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.

Sunny dune landscapes, beach chairs, cycling by the bay – when you think of the German Baltic Sea, you probably dream of mild summer holidays. But what does it actually look like here in winter? Especially in the run-up to Christmas, the Baltic Sea shows a very special side. The sea becomes rougher, the play of colours in the sky is more intense and other enchanting natural phenomena delight guests. The SeeHuus Lifestyle Hotel on Timmendorfer Strand is a cosy retreat for a winter stay.

At 2000 metres above sea level, the air is fresh and pure. Ideal for clearing your head, isn’t it? A unique place at this altitude is The Crystal VAYA Unique in Obergurgl in the Ötztal Alps. Is it a coincidence that the wellness area is exactly 2000 square metres in size? Probably. In any case, it offers enough space to achieve mental focus and sharpen the senses.

Bhutan, the small kingdom in the Himalayas known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” captivates travelers with its untouched nature, Buddhist culture, and focus on happiness and mindfulness. Bhutan’s unique and highly sustainable tourism policy offers a refreshing alternative to overcrowded, fast-paced holiday spots. But what makes Bhutan a destination for mindful living, and what can visitors learn from a trip to this unique place?

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.

Mindfulness: no, it’s not just a word for grown-ups. Children can be mindful, too. They might even be better at it than us adults. At the Mia Alpina in the Zillertal, young and old can experience moments that make it easy to stay in the moment: the avid observation of a squirrel as it leaps from tree to tree. The exuberant joy before going down a water slide. The careful stroking of a fluffy rabbit. Or the pleasure of cuddling up to mum or dad to read a book. And from December, there will be even more.

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.

How do you capture the essence of a place? One way to do it is through language. Learning basic words and phrases doesn’t just show respect, it also helps you to understand the people and their region a little better. It’s particularly interesting in South Tyrol, where melodic Italian meets rustic Tyrolean, resulting in as many dialects as there are valleys.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary (2023), the Portuguese winegrowers’ group has created two exceptional wines: a red wine and a tawny port. These special cuvées, each blended from the best barrels of the five wineries, deserved a special presentation. The Linz-based creative agency upart won the tender. Their design for the labels and packaging of the valuable wines has now been honoured with the Austrian State Prize for ‘Smart Packaging 2024’.