Bacalar – as enchanting as the word sounds, as magical is the Mexican place that bears this name. In the untouched nature of the lagoon town, the colours blue and green take on a whole new dimension, not only pleasing to the eye but also touching the soul. How do you build a resort here? With a lot of mindfulness. The Boca de Agua shows how. It blends in so seamlessly that you could be forgiven for thinking it was part of the ecosystem.

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.

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.

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.

Recent studies have shown in test series how museum experiences can significantly increase mental well-being. The Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy estimates that around 30% of the population will struggle with psychological symptoms at some point in their lives, and more than half of Austria’s young people already suffer from depression. Immersive experiences allow people to discover their inner child and take their creativity to a whole new level, giving both mind and body a break from everyday worries

Forest bathing, or “Shinrin Yoku” in Japanese, literally means “taking a bath in the atmosphere of the forest.” This nature therapy originated in Japan in the 1980s as a way to combat the rising stress levels of urban populations. It doesn’t involve actual bathing, but rather immersing oneself in the forest and fully experiencing the surroundings with all the senses.

Jiddu Krishnamurti (1895-1986) was an Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher whose teachings were very different from traditional religious or esoteric approaches. Throughout his life, he urged people to pursue the search for truth independently of institutions, gurus or dogmas. He believed that true change could not be achieved through external influences, but through inner understanding and radical introspection.

Thich Nhat Hanh was one of the most influential Buddhist teachers of our time. As a peace activist and founder of “engaged Buddhism,” he not only left a significant mark on the Vietnam War but also introduced the practice of mindfulness to the West. His teachings have greatly shaped the modern Mindful Living movement, which is gaining increasing importance in our fast-paced world.

Eckhart Tolle addresses the most effective spiritual practice for daily life, emphasizing the power of observing one’s breath. By shifting attention from the mind to the body through breath awareness, one can foster a deeper connection to their inner energy field. Eckhart Tolle explains how this practice can lead to a sense of aliveness and presence that transcends the physical body.

If you feel good, you can slow down. How do you succeed in feeling good? The Hotel Schwarzschmied has a lot to offer here, but one thing above all: a holistic wellness concept that is more than just the sum of yoga sessions and spa treatments. It is a feeling. The feeling of letting go, slowing down and finding yourself.