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…

Food is a distinct chapter in Sifnos. The island has a great gastronomic tradition; you can taste it in every single bite. There’s no wonder why Nikolaos Tselementes, the Greek cook that changed the course of Greek gastronomy, was born here. While Greece is well-known for its cuisine and most of the travellers are interested in tasting traditional dishes, the food in Sifnos has something unique that differentiates it; maybe it’s the way that humble ingredients transform into an explosion of taste.

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…

Surprising, authentic, with its finger on the pulse – in the Linz boutique BLUMA, artistic ambience and stylish design meet fashionable zeitgeist. In harmony with the constantly changing aesthetics of the boutique – coordinated with the respective collections – Karin Hofecker and her daughter Mila create a unique shopping experience that conveys an inspiring attitude to life…

One villa – five manufactories: the overall interior design concepts and objects of Hering Berlin, Steng Licht, Wood & Washi, Tischlerei Prödl and Lohberger can be experienced directly, for example, in the Villa Hering on Berlin’s Schlachtensee. What all five companies have in common is the holistic approach that forms the core of the manufactories’ philosophy…

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 …

The landmark project directly on Vienna’s Danube Canal impresses with design care and special architecture by INNOCAD. The expressive, monolithic architectural concept with its characteristic form is identity-forming, explained by architect Martin Lesjak. Inside we also took care to create a balance between the urbanity of the capital and nature – with a biophilic series of luminaires. Read more in the interview with Dr. Anastasija Lesjak from 13&9 Design.

Brave, braver, Werner Hauser! The winemaker from Poysdorf, who is already running the family winery in the 13th generation, lives by the motto “Life is fun”. His wines and wine products are also bursting with joie de vivre: from the classic G’Spritzten to a liaison of wine & tonic and even his own perfume (!), everything is included. Now, in addition to the new Poy-Secco Feel Greener, anno1555 also presents a fortified wine in two varieties…