THE Stylemate issue 01 | 2024 Quite a Party English Version

THE Stylemate

Quite a Party

Essentials

3

Quite a party

4–7

LIFE:

Silent witness

8–9

Immersive gesamtkunstwerk Pages 10–12

Party crasher

13

Franzobel

14 STYLE:

Dreams are reality

15–17

The power of the hands Pages 18–19

Peloton x Lifestylehotels™ – It’s a match

Pages 20–21

Historic buildings, modern comfort Page 22

Brick by Brick

Pages 23–25

Craftsmanship

26

That hotel feeling with Mezza–Maiso

27

Lifestylehotels™

OLM Nature Escape

LH-Cover 01

Lifestylehotels™

LH 02

Wilmina Berlin

LH 03

Triforêt Alpin Resort

LH 4

The Secret Sölden

LH 05 Alpenstern Panorama Hotel

LH 06

Refugium Lunz

LH 07

Boutique Hotel Bergwiesenglück

LH 08

OLM Nature Escape

LH 09

LH 10

Apfelhotel Torgglerhof

We’ve decided to view life in 2024 as one big party. Come what may. It’s got nothing to do with hedonism or feeling like we’re on the Titanic, with our demise being accompanied by stirring music. Even if we feel like there isn’t much in the world worth celebrating – it’s deceptive. We are alive. And that should always be a good enough reason to enjoy life and above all to shape it how we want. That’s something we need to pay attention to. Not cutting ourselves off from life but consciously taking control of it. To us, celebrating life also means an invitation to learn how to be content. To recognise the value of what you have in your life. But that can be different for each person.

That’s why, for our cover story, we asked 50 people what there is to celebrate about their life this year and received a huge range of responses. From stroking their dog to self-esteem, the whole spectrum of concerns is in there, from minor to major. We also conducted interviews and visited people to question them about their passions. In doing so, we observed that a passionate activity creates inner satisfaction and that these people shaped their lives according to their own ideas. Life is everything – the big and the small, the happy and the sad – and it is always worth living. Let’s awaken the passion in ourselves and practise being content. Let’s put the life back into life. Let’s make it a party.

EDITORS

Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger

Photo: Heldentheater

EXCELLENT DESIGN

Every piece of wool used in a rug from Geba is carded by hand after being washed in a mountain stream and then spun manually. The Bidjar rug is Harald Geba’s reinterpretation of a west Persian nomad rug. In order to ensure respectful handling of the planet’s resources, only plant fibres were used in the design of this rug. All of the brand’s rugs are knotted in the workshops of Geba’s partners in Nepal. In doing so, great emphasis is placed on Fair Trade conditions in the production facilities and ensuring they are monitored. Harald Geba was nominated for an international design award for the Bidjar design.

geba-teppich.com, Bidjar 240 x 170 cm, € 6,120

STYLISH SCIENCE

Driven by the desire to improve everyday technologies, James Dyson developed the new Dyson Airstrait hair straighteners. The tool smooths both wet and dry hair using air and without the hot plates or heat damage. Designed for all hair types, the result is a soft, smooth style with volume while your hair retains its strength and natural look and feel. Hair strands are surrounded by two plates that emit powerful, directional airflow that aligns the hair. And that’s how the Dyson Airstrait dries and smooths the hair at the same time.

dyson.at, approx. € 499

PERFECT CYCLE

“The textile industry has a huge waste problem that needs solving. Every second, somewhere in the world, a truck load of textiles is taken to landfill or burned. In 2021, only 0.6% was recycled into new textiles. That means that 99.4% ended up in landfill sites or was burned,” says Martin Fussenegger, who founded Ucon Acrobatics with Jochen Smuda in 2001. The motivation for the two founders was to use as much textile waste in the production of its Lotus Infinity range as possible, and design the products in such a way as to create something that will last a long time and produce low emissions. This makes Ucon Acrobatics one of the first companies in the world to market bags and rucksacks that are made out of 100% textile waste, with only the closures being new. To perfectly close the cycle, the bags and rucksacks can of course be recycled at the end of their life span.

ucon-acrobatics.com, from € 59.99

ROUNDED PERFECTION

It has been said that a circle is the perfect shape. And when we look at the FINLIN Round, we can’t help but agree. After all, the minimalist light fitting is a real work of art and looks great on its own and in a group. FINLIN Round is illuminated via a narrow LED module and is available in a delicate Champagne tone with a black base.

weverducre.com/finlin, FINLIN Round, € 319

SMART ASSISTANT

The new Galaxy S24 is here and brings with it the latest AI features in the fields of live translation, nightography, new AI image editing tools and image search functions like Circle to Search, which is the result of collaboration with Google. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+ and Galaxy S24 provide a new mobile experience thanks to artificial intelligence (Galaxy AI*): from accessible communication with smart message and call translation and maximising creative freedom with the ProVisual Engine from Galaxy to the creation of a new search standard that changes as Galaxy users explore the world around them. Using the Live Translate or Chat, Note and Transcript Assist tools, communication isn’t just easier, it also comes with new possibilities. Circle to Search is especially handy, allowing you to easily find out the brand of the trainers that just walked past or the cool armchair in the trendy café.

samsung.com, available from approx. € 899

(age 27, student)

SARAH: Travelling and discovering. I want to explore new places and cultures and make my life more exciting.

(age 26, student)

LUKAS: I’m a creative person. I want to give more importance to this side of me. Learning to express myself through art, that’s what I intend to do.

(age 48)

KLAUS: I asked myself what really matters in life. People need connection, genuine friendship and deep family bonds. That’s what I want to live for.

(age 37, office employee)

DANIEL: Fewer bread rolls, more apples. That’s how I’d sum up how I want to nourish myself. If I manage to eat more consciously, especially plantbased foods, I’ll be treating myself to a party in life.

(age 52)

MICHAEL: I just want to be healthy. Then I’ll be the happiest person this year.

(age 37)

DAVID: I’ve just become a dad. My awareness of the environment and the way we handle resources has changed. I want to live more consciously so I can leave behind a world that’s still worth living in for my child.

(age 34)

SOPHIE: I want to develop both personally and professionally. It’s an ongoing process I want to keep going with.

(age 26)

NOAH: I intend to do something for the community. If you give something to your community, you also make your own life better.

(age 37, chef)

ELISA: Time with family is priceless. Quality time creates unforgettable moments.

(age 42, designer)

SIMONE: Good food is the ultimate joy. Culinary discoveries should make my life delicious.

MARIO: Just laughing more.

(age 49)

(age 72, pensioner)

ELISABETH: Taking walks in the woods, taking deep breaths of the air and feeling the tranquillity.

(age 36, lawyer)

PAUL: I’ve just bought myself a new espresso machine. Now the year can only be a good one.

(age 38, musician)

MARKUS: I have a roof over my head and can afford good food. If that’s not a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.

(age 33, doctor)

HANNAH: Holding hands with my partner. That’s one of the best things in life.

(age 31, marketing employee)

LAURA: Creating order in my life. Both inside and out. That contributes to calmness and satisfaction. And if you do that, it makes the celebration fun.

What makes life beautiful ?

We asked 50 people what they want to celebrate about their lives in 2024.

(age 43, software developer)

MATTHIAS: I want to see as many sunrises as possible.

(age 32, business owner)

WOLFGANG: People can be really inspiring. I want to engage with people in a more conscious way and be much more mindful in how I approach new contacts.

(age 48, manager)

ALEX: Seeing the sea as often as I can.

(age 47, engineer)

STEFAN: Unpacking my old sheet music and sitting down at the piano.

MARIE: Hugging a lot of trees.

(age 18, student)

(age 35, nurse)

SONJA: I want to grow fruit and vegetables on my whole balcony. And of course I hope that everything grows really well and thrives.

(age 45, hotel manager)

JUDITH: Installing a bird box. Then I’d like to stand at the window early in the morning and watch the birds as I drink my espresso.

(age 42, office employee)

HARALD: Teaching myself how to be calm. Received an annoying email? Breathe deeply and let it wash over you. We attribute far too much importance to relatively unimportant things in life.

(age 37, publishing employee)

SOFIA: Having fresh flowers on the table as often as possible.

(age 33, biologist)

STEFFI: Cuddling up with my young daughter at every opportunity.

(age 32, historian)

FLO: Taking a trip every year to somewhere I haven’t been before, starting this year.

(age 53, office employee)

KARIN: Dancing the night away again as if I were in my twenties.

TAMARA: Looking at the stars.

(age 26, student)

(age 39, translator)

TINA: Doing yoga every day without fail. Even if it’s only five minutes some days. The main thing is actually doing it.

HORST: Mindfulness.

(age 82, pensioner)

(age 42, teacher)

CLAUDIA: Sitting on my favourite park bench as often as possible.

(age 27, architect)

ANNA: Listening to my cats purring.

(age 38)

CARINA: More mindfulness and meditation. That leads to inner peace. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and in this turbulent world, it’s incredibly valuable.

(age 41, project developer)

STEFAN: Completed projects are successes. The feeling of fulfilment after finishing a project motivates me every time.

(age 29, environmental activist)

CARMEN: My dog is my friend. Without him, life wouldn’t be half as good.

(age 24, student)

LISA: I’m really interested in fashion. I plan to only buy more clothes if they meet ethical standards.

(age 52, project manager)

GUSTAV: Music and concerts soothe my soul. The joy of live music is priceless.

(age 54, self-employed)

CONNIE: Just factoring in a little more time for myself and actually getting it.

(age 56)

THOMAS: Being content. I intend to practise being content. We’re all so dissatisfied all the time, even when things are actually going well in life.

(age 31)

LILLI: The fact that I can hold my child in my arms.

(age 39)

NINA: This year, I’m celebrating a big birthday. And I plan to celebrate it really well and not just let it pass me by.

(age 32)

SANDRA: Being able to sit on the sofa, cuddle up and spend time with my family. You often don’t need more than that.

(age 27)

REGINA: Some kind of training. I want to commit to learning something new. I still need to decide what it will be.

(age 27, social media manager)

TOM: Reading more, but actual books. Not just scrolling on my phone..

(age 26, student)

CHRISTIAN: I celebrate my life every year.

(age 43, business consultant)

MARTIN: Being able to sit in a café during the day, watch people and be alone with my thoughts.

(age 45, office employee)

JULIA: Sometimes, you need to be able to let something go to be happy again. Even if letting go is painful.

(age 44, journalist)

ANA: I don’t drink alcohol anymore. It’s an absolute gamechanger and I now feel like I have more to celebrate.

(age 36)

AHMED: Being optimistic about the future. If I can manage that in spite of everything that’s going on, that’s a good reason to celebrate.

Silent

When was the last time you were at a party? At some point, they sadly become more and more sporadic, even though they remove us from everyday life and make us feel young. Trigger memories of long conversations that lasted until morning, encounters, laughing and dancing. But you mustn’t forget the key element of any party. The real hero of one of these rare events isn’t the host or the DJ. No, it’s the humble table, usually in the kitchen, that has the essence of a lively celebration running through its grain.

The table, often underestimated as a simple piece of furniture, is the stage on which the life and drama of those present plays out. It is the centrepiece, the heart of any party – a place that can tell more stories than many a guest. The table is a place of conversation and chance encounters. This is where the most diverse spectrum of tastes and characters meet and, in the best case, become a harmonious mix of laughing, chatting, drinking and eating. Over the course of the evening, it becomes a silent witness to countless anecdotes

and curiosities. It’s around the table that the best stories unfold, where inhibitions are lost and conversation dives to (allegedly) unexpected depths.

The table is the best listener but keeps quiet so eloquently. It is the haven of peace in the eye of the party storm, reminding us that true happiness often lies in the simple things – in the company of friends.

The table, the centre, around which the social fabric of a celebration unfolds and lets loose. With its flat surface, it becomes a medium that invites us to share our fortunes. It is a stage on which the tragedies and comedies of social life play out, where diverse characters meet and weave their stories together. With its simplicity, the table is able to create an aura of intimacy that allows guests to open up and be authentic. It is the big equaliser, where everyone can find their place and express their uniqueness in harmonious company. No hierarchies are established – in fact, a temporary community is formed that, all being well, is shaped by openness and tolerance.

But while the table is the symbol of life at the peak of the party, its perspective changes the morning after. The festive magnificence gives way to a scene characterised by traces of the previous night. The table, once the setting of unbridled joy and excess, now displays another side to its character. Empty bottles and glasses, witnesses of high-spirited festivities, stretch sluggishly up towards the ceiling. The table has done its work when it was still full of Champagne, wine and spirits. Now it stands there, a silent witness of a night to remember. Ash trays that were used during the party for the enjoyment of cigarettes are now full of the remnants of fading embers. The table patiently accepted the burnt remains and accommodated the ash as if it wants to preserve the traces of night-time smoke rings. The morning after, it’s time to tidy up and reflect. A little dishevelled after the raucous night, the table now tells a different story. The leftovers of the festivities are like fragments of memories that remind us of the previous intoxication.

witness

The table stands there like someone remembering the carefree dancing and deep conversations.

But even in the chaos of the morning, the table maintains its dignity. It bears evidence of the party with pride, as if to say: “Yes, people celebrated, laughed and enjoyed life to the full here!”

As a stoic observer of this ephemeral gathering, the table teaches us an important lesson: conviviality is fleeting, but the memory of it is carved into the tabletop of time. In the wine rings and black, round burn marks, we find relics of past friendships and the echo of evenings gone by. In its simple existence, the table is elevated to a symbol of the essence of human connection. It isn’t just a piece of furniture but a place where the paths of our lives briefly cross to weave a story that fades in the morning light but lingers in our memories. The table – the transient yet unforgettable focal point of any party, a philosophy of conviviality that unveils a wealth of human relationships through its simple form.

IMMERSIVE

GESAMT K UNST WERK

Lefkara is a picturesque mountain village and one of the oldest in Cyprus. Narrow streets nestle against the mountain, lined with traditional stone houses and charming little shops. The scent of basil hangs in the air, a cat rolls around blissfully on the floor at every turn and contributes to the sense of relaxation. Lefkara is famous for its delicate silverwork, but mainly for its lace: lefkaritika. This is a craft passed down from mother to daughter and that requires much patience and skill. This village has for some time also been home to Austrian pair Julian Epok and Christoph Pliessnig, as well as their gallery t.a.s.©, a space for art, creative work, expression and exchange. The partnership between Julian Epok and Christoph Pliessnig reflects the charming uniqueness of Lefkara. While Julian, the creative visionary, has dedicated himself to design, Christoph is the architect of strategic plans. From intimate dinner parties to sensational art exhibitions, they don’t just curate art, they create sensory experiences. The t.a.s.© space in Lefkara is more than a gallery or a concept store – it is a vibrant cultural hub. The t.a.s.© 360-degree concept encompasses visual art as well as integrating

sound landscapes and design, plus a custom-created fragrance. Visitors are affected in a number of different ways and invited to enter an immersive artistic world. Currently on display is Julian’s art. Photos and neon installations hang on the walls. But he really sees himself as a painter. He stopped his studies at the University of Applied Arts Vienna after just one semester. “For me, the focus was too heavily on that which divides, but I always prefer looking at what unites,” says Julian. You can sense this when you attend one of their dinner parties in the gallery’s charming internal courtyard, which also functions as a Champagne and oyster bar. For Christoph and Julian, a dinner party is an art in itself. Guests are “curated” and brought together, the act of eating should be a sensory experience, and you should be allowed to eat with your fingers and make a mess. Chef friends are invited to serve up specialities such as kritharaki (orzo, prepared like risotto), tostadas and a “simple” seafood platter with oysters, caviar and prawns. The table decorations are a work of art on their own, made by Sofia, who is the beating heart of the t.a.s.© team.

Text: Nina Prehofer

JULIAN EPOK AND CHRISTOPH PLIESSNIG ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE AN IMMERSIVE GESAMTKUNSTWERK AND NOTHING LESS WITH T.A.S. © , AN ART SPACE THAT AIMS TO CONNECT PEOPLE AND PLACES IN LEFKARA, CYPRUS, AND BEYOND.

FROM LEFKARA TO PARIS VIA VIENNA

The duo has already opened a second space in Vienna: the Vienna Suite. The international direction of t.a.s.© was pursued from the very beginning, with the goal of establishing several locations and benefiting from synergies to launch an ambitious gallery programme for diverse markets and areas of interest. The logical choice for the second location was Vienna, bearing in mind the Austrian roots of the two young founders. Recreating the concept applied in Cyprus, t.a.s.© Vienna Suite pursues the idea of a 360-degree art project, and associations with the Wiener Werkstätte at the beginning of the 20th century are not far wrong. Fine art and design, cuisine and fashion are combined. Other locations are already in the planning stages. The young, active minds are endeavouring to present their art and expression on both a local and international level. In doing so, they wish to celebrate the diversity of creative work and artists’ perspectives on the global stage.

In Lefkara, t.a.s.© isn’t just a business – it’s a contribution to the culture. The first location in Cyprus aims to establish something sustainable for the local community and spark interest among the younger generation. To contribute to the Cypriot cultural scene. They came here and they don't plan on leaving. With events and projects, for example those related to traditional artisanal skills, t.a.s.© endeavours to give something back to the community and actively involve people in the artistic process.

APHRODITE’S POMEGRANATE

The feeling of Cyprus is in the good vibe that seems to be in the air of the island. People who barely know each other and fall into each other’s arms become euphoric and talk about their life with a twinkle in their eye. Legend has it that the Greek goddess Aphrodite came and planted a pomegranate tree in Cyprus and with it came love. Perhaps that’s how this love story between an island and people came about, emphasising what brings people together rather than what divides them despite everything else.

Christoph and Julian got to know each other through a friend. It actually happened when Julian invested in Christoph’s company Teroxx. Christoph then attended one of Julian’s dinner parties where the idea came about to tackle new projects together. Christoph, who was already based in Cyprus with his company, invited Julian over – and the rest of their shared history is now clear to see and experience. The pair are united by passion, energy and ambition. Even though they are “total opposites”, as Christoph points out. When Julian would go right, Christoph would go left. But that’s perhaps the exact reason for the harmony between them.

You can see for yourself what t.a.s.© stands for. The logo also forms an abstract artwork and you’ll be surprised by what your own brain will come out with after a visit or an event. Through all of their activities, Christoph and Julian’s goal is to create a gesamtkunstwerk with impact.

ABOUT JULIAN EPOK AND CHRISTOPH PLIESSNIG

Julian Epok grew up in Vienna in a family of creatives. His father is a pianist, his mother a designer and his brother is a product designer. His first foray into art came in the form of graffiti at the age of 13. He created design and fashion collections and developed his artistic practice from photography to mixed media painting. Christoph Pliessnig comes from Carinthia, founded his first company when he was 19 and has since been successful several times over as an entrepreneur. He moved to Cyprus in 2018. He is CEO of Digital Asset Boutique Teroxx, which has a trading volume of over €750 million (2022) and over 60 employees across Europe.

tas.xyz, @t.a.s.xyz

THESE DESIGN OBJECTS FROM THE WORLD WIDE THINGS COLLECTION NEED NO INTRODUCTION, BUT THEY SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR HOME TO ADD REAL ATMOSPHERE!

PARTY LIKE IT’S 2012

These spherical lights available in white, silver or black can be placed on a table or hung from the ceiling like an abstract, illuminated sculpture. In terms of shape, Comète is a bit like a disco ball when unfolded to its roundest form. The lasercut steel can also be turned into different shapes depending on your imagination. The lamp was designed by Montrealbased studio Bipède.

DESIGNER/STUDIO: BIPÈDE designcities.net/wwtc-product/comete/

PARTY BEATS

POET Audio countered the rise of MP3s and the trend for cheap speakers made in low-wage countries with a range of high-quality sound systems made in Austria. The wireless systems are able to receive and play music from your smartphone in CD quality. The housings are made from high-quality materials like steel and medium-density fibreboard. The electrical systems were also predominantly produced in the EU. The poet-zero° was designed by Thomas Feichtner and can be taken to picnics, the beach or wherever the opportunity arises to start a small party. With a battery life of eight hours, you’ll almost be dancing until the early hours.

DESIGNER: THOMAS FEICHTNER

MANUFACTURER: POET AUDIO designcities.net/wwtc-product/poet-zero/

BBQ, BABY

No summer party is complete without a barbecue. The Cosa Barbecue from designer duo Berkan Kaplan and Ayşin Uluganer is so transportable that it can be moved from the garden to the balcony and even to the neighbours’ house. In summer, you feed it with charcoal, while in winter, you can even use it indoors with bioethanol. The cast aluminium body means it is sturdy and won’t rust, and the legs come in either wood or metal. The barbecue has a grilling grid measuring 47 cm in diameter and can also be used as an additional serving area by removing the cover and inserting a solid wood board. It’s perfect for cooking and barbecuing all types of food.

DESIGNERS: BERKAN KAPLAN AND AYŞIN ULUGANER

MANUFACTURER: ANIVA designcities.net/wwtc-product/ cosa-barbecue/

PARTY HARD

Stonemade is tableware, but in this case people don’t make all the rules. Nature has left its mark on all of the plates and bowls, making each item a one of a kind. It’s the fingerprints and laughter lines of life that become visible in these refined pieces in marble or limestone, that underline the uniqueness of the tableware and provide a stage for the creations you serve on them. They were designed and made by Graz-based Katharina Mörz-Heissenberger, who made a conscious decision to avoid using any chemical treatments. The carefully selected stone is cut by hand and then neither waterproofed nor sealed, but they can still be washed without a problem.

DESIGNER & MANUFACTURER: KATHARINA MÖRZ-HEISSENBERGER designcities.net/wwtc-product/stonemade/

THE WORLD WIDE THINGS COLLECTION COLLECTS GREAT DESIGN FROM THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK, CONNECTS GREAT DESIGNERS, PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEVELOPS A GREAT MARKETPLACE FOR THE UNESCO CITIES OF DESIGN. THE PROJECT WAS STARTED IN 2017 BY ANNE THOMAS (MONTREAL), PIERRE LARAMÉE (MONTREAL) AND EBERHARD SCHREMPF (GRAZ), AND FIRST LAUNCHED AS A PILOT PROJECT DURING DESIGN MONTH GRAZ IN 2018. THE VISION OF THE CURATORS IS TO CREATE A CHANNEL THAT BOTH THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY AND THE ECONOMY CAN BENEFIT FROM. THE PROJECT AIMS TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THE DIVERSITY OF GOOD IDEAS AND PRODUCTS AND EXPLOIT THE POTENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION AND EXCHANGE WITHIN THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK. DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND RETAILERS GAIN THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENT THEIR PRODUCTS ON A GLOBAL PLATFORM AND MAKE CONNECTIONS IN THE CREATIVE COMMUNITY.

Crasher

PARTY PEAK

The striking, modern cutlery set by designer Ahmet Toplu from Istanbul is inspired by and named after the highest point in the world: Mount Everest. Contemporary lines and an ambitious design are the key features: a triangle that gradually narrows to a peak, while the overall shape is delicate yet unpretentious. Mount Everest casts a significant shadow, and the same applies to the body of the Everest knives, forks and spoons. The black colour will lend every laid table a touch of mystery. The designer describes his work as “bold, ambitious yet downto-earth” design.

DESIGNER: AHMET TOPLU

MANUFACTURER: KARACA designcities.net/wwtc-product/ everest-cutlery/

Photo: Thomas Feichtner Studio

Photo: Bipède

Photo: Aniva

Photo: Ahmet Toplu

Photo: Lilli Mörz

FRANZOBEL is an Austrian writer. He has published numerous plays, works of prose and poems. His plays have been produced in countries including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Denmark, France, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Italy, Russia and the USA.

His great historical adventure novel “Das Floß der Medusa” (published by Zsolnay) was awarded the Bayerischer Buchpreis (Bavarian Book Award) 2017 and was on the shortlist for the German Book Prize 2017.

FRANZOBEL

- “You don’t know how much that means to us,” said the President with a firm voice. “This evening will be the highlight. It’s like when the last occupying soldier left the country back in the day.”

“The opera director will sing I am from Austria, there will be chamois filled with sausages, Uhudler and Schilcher wines, grape juice and more. What a party, eh?”

- “Great,” grumbled the last person to be granted asylum with a lowered gaze, “but I’m afraid of heights and worried about being laughed at. Do I really have to wear a nightdress? And the golden wings? You know, where I come from, we find the display of gold to be obscene. A place where war rages, people are starving and there aren’t enough doctors.”

- “Suck it up, we’re skipping the halo now,” said the President in a honeyed tone. “When you fly over the set as a Christmas angel, as gold as if you were wearing a sweet wrapper, and sing Morgen Kinder, wird’s was geben [a German Christmas song for children], the nation will go wild. And when you throw medication, lottery tickets and Vanillekipferl [traditional Austrian vanilla biscuits] into the crowd, their excitement will know no bounds. Below you, the stable in Bethlehem will be recreated in Lego, which artist André Heller has kindly lent us. The director had the idea of laying building contractor Lugner in the crib. Austrian football coach Toni Polster was also an option, but because his curly hair is now ashen grey, there would be a definite discrepancy with the line in the German version of Silent Night: “holder Knabe mit goldenem lockigem Haar” [holy boys with gold curly hair]. It’s still not sure who will play Mary. Singer Hansi Hinterseer, who some might call the mother of the Austrian identity, doesn’t want to appear in Jesus sandals. Now we’ll probably go for the state governess of Lower Austria, who has been looking lately as if she’s expecting a delivery of something. We’ve confirmed Schwarzenegger as Joseph. The other eight state governors can be the Wise Men from the East. What? You’re wondering whether I can count to three? I get it, but someone has to carry the star, someone else has to rinse the TV audience dry with the collection bag and the others can sway to the music. The heads of chambers will play the shepherds and the animals in the stable will be played by ministers.”

- “I don’t know,” moaned the last person to be granted asylum. “Does it have to be like that? Golden wings?”

- “That’s going to be the showstopper,” the President said, patting him on the shoulder patronisingly. “The Wiener Sängerknaben [Vienna Boys’ Choir] will pop up from the trap doors singing Silent Night in sign language, and while the audience is served a huge, bright pink Punschkrapfen cake, the TV gardener will be singing: O Christmas tree, how noisy are your branches. Your boughs are loud not only in the summer’s heat… Four Lipizzaner horses in tutus made out of Leberkäse [meat loaf] will dance to Swan Lake, the Queen of Orgasms and the nation’s favourite astrologer will go head to head in a goalscoring contest –wearing ski boots and shooting at a goal in the shape of Austria, but without any holes.

The opera director will sing I am from Austria, there will be chamois filled with sausages, Uhudler and Schilcher wines, grape juice and more. What a party, eh?”

“What, you think that kind of party would be inappropriate? You don’t want to celebrate being the last person to be granted asylum?

The new law, according to which complaints will be deemed to be unfounded by default, is a bold move? The crises, war, climate? You think a party would be improper? Haha,” laughed the President. “You still have a lot to learn if you want to be a real Austrian citizen. We like to celebrate properly, have a bit of fun, and we don’t need any party poopers here, thank you. Goodbye.”

The ultimate party

Photo: Dirk Skiba

Selection

Embedded in the Tauferer

in South Tyrol, an eco

has been created that combines the future with tradition. Completely energy self-sufficient, carbon neutral and innovative. Set amongst nature and in time with the rhythm of the seasons. The name reveals its essence: "Olm" in South Tyrolean means "Alm", which is a mountain pasture in English. Organic, autonomous and authentic – everything revolves in circles. Just like the architecture of the building itself. At OLM, you become part of the cycle.

Italy / South Tyrol / Sand in Taufers A place to simply be. Yourself. More on p. 09.

Ahrntal

aparthotel

OLM NATURE ESCAPE

Wilmina, Berlin (LH 03)

Triforêt Alpin Resort, Hinterstoder (LH 04)

The Secret Sölden, Sölden (LH 05)

Alpenstern Panorama Hotel, Damüls (LH 06)

Refugium Lunz , Lunz am See (LH 07)

Boutique Hotel Bergwiesenglück, See (LH 08)

OLM Nature Escape, Sand in Taufers (LH 09)

Hotel Stein, Salzburg (LH 10)

Apfelhotel Torgglerhof, Saltaus (LH 11)

dasMAX, Seefeld (LH 12)

Lifestylehotels™ Directory

ANTARCTICA

ANTARCTICA White Desert

AUSTRIA

BAD GOISERN AM HALLSTÄTTERSEE Hallstatt Hideaway Mountain | Lesehotel

DAMÜLS Alpenstern Panoramahotel

FÜGEN Mia Alpina Zillertal Family Retreat

GEINBERG Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas

GRAZ Augarten Art Hotel

GRAZ Kai 36

GRAZ Schlossberghotel

GROSSARL Hotel Nesslerhof

HALLSTATT Hallstatt Hideaway

HINTERSTODER Triforet Alpin Resort

KALS AM GROSSGLOCKNER Gradonna Mountain Resort

KALTENBACH Das Kaltenbach

KITZBÜHEL Alpenhotel Kitzbühel am Schwarzsee

LEOGANG Puradies Mein Naturresort

LUNZ AM SEE Refugium Lunz

MARIA ALM Hotel Eder

MARIA ALM Hotel SEPP

MAYRHOFEN ElisabethHotel Premium Private Retreat

NAUDERS Arabella Retreat & Spa

OBERGURGL The Crystal VAYA Unique

SAALBACH HINTERGLEMM Alpin Juwel

SALZBURG Hotel Goldgasse

SALZBURG Hotel Stein

SCHLADMING Stadthotel Brunner

SEE Bergwiesenglück

SEEFELD dasMAX

SEEFELD/MÖSERN Nidum Casual Luxury Hotel

SERFAUS Alfa Hotel

SÖLDEN T he Secret Sölden

UDERNS IM ZILLERTAL Sportresidenz Zillertal

VIENNA Hotel Das Tyrol

ZELL AM SEE Senses Violett Suites

BELGIUM

ANTWERP Hotel august

ANTWERP Hotel Julien

CROATIA

BALE/ ISTRIA Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery BRAČ Hotel Lemongarden

STARI GRAD/HVAR Maslina Resort

GERMANY

BERLIN Hotel Wilmina

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN Das Graseck

PIRNA Laurichhof

TIMMENDORFER STRAND Sand

TIMMENDORFER STRAND SeeHuus

GREECE

AMALIADA/PELOPONNESE Dexamenes Seaside Hotel

FOLEGANDROS Hotel Gundari

MYKONOS The Wild by Interni

SIFNOS Verina Astra

SIFNOS Verina Terra

INDONESIA

SUMBA Nihi Sumba

ITALY

APUGLIA Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa

CAMAIORE Locanda al Colle

CALABRIA Praia Art Resort

DEUTSCHNOFEN Naturhotel Pfösl

MATERA Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita

MONTEFOLLONICO Follonico

PARRANO Hotel Eremito

RIMINI i-Suite

RIPOSTO Zash Country Boutique Hotel

SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

SICILY Monaci delle Terre Nere

SOUTH TYROL OLM Nature Escape

ST. LEONHARD Apfelhotel Torgglerhof

TYROL Culinaria Living

VENICE Hotel Heureka

MEXICO

MEXICO CITY La Valise Mexico City

QUINTANA ROO Boca de Agua

SAN MIGUEL La Valise San Miguel

TULUM La Valise Tulum

PORTUGAL

ALENTEJO Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa

ALGARVE Vila Valverde

AZORES Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort

AZORES White Exclusive Suites & Villas

LISBON Torel Palace Lisbon

PORTO Torel Avantgarde

PORTO Torel Palace Porto

PORTO Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments

ARTÀ Es Racó d ’ Artà

MALLORCA Convent de la Missio

MALLORCA Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness

MALLORCA Hotel Can Simoneta

MALLORCA Pleta de Mar

PRIORAT Mas d´en Bruno

TENERIFE Ecohotel El Agua SPAIN

SWEDEN

LAPLAND Treehotel

SWITZERLAND

LUCERNE Hotel des Balances

VALLÉE DE JOUX Hotel des Horlogers

ZERMATT Hotel Matterhorn Focus

USA

ARIZONA AmbienteTM Sedona

Liberated

Converting buildings for different purposes is nothing new. Turning a prison into a guesthouse is perhaps a little more unsual. It’s actually quite an obvious strategy to create rooms out of cells. The Wilmina hotel and the neighbouring Lovis and Amtsalon buildings are located in Berlin, and it couldn’t be a more appropriate setting. After all, the city is in constant dialogue with its challenging past. And this is where the former women’s prison with its adjoining court building come in. The heritage listed group of buildings from the 19th century stood empty for a long time until Berlin-based firm Grüntuch Ernst Architekten decided to buy it and transform it. The scars from days gone by haven’t simply been erased here – instead they have been sensitively preserved. The issue of light was a critical factor. The small lattice windows were extended downwards and the stanchions retained in the upper section. Another key focus was opening up the awkward rooms. Small openings in the walls now provide a better view. There is a lot of white and beige and light-coloured wood, while Bocci pendant lights help to add a sense of tranquillity to the setting. The courthouse on the road side was converted into Amtsalon, an inviting venue for art and culture. What was once the prison yard now has a roof, under which you will find the new restaurant Lovis. And the internal courtyard that links all three areas has been planted with ivy, vines, rice-paper plants and rough horsetail because, as we all know, there’s something incredibly peaceful about nature. Utilising the architecture, it has been possible to turn a gloomy and awkward group of buildings into a light and tranquil location that can finally leave the past behind and look confidently towards the future.

Photos: Wilmina

Patricia Parinejad, Robert Rieger

Turning a building that used to be a women’s prison into one in which visitors to Berlin should feel comfortable is a task that requires a great deal of sensitivity. With plenty of light, nature and the necessary respect for the past, Grüntuch Ernst Architekten approached the topic with care.

WILMINA Germany / Berlin / Charlottenburg wilmina.com

“At Triforêt, the guiding principle was always to rejuvenate a currently dormant hotel complex in a way that respects nature and resources. It was especially important to us to retain as much of the existing building as possible and build on and seal as little extra land as possible,” says Klaus Landerl.

When architecture becomes nature

LIKE A FAIRY TALE

Once upon a time, there was a businessman from America who returned to his Upper Austrian homeland during the pandemic. While spending countless hours in nature, he came across a run-down guesthouse from long ago… What sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale turned out to be exactly that. Investment expert and former Accenture managing partner Michael Fröhlich awoke what was once the Hinterstoder mountain hotel from its Sleeping Beauty-like slumber after he found himself in a local lockdown.

IN HARMONY

For the structural implementation of the project, he enlisted the skill of Klaus Landerl, managing director of Arkform, who is renowned for bringing architecture into balance with nature. The main building from the 1970s was sympathetically renovated and supplemented with 20 independent chalets built using local wood and natural stone. Any building rubble removed was repurposed on site.

MODERN

With its one large and many small peaks, Triforêt blends seamlessly into the Hinterstoder mountain landscape. The triangular shape is unobtrusive, and the whole site is reminiscent of a small mountain village taken right out of a modern book of fairy tales. There is no church here to serve as a point of reference, but there is a similarly quaint raised hide adorned with pink neon lights by artist Billi Thanner.

PEACEFUL

The interior is the work of Michael Fröhlich’s wife Nicole DanielFröhlich, an interior consultant with a profound passion for interior design. Her vision was for people to feel like they’re in their own living room. The natural and dark tones that also feature in the exterior façade convey a sense of safety, as if you were in a den that still gets enough light. For subtle hints of sparkle, there are bespoke ice crystal light fittings. And that’s how the isolated mountain hotel was conjured into a homely village of chalets.

The majestic mountains are more than just a backdrop here. The intense fragrance of the forest, the beams of light, the mountain panorama, the snow –the surroundings have strongly influenced the architecture and design of the newly opened Triforêt Alpin Resort in the Totes Gebirge mountain range.

TRIFORÊT ALPIN RESORT Austria / Upper Austria / Hinterstoder triforet.at

Resort with chalets and apartments in the World Cup ski resort of Hinterstoder.

Anyone who walks through the golden entrance area of The Secret Sölden will be welcomed into a luxurious sanctuary with a French twist. But the Alpine setting of the Ötztal valley isn’t disregarded. Instead, the two worlds meld together here in a magical way to create a cosmopolitan overarching concept. What does that mean exactly and what is concealed behind the unassuming exterior façade? Read on to uncover seven secrets.

THE SECRET SÖLDEN

Austria / Tyrol / Sölden the-secret-soelden.com

Cosmopolitan flair in the Tyrolean mountains.

Pssssst…

THIS OR THAT?

Cosmopolitan or Alpine? When you check in here, the choice is yours. Half of the suites are designed with Bordeaux red and grey tones, while the other half are inspired by the local area with a lot of wood.

DIGITAL CONCIERGE

Every room has an Alexa. The digital voice assistant tells stories about the environment, helps with table reservations in the hotel’s own restaurant and also reveals one or two secrets.

AROUND THE CLOCK

Do you have a fear of getting hungry between meals? That’s entirely justified when you’re in a village. At The Secret Sölden, you can counteract this thanks to the open bar. In the lounge-like Restaurant LA’LIV between 3 and 5 pm, you can help yourself to finger food, drinks and sweet treats. In summer, there’s also a snack menu available between 1 and 5 pm. A 24/7 deli will also help combat the desire for a midnight snack.

THE POWER OF SCENT

There’s a spa area here, obviously. LE FEEL has a gym, an indoor and outdoor pool and saunas. For your well-being, the whole building is filled with a unique scent reminiscent of summer rain.

PROMISING

The only way is up, but not into the mountains – head instead to the fourth floor, where the sky bar THE VUE is the crowning glory of the hotel. It is glazed on all four sides, plus the ceiling, and provides jaw-dropping views. Truffle popcorn is served with every drink. Santé!

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

If you want to experience the picture-perfect surroundings up close rather than just marvelling at them from a distance, you should take a mountain bike around the Bike Republic Sölden bike park or drive a convertible along the Timmelsjoch high Alpine road towards Merano.

SPECTACULAR

Or should we say secret 007? As a nod to the James Bond film Spectre that was filmed in Sölden, the famous gun barrel from the intro was incorporated into the ceiling lighting of the hotel as a stylistic element.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

What a treat

When visiting Damüls in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, there are two Löffelspitze to distinguish between: one is a local mountain, the other is a fine dining restaurant at the Alpenstern Panoramahotel. It’s not just the striking backdrop that will take your breath away here, the cuisine is also out of this world. Three days a week, the restaurant serves up a tasting menu for a maximum of 12 people. Host Peter Bischof and head chef Sandro Abel source their ingredients

WINE SUGGESTION

FROM HOST MAXIMILIAN STEINFELD: Maximin Grünhaus - Riesling Grünhäuser 2022

PEAR SLICES WITH BASIL JELLY AND CHAMPAGNE FOAM

SPONGE CAKE:

4 eggs

40 g sugar

100 g flour

PEAR MOUSSE:

20 g sour cream

100 g pear purée

A little lime zest

80 ml cream

1 sheet gelatine

A little rum

METHOD

from the region. They even venture into the woods themselves to pick blueberries and mushrooms and gather spruce needles. Their dishes are creative yet traditional.

What would one of the courses look like?

To the right is a recipe for pear slices with basil jelly and Champagne foam – using the Speckbirne regional variety of pear from Vorarlberg, Veuve Cliquot Champagne and home-grown basil. Two more courses can be found on the blog.

BASIL JELLY:

10 basil leaves

40 ml water

A little lemon juice

A little sugar

1 sheet gelatine

CHAMPAGNE FOAM:

100 ml Champagne

60 g egg whites

60 ml cream

A little sugar

For the sponge, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy, then fold in the flour. Spread out on a tray at around 1.5 cm thick. Bake in the oven at 200°C for 7 minutes. Whip the cream for the mousse. Soak the gelatine in cold water then dissolve in some rum. Combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in the gelatine, fold in the cream and spread out on the sponge base in a suitable mould. Make sure it’s smooth then leave to cool for three hours.

For the basil jelly, mix all of the ingredients except the gelatine and pass through a sieve. Add the soaked gelatine at the end. Leave to cool a little and spread over the cold pear mousse.

For the Champagne foam, blend all ingredients and pour into an ISI whipped cream dispenser. Spray onto the pear slices before serving.

ALPENSTERN PANORAMAHOTEL Austria / Vorarlberg / Damüls hotel-alpenstern.at

Indulgence and relaxation of the highest order in Bregenzerwald.

Take me to

Think char, think lake. Think lake, think Lunz. Think Lunz, think Refugium. And suddenly we’re where we want to be: savouring char dishes at Refugium Lunz. Top gastronomy duo Fanny and Christian Metzger serve the native fish in a number of different ways: grilled whole in the traditional way, pickled, with dumplings or as Lunz rolls with rice flour dough, onion, lettuce, cucumber and a spicy dip. But it’s also absolutely possible to prepare our freshwater friend in the same way as one of its saltwater cousins: Mediterranean style with gnocchi and rocket pesto. This version has been given here as a recipe you can make at home. Incidentally, because the char in the Lunzer See lake are now protected because of the increasing number of predators, the Metzgers get theirs from the Größbacher fishmongers in Lassing, which is only ten kilometres away.

CHAR FILLET WITH RICOTTA GNOCCHI, PEPPER AND CABBAGE, AND ROCKET

SERVES 4

the lake

FOR THE FISH:

2 char fillets (deboned)

2 sprigs of herbs (e.g. rosemary or thyme)

2 tbsp butter

Olive oil

1 garlic clove

Salt

FOR THE RICOTTA GNOCCHI:

500 g ricotta

165 g Asmonte (alternative: Parmesan)

250 g coarse flour

3 eggs

Salt

Pepper

Grated nutmeg

1 garlic clove

Olive oil for drizzling

REFUGIUM LUNZ

Austria / Lower Austria / Lunz am See refugium-lunz.at

Hotel for connoisseurs, for

FOR THE PEPPER AND CABBAGE:

500 g sauerkraut

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion

50 g bacon

1 red pepper

1 garlic clove

1 tbsp sweet paprika

1 tsp smoked paprika

A splash of wine vinegar

¼ l chicken stock

A splash of water

1 bay leaf

Cayenne pepper

Granulated sugar

Salt

Pepper

2 tbsp sour cream

Cornflour to thicken (if required)

FOR THE ROCKET PESTO:

100 g rocket

50 g Asmonte (Grana Padano)

50 ml olive oil

50 ml sunflower oil

1 garlic clove

Salt

Pepper

Granulated sugar

50 g sunflower seeds

METHOD

1. For the fish, halve the char fillets, season with salt and sear them skin side down in a pan with some butter and a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sprigs of herbs and a crushed garlic clove.

2. For the ricotta gnocchi, combine the ricotta, grated Asmonte, coarse flour, eggs, a pinch each of salt and pepper, a little grated nutmeg and a small amount of finely chopped garlic in the bowl of a food processor and leave to rest briefly. Then tip the mixture into a piping bag and, using kitchen twine, squeeze portions into a pan of boiling, salted water. Strain the gnocchi as soon as they float to the surface and drizzle with olive oil so they don’t stick together.

3. For the rocket pesto, blitz the rocket, grated Asmonte, olive oil, sunflower oil, chopped garlic clove, a pinch of salt and pepper and a sprinkle of granulated sugar in a blender until creamy. Then add the sunflower seeds and blitz again until you achieve the desired consistency.

4. For the pepper and cabbage, rinse the sauerkraut and leave to drain in a sieve. Finely dice the bacon, pepper and onion and soften in a pan with the butter. Add the paprika (both sweet and smoked), deglaze with some wine vinegar and pour in the chicken stock and some water. Now add the sauerkraut, bay leaf, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a sprinkle of granulated sugar, salt and pepper and leave everything until soft. Finish off the pepper and cabbage with some sour cream and taste again – thicken with some cornflour mixed into water if necessary.

5. Finally, serve the pepper and cabbage with the ricotta gnocchi and char fillet on a flat plate and garnish with the rocket pesto.

WINE PAIRING: WEINSCHLOSS THALLER / SAUVIGNON

Anyone who recognises this song from the 1950s will know that it continues by referring to a very special fragrance. Exactly which fragrance isn’t specified, we just know that it’s seductive. Perhaps it’s the calming scent of lavender from a mountain pasture, or the powerful fragrance of pine from the parlour. Maybe it’s referring to the sweet smell of Kaiserschmarren (chopped pancakes) coming from the tavern on the mountain. If the song had come from Paznauntal, all of that may well have been the case. At the Bergwiesenglück boutique hotel, it smells the same indoors as it does outdoors, and that doesn’t mean it just smells of fresh air. Eyes and nose at the ready.

There’s something

in the air

When a hotel is called “Bergwiesenglück” (literally: mountain-pasture-happiness), you obviously expect a mountain pasture. The one that was planted here serves as a guide towards the chalets. But the rosemary, lavender, lilacs, peonies, catnip and more don’t just delight guests, they also appeal to the bees who buzz around meditatively. And sometimes a stem flower is taken inside as a beautifully scented decoration.

HAY

Surrounding the hotel is a large field. And that doesn’t just satisfy the desire of mindful travellers to escape. It is mown in July and then the scent of fresh grass is all you can smell. The resulting hay can be found in items like Almut von Wildheim luminaires and on the plates at the Hermann’s Kitchen restaurant.

WOOD

As a traditional Tyrolean building material, wood is omnipresent here, particularly local species like spruce and larch. There is a parlour made out of pine in the restaurant that was bought from a farmer. And the interior of the former timber barn was renovated with branches and boards and turned into a climbing and games heaven.

RELAXATION

Whether relaxation at the Bergwiesenglück smells of the sauna, massage oil or shower lotion depends on your personal requirements. The Alpine rose fragrance is especially popular, as it helps release stress and unwind. Pine promotes sleep. Mountain pine is beneficial for your airways. And invigorates the mountain pasture.

KAISERSCHMARREN (CHOPPED PANCAKES)

“That’s the best Kaiserschmarren I’ve ever eaten” – that’s a sentence you’ll hear often in Hermann’s Kitchen. The secret behind it will not be given away. All we can say is that you run the risk of remembering a stay at the Bergwiesenglück every time you catch the sweet smell of caramelised sugar.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL BERGWIESENGLÜCK Austria / Tyrol / See bergwiesenglueck.at

A chalet village in Paznauntal for moments of happiness in nature.

MOUNTAIN PASTURE

A long, long time ago, in a place where the fox and the hare say “Güita Nocht” in South Tyrolean dialect amid the fairy-tale mountain pastures (“Alm” in German), there was once a flour mill. With their round shape and constant rotation, the millstones provided inspiration for the architecture and design of the sustainable sanctuary we see today. Even the name of the hotel closes the circle, as “Olm” in South Tyrol means both “Alm” (mountain pasture) and “eternal”. ETERNAL

Following plans drawn up by local firm Andreas Gruber Architects, the result was a ring-shaped building consisting of various materials such as concrete, stone, glass and wood, with an overall diameter of 110 metres. The circle can also be seen in the interior in the form of mirrors, rugs and lighting.

The sustainability concept is in full alignment with the symbolism of the circle. Electricity and heat are generated entirely independently using hydropower, geothermal energy and solar energy, without having any impact on the environment. A naturally fed well and electric mobility round off the overall concept, which has been certified by KlimaHaus A and GSTC.

“Eat whenever you like” is the spirit behind the food concept, which isn’t a strict full board. The day of culinary freedom kicks off with an optional breakfast, which includes bread from the natural bakery and homemade muesli. In the hotel’s own restaurant, PRENN°, there are themed evenings plus tasting menus and dinners with aperitifs and a buffet of Alpine/ Mediterranean tapas. When checking in, guests will receive a digital cookbook with ingredients that can be bought at OLM and prepared in the ApartSuites. Then of course there is the option to explore other restaurants in the surrounding region.

You’ll find your inner centre in the inner circle of the building, where a verdant relaxation garden, a natural bathing pond, a 25-metre sports pool and a garden sauna ensure your well-being. Some 25 of the ApartSuites also feature their own sauna. The scent of larch is in the air, cow bells can be heard in the distance, a fox darts through the forest and as a guest at OLM, all you have to do is complete the natural cycle. OMMMMM

Go with the

Hannes Niederkofler, Manuel Kottersteger

DINE CONSCIOUSLY

THE NATURAL CYCLE

The history of the round eco aparthotel starts with a millstone – now what awaits guests is the distinctive OLM personality. Coherent architecture in harmony with nature, a visionary food concept and a building that functions in an energy self-sufficient way and has been certified for its sustainability credentials are the defining features of OLM. Here, everything goes in circles:

OLM NATURE ESCAPE Italy / South Tyrol / Sand in Taufers olm.it Energy self-sufficient aparthotel in South Tyrol for those seeking tranquillity.

GREEN POWERHOUSE

Salzburg

HOTEL STEIN Austria / Salzburg / Salzburg hotelstein.at

Salzburg design hotel with legendary roof terrace and Venice-inspired details.

Lifestylehotels: Can you reveal to us your favourite spot in the hotel?

Margot Weindorfer: It has to be the terrace with its beautiful view. It’s particularly lovely in the morning when the sun is gradually lighting up the city.

Lifestylehotels: Hotel Stein has a Venetian flair – how do you bring La Serenissima to Salzburg?

Margot Weindorfer: Trade and art have linked the two cities for several centuries. In Barovier&Toso we have a perfectly matched partner by our side. The company is a veteran of glass art in Murano, where the furnaces have been kept burning and knowledge has been passed down since 1295. That’s quite something.

Lifestylehotels: There are photos by Luigi Caputo on display in the hotel, who recently published a photo book depicting the Salzburg Festival. Which is your favourite piece?

Margot Weindorfer: Luigi is a wonderful, incredibly delicate and sensitive artist. His view of the scenery and the details of a place, a performance, often moves me immensely and I especially like his images where people are schematically part of the scenery.

Lifestylehotels: Where do you go out to eat and what do you order?

Margot Weindorfer: To our Goldgasse guesthouse, where we keep Salzburg’s fine tradition of hospitality alive and well. They serve up fabulous fish dishes with fish from

the Salzkammergut region, for example from the fishery at Schloss Fuschl. Our kitchen team keeps coming up with exciting combinations using ingredients or side dishes from a Baroque cookbook. It’s simply wonderful.

Lifestylehotels: Everyone has heard of Jedermann, but which lesser-known production at the Salzburg Festival should not be missed?

Margot Weindorfer: Without a doubt the Ouverture spirituelle, which opens the Festival. It’s a wonderful series of concerts in special settings.

Lifestylehotels: The Festival dress code – what do people need to know when selecting their outfit?

Margot Weindorfer: The dress code has become more casual and informal. But the Salzburg Festival is still an opportunity to dig out your fanciest dress and make an entrance. It’s also part of the fascination of the Festival and I know that many of our guests enjoy it enormously.

Lifestylehotels: And where do you escape to when the summer of festivals gets a little too hectic and hot?

Margot Weindorfer: I go for a walk up Kapuzinerberg, which is just behind Hotel Stein. It’s a lovely place to retreat to with a wide-ranging view of the city and surrounding areas. Every now and then, I also take a break in the Salzkammergut region, where I can switch off and still have the summer of festivals close by.

Allegro

When the spring sunshine beams over Kapuzinerberg, Salzburg starts to liven up. The Easter and Whitsun Festivals mark the start of peak season in Mozart’s city. The tempo slowly increases with the Salzburg Festival in the summer, when numerous visitors dressed in their finery attend performances of Jedermann and by the Vienna Philharmonic. The vibe is also molto allegro at the Stein design hotel, which is run by Margot Weindorfer. Speaking to THE Stylemate, the manager talks about the legendary Steinterrasse on the rooftop of the hotel, art made out of Murano glass, a Baroque recipe book, the Festival dress code and places to retreat to when the summer gets a little too fortissimo.

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Between the forest and the orchard is the perfect place at the Apfelhotel to unwind, and there’s now a new yoga and movement room to do the same. The natural shades in the light-filled space ground you, the wood provides strength and the floaty curtains allow negative thoughts to be carried away on the wind. In addition to yoga or tabata sessions, meditation is another popular option with chanting, singing bowls and harmonium. Would you like a taster of what to expect? Yoga teacher Silvia takes us on an enlightening voyage through our bodies.

Please adopt a comfortable position, take a moment to focus your attention on your breath, which flows quietly and evenly in and out…

…then register the specific places in your body where you feel tension, discomfort or pain.

Imagine this discomfort assumes a shape and appearance in that place in your body and represents an entity. Give the entity in that place in your body a shape, a size, a material, a surface, a colour, a temperature, a sound or a tone that it might be emitting…

Now please imagine that there is a source of light or energy above your head. From this source of light radiates a pleasant light in a colour of your choice that you associate with well-being and healing.

Allow it to gradually surround and envelop your body… and ultimately flow into your body through the crown of your head… to the place in your body where the entity is. The coloured light now wraps around, flows around and encircles this entity more and more… also filling the interior of the entity… until the energy of this coloured, healing light makes the entity smaller and smaller, breaks it up, perhaps… into increasingly smaller elements until finally they’re so small that you can’t feel them anymore and they spread out throughout your entire body with the healing light.

Notice how the light gradually fills your entire body moving up from your feet and your legs… then your whole body is filled with light up to the armpit and arms so the light spills slowly out of the underarms into the arms and from the hands into the arms, until finally the shoulders, neck and head are filled with the pleasant, healing light. Keep this healing energy in your body if you want to, or follow this exercise in the near future to use this healing light as often as you like and treat discomfort in your body.

Now bring your full attention back to the here and now.

Comfort, peace, healing, relaxation

APFELHOTEL TORGGLERHOF Italy / South Tyrol / Saltaus apfelhotel.com

A hidden place surrounded by apple orchards and forests with an informal atmosphere.

Adventure, Tranquillity, Sustainability

ADVENTURER

Seefeld has been an Olympic venue three times and the magic that comes with the five rings is still tangible throughout the town. Its recreational value is enormous – at any time of year. Whether you opt for a mountain bike or electric bike, cross-country skis or Alpine skis, toboggan or simply your own two feet – there are kilometres of trails, paths, slopes and cross-country ski trails just waiting to be discovered. Golfers, swimmers and climbers are also well catered for. Anyone wanting animal companionship can hike with alpacas or be pulled by sled dogs. The Local Guides from the dasMAX provide a good overview of the activities in the region, available both on paper and in the app. Arranged according to level of difficulty, there are plenty of options to delight adventurers plus top recommendations for the most Instagram-worthy spots.

PEACE SEEKER

It’s well known that the traditional Tyrolean style has its charm, but peace seekers will find the interiors designed by Meissl Architects particularly relaxing. Instead of dark wood panelling, deep red fabrics and decorative carved objects, the emphasis is on light-coloured wood, pastel greens and furniture with clean lines. Large windows allow in an abundance of light. You can enjoy the Tyrolean mountain landscape either from the day beds in the BoConcept rooms or the loungers on the rooftop terrace, which boasts a 360-degree view. A relaxation area inside and a sauna complete the maxRelax wellness offering for holidaymakers looking to unwind.

MINDFUL TRAVELLER

Global citizens will be impressed by the carbon-neutral journey alone. The dasMAX is located just a few metres from the train station, meaning you can confidently leave your car at home. Using the hotel’s electric scooters is a great way to explore the surrounding area. Alternatively, there are also the environmentally friendly means of transport mentioned for the type 1 guests: from mountain bikes to dog sleds. And then there’s the Honesty Bar, where you can help yourself to a large selection of drinks and snacks at any time of day or night. You can even mix yourself a cocktail. The key to the bar is trust – every guest is asked to keep a note of what they’ve taken and pay when they check out. Everything is right with the world here.

How can you get the most out of your holiday? By planning it exactly the way you want it. Find action appealing? Just want to relax? Must be environmentally friendly? At the dasMAX lifestyle hotel in Seefeld, there’s something for every type of guest – whether you’re an adventurer, a peace seeker or a mindful traveller.

DAS MAX

Hot spot in Seefeld for fans of

DAS

TYPE 1:

TYPE 2:

TYPE 3:

dreamsarereality

Text: Christina Wetter-Nohl

“My work is modern but timeless. Eclectic might be a more suitable term. ”

FLUID SHAPES, UNUSUAL MATERIALS AND MATERIAL COMBINATIONS, A COLOUR PALETTE THAT RANGES FROM SUBTLE TO PUNCHY –IT’S NOT EASY TO PUT CYPRIOT ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER CHRISTINA PETROU’S STYLE INTO JUST ONE CATEGORY. EVEN SHE STRUGGLES WHEN ASKED TO DO SO. BUT THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE A BARRIER TO HER SUCCESS. WITH HER DESIGN STUDIO CHRISTINE KALIA, SHE CREATES FURNITURE, RENOVATES BUILDINGS AND RECENTLY DESIGNED THE FIT-OUT OF CHLOÉ STORES.

Your name is actually Christina Petrou, so where did Christine Kalia come from?

My mother always called me Christine, and Kalia was her nickname. I lost her when I was 13. I inherited my artistic side from her.

You come from Cyprus, an island with a rich history and beautiful landscapes – does your furniture reflect this?

I don’t think so. But I do work with traditional Cypriot techniques and materials, which I then adapt for modern art. For example, in my projects I use a lot of round wooden spheres that are made by hand on the island. I then dye them to give them a contemporary look.

What colour palette is in your DNA?

I feel at ease with all colours, as long as they suit the function and the space. I always find that colour brings life to a project. It can provide a good kick for the overall design. I also get excited at how colours and materials interact. When dyeing wood veneer, I looked long and hard for a technique that doesn’t conceal the beautiful texture. The result is like marble.

What do you consider when selecting materials?

I love uncharacteristic materials; I like textures and I like using materials in an unexpected way to create a fascinating result. Steel is my favourite material to work with. It’s a contemporary material that can be used for many years and still looks surprisingly good. You can create statement pieces with steel. I’m fascinated by the fact that it reflects its surroundings on the one hand, and on the other hand can disappear into the room –an interesting contrast.

Your work moves between dreams and reality – Bauhaus, Memphis, Scandi, numerous connections come to mind, but none of them quite fit. How would you describe your style? My work is modern but timeless. Eclectic might be a more suitable term. Scandi is for the masses. I work for a niche, specific group of people who like this style.

You live in a holiday destination, but also regularly leave the island to travel to other countries – which places have caught your attention in particular?

I used to be inspired by major cities.

I always was, but recently I’ve been taken with places off the beaten track and small villages. Not long ago, I was in the middle of nowhere in Cyprus in a building with a lot of water features, surrounded by nature. That really moved me.

You designed the boutiques for French fashion label Chloé. How did you approach this task?

I first looked closely at their brand identity and colour palette. Chloé has a very feminine style. From these inputs, I designed white and beige furniture with delicate shapes and rounded details.

What is your latest project?

I have just launched a collection made out of local limestone and red steel. The pieces are very sculptural but still functional. They were presented at the Larnaca Biennale.

What would be a dream contract for you?

Designing a theatre! The lighting, the furniture – they’re such interesting places!

What do you need for a good party?

Good company – it all comes down to the people. I also find that my furniture has a playful look that would suit a party, especially the Tide and Wavy benches.

Photos: Angeliki Koutsodimitropoulou, Sofia Zlata

The power of the hands

RUGS MADE BY WOMEN

Holding your own in a traditional Albanian fishing village isn’t all that easy when you’re a woman. But that didn’t stop Nebije Qotaj from opening a kilim workshop, and in doing so she turned her Muslim home town of Zogaj on its head. All eleven women who work for the company, NESA, are the main earners for their families. They weave rugs by hand using local wool. The contemporary design using traditional patterns and vibrant colours is the work of Nadja Zerunian.

THE LONGING FOR TACTILE PRODUCTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE BY PEOPLE AND HAVE A STORY TO TELL IS ON THE RISE. AT THE SAME TIME, MANY ARTISANS AROUND THE WORLD ARE FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL. CO/RIZOM IS AN INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE WITH AUSTRIAN ROOTS, WHOSE GOAL IS TO MAKE TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS MARKETABLE AND STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY BEHIND THEM. MANY HANDS ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS. ARTISANS, DESIGNERS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPERS ARE PUT INTO GROUPS OF THREE CALLED PODS, AND ALL OF THEIR TASKS COMPLEMENT THE OTHERS. THE RESULT IS A VIBRANT RANGE OF PRODUCTS IN EVERY POSSIBLE COLOUR, SHAPE AND MATERIAL FROM A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES. THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE, CO/RIZOM SHOWS HOW DIVERSE AND INTERCONNECTED OUR WORLD CAN BE IF YOU JUST REACH OUT YOUR HAND.

ZOGAJ

we are commited to the future of craft

NEBIJE FROM ALBANIA KNOTS RUGS AND REALLY SHAKES THINGS UP IN HER VILLAGE, ZAZA FROM GEORGIA CARVES ANCIENT PATTERNS INTO WOODEN OBJECTS AND VASILICA FROM ROMANIA MAKES WOODEN STOOLS THAT REPRESENT HIM. ALL AROUND THE WORLD, PEOPLE ARE MAKING THINGS BY HAND – IN FULL ALIGNMENT WITH THEIR TRADITIONS. CO/RIZOM MAKES THEIR WORK ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL. corizom.org

HAPPY CREATURES

LITTLE MONSTERS

“I’ve worked, but I didn’t know what I was doing. I chopped, I hammered, I cut with a knife. And I really enjoyed it. Although I was far from perfection – as far as the earth is from the sky – I wanted to do something that represents me,” says Vasilica Isăcescu. The seven black wooden stools with the playful backrests are a reinterpretation of traditional Romanian rustic stools. “When I look at a product that I’ve made, I marvel at it until I get bored. I never look for more. I’m happy with what I have. I’m happy with what I make. It’s not much, but it’s beautiful.”

CARVED MEMORY

BORJGALI

“Sometimes I get anxious and think I won’t be able to do it. But when I start, the process itself is what teaches me how to carry on!” Zaza Gatenashvili from Georgia adorns wooden boxes with ancient patterns. Using a hammer and chisel, he doesn’t just process the material but also his past as a Georgian internally displaced person from South Ossetia. To preserve his traditions, he passes his knowledge onto children and adds in some pearls of wisdom along the way: “Everything done to excess is harmful –balanced and informed, that’s my approach to life.”

WOVEN LIGHTS

SCARY BEASTS

This collection tells the story of how placemats were turned into lights and a traditional Hungarian craft was revived. The Hungarian village of Tápé was for a long time the centre of the production of cattail stalks. In the 1980s, half of the village population worked in the weaving industry. An economic crisis forced residents to find other jobs. But with Scary Beasts, the future of working with cattail stalks is no longer all that scary. Together with designer Marta Giardini, the women working at AMC, the Association Made of Cattail, now create amusing light fixtures and in doing so are able to resurrect part of their identity.

It’s a

BOTH PELOTON AND LIFESTYLEHOTELS

PRIORITISE HOLISTIC WELL-BEING AND KNOW WHAT INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS NEED WHEN THEY’RE ON HOLIDAY. AT THE NESSLERHOF, NIDUM AND PURADIES, GUESTS CAN SEAMLESSLY CONTINUE THEIR INDOOR CYCLING ROUTINES.

LONGING

Packing your suitcase is often one of the biggest challenges when it comes to travel. You can’t always fit everything in. And sometimes, you want to take things that just aren’t possible, no matter how hard you try: your favourite exercise machine, for example. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. There are Peloton Bikes in selected Lifestylehotels, so you can get that feeling of home that you might be missing when you’re away.

CONNECTION

Thousands of on-demand and live courses by over 50 trainers are available to users of Peloton Bikes thanks to the large screen. In alignment with the global spirit of Peloton, you can compete against people all over the world during live videos or send them high fives. If you have a Peloton membership, log into your account and gain direct access to your saved data. Travellers who aren’t Peloton members will receive free access to use the Peloton Bikes in the hotel (which can also be used in other participating hotels).

PELOTONISATION

Using the https://hotelfinder.onepeloton.com/en/ hotel finder, guests can search for hotels that have Peloton Bikes and book with them directly. In the hotels themselves, the bikes are usually located in the gym. In some places, they’re even in the rooms. If there’s no Peloton Bike in your favourite hotel, you can submit a suggestion on the Hotel Finder website!

“WE ARE CONTINUALLY WORKING ON INNOVATIONS TO REACH OUR CURRENT AND FUTURE MEMBERS WHEREVER THEY ARE. THEY WANT TO CONTINUE THEIR ROUTINE EVEN WHEN THEY’RE AWAY FROM HOME, SO WE’VE STARTED PARTNERING WITH HOTELS TO ACCOMMODATE THAT.”

DANIEL SPRUNG, SENIOR DIRECTOR AT PELOTON

Photos: Peloton, Tina Neudegger

match

PELOTON X PURADIES

“Peloton Bikes are an excellent investment for hotels, as they offer guests a first-class fitness experience with live and on-demand courses. What’s more, the compact design and integrated technology mean the Peloton Bikes meet the needs of modern travellers for convenient and connected fitness options. Our guests appreciate the on-demand Peloton Bike experience both in their private suite and in the gym.”

Michael Madreiter, owner, Puradies Nature Resort in Leogang

PELOTON X NIDUM

“Our Peloton Bikes are a fantastic addition and loved by our guests. What they like the most is the unique experience of pedalling in front of a window that looks out at a breathtaking view of the Alps – it enriches their overall stay. Our partnership with Peloton aligns with our commitment to high-quality experiences and fostering the well-being of our guests.”

Maximilian Pinzger, owner, Nidum

PELOTON X NESSLERHOF

“We’re often asked about the Peloton Bike at reception. Many of our guests have already heard of the bike and look forward to trying out the different programmes. Another thing we often hear is that training is much easier because you’re pushed and coached. We’re pleased that many guests find the training to be considerably more enjoyable. The positive feedback has convinced us that the Peloton Bike is an asset in the gym and the area should definitely be expanded in future.”

Tina Neudegger, owner, Nesslerhof

Brothers Moritz (33) and Klaus Dissertori (41) come from a hospitality family in the idyllic Lana in South Tyrol and now run four unique hotels in their home town and Bolzano: Hotel Schwarzschmied, opened in 1980 and taken over by their parents, the 1477 Reichhalter boutique hotel, the

Historic

“WE WANT TO MAKE OUR HOMELAND MORE ATTRACTIVE AGAIN BY MAKING OUR CULTURE MORE TANGIBLE. THAT’S WHY WE CREATE PLACES WHERE WE WOULD LIKE TO SPEND TIME OURSELVES.”

Moritz Dissertori

romantic Villa Arnica for adults and the Parkhotel Mondschein in the South Tyrolean capital. Four exceptional retreats in historic buildings – the two brothers have a real soft spot for giving them a new lease of life and preserving their history. Brought together under the Alto Group, they equip old buildings with modern comforts thanks to much attention to detail, creating a place where young and old, holidaymakers and locals like to meet. Moritz Dissertori: “Our strategy and USP is renovating old buildings. I think it’s much more sustainable than building from scratch. When renovating, we are careful to reuse things that are already available. We’ve uncovered floors and restored old doors rather than buying new ones, for example. We want to repair what’s already there. To do that, we work closely with heritage departments and architects who know how things used to be built and have a feel for old buildings.”

They like to get inspiration for this and for the running of their hotels from travelling to other countries, where they see a lot and then return with a new perspective and ideas to develop their concepts. Moritz Dissertori: “We try to be as honest and authentic as possible. We don’t want to just follow fleeting current trends but instead create a great, sustainable experience.” Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here, it’s a way of life – for example in the kitchen. They mainly use regional produce from local sources, while at Villa Arnica there’s also a 2,000 m2 garden where vegetables are grown. Proof of the success of the concept can be seen in the large number of returning guests and long-standing employees. This includes the brothers themselves, as they returned to their parents’ hotel after spending a long time abroad studying and travelling. Klaus Dissertori came back in 2010 to the extensive renovation of the Schwarzschmied and never left.

brother Moritz only fully returned

South Tyrol for his latest project, the Parkhotel Mondschein. The Parkhotel, whose oldest part dates back to 1320, opened its doors again in May 2022 following comprehensive restoration work. Now it gleams with the warm flair of the early 1960s, reminiscent of cinematic moments from the golden era of Italian films. “During the redesign, beautiful materials, good quality and smart design were our top priorities. We wanted to create a place where people could relax and indulge in some time out,” explains Moritz Dissertori. And the two restless hoteliers haven’t run out of ideas just yet: in April, a pool will complete the idyllic park-like grounds at the Mondschein and provide a place to retreat to on hot summer’s days. A well-stocked kiosk bar will provide suitable refreshments. The Parkhotel has now become the place to be in Bolzano – on the one hand because of its Luna Bar and the DJs who regularly play there, and on the other hand because of the atmospheric events.

His

to

THE FACT THAT THE BRICK ISN’T OBSOLETE AS A BUILDING MATERIAL IS CLEAR FOR ALL TO SEE AT THE BRICK AWARD. THIS IS WHERE ARCHITECTS FROM ALMOST EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD DEMONSTRATE HOW CONTEMPORARY THE NATURAL BUILDING COMPONENT CAN BE – AND RECEIVE AWARDS FOR DOING SO.

BRICK by BRICK

“Now more than ever, architecture is faced with the task of facilitating affordable housing while also preserving our planet’s natural resources. The innovative power needed to do this can be seen in the projects nominated for the Brick Award 24. They are an impressive expression of how much potential there is in their diverse applications and the various brick types. Resource-efficient building and the use of local materials in particular are not just a prolonged trend, they’re also a literal foundation of a sustainable lifestyle.

That makes it all the more important for these examples of best practice to be highlighted.”

HEIMO SCHEUCH, CEO OF WIENERBERGER AG

The clay brick is the oldest prefabricated building component of them all. Even early advanced civilisations in around 8000 BC used them for construction alongside wood and other natural materials. Be it in the Roman or Byzantine Empire, in the Middle Ages, during the Renaissance or the Baroque period – using bricks, people built anything from simple houses right up to veritable masterpieces of construction. Brick architecture continues to play an important role even today in the 21st century, and a comprehensive overview can be gained at the Brick Award. Initiated by Austrian company wienerberger over 20 years ago, the aim of the event was and still is to honour exceptional performance in brick architecture and showcase the transformative power of bricks in modern design. It also endeavours to underline the versatility and contemporary nature of bricks as a natural building material. Although wienerberger hosts the event, the Brick Award is an independent commendation and you don’t have to use wienerberger products to enter.

In total, 743 projects from 54 countries were submitted. Some 31 of the 50 projects on the shortlist are from Europe, nine from Central and South America and the rest are from North America, Australia, India and other Asian countries like Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Even at this point it is clear how diverse the projects are. And how difficult it will be to choose the winners.

The architects with the unenviable task of making this choice this year are:

Christelle Avenier from France, Christine Conix from Belgium, Wojciech Malecki from Poland, Boonserm Premthada from Thailand and Ingrid van der Heijden from the Netherlands. They will select the winners in the five categories and out of those, the Grand Prize Winner. The five categories are: “Feeling at home”, “Living together”, “Working together”, “Sharing Public Spaces” and “Building outside the box”. The winner of each category and the overall winner at the Brick Award 24 will be announced in June at an event in Vienna. In recent years, projects have been submitted from all over the world, and nominees and winners have been chosen from a wide range of manufacturers and brick types in all colours and shapes.

In conversation with interested parties, the architects and critics, the intention is to publicly emphasise the aesthetic and functional aspects of the construction material.

Combining

Numerous hand-knotted rugs in various timeless designs can be found in the Geba showroom, resulting in a richly coloured work of art. The craftsmanship of the knotting families from Tibet and Nepal, with whom Geba has been working for more than 25 years, is evident in every single rug. It forms the basis that enables the individual requests of customers in terms of design, shape and colour to be met. Because the diverse range of rugs is part of the company’s corporate identity, a perfectly coordinated colour and design concept can be developed. The choice of colour plays a key role in this: the Geba colour palette includes 256 individual shades that can be used in any combination in every design. What’s more, any colours requested by the customer can be faithfully replicated. The Geba team advises customers both in the gallery and in their homes or wherever the rug will be positioned – for example, in a hotel. This allows Geba to ensure that all requests and ideas for a new rug can be incorporated into the creative process right from the beginning so it fits perfectly into the space.

THE GEBA CARPET GALLERY IS LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC ARCHES OF A FORMER DOMINICAN MONASTERY IN THE HEART OF THE OLD TOWN OF GRAZ, DATING BACK OVER 500 YEARS. IT IS THE IDEAL PLACE TO COMBINE THE TRADITIONAL CRAFT OF MAKING RUGS FROM TIBET AND NEPAL WITH MODERN DESIGN, AND ADVISING CUSTOMERS ON THE “RIGHT” RUG.

Following that, visualising the space with and without the rug helps enormously in choosing a design. Rugs are part of a cohesive interior design concept and communicate with their surroundings –they reinvent a room and change the way a place is perceived and used. It makes a big difference when there’s a rug on a cool, tiled hotel reception floor or even in the entrance, in order to create a living room atmosphere. If the rug adds to the ambience and fits in with the overall room concept, you don’t just feel welcomed but like you’re already at home.

To Harald Geba, a harmonious room concept is just as important for interior design as partnering with creatives. His experience is valued by architects, designers and branding experts around the world.

craftsmanship and design

His customers include names such as the Ungaro Paris fashion house, while Geba rugs also provide a hint of extravagance in Salzburg Cathedral, the Palais Sans Souci in Vienna, the Red Bull Ring and a number of international design and boutique hotels. Harald Geba collaborates with young artists to deliver these rugs thanks to their creative design ideas. As an example, partnering with South Tyrolean designer Patrick Rampelotto in 2018 resulted in the Mikro Makro rug design. This rug was bought by the MAK Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna for its collection. Plans are currently being made for further collaborations with designers – meaning the ancient craft will be combined with modern designs and brought into the future. Brought down to the floor with a rug that exudes timeless elegance and individual design.

That

hotel feeling

WITH THEIR FIRST HOSPITALITY PROJECT NILS AM SEE, VERENA WOHLKÖNIG AND JÜRGEN HAMBERGER FROM MEZZA—MAISO HAVE PROVEN THAT THEY KNOW WHAT’S REQUIRED TO MAKE HOLIDAYMAKERS SMILE. DURING OUR INTERVIEW ABOUT HOTEL DESIGN, THE FOUNDERS OF THE VIENNA-BASED INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM REVEALED HOW ROOM CATEGORIES AND COOKING INGREDIENTS ARE RELATED, WHAT SALT IN YOUR SOUP HAS TO DO WITH ART, AND WHY IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE RIGHT FEELING.

How do you turn a building into a hotel?

VW: When you want to transform a building into a hotel, it’s a bit like faceting a raw diamond. The architecture is there in the form of the basic structure. But the magic occurs in the details. We love injecting soul into every room so guests feel like it’s their second home. This could be anything from the choice of colour to the fabrics. It’s like a symphony in which everything has to happen in perfect coordination. The goal? For guests to have a smile on their face as soon as they enter and to want to stay. Art stands out more in minimal spaces, but a hotel isn’t supposed to be a museum. Or is it?

JH: Exactly, art needs to be able to breathe! But a hotel should be warm and inviting, not a cold museum. We see art as a fellow resident in a hotel. It’s there to enrich the atmosphere. We’re always on the lookout for pieces that spark conversations or provide a moment of peace. Art in a hotel is like salt in your soup – you need just the right amount to achieve perfection.

How do you bring hospitality to life through architecture?

VW: For us, hospitality starts with a feeling. When we start a project, we imagine how guests will move around and experience a space. Every perspective, every alcove should tempt people to linger and enjoy their time. It’s all about creating spaces that tell stories and where people can gather together. We think of the small details that make the difference. We consider architecture and design as tools to open up people’s hearts.

How do you differentiate creatively between the various room categories?

JH: It’s like cooking, using different ingredients to make different dishes. Every room category has its own personality. We ask ourselves: who will be staying in this room? What does this person need in order to feel comfortable? For a

luxury room, we might select one special individual item and high-quality materials. For a standard room, we ensure that it is cleverly and cosily furnished. It’s about giving guests exactly what they need and at the same time giving them the feeling they’re experiencing something special.

How important is the location of a hotel for planning?

VW: The location is everything. It sets the tone. We always try to design a hotel so it feels like it’s part of the surroundings. If the hotel is by the sea, we want guests to be able to feel the breeze. In a city, it should be a tranquil retreat. We draw inspiration from the area – that might be local art, history or simply nature. It’s about creating a connection between the location and guests.

What goes through your mind when a project is at the halfway point?

JH: The halfway point of a project is a moment for reflection and looking forward. It’s a time when we assess progress as well as focusing on bringing our vision to life. It’s a critical point at which passion, precision and creativity come together to ensure that the end product surpasses our expectations and those of our clients.

Wood represents durability – what associations do you have with the material?

VW: We love wood. It’s such a warm, inviting material. Using wood feels like you’re bringing a piece of nature right into the room. It has character, it tells stories and it ages so beautifully. Every piece of wood is unique, and it’s this uniqueness that makes the spaces we design so special.

With the Collectibles, you’re curating special residential properties. When is it worth collecting pieces of furniture?

JH: Collecting furniture is a bit like finding treasure. It’s not just about the furniture itself, but about the stories behind it.

Sometimes we come across a piece and we immediately feel that it has a soul. These pieces bring so much personality to a room. It’s always worth it when the individual piece triggers an emotional reaction, be it joy, curiosity or simply a feeling of home.

What story does the boutique hotel Nils am See that you’re planning in Weiden have to tell?

VW: Nils am See is a dream come true. It tells a story of relaxation, nature and a place where you can forget time. We wanted the hotel to blend seamlessly into the landscape and at the same time convey a cosy, informal feeling. Every detail, from the architecture to the interior, has been

carefully selected to offer guests an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where you can switch off and enjoy the beauty of the moment.

Which architectural hospitality stories would you still like to tell?

JH: We’re dreaming about creating places that move people, inspire them and at the same time offer tranquillity and rejuvenation. Every project is a new story just waiting to be told. We want to design spaces that aren’t just beautiful but also sustainable and inclusive. Places where everyone feels welcome regardless of their origin or culture. That’s the kind of stories we want to tell through our work – stories that touch people’s hearts.

Verena Wohlkönig and Jürgen Hamberger, founders of Mezza—Maiso: two creatives, one vision.

Interior styling in the studio rooms at Nils am See.

Art by Charlotte Klobassa at Galerie Zeller van Almsick.

Verena Wohlkönig: creating sustainable experiences for all the senses.