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naturals
Wellness, at its core, is rooted in timeless principles: simplicity, mindfulness, and a deep connection to nature. Few embody this philosophy better than Deborah Szekely, the 102-year-old "godmother of wellness," who co-founded Rancho La Puerta in 1940. This revolutionary health retreat in Mexico, with its focus on sustainable living and mindful practices, laid the groundwork for modern wellness escapes.
If Wonderland existed today, it would be the realm of John and Cynthia Hardy - the visionaries behind Bambu Indah, an ecologically mindful retreat in Bali. Entering their world feels like stepping into another dimension where magic and curiosity thrive. John’s ideas are vast, boundless, and driven by a relentless passion for innovation, while Cynthia provides a grounding presence with her warmth, earthiness, and sense of home. Together, they create a balance, leading transformative initiatives with a shared commitment to the greater good. The couple's success is rooted in the simple yet profound belief that anything is possible with an open mind.
Pioneered by visionaries such as Javier Senosiain, organic architecture challenges conventional notions of space and design, fostering a deeper connection between the inhabitants and the natural world around them. We spoke to Senosiain about designing to enhance the human experience, exploring the interconnectedness of our bodies and architecture, and blurring the lines between time and space.
Philipp Frank, a visionary land-light artist, merges nature, technology, and emotion to craft immersive spaces and captivating imagery that defy conventional boundaries. His innovative creations challenge viewers to rethink their perceptions of space and time, drawing inspiration from natural phenomena, science, and philosophy. In our conversation with Frank, he elaborated on how his art underscores nature's timeless relevance and role as the ultimate gateway to the present.
Wilbert Das, the former creative force behind Diesel, embarked on a transformative journey from the fashion world of Europe to the tranquil shores of Trancoso, Brazil, driven by a desire to reconnect with nature and the essence of design. His transition from fashion icon to self-taught architect and conservation advocate culminated in the creation of Hotel UXUA, a testament to his unwavering commitment to timeless elegance and environmental stewardship. Nestled within the idyllic setting of Trancoso, UXUA embodies Das's ethos of letting the landscape guide his vision, blending modern Brazilian design with indigenous influences to create a truly immersive experience.
Tommy Clarke, an extraordinary aerial photographer, embarked on his artistic journey by realizing the unique perspective he could achieve by taking to the skies. His breathtaking images, resembling abstract art, capture diverse landscapes, from the enchanting salt lakes in the Western USA to the mesmerizing volcanic rivers in Iceland and the ethereal coastlines of Australia.
Pedro Léger Pereira is an accomplished architect and sculptor, currently residing in extreme Arctic Norway. Pedro founded APART(E) STUDIO, an architectural practice that embodies his unique approach, blending Scandinavian influence with southern European cultural heritage, to give us the landscape architecture of the future.
MasayaCo is a sustainable furniture brand inspired by the artisanal nature of Masaya and the rich culture and nature found in Nicaragua. The company’s embrace of tree farming redefines the industry, casting a positive influence on environmental conservation and our planet's well-being.
Land art creator and public artist, Olga Ziemska mines nature, philosophy, and science in search of connection points among the physical forces, biological structures, and mystical underpinnings of existence. She often attempts to make visible those concepts or properties that are indiscernible to the naked eye, such as cellular formations or magnetism. By making visual associations between the visible and the invisible — or the microscopic and the macrocosmic —Olga poetically underscores the interrelatedness of all things.
Jordi Roca is an award-winning pastry chef of the three Michelin star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain. In this instalment of Naturals, Jordi takes us on a journey to the Amazon to connect with the most ancient, mystical, and transformative ingredient - cacao. The trip to South America was the first stepping stone in the creation of his experiential hotel Casa Cacao, and, ultimately, finding the soul of the cocoa bean.
The Salinas Nature Reserve is a destination on Long Island, Bahamas, created to improve its natural surroundings, with regenerative landscape design at the heart of the vision. More than 80% of the property serves as a nature reserve, with the remaining land dedicated to low-impact sustainable development. This Anthropocene Project represents a new era for The Michael Young Family Foundation, a Toronto-based charitable organization with deep roots in environmentally-focused community initiatives.
The Family Coppola Hideaways found in Belize deviates from the cultural icon better known on the silver screen, but rather lends itself to an equally formidable collection of eco-hotels, all carrying with them a true sense of wild, and well-worthy of your next check on the bucket list.
Atelier Lavit is a boundary-pushing architectural firm with a strong focus on sustainable design, paving the way for cutting-edge eco-architecture that supports its natural environment.
