Designer: fjcstudio The building is transparent from all sides, offering an open invitation to the community. It doesn’t just hide books behind walls; it puts activity on display, showing people reading, collaborating, and exploring inside. At night, the library glows like a lantern, a literal and symbolic beacon in the heart of the city. Beneath the sleek exterior lies a deeply thoughtful and flexible interior. The building spans 5,000 square metres, space made possible by nestling part of it below ground, beneath the public plaza. The subterranean level is flooded with natural light, thanks to skylights and a lush, biophilic courtyard, creating a quiet zone for exhibitions, reading, and study. On the ground and upper levels, the space transforms into something much more dynamic: study zones, maker spaces, digital labs, and adaptable event areas. All shelving is mobile, allowing the entire layout to shift based on programming or future needs. Importantly, Yellamundie isn’t a one-size-fits-all building, it’s been carefully designed for a community that spans cultures, generations, and needs. There are multilingual collections, heritage research spaces, and community-led programs. There are job-readiness workshops, homework help sessions, and Create Spaces for digital learning. It’s a place where people don’t just consume knowledge, they create it. One of the most joyful aspects of the library is its celebration of youth. The entire top floor is reserved for young people, giving them ownership of a safe, vibrant space. There are areas for group study, hangouts, and playful nooks like the wildly popular “king of the castle” treehouse lounges. A circular stage for storytime doubles as a passive play zone, reminding us that learning doesn’t always need to be structured. From the hammock-like window perches to the quiet corners designed for retreat, the building gives kids and teens room to breathe, grow, and dream. This isn’t just a beautiful building, it’s a smart one. A green roof, high-performance façade, and passive design strategies help keep the building energy-efficient and comfortable year-round. Outside, the building is wrapped by a timber-decked garden, shaded by mature eucalypts and lined with sunken courtyards for informal gatherings. The architecture seamlessly connects with the public realm, weaving the library into the life of the plaza and surrounding streets. It’s not just a building you enter, it’s a place you move through, linger in, and return to. At its core, Yellamundie is more than a library, it’s an answer to a bigger question: What does a city give its people when it wants them to thrive? In a region marked by rapid growth and socio-economic disparity, Yellamundie offers more than resources. It offers possibility, a place where someone can learn a new skill, start a business idea, help their child with homework, or simply find peace in a busy world. The post Inside Sydney’s Latest Library That Turns Public Space Into Living Architecture first appeared on Yanko Design.

Tucked into the wooded hills of Hungary’s Dunabogdány village, Console House by Hello Wood offers a peaceful retreat above the Danube Bend. This minimalist getaway is designed to blend quietly with its natural setting, embodying the Japanese-inspired approach of simplicity and respect for the landscape. The house is elevated on slim stilts, creating the impression that it hovers gently above the forest floor. This smart design leaves the land mostly untouched, letting rainwater flow and wildlife roam freely underneath. Console House’s position, hidden among the trees, provides calming views of the green valley below, making it an ideal spot for quiet reflection or relaxation. Designer: Hello Wood Hello Wood, known for its thoughtful use of timber, uses clean lines and natural materials throughout the home. Large windows invite daylight into the interiors, establishing a strong link to the outdoors while maintaining privacy. There’s a clear focus on uncluttered space and functional design, allowing residents to enjoy the essentials without distraction. Console House makes an impression not with bold statements, but with its careful attention to detail and harmony with the environment. It’s a modern escape that prioritizes serenity, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature—an ideal retreat for those seeking simplicity and calm. Console House balances subtlety with boldness in its design. Its star feature is a long, cantilevered roof that defines the house’s silhouette and gives it a distinct identity. This overhang shelters a generous 291-square-foot terrace, nearly matching the size of the indoor living space. The terrace acts as an extension of the home, seamlessly connecting the interior with the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling glass opens up the living area to the landscape, allowing natural light to fill the space and offering uninterrupted views. Mornings on the terrace are quiet and restorative, with mist from the Danube rising in the distance. This thoughtful design blurs the line between inside and outside, encouraging residents to enjoy the changing scenery and fresh air throughout the day. Console House showcases how careful architectural choices can create a peaceful, immersive living experience rooted in its surroundings. Console House reflects a deep commitment to environmental responsibility in both its materials and construction. Hello Wood used cross-laminated timber and laminated beams for the structure, ensuring strength while minimizing environmental impact. Instead of a traditional concrete foundation, the house rests on eco-friendly screw piles, significantly reducing the footprint and allowing for swift assembly—the main frame was completed in just over a day. The exterior is finished with charred timber using the Japanese shou sugi ban technique, which gives the cladding a rich, black texture and protects the wood naturally. This finish blends the house into the forest and adds a tactile depth to its appearance. From a distance, Console House almost floats among the branches like a modern treehouse, while up close, the careful craftsmanship is clear in every detail. Designed for year-round comfort, it offers a mindful, modern retreat in nature. The post Japanese-Inspired Treehouse Blends Minimalism & Eco-Friendly Design In Hungary’s Wooded Hills first appeared on Yanko Design.

93FT has created the playful interiors of Starwood Hotels’ second UK branch of its Treehouse brand. With chalk boards, patchwork quilts and tree stump furniture, the hotel leans into childhood nostalgia and creative freedom. Aimed at 25 to 45-year-olds, this Treehouse Hotel is housed in a 1970s concrete building in Manchester’s city centre. It started life as an office block, but more recently operated as a Renaissance Hotel. The building started life as an office block This iteration was designed by Sheffield-based 93FT in collaboration with Starwood Hotels’ international design team. “Throughout the project we have followed our brand ethos of ‘carefreedom’ whereby we want to transport guests back to a time when they were children, more carefree and able to explore their world creatively,” says Neil Andrew, Starwood’s vice president, design – EMEA. 93FT co-founder Nick Clark echoes this sentiment. “Treehouses are about escaping. They’re about a sense of nostalgia, and feeling young again.” This extends to every design detail – Barry Sternlicht, the hotel group’s founder wanted these hotels to feel like “a kid had made them,” says Amber Addison, 93FT senior interior designer. The team worked to strike a careful balance and meet health & safety standards The challenge was to make this playful environment also be commercial, comfortable and meet health and safety standards, she explains. And aesthetically, the team had to strike a balance between the designs looking not too ramshackle, but not too polished either. The agency brought in a mishmash of vintage items from different sources including salvage company Retrouvious, plus reclaimed building materials and a variety of fabrics, to capture that spontaneity of children’s creativity. Glass Onion created bespoke cushion covers for all 224 bedrooms, using denim off-cuts For example, vintage clothing business, Glass Onion, which has a store in Sheffield, made cushion covers from denim off-cuts for each of the 224 bedrooms. “A treehouse can be made of things that your mum doesn’t want in the lounge anymore,” Addison says. Hence in the restaurant, Pip, there are eclectic lampshades, and one wall is filled with shelves of rainbow glass bottles of different shapes and sizes, which are intended to conjure up the intuitive collecting habits of children. Meanwhile, the bedrooms are furnished with individually made patchwork quilts, asymmetrical door handles, handmade furniture and larch cladding. Chalkboards lean into childhood nostalgia and creative freedom In the entrance, a mix of reclaimed and handmade windows make up the lobby walls. And some of the chairs are made from tree stumps, with old tool handles embedded in them to form a back rest. This sourcing came easily to 93FT, which brought in 1,400 items for its redesign of London’s Pilgrim Hotel. Other playful elements include chalkboards, which guests are inviting to doodle on, or they can carve their name on small pieces of wood, which are then hung in the lift lobby as an alternative guestbook. The agency initially came up with some strong ideas to bring the treehouse concept to life. “We loved the idea of a treehouse in a Treehouse,” Clark says. “We were going to cut some big shapes into the floorplates, and add a big tree with a treehouse at the top.” Another idea was to have a big swing in the entrance, but neither of these ideas turned out to be feasible. Existing columns are clad in timber, to give them a tree-like appearance They were able to install a big artificial tree clad in real bark, which reaches up through the ceiling of the dark, lower-ground reception. Also on this level, the timber walkway is bathed in dappled light in reference to a forest floor. The effect was created by cutting out organic shapes in the ceiling and carefully placing lighting there. A second tree made of reclaimed timber stands on the mezzanine with a bench at its base. For phase two of the build, 93FT is designing a presidential suite, and Blacksheep in London is designing a rooftop bar. In the UK, Manchester Treehouse follows on from Treehouse London in Marylebone designed by Birmingham agency Keane. It is also a transformation of an existing hotel, and that outpost has city-specific elements including Paddington Bear references and London-centric souvenirs. Further Treehouse locations in the works include Brickell in Miami by Rockwell Group; Riyadh in Saudi Arabia by Blacksheep; and Adelaide in Australia by Woods Bagot. The glass bottles are intended to conjure up the intuitive collecting habits of children The bar area features an eclectic mix of light fittings, adding character and visual interest to the space