In a world that is spinning faster and faster, many of us are looking for calmness and clarity. “Mindful living” means living consciously in the moment and shows us the path inwards, which is where real peace lies. Religions like Buddhism and Hinduism remind us that happiness can’t be found externally and resides instead in mindfulness and silence.

Sunny dune landscapes, beach chairs, cycling by the bay – when you think of the German Baltic Sea, you probably dream of mild summer holidays. But what does it actually look like here in winter? Especially in the run-up to Christmas, the Baltic Sea shows a very special side. The sea becomes rougher, the play of colours in the sky is more intense and other enchanting natural phenomena delight guests. The SeeHuus Lifestyle Hotel on Timmendorfer Strand is a cosy retreat for a winter stay.

At 2000 metres above sea level, the air is fresh and pure. Ideal for clearing your head, isn’t it? A unique place at this altitude is The Crystal VAYA Unique in Obergurgl in the Ötztal Alps. Is it a coincidence that the wellness area is exactly 2000 square metres in size? Probably. In any case, it offers enough space to achieve mental focus and sharpen the senses.

Mindfulness: no, it’s not just a word for grown-ups. Children can be mindful, too. They might even be better at it than us adults. At the Mia Alpina in the Zillertal, young and old can experience moments that make it easy to stay in the moment: the avid observation of a squirrel as it leaps from tree to tree. The exuberant joy before going down a water slide. The careful stroking of a fluffy rabbit. Or the pleasure of cuddling up to mum or dad to read a book. And from December, there will be even more.

How do you capture the essence of a place? One way to do it is through language. Learning basic words and phrases doesn’t just show respect, it also helps you to understand the people and their region a little better. It’s particularly interesting in South Tyrol, where melodic Italian meets rustic Tyrolean, resulting in as many dialects as there are valleys.

Bathed in the stillness of the morning, I took a conscious walk from the sublime Es Racó d’Artà up Puig des Racó. The cool autumn air, the scent of pine trees mixed with the distant salty hint of the sea and the rustle of leaves under my feet were my constant companions. The stony path required my full attention. I felt my breath, quiet and even, and my steps adapted to the gentle rhythm..

From 23 November 2024, the Palm Springs Art Museum will be showing almost 200 works by this visionary artist in the exhibition ‘David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed’. The show, which runs until 31 March 2025, offers insights into Hockneys quest to capture the world from new perspectives while emphasising his personal identity.

Nestled in the prestigious 16th arrondissement of Paris, the Beauséjour project redefines the aesthetic of traditional medical spaces. This project by Atelier Opale – the interior design studio founded by Alexandra Bouthier and Alice Lefebvre in 2019 – embodies their signature approach: meticulous attention to detail, a masterful interplay of materials, and an ever-present quest for the perfect light. The outcome is a renovation that exudes timeless elegance.

Bharti Kher, one of India’s most prominent contemporary artists, is known for her complex works that explore both intimate and universal themes. Her art spans sculpture, painting, and installation, often featuring a variety of materials and symbols, with the bindi serving as a recurring motif. These symbols represent transformation, identity, and human consciousness, inviting viewers to delve into social layers and cultural topics that provoke deeper reflection.