Summer rituals are simple, yet never random. They provide grounding, ask for no effort or perfection, feel light – and make life feel deeply worthwhile.

The old house on the church square has stood for centuries. Its oldest parts date back to 1661—a date engraved into the intricately carved beams of the parlour. Today, this historic building is home to Refugium Lunz, a guesthouse revived by the creative minds behind FORMDEPOT—partners known for breathing new life into old architecture. The house looks back with respect and forward with care.

Those who find themselves surrounded by greenery often feel it instinctively: this is where I belong. As the harmonious center of the color spectrum, green unites the calming power of blue with the energy of yellow. It symbolizes nature, soothes the mind, and at the same time inspires inner growth. If longevity had a color, it would likely be green.

A JOURNEY TO KYOTO IS NEVER COMPLETE WITHOUT A VISIT TO A JAPANESE GARDEN.

Even if we live to be a hundred – a human life remains a fleeting moment. For a house that has stood for centuries, it is little more than a breath in the passage of time.

In the ancient caves of Matera, history comes to life: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita is no ordinary hotel – it’s a tribute to a long-lost way of living. Guests who stay here step into another world: silent, archaic, magical. It’s a place where luxury is born from simplicity.

Zash & Monaci delle Terre Nere – A Stylish Comparison of Two Remarkable Retreats Beneath Mount Etna

Portugal’s charm lies in its serenity. In a way of life shaped by sea breezes, warm light, historic cities, and modern design. In recent years, the country has evolved from an insider tip to a must-visit destination for mindful travelers – and for good reason.

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.

Some places don’t need to be reinvented, just rethought a little. For example, what was once a simple campsite on the edge of Aschau in Chiemgau has been transformed into a stylish, modern chalet village – without losing even a hint of its intimate connection to nature. On the contrary. With the Agrad Chalets, a place of power has been created that blends quietly into its surroundings and is luxurious without saying it out loud.

Japan is especially worth visiting in 2025: with the Expo in Osaka the country places a strong focus on the future – with themes such as sustainability, innovation, and societal transformation. It’s a great opportunity to (re)discover Japan not just as a technological powerhouse, but as a destination rooted in deep aesthetics and mindfulness.

We’re excited to announce that Lifestylehotels The Book – 20th & 21st Edition is now available through the renowned Monocle Online Shop!

Adam and Eve might have left the apple hanging on the tree had they known about the heavenly Puradies. Nestled on a sun-kissed plateau in Leogang, the resort—home to the Ess:enz restaurant—feels like a taste of paradise itself. Here, not only do countless plants thrive, but also the creative ideas that turn them into seductive, gourmet-level dishes. The real temptation? It’s not just in the apple, but in a cleverly crafted carrot or a perfectly plated portion of Nidei…

Still waters run deep, so they say. But what about dark waters? Dark waters are profound, sometimes healing, but definitely fascinating. Just like the Schwarzsee in Kitzbühel. Under the watchful eye of the Wilder Kaiser, not only the gentle waves of the water unfold here, but also the gentle waves of relaxation at the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel.

When we talk about eclecticism at Paragon 700, we mean a particularly rich and unique form of it. This is not just a fusion of two styles—it is much more. The boutique hotel in the heart of Ostuni is a gem where Ulrike Bauschke and interior Designer and architect Pascale Lauber have woven together stories from various eras and countless cultures. You can feel this even before stepping inside: The palazzo, with its 15 rooms and idyllic garden, the largest private garden in the White City, glows in red—a striking contrast in a city otherwise bathed almost entirely in white.