Piece by piece, interior designer Pascale Lauber and co-owner Ulrike Bauschke have carefully renovated and modernized this historic palazzo. A particularly striking contrast to the ancient walls is found in the steel-framed windows and doors, reminiscent of diamonds. Unique antique pieces and custom-made furnishings from various countries and eras come together in a truly magical way. The sofas and bed headboards come from South Africa, a fire bowl from the South African bush has been transformed into a bathtub. An old olive press serves as a communal table, and an impressive chandelier, designed by Pascale Lauber herself, hangs from the bar’s ceiling.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, surrounded by cypress trees and olive groves, lies Villa Giuncheto – a sanctuary of tranquility and inspiration. Here, the Clayground Retreat takes place, offering a unique experience that blends art, mindfulness, and nature. Artists Anna Riess and Fira Rietveld have developed a concept that unites the creative process with a deep connection to the earth. The goal is not to create a perfect piece of art, but to fully experience the moment – with hands, heart, and all the senses.

In an era where urbanization distances us from nature, Marco Nieri, a bio-researcher and expert in eco-design and habitat health, has dedicated his life to rediscovering the profound connection between humans and the natural world. His work is not just a scientific exploration—it is a mission to reconnect people with the healing potential of nature, blending biophysics, ecology, and ancient wisdom.

If you want to spell the Alfa Hotel, you might find more suitable words than Andrew, Lucy and Frederick – words that capture the feeling of this special place: A for alpine, L for letting go, F for finesse and A for a time out. All of this reflects in the spa area of the four-star hotel in Serfaus, which recently added an outdoor relaxation pool to provide even more space for relaxation.

With The Scapegoat, Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer presents her first solo exhibition at the renowned Sapar Contemporary Gallery in New York. From January 9 to February 15, 2025, the artist unveils a compelling body of work exploring the relationship between humans, animals, and nature, drawing upon the ancient myth of the scapegoat.

Door number 14 opens gently and leads quietly into a room of silence, where Scandinavian design philosophies meet Japanese wisdom. The Danish Norm Architects have been studying the Far East for a long time and have incorporated their findings into numerous projects. Together with Gestalten Verlag, they have published Stillness, a book that we are giving away at the quietest time of the year.

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

Portrait Milano, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is the canvas for an extraordinary exhibition by Juergen Teller until 5 October. In his photo exhibition ‘3 Days in Florence’, Teller pays tribute to the beauty and uniqueness of Florence and combines fashion, art and culture. In line with the contemporary vision of Maximilian Davis, Creative Director of Ferragamo, regarding the ‘New Renaissance’, the artworks will be exhibited on the façade of the historic Portrait Milano building and can be seen until 5 October.

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.