The word “nagomi” sounds mysterious and promising: is it the name of a Central African desert? Are the Nagomi an indigenous Amazonian tribe? Or is it the name of a newly opened celebrity restaurant in Kensington? None of these things are nagomi – or maybe somehow they are, as the three melodious syllables represent the Japanese art of achieving harmony and balance in life by incorporating opposites and conflict…

Right on the slopes of Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, you’ll find the historic estate of Monaci delle Terre Nere and its own vineyards. Full of extraordinary charm and natural beauty, this spot was originally chosen by the monks of St Anne’s order in the 17th century. Terraces were built for the cultivation of vines given the area’s propensity for wine, which today is part of the Etna DOC area. We met with Marco Torrisi, Monaci’s very own sommelier, to ask him three very important questions about wine…

What is the right way to live? Everyone wants to be a King – balanced, calm and relaxed. But is that possible? The world is full of mice that gnaw at roots and toads that block the water to fountains. Our society is based on performance, so anyone that doesn’t work has no value. On top of that, there’s the irritating temptation of the world of commodities. But you don’t have to own everything in order to be considered successful or happy. If a fairy godmother were to appear and offer to grant three wishes, very few people would be able to decide which ones. Then there’s the constant angst-inducing news reports: coronavirus, war, climate change. Life is not easy. How much energy is expended just to find the best energy provider alone?

Ken Mogi knows what makes people happy. Following his world best-selling book The Little Book of Ikigai, the Tokyo-based author has now written another entitled The Way of Nagomi about the Japanese path to harmony and zest for life. During our interview, the rock star among neuroscientists revealed why now’s the time to move over to the Far East lifestyle, how we could ensure greater well-being in everyday life and what he himself gains from balance…

Spectacular architecture coupled with sustainable building is usually at home in urban settings. But Norway’s towering mountains are now the backdrop for contemporary architecture that is a welcome retreat after a long hike. Tungestølen is found on a plateau at the foot of Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s highest mainland glacier. These mountain cabins have far more to offer than the usual food and lodgings with a dormitory full of mattresses. And so it is no coincidence that the project was designed by Snøhetta, one of the world’s most prestigious architectural firms. Their client was Luster Turlag, a local branch of the Norwegian National Trekking Association.

Maslina Resort, Croatia’s very first mindful luxury property, is delighted that Stari Grad has been named as one of the three top Croatian destinations in the category of ‘Best Sustainable Tourism Destinations – Innovative and Smart Destinations’. The city of Stari Grad is dedicated to protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and improving the quality of life in the local community – a philosophy that Maslina Resort has held since it opened in the summer of 2020 …