Yes, the view of St Stephen’s Cathedral from up here is breathtaking. The view inside the penthouse flat is no less heavenly: the Haute—Étage designed by Mezza—Maiso is a perfect example of what the interdisciplinary office of Verena Wohlkönig and Jürgen Hamberger understands by interior design. Not just the design of a living space, but the realisation of a holistic narrative. In other words, a curated total work of art that is realised at the highest level from the first draft to the last fragrance note.

It may well be that you have to look more closely for the X in the products of the interior brand SACKit. And yet it appears everywhere as a design element. But the X is not the only thing that connects SACKit products. They all follow the Danish design philosophy: functional, aesthetic and durable. Here are five products that epitomise the X and that little bit extra that makes SACKit what it is.

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.

No, the Douro Boys are not a boy band, but the spirit is the same: they work together to touch the hearts of the whole world. Not with pop songs, of course, but with wine – from the Douro Valley. Not only does the river of the same name flow here, but above all port wine. One of the four Douro Boys members also runs the marvellous Hotel Casa do Rio. Door number 9 takes us to Portugal for today’s prize: a night in a hotel including wine tasting for two people.

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?

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’.

Hidden among the more famous Cycladic islands like Santorini and Mykonos lies Folegandros – an island that, despite its unparalleled beauty, remains off the beaten tourist track. Here, where rugged cliffs plunge into the crystal-clear Aegean Sea and picturesque villages dot the hilly landscape, you can experience the authentic Greece in its purest form.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany lies the charming Follonico Hotel in Montefollonico, a small, hidden village known for its authentic atmosphere and picturesque landscape. Follonico is more than just a hotel – it’s a place that captures the soul of the region, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in true Tuscan life.

Törggelen is one of the oldest and most authentic traditions in South Tyrol, still cherished by locals and visitors alike. This autumn custom combines convivial evenings with good food, wine, and the picturesque landscapes of South Tyrol’s vineyards. But what exactly is Törggelen, where does the term come from, and how can this special tradition be experienced in connection with modern Lifestylehotels?

Proper nutrition is part of holistic well-being. Of course, this is also recognised at Melea – The Health Concept, a retreat in Hungary with an innovative concept for well-being. Medical Manager Eszter Répási tells us about bad eating and drinking habits and how nutrition plans are created. Chef Gábor Gyurik reveals his favourite smoothie recipe and which sacred unit of measurement he uses for wine.

Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, is an enchanting region in south-east Italy, known for its picturesque coastlines, historic towns and culinary delights. The region stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and offers a rich variety of landscapes and cultural treasures. One of the most fascinating cities in Puglia is Ostuni, often referred to as “the white city”.