INSTANT GROTTO-FICATION

'Cause what's more sultry than a steamy grotto in the summer sun? HM? Nothing, obviously.

Below is probably one of my favorite examples: a hidden grotto at the 14th century Villa La Pietra, in Italy.  Look closely, the decor is composed entirely of pebbles and seashells.  I wonder how long this feat of magnificence took to complete...

Below two images: The grotto pool at Deering's Vizcaya, in Miami, Florida.

Below, 18th century Italian elements form the exterior of a small grotto with fountain, at Vizcaya in Miami, Florida.

First image, from Villas and Gardens of Tuscany, by Bajard and Bencini. Images of Vizcaya from Vizcaya: Museum and Gardens, Miami, Florida. Photographer: Steven Brooke.