Snap-together homes: A Belgium-based company, Gablok, has created an innovative do-it-yourself home-building kit inspired by LEGO bricks. The system uses insulated wooden blocks made from compressed wood and resin to form a home's structure, requiring no construction expertise or adhesives. Assembly is simple, involving just a screwdriver, ladder, and clear instructions, with some homes built in under a week. While the kit covers the structural shell, foundations and finishing are additional. The design also allows homeowners to easily expand or reconfigure their living spaces, adding flexibility.
Ancient settlement: Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkably preserved Stone Age village in the Orkney Islands of Scotland that offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. Dating back over 5,000 years, the site was revealed by a powerful storm in 1850 after being buried beneath sand dunes for centuries. Its stone-built dwellings, linked by paved alleys, were ingeniously designed with built-in furniture crafted from local stone due to the absence of trees. The residents relied on cattle, sheep, and shellfish for sustenance and adorned themselves with beads and pendants fashioned from animal bones and teeth. Games using dice suggest a lively community spirit.
Endless waves: In Puerto Malabrigo, Peru, Chicama boasts the world's longest surfable wave, captivating surfers with its unparalleled length and perfection. This famed point break delivers thrilling rides stretching up to 4 km, with five distinct sections, each offering unique challenges and speeds. The wave, sculpted by a perfectly positioned headland, forms under the influence of southern swells and offshore winds. While the ride is exhilarating, the physical demands are immense, and paddling back to the lineup is impractical. Instead, surfers return by boat or come ashore and walk along the beach to get back to the lineup. With its mesmerising rhythm of endless waves, Chicama is a must-visit for those chasing the ultimate surfing experience.
Subterranean serenity: Below the surface of London in England, AIRE Baths London offers an immersive wellness experience infused with history. Built under the former home of Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, this candle-lit spa invites visitors to soak in thermal pools inspired by ancient Greek and Roman rituals. From steaming hot baths to icy plunges, each pool offers a unique sensation, while a salt bath mimics the buoyancy of the Dead Sea. Guests can even indulge in a soak infused with antioxidant-rich wine. Vaulted brick ceilings and dim lighting create a tranquil retreat from the city above. Even Peter Pan himself might have paused his adventures for a soak in these enchanted waters.