A stylish retreat on the Greek coast that impresses with its unique architecture and creates a serene environment for moments of mindfulness.

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.

It’s a huge luxury to do something for yourself. But it’s an even bigger luxury to recognise that. It can be difficult to do in our hectic daily lives, but there are places that make it easier. It might be strange at first that there are no distractions at the Eremito of the type that we usually like to hold onto. But soon the solitude brings healing.

At 2000 metres above sea level, the air is fresh and pure. Ideal for clearing your head, isn't it? The Crystal VAYA Unique in Obergurgl in the Ötztal Alps is a unique place at this altitude. 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.

The tree, with its roots that reach deep and strong into the earth and its crown stretching up to the sky, is the natural embodiment of the link between the earthly and the spiritual. It is a reminder to remain grounded while striving upwards. Also aware of this are the new owners of the Treehotel in northern Sweden, where you can spend a night in unique architect-designed treehouses in an unspoilt forest.

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.

Bathed in the stillness of the morning, I took a conscious walk from the sublime Es Racó d’Artà up Puig des Racó. The cool autumn air, the scent of pine trees mixed with the distant salty hint of the sea and the rustle of leaves under my feet were my constant companions. The stony path required my full attention. I felt my breath, quiet and even, and my steps adapted to the gentle rhythm..

Is there really a place called Maria Alm? Yes! Even if it does sound a bit like you’ve discovered an isolated place with an impressive name, a pilgrimage church and an idyllic mountain and meadow panorama. And in Maria Alm there is also a Josef, although his surname is Sepp. He’s the one who’s in charge of all the excitement round here with his eponymous hotel for “children over 21”, as he calls his guests.

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. At the OLM Nature Escape in the Ahrntal, you’ll encounter the language as soon as you read the name of the Eco Aparthotel. You’ll have to "waitamochn" (move on) to find out what “Olm” means and which other South Tyrolean terms are used here.

The magical effect of the full moon is hard to ignore, don’t you think? I mean, it can move the sea, cause wolves to howl, make dreams more vivid, enhance creativity and bring hidden feelings to the surface. It can also transport you to a different world, like it does at the La Valise San Miguel de Allende hotel in Mexico, where a door shaped like a full moon leads to a secret internal courtyard.

Or is it N for Nesslerhof? We’re happy to go with both. The Neudegger family has redesigned the garden at their wellness hotel in Grossarl and turned it into a natural and productive place of abundance and harmony – with fruit for the kitchen, wormwood for the bar, water for refreshment and flowers for the soul. Sounds like a modern-day Garden of Eden? That it is!

Unique glaciers, snow-covered peaks, crunching paths, crystal-clear air – the highest municipality of Obergurgl is known as the Diamond of the Alps. Its radiance also includes a hotel with the telling name: The Crystal.

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.

Some people collect stamps – others collect special plants. The story of the garden surrounding Seegut Zeppelin begins in 1907, when the former textile manufacturer Gustav Gminder had a villa built on the shores of Lake Constance as a summer retreat. As far as we know, he was not fond of stamps, but exotic trees from all over the world – including a sequoia from California. And because the property has always been in careful hands over the years, we can still admire this diverse stock of trees today. And much more besides. Because the Fennel family is now respectfully continuing this legacy.

With its striking shape and imposing presence, the Matterhorn is not only the symbol of Zermatt, but also an eternal source of inspiration for architecture, design and lifestyle. The Hotel Matterhorn Focus is a perfect example of this harmonious combination of nature and modern luxury.