Located in eastern Switzerland, the Abbey Library of St. Gallen lives up to the most enchanting descriptions of historic libraries. As one of the world's best-preserved Baroque spaces, it features stunningly intricate woodwork, elegant balconied gantries, and vast collections of leather-bound books. For centuries, this site has served as Switzerland’s largest and oldest monastic library, earning its reputation as a premier intellectual treasure of Europe.
In an artistic fusion of heritage and innovation, De Bethune and Louis Vuitton have unveiled the LVDB-03 Louis Varius project as part of the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives. This collaboration, which stems from a mentorship program dedicated to nurturing future watchmaking talent, features a modern reimagining of a classic 18th-century Sympathique clock. Accompanying the clock is a travel-themed wristwatch based on the elegant DB25 GMT Starry Varius, blending timeless craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic.
Nestled within quiet pine groves near Phaplu, Happy House Nepal is a traditional Sherpa residence that has served as a historic gathering place for mountain scholars and explorers. Notably, it was a cherished retreat for Sir Edmund Hillary, who considered this secluded home his personal sanctuary. Today, it maintains its reputation as a soulful cultural hub, offering a peaceful glimpse into the region's storied mountaineering history.
The fourth season of Enduro Ratnange, a five-day Trans-Himalayan race, reaches new heights both literally and figuratively this year. Organized by the Phaplu Mountain Bike Club and Solu Dudhkunda Municipality, the event takes place at the foothills of Mount Everest. Riders will navigate twelve demanding stages in thin air, with several starts exceeding 3,600 meters in elevation. This edition emphasizes endurance and perspective as much as speed, pushing participants through raw singletrack and remote high-mountain valleys for a truly elevated experience.
Since 2012, Mediterranea has become a staple of the Yogyakarta culinary scene under the guidance of French chef Kamil, who has been a prominent local figure since moving to Indonesia in 2008. The restaurant specializes in authentic French and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring a dedicated in-house bakery that prepares fresh croissants and danishes every day.
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm), which opened in October 2017, serves as a prominent cultural landmark honoring the enduring legacy of the iconic French fashion designer. Located on Rue Yves Saint Laurent next to the historic Jardin Majorelle—a site preserved by Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé—the 4,000-square-meter facility was designed by Studio KO to harmoniously fuse contemporary sophistication with traditional Moroccan architectural influences.
Since its commissioning in 2017, the Yanfolila Gold Mine has established itself as a premier high-grade open-pit operation and a vital contributor to Mali’s mining industry. The project is currently focused on long-term value creation by exploring underground potential at Komana East and pursuing various regional exploration targets to extend its operational life. This growth is supported by a landmark 2025 agreement with the Malian government that aligns with the 2023 Mining Code, ensuring a stable regulatory environment for future development. Beyond its technical success, Yanfolila operates as a key economic partner dedicated to sustainable growth through local employment and community investment, positioning the mine for a productive and responsible future.
Situated just steps from Berlin's busy Brandenburg Gate, the Raum der Stille offers a peaceful sanctuary for quiet introspection. Modeled after a meditation space at the United Nations, this room is open to everyone and features a minimalist design with only a few chairs and a notable textile work by artist Ritta Hager. Because the space is frequently empty, visitors can enjoy a sense of private calm and artistic reflection while the crowds of tourists remain just outside.
