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.

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..

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.

Setting goals gives us a sense of direction and purpose, but becoming hyper-fixated on the future can cause us to lose sight of the present. When we’re not grounded in the here and now, it becomes harder to bring these goals to fruition. In this 10-minute meditation, Headspace teacher Kessonga guides you through a Noting technique to help you recognize when your mind has wandered, bringing your attention back to the present moment.

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

Some people collect stamps – others collect special plants. The story of the garden surrounding Seegut Zeppelin begins in 1907, when the former textile manufacturer Gustav Gminder had a villa built on the shores of Lake Constance as a summer retreat. As far as we know, he was not fond of stamps, but exotic trees from all over the world – including a sequoia from California. And because the property has always been in careful hands over the years, we can still admire this diverse stock of trees today. And much more besides. Because the Fennel family is now respectfully continuing this legacy.

The Alentejo region, one of Portugal’s most untouched areas, has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. In particular, the small coastal village of Comporta has become a magnet for travelers seeking the antithesis of mass tourism. Nestled amidst rice fields, pine forests, and endless sandy beaches, a new form of tourism is emerging here—one centered on mindfulness, sustainability, and slow living.

Finland, known for its endless forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged winter landscapes, is home to Halti, a leading outdoor brand that has been crafting high-quality gear for nature lovers and adventurers for decades. With deep respect for nature and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and innovation, Halti has become synonymous with functional and environmentally conscious outdoor clothing.

The south of Tenerife is known for its sunny climate, breathtaking landscapes and a perfect blend of nature and culture. While many visitors head for the famous beaches such as Playa de las Américas and Costa Adeje, the south of the island offers much more – off the beaten track, there are hidden treasures that are deeply rooted in the island’s history and nature.

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.

In the heart of Umbria, surrounded by the untouched nature of central Italy, stands the Eremito Hotel – a place that redefines peace and relaxation in a truly unique way. Marcello Murzilli, the creative mind behind this extraordinary hotel project, speaks with THE Stylemate about his motivations, his philosophy, and why Eremito is a one-of-a-kind retreat for the modern traveler.