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.

Bhutan, the small kingdom in the Himalayas known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” captivates travelers with its untouched nature, Buddhist culture, and focus on happiness and mindfulness. Bhutan’s unique and highly sustainable tourism policy offers a refreshing alternative to overcrowded, fast-paced holiday spots. But what makes Bhutan a destination for mindful living, and what can visitors learn from a trip to this unique place?

Jay Shetty is many things: a former monk, bestselling author, podcast host and above all a passionate arbiter of wisdom for the modern world, which often seeks direction. His name is synonymous with mindfulness and the art of living, and his message reaches millions of people across the globe. With his unique blend of ancient spiritual traditions and a fresh, contemporary perspective, Jay Shetty has created a new form of mentorship – one that aligns with the hearts and minds of a global community.

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.

PIA KNOESTER, THE VISIONARY BEHIND HELGABAD, SHARES HER JOURNEY FROM THE BEAUTY AND PERSONAL CARE INDUSTRY TO THE CREATION OF A BRAND CENTRED AROUND WATER
AND MINDFULNESS. HELGABAD IS NOT JUST ABOUT PRODUCTS; IT’S ABOUT ENHANCING EVERY-
DAY MOMENTS INTO SOMETHING SACRED. IN THIS INTERVIEW, PIA EXPLORES THE SIGNIFICANCE
OF WATER IN BOTH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING, AND HOW HER PERSONAL EXPERIENCES SHAPED HER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS POWER.

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.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary (2023), the Portuguese winegrowers’ group has created two exceptional wines: a red wine and a tawny port. These special cuvées, each blended from the best barrels of the five wineries, deserved a special presentation. The Linz-based creative agency upart won the tender. Their design for the labels and packaging of the valuable wines has now been honoured with the Austrian State Prize for ‘Smart Packaging 2024’.

Changing behavior can be one of the greatest challenges for humans, even when negative consequences affect our own well-being or that of others. From unhealthy eating habits to recurring emotional reactions, breaking away from unhealthy patterns is difficult. Insights from recent psychology and neuroscience research, along with wisdom from spiritual teachings, shed light on why we remain trapped in certain habits and offer strategies to help us break free.

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.

In recent years, Mexiko has emerged as a hotspot for innovative and luxurious fashion. Known for its vibrant traditions and craftsmanship, the country is producing an increasing number of high-end fashion labels that are making waves internationally. The blend of cultural richness, artisanal excellence, and modern design makes Mexican fashion distinct and unique. But why are so many exciting fashion labels coming from Mexico? The answer lies in the fusion of tradition and modernity, the heritage of indigenous craftsmanship, and a growing global platform for Latin American designers.

The magical effect of the full moon is hard to ignore, don’t you think? I mean, it can move the sea, cause wolves to howl, make dreams more vivid, enhance creativity and bring hidden feelings to the surface. It can also transport you to a different world, like it does at the La Valise San Miguel de Allende hotel in Mexico, where a door shaped like a full moon leads to a secret internal courtyard.