It’s called slow food and yet the food at Villa Arnica is served very quickly. If you want, you can even choose your own ingredients in the natural garden. A glance over the garden fence is all it takes. Or you can take a few more steps into the 3,000 square metre Arnica field. The sun is shining. The first lettuces are poking their heads out of the soil. There is a delicate scent. The gardening season begins.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, surrounded by cypress trees and olive groves, lies Villa Giuncheto – a sanctuary of tranquility and inspiration. Here, the Clayground Retreat takes place, offering a unique experience that blends art, mindfulness, and nature. Artists Anna Riess and Fira Rietveld have developed a concept that unites the creative process with a deep connection to the earth. The goal is not to create a perfect piece of art, but to fully experience the moment – with hands, heart, and all the senses.

In a world full of contrasts, rapid change, and constant movement, we seek something that remains—a connection that ties everything together. THE Stylemate Issue No. 01 | 2025 is titled “The Invisible Thread” and explores these unseen links between people, cultures, and ideas. How are we all interwoven? Which places and experiences reveal deeper connections?

In the heart of Faro’s historic old town, The Ashana is set to become an extraordinary retreat for discerning travelers. Carefully restored from a 16th-century building, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary luxury, offering an exclusive experience for guests who appreciate individuality, design, and exceptional service. With only 29 rooms, a hidden garden, and tailor-made experiences, The Ashana is redefining boutique hospitality on the Algarve.

Was braucht es, um zu wachsen? Hindernisse vielleicht. Fehler. Angst – und ganz bestimmt auch Mut. Aber vor allem eines: Stille. Und ein paar tiefe Atemzüge. Am besten an einem Ort, an dem Stille laut sein darf, getragen von sanfter Musik und liebevollen Stimmen. Ein solcher Ort sind die Arise Body & Mind Studios der Alto Hotel Group in Lana und Bozen in Südtirol.

In einer Zeit zunehmender Unruhen in der Welt erweist sich Musik als kraftvolles Mittel für Heilung, Verbindung und Transformation. Das Video zeigt, wie die True Source Band – eine Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Mönchen des Plum Village und 77 Productions – das Erbe von Zen-Meister Thích Nhất Hạnh fortführt, indem sie Musik als Medium für Achtsamkeit und emotionale Ausdruckskraft nutzt.