In late 2011, design-forward Radisson Blu, with several popular hotels in Europe, opened its first US property, the 334-room Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on the first 18 floors of the famously wavy 86-story Aqua Building, designed by acclaimed architect Jean Gang.

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In the hotel's Aqua Palace, pools come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, including marble and the prized hinoki wood that adds a special scent to the bathing experience.

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Not to be outdone, Jose Rogelio Arias, Tourism Minister under former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, has conceived Aqua Resort Panama 2000, which includes a subsea hotel that promises guests the first commercial experience of living, sleeping, eating and being entertained in an underwater environment.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Travel Watch