And we're back! A season of living vicariously through images returns and we beging with an escape to the secluded luxury of the Y hotel photographed by talented architectural photographer, Jonathan Leijonhufvud.

The hotel isnestled in the heart of Nanxia Mountain's Jiyang District in the picturesque city of Sanya. Known for its breathtaking sea views, Sanya offers a unique and exclusive experience for discerning travelers in search of a tranquil and rejuvenating vacation.

The Y hotel provides a haven of peace and seclusion, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city. Guests will find solace in the secluded residential setting, allowing them to truly relax and unwind.

The landscape design of the Y hotel has been meticulously crafted to reflect the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious balance between the built and natural environment — adopting the concept of "simple but spiritual", the hotel offers a tranquil atmosphere that soothes the soul and provides a haven of peace and quiet.

How's that for a start?

Lead Architect: Li Hui
Photgraphy: Jonathan Leijonhufvud

A slightly random selection for you this week (although is anything ever really random?). I don't mean to get overly philosophical about the simple act of curating a couple of images... but don't you ever get so drawn into a photo that you think to yourself "Oh wow!"… well, that's how I often feel while scrolling through Pinterest. You work your thumb, looking at hundreds of images which are beautiful in their own right – but then suddenly you come across one, which for no apparent reason, arrests your attention like no other.

© hover over images for credits

Yesterday I published a post about the beautiful hidden villages in Formentera, by GCA Architects. The photographer for that project is the oh-so-talented Salva Lopéz. Salva is an award-winning Spanish Photographer based in Barcelona. He has worked for several noted magazines and agencies such as Monocle, The Wall Street Journal, Kinfolk and Freude von Freuden, among others.

Salva's work has a distinctive and evocative style. It is filled with nostalgia and it draws the viewer in to lose themselves in the details of each image. Each image a beautifully told, living story.

His latest project, "From The Darkness", for Open House magazine is exactly that - a magically told story by a wonderfully creative Photographer.

Creative Direction by Marcelo Martinez & Andrew Trotter · Styling by Jaume Vidiella · Hair & Makeup by Xisca Heba
Models: Kayako Higuchi & Ronnie Made from Trend Models · Location: Palau de Casavells

The sphere is a fascinating form. Consider the Earth, our eyes and the perfect pearl. Or symbolic spheres, like our circle of friends and family. Even the womb, where we first experienced a close sense of contact. On a philosophical level, many have questioned the sphere and its significance. Dating back to Plato, the origins of humans were described in mythical terms as spherical entities, with men as descendants from the sun, women from the earth and the third sex from the moon. In Greek Mythology, Zeus is said to have split each of them in two, creating an urge in all of us to find our other half for a sense of wholeness.

Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

Close Contact is a photography exhibition that resulted from the fabulous collaboration between Kinfolk the genius Norm Architects and Sørensen Leather. The exhibition hosts ten limited-edition photographs–and the majestic leather spheres used in the making of each image.

The images highlight the contrasts and the connections between geometrics and anthropomorphic shapes–the human form–making a connection between the leather and human skin.

Leather, a universally used material–transformed into a sphere–poignantly delivers the message that we humans are connected.

The exhibition is displayed in a highly subdued and tactile way–very characteristic of the elegance of all three of the collaborators. The immaculate taste of Norm Architects is indisputable; Architecture, design or photography–they do it all... and they do it well.

All works are for sale and the exhibit is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10:00-16:00 until October 31st at Amagertorv 14, first floor. For more details you are welcome to contact press@kinfolk.com.

Photography © Pauliina Salonen Pauliina Salonen is a brilliant Finnish Photographer. The beautiful images above are part of her work for Wilma Kalusse and Asun Magazine in collaboration with the great Stylist Pia Kalliomäki from Studio Kalliomäki who is also based in Finland. Pauliina's work has been allover the Minimalism world — The quality of her work and her brilliant collaborations have given her the recognition she clearly deserves. Visit her website for more.