Plush banquettes and custom-made chairs and tables sit at reasonable intervals on the Copacabana-style carpet, which sprouts lush, tropical palms.

"These will follow an Asian tropical landscaping design, where areas will be predominantly planted with tropical palms," said Magtibay.

He traveled the world collecting plants and killed plenty of tropical palms, trying to see what would grow where it wasn't supposed to.

It is warm enough for coconut palms and other tropical palms to grow, although they may not fruit properly due to the lack of heat.

There were rolling hills, lush valleys, woodlands and lakes with the tropical palms, banana trees, sheer, white beaches and the sea's palette of color.

Classrooms are cool and comfortable and are surrounded by tropical palms and foliage.

The sculptures are displayed in the house, studio and gardens, which feature over 300 species of tropical palms.

Or lolling in a hammock strung up 'twixt a pair of tropical palms?

The Yacht club has fine examples of tropical palms and plants, which stretch round the coast on the Promenade du Clair de Lune.

The village has fine examples of tropical palms and plants, along the streets, making strolls very enjoyable.