A spoon gliding through soft egg yolk, a ray of light shining through a window or the tinkling of a glass in the evening: sometimes it’s not the loud sounds but the quiet moments that linger in the memory. The design hotel K5, designed by Claesson Koivisto Rune, is located in a historic bank building in the heart of Tokyo’s financial district. In addition to rooms, an entrance area and a pop-up space, it also houses three culinary spots that are not just about eating waffles and drinking sake, but about discovering moments that sparkle without being loud.

The cherry blossoms, or Sakura, symbolize the transience and beauty of life in Japan. In 2025, the blooming season in Kyoto has begun earlier than usual, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience this natural spectacle in a special atmosphere. An ideal sanctuary during this time is Genji Kyoto, a boutique hotel that harmoniously blends tradition and modern comfort.

Perfume has its roots in incense, which has been used since the second millennium BC. The Latin word “perfumum” literally means “through smoke,” referring to the method of burning fragrant materials. Incense has long held a mystical allure and served as a sacred connection between the profane and the divine, the visible and the invisible, and as a means of purification for the Egyptian gods.

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.

Located in a tranquil riverside neighborhood at the heart of Kyoto, GENJI Kyoto is a contemporary interpretation of Machiya townhouses, marrying traditional concepts with modern amenities. Inspired by the Japanese masterpiece Tale of Genji, the story of which took place in the vicinity, the hotel’s designers took motifs from the novel to create a wabi sabi world of beauty and harmony.

In March 2025, spring arrives in its most beautiful form—with the launch of the second chapter of the Louis Vuitton × Murakami collection. As a poetic tribute to Japan’s cherry blossom season, the re-edition celebrates its 20th anniversary by reviving Japanese master artist Takashi Murakami’s exquisite Cherry Blossom motif, masterfully applied to over 40 creations.

The world may be in turmoil, but on a small island in the Cyclades, you hardly notice it. Daily life here is so calm that Folegandros feels like a symbol of the good old days. With its rugged cliffs, sparse vegetation, and the endless expanse of the Aegean, the connection to the island’s origins is deeply felt. The Gundari Luxury Resort blends seamlessly into its intimate, timeless, and natural surroundings.

In the 1940s, a small yet influential movement emerged in sunny California: the Nature Boys. Inspired by a return to nature, alternative lifestyles, and philosophical currents from East and West, they lived a way of life that can be seen as the precursor to the hippie movement. Who were these pioneers of mindfulness and self-sufficiency, and what impact did they have on society?