There has been a lot of discussion since AI was made available to everyone in the form of ChatGPT and Midjourney. Is AI intelligent? Have people had their time as a thinking, creative being? What is authentically experienced and felt, and what is just simulated? And how can we tell the difference? The fact is, ChatGPT doesn’t bother about whether its words are true or false, good or bad. It has no idea what it’s producing. It also doesn’t know the boundary between fact and fiction. And it doesn’t have any empathy, so it can’t empathise with people. After all: algorithms don’t have feelings. Philosopher and literary scholar Hannes Bajohr said in an SFR discussion group that you can’t even vaguely compare ChatGPT with human intelligence. It has no body, it doesn’t live in a world and it doesn’t communicate with people in the way we do. We’re watching a system producing text. As Bajohr puts it: “That means we are dealing with an automated bullshit machine.” The technical term “bullshit” can be traced back to philosopher Harry Frankfurt. He uses it to describe a type of communication that primarily entails feigning something akin to competence without the willingness to interact. In this issue, we are looking at AI, experimenting with it and testing it out. But this editorial wasn’t written by ChatGPT – the suggestion it spat out was so boring we didn’t want to subject you to it.

1. THE
Style
mate
Bullshit Machine ?
INSPIRATION FROM AROUND
THE WORLD FOR AN AESTHETIC
AND MEANINGFUL LIFESTYLE
ISSUE No 03 | 2023
thestylemate.com

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2
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
Foto:
Heldentheater
There has been a lot of discussion since AI was made
available to everyone in the form of ChatGPT and
Midjourney. Is AI intelligent? Have people had their
time as a thinking, creative being? What is authentically
experienced and felt, and what is just simulated? And
how can we tell the difference?
The fact is, ChatGPT doesn’t bother about whether
its words are true or false, good or bad. It has no idea
what it’s producing. It also doesn’t know the boundary
between fact and fiction. And it doesn’t have any empathy,
so it can’t empathise with people. After all: algorithms
don’t have feelings.
Philosopher and literary scholar Hannes Bajohr said in an
SFR discussion group that you can’t even vaguely compare
ChatGPT with human intelligence. It has no body, it doesn’t
live in a world and it doesn’t communicate with people
in the way we do. We’re watching a system producing
text. As Bajohr puts it: “That means we are dealing
with an automated bullshit machine.” The technical
term “bullshit” can be traced back to philosopher Harry
Frankfurt. He uses it to describe a type of communication
that primarily entails feigning something akin to com-
petence without the willingness to interact.
In this issue, we are looking at AI, experimenting with
it and testing it out. But this editorial wasn’t written by
ChatGPT – the suggestion it spat out was so boring we
didn’t want to subject you to it.
Fotos:
Geba
Teppiche,
Lyre’s,
EYEWEAR
by
DAVID
BECKHAM,
Issey
Miyake
Parfums,
Levi’s
X
Ambush,
Dyson
Essentials
DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT.
After a long day sightseeing or on the beach, it’s often
not until the evening that you realise you’ve once again
forgotten to drink enough water. Especially when tap
water on holiday just tastes like chlorine, drinking water
can be far from your mind. Thanks to the Waterdrop
Smart Bottle, you can kill two birds with one stone: not
only does it remind you to drink, it also purifies the tap
water at the beach thanks to its innovative UV-C light
technology. The drinks bottle is made in Austria, works
in tandem with an app and is available with a capacity
of 600 ml or one litre. The integrated machine learning
actively optimises its performance to improve your
drinking behaviour. The high-quality cap made out of
bamboo and the elegant borosilicate glass combine form
and function. With the Waterdrop Smart Bottle, you’ll
never forget to drink enough on holiday again!
waterdrop.com,
Waterdrop, 6 flavours, € 14,90
PUT A RING ON IT.
Better than smartwatches – and much better looking.
The Oura ring is our favourite new smart piece of jewellery.
The ring doesn’t just look good in gold, silver, rose gold
and black, it also tracks your sleep and your activity to
optimise your fitness. Via the associated app, the ring
shows you when you need rest and when you can really
push yourself. And because mindfulness is particularly
important, the ring also encourages you to engage rest
mode if your stress levels are too high – with guided
sessions, meditation practice and tips for better health.
Because the ring is on your finger and not on your wrist
like other wearables, it can accurately measure your heart
rate and therefore better process all the data.
It’s a real all-rounder.
ouraring.com, 2 designs / 5 colours, from € 314
INSTAGRAMMABLE.
With the Insta360 X3 camera, you can say goodbye to
boring beach holiday photos. This AI-powered camera
creates breathtaking footage, both under the water and
on land, and automatically stabilises the image. Unlike
standard underwater cameras, the selfie stick is auto-
matically filtered out and the protective cover is invisible.
The live streams, videos and photos that can be created
afterwards using the Insta360 app are powered by AI to
touch up the blue shadows that can lead to imperfections
in underwater photos and generate realistic images.
All footage is captured in 360° and can be subsequently
reframed.
insta360.com, from € 500
D I E S E R A U S G A B E
IN THIS ISSUE
IMPRINT Media owner and publisher: Prime Time Touristik & Marketing GmbH, Schmiedgasse 38/1, 8010 Graz, Austria
Editors: Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger Editor-in-chief: Mag. Nina Prehofer - Agency NEUNZEHN-NULL-VIER-
Managing editor: Thomas Holzleithner Layout: VON K Brand Design Cover: Hassan Ragab
Concept and Editorial Office: René Wentzel, Marlene Zeintlinger, Hannah Stefitz - Agency NEUNZEHN-NULL-VIER-
Project management: Dominik Thamer - Agency NEUNZEHN-NULL-VIER- Writers: Franzobel
Translators: Katherine Nussey Advertising: office@thestylemate.com Printed by: Medienfabrik Graz, 8020 Graz
Published in: Graz Publication: 3x yearly
Essentials
Page 3
Mit ChatGPT nach
London
Page 4–9
LIFE:
Genuss auf höchster Stufe
im OLM Nature Escape
Page 10
Was würde Buddha
dazu sagen?
Page 11–13
Franzobel
Page 14
STYLE:
KI und die Zukunft
Page 15
KI und Architekten:
Die Kreativität ist freit
Page 16–20
Mezza—Maiso
Page 21
Peloton
Page 22–23
CIS
Page 24–25
Frei sein
im Freiraum
Page 26
Lifestylehotels™
Selection:
Nesslerhof
Page LH-Cover 01
Directory
Lifestylehotels™
Page LH 02
The Secret Sölden
Page LH 03
Nesslerhof
Page LH 4
Gradonna ****s Mountain
Resort Chalets & Hotel
Page LH 05
das MAX
Page LH 06
Hotel Sand
Page LH 07
Hotel Stein
Page LH 08
Boca de Agua
Page LH 09
White Desert
Page LH 10
Ambiente Sedona
Page LH 11
Hotel Heureka
Page LH 12
Impressum
Page 2
Be sure to subscribe to
THE Stylemate so you'll
never miss an issue!
thestylemate.com
Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger
E D I T O R S
FOLD SMART.
With the new foldable smartphones, Motorola seamlessly
continues the innovation of past years and successfully
creates a link between fashion and technology by intro-
ducing bright models in this year's Pantone trend colour
"Viva Magenta". At the top of the product family is the
brand new Motorola Razr40 Ultra, which is characterised
by its contemporary and space-saving design. When clo-
sed, it presents itself as the thinnest folding smartphone
currently on the market. The versatile camera system,
improved audio playback and powerful hardware round
off the overall package.
motorola.com, Motorola Razr 40
in 3 verschiedenen Farben, ab € 1.199

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THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LIFE
Photo:
Unsplash
EXPLORING
RICHMOND
Nestled in a picturesque part of London,
Richmond sits right on the river, creating
a scene straight off a postcard. Imagine
people taking a leisurely stroll with their
dogs, an abundance of flowers in bloom,
charming coffee shops and quintessential
pubs. Our day commenced with a delight-
ful riverside walk, immersing ourselves in
the beauty of Richmond. Our destination?
Tide Tables Café right next to the river.
This charming café is known for its
excellent coffee and cosy atmosphere.
It wasn’t only ChatGPT that recommended
it to me but also my friend from London.
And they were both right. Vibrant dishes,
flaky croissants, luscious French toast,
delectable waffles and artisanal coffee
comprised our meal – an experience
beyond compare.
Our next stop was the popular Richmond
Green, a lovely open space in the heart of
the town. It’s the perfect spot to chill after
walking through Richmond and taking
photos of everything you see because
it’s just so pretty. Before we sat down
in Richmond Green, though, we made a
detour to the popular Gelateria Danieli for
some scrumptious gelato. It was delish!
For food and drinks, we decided to stop at
Pitcher and Piano, right next to the river.
While not a ChatGPT recommendation,
its captivating view prompted us to
embrace spontaneity and give it a shot.
It’s definitely worth a try, especially with
its riverside ambience. Another culinary
gem worth mentioning is The Ivy, centrally
located in Richmond and a mere stone’s
throw from the river. This establishment
promises an experience that’s not to be
missed.
1
DAY
TRAVELLING ALWAYS INVOLVES PLANNING. A LOT OF IT. WHERE ARE WE GOING?
WHAT DO WE WANT TO DO? WHAT DO WE WANT TO SEE? WHERE’S BEST TO GRAB
A COFFEE, SNACK, LUNCH, DINNER, DRINKS? THERE ARE TOO MANY QUESTIONS
FOR SOMEONE WHO LOVES TO EXPLORE AND SEE NEW PLACES BUT HATES THE
PLANNING PART OF IT – THE ENDLESS SCROLLING THROUGH INSTAGRAM AND
TIKTOK TO FIND THE LATEST HOTSPOTS. SO, I ASKED CHATGPT.
London.
HEY CHATGPT. I’M TRAVELLING TO
HEY CHATGPT! WE’RE IN LONDON FOR FOUR DAYS AND STAYING IN
RICHMOND. CAN YOU PLEASE PLAN AN ITINERARY FOR US? WE LOVE
A GOOD COFFEE, WANT TO SEE SOME ART INSTALLATIONS – NOTHING
OUT OF THE ORDINARY THOUGH. WE ALSO LIKE BOOKS, MARKETS,
NICE PHOTO SPOTS AND A GOOD DINNER AND DRINKS. NOTHING TOO
TOURISTY, PLEASE.
And off it went. It started typing out a full itinerary for us. On day 1 you do this, on day
2 you do that. I made a few tweaks, added a few more areas in London I wanted to see
so it didn’t just cover west London, and then we had it. Four perfectly planned days in
London.

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Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LIFE
WEST
LONDON
CHARM
On our third day, we decided to explore
more of west London – Kensington and
Notting Hill.
We started our day with coffee and sweet
treats again – the usual. This time at Gail’s
bakery in Notting Hill, a cosy spot offering
freshly baked goods and quality coffee.
We then set off to explore the picturesque
streets of Notting Hill, known for their
colourful houses and charming boutiques.
It must be one of the most visually
appealing areas in London. But beware –
during the bank holiday weekend at the
end of August, Notting Hill plays host
to a wonderfully vibrant and diverse
carnival, the biggest in Europe with two
million visitors from all over the world.
During those three days, the tranquil,
quaint Notting Hill is transformed into
THE location for fun, music and dancing.
My advice? Try and see both sides!
From Notting Hill we walked to visit the
Design Museum in Kensington, where you
can explore the world of design, architec-
ture and contemporary art. Afterwards,
we had lunch at Portobello Road Market,
a traditional London market with antiques,
fashion and street food. It’s my second
favourite after Covent Garden!
As the day transitioned into evening, we
had the pleasure of reuniting with friends
who live locally at yet another impeccable
ChatGPT recommendation – The Ledbury.
This esteemed establishment, boasting two
Michelin stars, beckoned with its promise
of modern French cuisine, renowned for
its creativity and culinary prowess. Widely
regarded as a must-visit epicurean destina-
tion in London, The Ledbury lived up to its
reputation and then some. The experience
was nothing short of extraordinary, making
for the ideal end to our London journey and a
great way to catch up with cherished friends.
ART
AND
EXPLORATION
On the second day, following ChatGPT’s
guidance, we bid farewell to the charms
of Richmond and ventured deeper into
the heart of central London. Given our
shared affection for both coffee and books,
ChatGPT ingeniously directed us to Baker
Street. From there, we walked to our first
stop – Boxcar Baker in Marylebone. This is
a cute little café with flowers and plants
hanging from the walls and the TikTok-
famous filled croissants. And even though
it is small, it wasn’t overly crowded.
Fully embracing our holiday spirit, we
treated ourselves to an assortment of
mouth-watering pastries and ordered a
pair of expertly crafted coffees to kickstart
the day. With our appetites satisfied and
caffeine coursing through our veins, we
embarked on the next leg of our journey.
Daunt Books in Marylebone Street.
If you’re a book lover, this is the place to
be. Marylebone High Street is appealing
enough on its own, but Daunt Books
makes it even better. This two-storey
book shop has every book and genre an
avid reader could possibly need – we even
found an Austrian section there. I would
definitely suggest going up to the second
floor to get a full view of the book shop.
Thanks to ChatGPT, we explored London
by foot that day because everything
was in walking distance (if you’re up to
walking 30k steps a day, that is). So, from
Marylebone High Street we walked down
Marylebone Lane to the very busy and
touristy Oxford Street. But if you’re up for
a shopping trip, it’s perfect. Once we left
the bustling main road, we found Carnaby
Street and Sophie Tea Art.
Sophie Tea Art isn’t your usual art gallery,
it’s more of a café with a gallery and inter-
active rooms where you can get creative.
Definitely worth a visit!
After making that trip, we were a little
hungry and headed for Covent Garden.
I know I asked ChatGPT for non-touristy
places but ever since my first London visit,
I have loved this area, and seeing as it
wasn’t too far from Carnaby Street (again,
if the 30k steps a day are manageable),
I decided to squeeze it in.
Covent Garden presents a delightful
fusion of culinary hotspots and vintage
stalls, each offering a cornucopia of
treasures ranging from exquisite jewellery
and watches to quintessentially British
teacups and an array of other delights.
Beyond the visual and tactile allure,
Covent Garden also stands out for its
food scene. Out of the options available,
I wholeheartedly endorse a visit to
Buns & Buns, a culinary gem serving up
delectable Asian cuisine.
Last but not least, we headed back
up to Tottenham Court Road station.
I asked ChatGPT to show me some new
art installations and that’s exactly what
we got. Near the station we found a free
360-degree immersive art installation
that changes theme from time to time.
When we got there, the 23,000-square-
foot walls were plastered floor to ceiling
in diamonds and there were glass sheds
that changed colour – very psychedelic
and a real experience!
2
DAY 3
DAY
Photo:
Unsplash

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Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THANKS CHATGPT,
SEE YOU NEXT TIME!
MY CONCLUSION ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH CHATGPT IS THAT IT
MADE TRAVELLING AND PLANNING A LOT EASIER WHILE STILL ALLOW-
ING ME TO SPONTANEOUSLY STOP OR ADD SOME OTHER PLACES. MY TIP
IS TO ASK CHATGPT EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT AND MAKE LITTLE
TWEAKS TO THE LIST IT GIVES YOU BY ASKING MORE QUESTIONS
AND REFINING YOUR REQUEST. IT’S DEFINITELY A GREAT ADDITION
TO TRAVEL PLANNING AND A LOT LESS HASSLE!
LAST-
MINUTE
STOPS
One of the last tweaks I made during
my ChatGPT request was to add a list
of last-minute stops not too far from
Liverpool Street station, which is where
we would be catching our train to the
airport. Since we still had all afternoon to
explore before we had to leave, I decided
to squeeze some of them in.
We started off at Spitalfields Market –
a massive market with lots of different
food stalls and vintage vendors. It was the
perfect place for last-minute shopping
and picking up something on the go while
strolling through the artsy streets.
From Spitalfields Market we set off for Brick
Lane in Shoreditch – famous for its graffiti
and street art. However, Brick Lane’s allure
extends beyond its artistic splendour; it’s
a haven for vintage aficionados, as well.
The numerous vintage shops lining the
streets offer a captivating journey through
fashion’s storied past. Moreover, the area’s
appeal is further enhanced by a diverse
array of food stalls to satisfy every culinary
craving. Shoreditch, and particularly Brick
Lane, is a mecca for vintage enthusiasts and
creative spirits, capturing the essence of a
dynamic and ever-evolving London.
On the way back to Liverpool Street station,
I would absolutely recommend a stop at
London Wall to have a look at the Gherkin
and the rest of the skyscrapers – it’s an
iconic London view!
4
DAY
Photo:
Unsplash
LIFE

6. 10
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023 11
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LIFE
Berni, could you please tell us about the
PRENN° concept for OLM Nature Escape?
The new culinary concept for OLM Nature
Escape is vastly different to the concept
employed in conventional hotels. There is
no half or three-quarter board. Instead,
we offer our guests a wide range of culinary
options so they can individually tailor
their holiday when it comes to food. We
place particular emphasis on providing
a healthy, regional breakfast with a high
proportion of organic produce.
What makes this concept so special?
Guests at OLM have the opportunity to
benefit from the gastronomic offering
at PRENN°. Five evenings a week, they
can book an APÉRO dinner in a relaxing
setting and choose from a selection of
tapas that fuse Alpine and Mediterranean
influences. Two evenings a week, it’s
possible to book the OLM dinner with a
four-course menu that changes theme
and is extremely varied. What’s more,
the kitchens in the apart-suites offer
the option of preparing your own meals.
Guests receive a specially developed recipe
booklet when they check in and can purchase
almost all of the ingredients in the OLM
shop. If you would rather visit a restaurant
in the local area, we can recommend good
South Tyrolean pubs, mountain restau-
rants, pizzerias, wine bars and premium
award-winning restaurants.
OLM NATURE ESCAPE WILL OPEN ITS DOORS IN DECEMBER 2023. THE ECO APARTHOTEL ISN’T JUST AN ARCHI-
TECTURAL EYE-CATCHER, THE KITCHEN ALSO OFFERS A TRULY SPECIAL CULINARY CONCEPT. WE INVITED BERNI AICHNER (HEAD OF CUISINE) AND
THEODOR FALSER (MICHELIN-STAR CHEF) TO JOIN US AT THE TABLE SO WE COULD FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE IDEAS BEHIND PRENN°.
Can you tell us about the name?
The name PRENN° stems from the
original farmstead, Prennhof. Because
the kitchen was always a central meeting
place at farms, the intention is that the
open front cooking area at OLM Nature
Escape should also be a place where guests
meet. The ° symbol in the name represents
the circle that’s used as the architectural
trademark of OLM Nature Escape. PRENN°
is a meeting place, characterised by
hospitality, conviviality and cuisine. We
have a passion for enjoyment, in a sense.
Berni and Theodor, how did the partnership
come about?
The partnership is a result of a recommen-
dation from Thomas Steiner, the ideas
man behind OLM Nature Escape and a
friend of mine. We developed the culinary
concept together with award-winning chef
Theodor Falser. We clicked straight away
because of our passion for cooking and
love of high-quality produce. It also turns
out that we’re the same age, so deciding to
work together was incredibly easy.
How was it for the two of you to create the
breakfast offering and the APÉRO dinner
as the head of cuisine at PRENN° and a
Michelin-star chef?
It was an exciting task. We had a basic
concept to work from, which was shaped
by Theodor’s many years of experience.
It was and is fun to implement new
ideas and balance the traditional and the
modern. The main focus is always that the
produce is of high quality. Theodor is a
global player and I have strong roots in the
Tauferer Ahrntal, so we complement each
other brilliantly. We place great emphasis
on ensuring every product has a story and
providing high-quality, healthy options.
OLM Nature Escape is a little different to
the norm and you should be able to sense
that in every bite.
Berni, in addition to the APÉRO dinner,
there is also the OLM dinner every Tuesday
and Friday, developed in-house and with a
varying theme. Which themes can guests
look forward to and how do you design these
menus?
The OLM dinner is offered with different
themes that are shaped by local traditions,
regional produce from short supply
chains and Mediterranean influences.
We always incorporate organic produce
in our menus, too. Every OLM dinner com-
prises an OLM greeting plus four other
courses, each of which corresponds with
the chosen theme. Without being able to
go into more detail here, our menus are
presented with topics like “Forest”, “DANN
South Tyrol” and “Mountain & Mediter-
ranean”. We also offer a vegetarian option
and, on request, can prepare an attractive
vegan option.
Exquisite
AT
OLM
NATURE
ESCAPE.
ADVERTORIAL
enjoyment
SELF-CARE WOULD NEVER HAVE BECOME A THING WITHOUT AN ENLIGHTENED
BUDDHA. SO, MINDFULNESS AND BUDDHA? THAT FITS! BUT MINDFULNESS AND
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – HOW DO THEY GO TOGETHER? WELL, THEY DO!
THAT’S WHY WE’RE TAKING A TONGUE-IN-CHEEK LOOK AT YOUNG BUDDHA AND
SEEING WHAT AI CAN DO FOR OUR WELL-BEING TODAY.
WHAT
WOULD
SAY?
Buddha
Text:
Rene Wentzel
olm.it
Foto:
Hannes
Niederkofler

7. 13
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023 12
LIFE
PRACTISE MEDITATION
AND MINDFULNESS
AI-supported apps like Calm and Headspace offer meditation and mindfulness
exercises tailored to the needs and progress of its users. They employ sophisticated
analytics processes to combat stress and anxiety and allow for greater self-reflection,
peace and calmness.
PRESSURE
IS A NO-NO
AI also has its benefits in the workplace. It analyses patterns of behaviour and helps
to identify patterns and triggers of stress. It can also propose exercises for reducing
stress in order to increase productivity and promote mental health.
BIOFEEDBACK
IS MORE THAN WEARABLE
Wearables are worn directly on the body, like the Apple Smart Watch, smart
jewellery or smart clothes with built-in technology. They measure biometric data
like blood pressure, blood sugar levels and heart rate in real time and send alerts
if they record bad figures. By interacting with AI, they can also recommend tailored
relaxation techniques.
SHOW ME
SOME EMOTION!
Tired, sad, happy? Using image processing algorithms and neuronal networks,
AI can recognise faces and emotions, for example based on eyebrow movements,
the shape of the mouth and posture. Apps like Kintsugi work with audio journaling:
using sentiment analysis of emotions, they check the emotional state of the person
trying it and make recommendations such as mindfulness meditation.
TALKING
FROM THE SOUL
Speaking about stress and similar problems in order to get strategies to solve the
problem? Chatbots like ChatGPT make this possible. But what if brain activity were
also carefully transmitted to it: all AI tools need to consider data protection and
transparency, plus ethical issues to ensure that AI contributes to people’s well-
being. Alternatively, there are still the good old analogue options: finding a quiet
place, sitting, closing your eyes – and letting go.
or all the enlightenment
even Buddha didn’t know the path to
tranquillity. That is, if we are to believe
oral tradition and indulge the stories of
stressful moments: Buddha may have
been privileged enough to be born in his
father’s royal palace and spend his life
there in prosperity. But he wasn’t allowed
to leave the venerable walls. Not even
as the prince that he was, curious about
his people, instead being imprisoned for
years without any contact with the outside
world – terribly sad. At 16 he married his
cousin, who gave birth to a son: Rahula.
But would you call your child “fetter” if
everything were hunky-dory, ommm?
And we haven’t even started on the harem
Buddha had, which must have comprised
up to 60,000 women. The number alone
would have even today’s hypermachos and
their patriarchal contemporaries sinking
deep into a state of impotence. In those
days, more than two thousand years ago,
Buddha was also known as Siddhartha,
meaning “he who has attained his goal”. So
finally, he was allowed to leave the palace.
He took four trips to see his people and
realised that mindfulness was the best
way to overcome life’s difficulties. For that
reason, he started meditating for 49 days
underneath a poplar fig tree. But a demon
wanted to distract Buddha from following
the path to enlightenment by sending not
only his seductive daughters but also evil
spirits. Poor Buddha – oh how he suffered.
So many questions spring to mind – life’s
way too serious already, right? Would
AI have had a positive effect on young
Buddha? For example, would he have been
able to discuss his feelings better with
chatbots and find out more about his state
of mind? Would he have been allowed to
wear a smart watch on his contemplative
little wrist in order to receive biofeedback
in real time – 140 over 90, careful young
man? And finally, would his poplar tree
session have turned out considerably
shorter thanks to sophisticated medi-
tation and mindfulness apps because
woodland sounds and calming voices
ensure demons are sent off to Nirvana?
Meditating for 49 days? Pfft, we don’t have
time for that! At least not these days. We
live in a state of restlessness between
fast forward and slow food, between
career pressure and gender inequality,
individualism and new family configura-
tions, climate change and international
geopolitical status. And when it all gets
too much for us, we take our own trips.
But even at our dream holiday destination,
we can’t manage to turn off the longing
for search engine-optimised and social
media-worthy visibility. Dependency.
Stress. Attachment. Poor us. At least there
would be plenty of artificial intelligence
technologies. They can help us to find
ourselves again, to be more mindful in
how we speak to ourselves, to live in a
healthier and more balanced way. Can we
manage that? With AI? We wish. And then
everything would be all Buddha again.
F

8. 14
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
Photo:
Dirk
Skiba
LIFE
FRANZOBEL
The new world is devoid of humour. People
are being axed left, right and centre. Replacing
real people with self-driving buses, fully
automated supermarket checkouts and airline
phone lines is like a lottery win. And now
artificial intelligence? Soon, machines will be
able to do everything, even generate decep-
tively authentic articles. Does this mean the
end of all certainty? The end of all jobs?
Being sceptical of progress is as old as human-
ity itself. There were doubters way back when
the wheel was invented. And with good reason:
people are rarely willing to use progress for
the greater good. Efficiency always comes at
the expense of humanity. AI also isn’t capable
of being creative. It can predict weather phe-
nomena and share prices and copy art styles,
but it can’t yet create something genuinely
new. It doesn’t create new experiences but
rather figures out probabilities. AI doesn’t
understand humour, but it is much more
intelligent than us.
Let’s suppose for a moment that it’s employed
by large organisations. There is already what’s
called the grandchild trick: crooks masquerade
on the phone as a relative in need who requires
money urgently. What would happen if some-
thing like this were aided by AI? It’s enough
when it wants to flog you something, using
our responses to decipher what we’re looking
for. We would be at its mercy, unable to work
out whether we’re dealing with a man or a
machine. The internet is a democratic medium.
In theory, the free availability of information
should make people more intelligent, but the
opposite is happening. The average intelli-
gence of industrial nations is declining. Why?
Because everything’s about attention and
clicks? Fake news, click farms, influencers…
plus the general readiness to be distracted by
nonsense. We’re going gaga!
AI will accelerate this. Soon, it will provide
good conversation. But music you can
sense the soul of the artist in? Art that asks
the major questions of our time? Genuine
feelings? Why not? AI’s ability to learn is so
incredible that it will soon be writing good
books and producing blockbuster films –
without any actual actors.
But the algorithms won’t make the most
exciting ones, they’ll make the ones most suit-
able for the masses. AI created by people will
shape the world as it is for people: rational,
causal, purposeful, profitable. The element of
intuition won’t come into it.
When the deal with the devil turns against
us at some point, we will have forgotten
everything because we’ve willingly opted
for dependency. Even now, very few people
can read a map anymore. What remains of
a person when they’re nothing more than a
consumer? A cretin without a future?
AI raises the question of what is actually
human. Everything we know has been thought
about by humans, experienced with a human
body that’s liable to injury, forgetful and driven
by instincts. AI has no body. How would it
describe nature? It, which doesn’t have to
reproduce because it’s immortal?
As soon as it has a consciousness, will it
consider everything biological to be useless?
Is it possible that machines could soon rule
the world? They don’t need air or water and have
infinite time to conquer the universe. People
have always been sceptical of technology, but
in the case of AI, they have good reason to be.
And now you get to guess whether this text
was written by AI or a person.
“Being sceptical of
progress is as old
as humanity itself.“
03/23
Lifestylehotels™
lifestylehotels.net
Many things are new at the Nesslerhof.
Because the hosts Tina and Hermann Neudegger have listened very carefully to the guests’ wishes.
Since summer 2023, these wishes have been the basis for new buildings and renovations at the Nesslerhof
- for an even more relaxing holiday destination.
Photos:
Nesslerhof
HOTEL NESSLERHOF
Austria / Salzburg / Großarl
Natural happiness that meets
guest requests. More on p. 03.
( + )
Selection
We’re going gaga
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.

9. Photo:
Dengler
Matthias
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LH 03
LH 02 THE SECRET SÖLDEN Austria / Tyrol / Sölden
For guests who are looking for both a
cosmopolitan atmosphere and a retreat in
nature, the modern lifestyle hotel is the place
to be. THE SECRET is located at the top
end of Sölden, where the sun shines for the
whole day and you can sleep at night with
the windows open to the calming sounds of
the Ötztaler Ache that runs behind the hotel.
Anyone who fancies a swim when they get
up can do just that in the new outdoor pool,
which is open from early morning so guests
can submerge themselves indoors and
resurface outdoors. Or the other way round.
The location of the resort may be quiet,
but it’s also very central – THE SECRET is
just 400 metres from the centre of town and
200 metres from the Gaislachkogelbahn
cable car valley station, which in winter will
get you to guaranteed snow at 3,000 metres
in twelve minutes. Up here, where the BIG3
Schwarze Schneid (3,340 m), Tiefenbach-
gletscher (3,307 m) and Gaislachkogel
(3,048 m) tower majestically, it’s like the
whole world is at your feet. As are the pistes
for the skiers. The three 3,000-metre peaks
are accessible via cable car, meaning you
can combine all three into one of the longest
ski runs in the Alps.
After a long and eventful day in the
mountains, the evening is time for dinner
at the hotel. And a special one at that.
The informal restaurant LA’LIV serves up
delicious indulgence from the Alps and
Alps
In the legendary winter sports destination of Sölden in the heart of the Ötztal
Alps, you’ll find THE SECRET, a mystical and magical resort that opened its
doors in March 2022 following extensive renovation and expansion work.
beyond, and interprets it with a fusion of
French and Alpine influences. Seasonal
produce from the region is harmoniously
and boldly combined with the flavours of
Provence – resulting in dishes like Charolais
beef with local vegetables or Ötztal char
with a Chardonnay emulsion. And after that?
The best option is to make your way back
up, but not up the 3,000-metre giants this
time – up to the roof of the hotel. Here, you’ll
find the spectacular THE VUE sky bar. This
bar has a partially glazed ceiling that offers
a view of the star-studded night sky, state-
of-the-art video and sound installations and
an extravagant, unique interior, all of which
has helped it become a popular venue for
occasions like weddings and birthdays.
The interior, with floor-to-ceiling windows
that face the striking mountain landscape,
and the large terrace create the ideal setting
for such events. Guests can book the whole
resort or just the sky bar for their exclusive
use, so THE SECRET team work according
to people’s specific ideas and needs to
ensure everything runs smoothly. And
because no event is complete without the
right drinks, THE VUE boasts an international
bar menu featuring cocktails, classics and
signature drinks created by bar manager
Lukas Keppler and his team for their guests
using products from local gin and vodka
distillers. It’s like a fusion of international and
Alpine that’s a perfect fit for the cosmopolitan
style of THE SECRET.
A
magical retreat
in the
THE SECRET SÖLDEN
Austria / Tyrol / Sölden
the-secret-soelden.com
The place to be in Sölden.
( + )
The demand for aesthetics and quality is central to LifestylehotelsTM
vision of a modern hotel industry and it is inextricably linked to its
commitment to sustainability and mindfulness.
Direct contact with the hotel.
Information straight from the source.
The best price.
The best availability.
Stylish retreats
for inspiring
timeouts.
lifestylehotels.net
IN THIS ISSUE
BAD GOISERN AM HALLSTÄTTERSEE Hallstatt Hideaway
Mountain | Lesehotel
DAMÜLS Alpenstern Panoramahotel
FISS Alps Lodge
FÜGEN Mia Alpina Zillertal Family Retreat
GASCHURN Montafon Lodge Design Lodgehotel und Spa
GEINBERG Geinberg5
Private Spa Villas
GRAZ Aiola Living
GRAZ Augarten Art Hotel
GRAZ Kai 36
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
MELLAU Sonne Lifestyle Resort
MÜHLDORF La Petite Ivy
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 Bergland Design and Wellness Hotel Sölden
SÖLDEN The Secret Sölden
STAINACH-PÜRGG Gästehaus Krenn
UDERNS IM ZILLERTAL Sportresidenz Zillertal
VIENNA Hotel Das Tyrol
ZELL AM SEE Senses Violett Suites
AUSTRIA
ALENTEJO Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa
ALGARVE Vila Valverde
AZORES Santa Bárbara Eco-Beach Resort
AZORES White Exclusive Suites & Villas
LISBON Torel Palace Lisbon
MADEIRA Quinta da Bela Vista
PORTO Torel Avantgarde
PORTO Torel Palace Porto
PORTO Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
PORTUGAL
LUCERNE Hotel des Balances
VALLÉE DE JOUX Hotel des Horlogers
ZERMATT Hotel Matterhorn Focus
LAPLAND Treehotel
SWITZERLAND
SWEDEN
ARTÀ Es Racó d’Artà
MALLORCA Convent de la Missio
MALLORCA Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness
MALLORCA Hotel Can Simoneta
MALLORCA Pleta de Mar
MALLORCA LJs Ratxó Eco-Luxury Retreat
TENERIFE Ecohotel El Agua
SPAIN
GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN Das Graseck
PIRNA Laurichhof
TIMMENDORFER STRAND Sand
TIMMENDORFER STRAND SeeHuus
GERMANY
ITALY
AMALIADA/PELOPONNESE Dexamenes Seaside Hotel
MYKONOS The Wild by Interni
SIFNOS Verina Astra
SIFNOS Verina Terra
SUMBA Nihi Sumba
GREECE
INDONESIA
APUGLIA Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa
CAMAIORE Locanda al Colle
CALABRIA Praia Art Resort
LIMONE SUL GARDA EALA My Lakeside Dream
MATERA Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
MERANO Steinach Townhouse Meran
MONTEFOLLONICO Follonico
NAZ NEAR BRESSANONE Seehof Nature Retreat
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
CROATIA
BALE/ISTRIA Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
BRAČ Hotel Lemongarden
STARI GRAD/HVAR Maslina Resort
MEXICO CITY La Valise Mexico City
QUINTANA ROO Boca de Agua
SAN MIGUEL La Valise San Miguel
TULUM La Valise Tulum
MEXICO
USA
ARIZONA AmbienteTM
Sedona
The Secret Sölden, Sölden (LH 03)
Hotel Nesslerhof, Großarl (LH 04)
Gradonna Mountain Resort, Kals am Großglockner (LH 05)
dasMAX, Seefeld in Tyrol (LH 06)
Hotel Sand, Timmendorfer Strand (LH 07)
Hotel Stein, Salzburg (LH 08)
Boca de Agua, Bacalar (LH 09)
White Desert, Antarctica (LH 10)
Ambiente Sedona Sedona (LH 11)
Hotel Heureka, Venice (LH 12)
Lifestylehotels™
Directory
ANTARCTICA White Desert
ANTARCTICA
ANTWERP Hotel august
ANTWERP Hotel Julien
BELGIUM

10. THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LH 05
LH 04 GRADONNA****S MOUNTAIN RESORT
HOTEL NESSLERHOF Austria / Tyrol / Kals am Großglockner
Austria / Salzburg / Großarl
From the chalet or hotel straight into pure snow and piste fun - this unique ski-in/ski-out experience is offered by the car-free Gradonna****s Mountain Resort in the middle of the
Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski area.
Powder,
here we come
Winter sports fans take note: the winter season at the
Gradonna****s Mountain Resort starts on 8 December
2023. Located at 1,350 metres above sea level, the resort
features 42 chalets and a hotel, and is the ideal base for
anyone after fun times on the snow and the slopes. Families
with children in particular will get their money’s worth at the
Gradonna because the car-free resort isn’t just right in the
middle of the Kals-Matrei ski resort on the Großglockner,
it also offers guests a ski school and ski pass service plus
a free beginners’ area in the resort. That means you can
clip in right outside the hotel or chalet and make your way
down the slope in a state of skiing bliss! What’s especially
attractive for families is that with the Ski)Hit ski pass,
children under six can whizz down pistes for free, while
school-age children and teens under 18 go half price. A
very appealing bonus is the fresh air up here – mountain
air is proven to lower your heart rate and blood pressure,
meaning your cardiovascular system is better protected.
In addition to the unique ski-in, ski-out experience, the
lifestyle resort attracts guests with its obvious commitment
to sustainability concepts. A smart energy supply, focus
on regionality and nature-inspired architecture shape the
corporate philosophy, for which the resort has won awards
such as the World Travel Award in 2022, which is consid-
ered the Oscar of the tourism industry. The Gradonna****s
Mountain Resort prevailed in the category World’s Leading
Mountain Resort 2022 against premium hotels in Italy and
the USA, and in doing so confirmed that “our sustainable
concept isn’t just fit for the future, but also ensures positive
reactions in the present,” says Gradonna manager Thomas
Krobath with delight.
GRADONNA****S MOUNTAIN RESORT
Austria / Tyrol / Kals am Großglockner
gradonna.at
Ski-IN, Ski-OUT - naturally.
( + )
The sustainability concept continues in the spacious spa
area with Kals marble, a lot of wood and fresh mountain
source water. Various saunas warm and soothe tired skiers’
legs, and you can also take a dip in the pleasantly heated
indoor and outdoor pools or solar-heated bathing pond
complete with view of the Großglockner. The youngest
guests can splash around in the separate children’s swim-
ming pool heated to a cosy 34ºC and equipped with small
slides. And if you want to look after yourself a bit more, why
not indulge in a treatment by our therapists and spa staff
using high-quality products from the Magdalena’s – made in
Tyrol natural cosmetics range, which guarantees sustainable
well-being. Winter season 2023, we’re ready for you!
Photos:
Gert
Perauer
Photos:
Nesslerhof
HOTEL NESSLERHOF
Austria / Salzburg / Großarl
nesslerhof.at
Natural happiness that meets
guest requests.
( + )
A warm welcome and desire for vitality? Over the last few years, the owners of the Nesslerhof, Tina and Hermann Neudegger, and their team of “guest whisperers” have listened very closely
to what guests want from their next holiday at the Nesslerhof. These requests formed the basis of extension and building works, of an even more relaxing and diverse holiday destination.
A destination full of vitality, or what you might call natural happiness.
Feel
the spirit
of
natural
happiness
Highlights since July 2023: We were curious
and invited hotel owner Tina Neudegger
for an interview. “At the hotel, the demand
among guests for large suites with their own
spa was very high. For that reason, we’ve
made the suites on the fourth floor of the
main building even more luxurious,” explains
Tina. All of the suites on the top floor now
boast large terraces and an unparalleled
view, and four of them have a hot tub or
sauna in the outdoor area. “The highlight
is our 194m2
rooftop suite Bergmagie with
its own 3 x 8 metre pool and a sauna on
the south-facing terrace. While swimming,
you can marvel at the unobstructed view
of the striking Großarl mountain landscape
– it’s like nothing you’ll find anywhere else,”
enthuses Tina. The popular south-facing
double rooms have also been extended,
and you can now watch the sunrise and
sunset from the bath. Other new features in
the main building include a large dining area,
cosy restaurants, two new terraces – one
with hazy morning sun and one with warm
evening sun – a blossoming garden full of
herbs and other plants, a wine room and the
hotel bar called The Spirit, which is perfect
for cosy evenings by the fire. And of course,
your car will get a treat as well, because it’ll be
parked in the new two-storey underground
car park, where all cars will now be kept safe
and dry, and charged if they’re electric.
But that’s not all the news and latest on the
renovation: work is currently being carried
out on expanding sechzehndreiundvierzig
(1643), where a total of four different room
categories are being created. From winter
2023, it will be home to brand new suites
featuring an Alpine and modern design.
“It’s called sechzehndreiundvierzig because
that’s the year the Nesslerhof was first
mentioned,” says Tina, revealing the secret
behind the name of the extension.
And of course, the guest requests for
the spa haven’t gone unnoticed. In future,
wellness lovers won’t just be able to enjoy
the lovely adults-only spa with its various
saunas and eight relaxation rooms, but also
a new, impressive 1,370m² water landscape.
The outdoor pool with integrated hot tub and
loungers was extended to 25 metres based
on numerous guest requests. It is positioned
alongside the natural swimming pond,
whose water area has also been enlarged
to approx. 800m². New relaxation spaces
and seating areas plus a small garden bar
in the spa round off the wellness offering
during your holiday or spa day.

11. THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LH 07
LH 06 HOTEL SAND Germany / Timmendorfer Strand
DASMAX Austria / Tyrol / Seefeld
Come rain
or shine
KEEP IT COOL, SUSTAINABLE AND FREE AT THE SAND
SANDwindandweather – that’s probably the best way to
describe the feeling of freedom that comes over you when
you can visit the Baltic Sea in autumn and winter. The sea
is rough and vast, the wind forms imaginative shapes in the
clouds, the fresh breeze buffets the isolated groups of walk-
ers exploring the beach, wrapped up in cosy clothing and
warm hats, all huddled together. It touches the soul, allows
thoughts to develop and promotes genuine relaxation.
It’s even better when you can go back to a chilled place
afterwards. The SAND lifestyle hotel in Timmendorfer
Strand is one such place: 75 rooms and suites bearing a
design that’s cosmopolitan and down to earth, featuring
soft, natural colours and carefully considered details. SAND
stands for Sand Aspires Natural Design. Guests can expect
laid-back luxury in a sustainable and cool setting. Stylish
swing seats, reeds in tall vases, wide candles and lanterns
on the window sills also adorn the new SANDlounge. This
is a real highlight, especially for the autumn and winter
months. Large glazed areas offer a clear view of whatever
the weather may be outside while you’re enjoying a deli-
cious cocktail or hot drink in convivial surroundings. It’s even
hotter on the top floor: the rooftop sauna on the roof terrace
with its open-air relaxation area provides a far-reaching
view of the locality and out to sea. It can also be booked
for exclusive use by couples wanting extra time together at
SAND.
“If you visit us by the Baltic Sea in autumn and winter, you
can look forward to an experience immersed in nature,”
comments Yvonne Bork, the manager of the SAND. She
always has a tip or two up her sleeve for SAND guests: “It
can get stormy, but that’s what we like here in the north.
Weatherproof outdoor clothes should be at the top of your
packing list so there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying
a relaxing hike along the long sandy beach. There are lots
of great cafés and restaurants on the coast that are really
worth a visit.” For those who would prefer something
more urban or cultural, the Hanseatic cities of Lübeck and
Hamburg are two top destinations within easy reach. In
December in particular, they attract visitors not only with
their Christmas markets but also their pedestrianised zones
for a spot of winter retail therapy.
The lifestyle hotel SAND on Timmendorfer Strand is not only the perfect place to discover the Baltic Sea in summer. Particularly in autumn and winter, when the sea is rough,
the sky is wide and thoughts are free, it's a particularly good place to come down and relax for a long time.
Photo:
SAND,
TSNT
GmbH
Photo:
dasMAX
HOTEL SAND
Germany / Timmendorfer Strand
hotelsand.de
Adults-only lifestyle hotel -
sustainable & cool on the Baltic coast.
( + )
DASMAX
Österreich / Tirol / Seefeld
dasmax.at
Nordic minimalism in prime
location.
( + )
A glimpse of the future
In the fast-paced world of architecture and hotel operations, the use of artificial
intelligence (AI) is now opening up a whole host of fascinating opportunities.
We spoke to Alexander Meissl from Meissl Architects about it. He explained
to us the enduring importance of hospitality and the human factor and the link
with the dasMAX.
Lifestylehotels: What are you currently
working on?
Alexander Meissl: I’m spending a lot of
time in Vienna for work, mostly because of
our complex project at the Döbling Private
Hospital. We are extending the hospital and
incorporating many aspects of a hotel under
the motto “Recover like you’re on holiday”.
We won an architectural competition and
our design is inspired by the Bauhaus style,
which is also evident from the outside. In the
interior, we blend the functional features of
a hospital with design in order to create an
atmosphere that’s similar to that of a hotel.
Our projects have received sustainability
certifications. We’re also working on another
eight or nine hotel projects in various
locations, including Kitzbühel, Bavaria and
Arlberg, plus a new solid timber frame hotel
project in the Zillertal valley. And the dasMAX
in Seefeld, which we brought to life five years
ago and has continued to evolve since then.
Lifestylehotels: Is the application of AI a
feature of your projects?
Alexander Meissl: Certainly, but it’s important
to clarify what AI means and whether it’s
a blessing or a curse when it’s used in the
right way. In our industry, AI is a blessing.
We’re already using various programs and
designing interior spaces with AI. Specialist
knowledge is required to use it, but we’re
able to generate several design options in a
very short time. Having said that, AI isn’t able
to take all of the details into consideration,
and that’s why ultimately the human factor is
still necessary.
Lifestylehotels: So you don’t think AI will
replace our work in the future?
Alexander Meissl: Our goal is to make
work easier with AI, not to replace it. In the
hotel industry, we’re curious to see how AI
influences the design of amenities. There
will most likely be a specialism for designers
and architects who make optimal use of
AI. The design of lounge areas in hotels is
becoming more diverse to meet the needs of
various target groups. What does a bar look
like? Is there even a bar? Does it look like the
restaurant? I think the whole lounge area will
take on a completely different dynamic for
guests.
Lifestylehotels: dasMAX is celebrating its
fifth anniversary this December. What has
happened there over the last five years, is
there a new dynamic there too?
Alexander Meissl: dasMAX has now estab-
lished itself on the Seefeld hotel scene and
become a big thing. It may be a small hotel,
but it has great significance and has had a
positive reception throughout the season.
We have really good occupancy rates, far
higher than the regional average.
Lifestylehotels: What is the concept for the
dasMAX? What were your considerations?
Alexander Meissl: We positioned dasMAX
as a budget design hotel by Seefelders for
Seefeld. Large chain hotels don’t work in our
region, which is why having an alternative
for visiting design enthusiasts is extremely
welcome. They want to have a nice place
from which they can explore the area. That’s
how it works and is perceived.
Lifestylehotels: Has it evolved?
Alexander Meissl: A business requires
around two or three years to look through
everything thoroughly. During this time, little
has changed, just some minor maintenance
work like painting the walls.
For two years, the hotel has been run by
manager Carmen, who does so with such
dedication it’s as if it were her own. Carmen
brings a unique sense of humanity and
femininity to the hotel, something AI could
never achieve. Her passion and commitment
are tangible and underscore the importance
of personalised hospitality and well-being.
This comparison between AI and the human
factor is especially noticeable in the everyday
running of the hotel.
Lifestylehotels: What does a hotel need
these days in order to function?
Alexander Meissl: It’s difficult to gauge it
in a general way. This year, luxury hotels in
particular have faced a lot of challenges.
Successful hotels are those that manage to
accommodate guests over a period of ten
months and offer an entertaining experience
regardless of the weather. dasMAX fulfils all
of these criteria. No matter what the season
or the weather, it’s the ideal place for a
relaxing holiday or break.

12. THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LH 09
LH 08 BOCA DE AGUA
HOTEL STEIN Mexico / Bacalar / Chetumal-Cancun
Austria / Salzburg / Salzburg City
After the brilliant festival summer, numerous events and enchanting Advent
markets numerous events and enchanting Advent markets attract visitors to
Salzburg in autumn and winter. The luxury Hotel Stein in the centre of the city
is the best starting point, to explore it.
things
Advent
All
And right in the middle of it all sits the urban
luxury Hotel Stein in the heart of Salzburg.
Located on the banks of the Salzach, between
the old town and the new Andräviertel
district, there is a vibrant and young art
and culture scene surrounding the Hotel
Stein. If you want to experience the Advent
period in Salzburg, you’ll find this is the ideal
base to start from. The Christmas market in
Domplatz and Residenzplatz is one of the
oldest and most beautiful in the world and
just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. It’s
the place to go for traditional Christmas tree
decorations and culinary treats to boost
the Christmas spirit. Margot Weindorfer,
manager of the Hotel Stein, has another tip
for visitors: “The Hellbrunner Adventzauber
in the garden of the Baroque Schloss
Hellbrunn has a special Christmas atmos-
phere, and on winter walks in the palace
park, you can really enjoy the romantic
ambience.”
Speaking of romantic ambience: you’ll also
experience it on the Stein terrace of the
four-star hotel. From what must be the most
popular roof terrace in Salzburg, on the seventh
floor, you can soak up the unparalleled
view of the UNESCO World Heritage city of
Salzburg with its countless towers and domes,
and the majestic, imposing Hohensalzburg
Fortress. The rooftop restaurant and bar
offer an extensive breakfast buffet and fine
cuisine from the kitchen of award-winning
chef Andreas Senn. The Stein terrace is a
magical place in autumn and winter – you
won’t get a more beautiful or romantic view
of Salzburg’s wintry landscape than up here
above the rooftops of Mozart’s city.
And if you’re longing for a quiet and cosy
place to retreat to after a hectic day, you’ll
find it in the suites and rooms at the hotel.
Every suite and every room is unique and
decorated with its own colour scheme.
You’ll be amazed by the broad cityscapes
with spectacular views of Salzburg’s
Baroque silhouette, the moulded ceilings,
a glass work of art or a stylish light fitting,
handmade by Venetian glass manufacturers
Barovier & Toso.
Photo:Hotel
Stein,
Gassner
Gastronomie/Hellbrunner
Adventzauber
HOTEL STEIN
Austria / Salzburg / Salzburg City
hotelstein.at
A place of retreat in the
of the hustle and bustle.
( + )
Fotos:
Cesar
Bejar
Imagine a place where the very essence of nature dances in harmony with the
pursuit of serenity and well-being. This enchanting tale unfolds on the Yucatán
Peninsula, where lush jungles and azure waters converge in a ballet of life and
tranquility. Here, amid the lush beauty, Boca de Agua emerges, a symphony of
eco-preservation and hospitality that’s been years in the making.
A new story unfolds
BOCA DE AGUA
Mexico / Bacalar / Chetumal-Cancun
bocadeagua.com
Where mindfulness finds its place.
( + )
RENOWNED ARCHITECTURE MEETS SUSTAINABILITY
Designed by visionary architect Frida Escobedo, renowned for
her transformative work at the MET in New York, this ethereal
project isn’t just a hotel – it’s a testament to a profound desire. A
desire to breathe new life into the environment, the community
and the culture, all while offering guests an experience that’s
equally restorative and unique. It’s a haven designed by one
of the world’s great architects. In this extraordinary narrative,
treehouses become the protagonists, rising on pillars to grace-
fully avoid the Earth’s touch, minimising their footprint on the
land. These exquisite spaces beckon to guests to embrace
the untamed jungle that surrounds them, allowing the flora
and fauna to weave their tales into the visitor’s own. With 26
accommodationunitsadornedinwarmwood,bathedinnatural
light and featuring with soft, earthy tones, Boca de Agua seam-
lessly integrates with the enchanting heart of Bacalar. Its very
structure, designed to evolve gracefully over time, becomes an
integral part of the landscape’s ongoing story. Raised off the
ground on pillars, the construction leaves over 90% of the land
untouched, honouring its commitment to nature. The Chico-
zapote wood used in the project comes from a sustainable
source, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, thereby
ensuring the preservation of the local ecosystem. And with a
wastewater treatment plant, every drop finds purpose without
harming the lagoon.
INSPIRATION ALL AROUND
The embodiment of harmonious regeneration, this project isn’t
just about providing a luxurious escape; it’s a commitment to
creating a ripple of positive change. Social inclusion, local
economic prosperity and the preservation of nature blend with
environmental responsibility. Boca de Agua isn’t merely a place
to stay; it’s an immersive experience designed to inspire and
nurture. In the shared spaces, echoes of the local culture rever-
berate, each area reflecting the soul of the Yucatán region with
stone temples and wooden houses. Every piece of furniture,
designed by local artisans and an in-house team, tells a tale of
renewal, forged from materials discarded from nearby indus-
trial processes. Artistry is woven into every nook and cranny,
with exclusive creations from Mexican and local brands. Boca
de Agua also opens its arms to the community, partnering with
NGOs, local universities and government organisations. This
sanctuary is now home to a rehabilitated mangrove ecosystem,
the first of its kind in Bacalar, thanks to collaboration with the
nonprofit organisation Mono Araña, which is devoted to the
protection of spider monkeys and their habitat.
MINDFULNESS AT ITS BEST
But the story doesn’t end with the design. It’s an invitation to
rediscover your connection to the Earth. Scientifically backed
therapeutic programmes entwine guests with the natural
world, guiding them to reveal the Earth’s healing and rejuve-
nating secrets. It’s a dopamine reset, a quest for healthier and
more sustainable sources of contentment, found in the blissful
detachment that Boca de Agua provides. Ancient rituals, har-
monised with modern scientific wisdom, enhance the narrative
of Boca de Agua’s guests.
And as the tale unfurls, it’s important to remember that it’s
not just about the sumptuous accommodation, the immersive
experiences or the delectable cuisine. It’s about the heart of
Bacalar, the Yucatán and the Earth itself. It’s about creating
a story where conservation and luxury coexist in perfect
harmony.
In November, the pages of Boca de Agua will turn and a new
story will begin. Will you be a part of it?

13. THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LH 11
LH 10 AMBIENTE SEDONA America / Arizona / Sedona
AMBIENTE SEDONA
America / Arizona / Sedona
ambientesedona.com
The place to be, to calm down and
enjoy the wilderness.
( + )
Where modern and minimalist meet. Where wilderness and nature come together. That’s when you know you are at Ambiente Sedona. We talked to boss sisters Jennifer and Colleen
and they told as all about Ambiente.
The
story
of
Ambiente
Sedona
Lifestylehotels: Can you share the story of
how the idea for Ambiente Sedona came
about and what inspired you to embark on
this project together?
Ambiente Sedona: Our father had just
finished a restaurant project on a nearby
property that has gorgeous views and we
loved seeing people come to enjoy the
beauty of what Sedona is. A family friend
owned the only other piece of land near
that first development that had those same
views and he had decided not to develop it
after all and offered it to us. He’d already had
a hotel concept designed for that piece of
property but had decided not to pursue it, so
when we went to walk the land, realised the
views were the same and saw the beauty of
the property, we decided to take it on, but
also wanted to create something unique and
different rather than a standard big box-style
hotel. The topography of the land was
beautifully unique and that led us to come
up with the idea of separating the 40 rooms
out into individual atriums on stilts so that
we would be able to control the height and
direction of each of them independently.
This meant we could offer the best views
with the maximum amount of privacy.
Lifestylehotels: What roles did each of you
play in the development and management
of Ambiente Sedona, and how do you think
your individual strengths complement each
other in running the hotel?
Ambiente Sedona: The project started
over eight years ago and initially it was just
my father Mike Stevenson and I. My sister
Colleen was living in Phoenix at the time
and finishing raising her kids before moving
up to join us a few years ago. Dad was very
involved in the entire process and helped
with the construction side of things, which
was amazing because he was in construction
years ago and knew so much about all things
related to the nuts and bolts of building.
The interior design was a “sisters” job and
we spent many hours shopping for every-
thing related to interior design and also
for the operations of a hotel. I have a huge
amount of respect now for people who run
large construction jobs and are able to keep
everything straight and on time.
Lifestylehotels: Building a hotel is a
significant undertaking. Can you describe
some of the challenges you faced during the
development phase, and how you overcame
them as a family team?
Ambiente Sedona: We encountered many
difficulties in the process. The design was
so unique and new that the City of Sedona
wasn’t quite sure what to do with us, but
they did fully support the project and were
excited about it. They were working on being
the second city in the United States to join
the Global Sustainable Tourism Alliance
and we were exactly the flagship property
development that they wanted to see.
Probably the biggest hurdle we encountered
was that we literally started the construction
process and a month later COVID hit, which
seriously impacted almost everything from
meetings with the city to supply chains, etc.
Sourcing was a challenge because rather
than going somewhere to physically shop,
a lot of it had to be done online and by email
and that was a huge challenge to overcome,
but it all worked out beautifully. Any of the
items we had already started to order that
were coming from overseas were held up
due to shipping issues and so many times
we had to go back to the drawing board and
re-source things to replace those items.
Lifestylehotels: Ambiente Sedona is known
for its unique and eco-friendly architecture.
Could you elaborate on the design philosophy
behind the hotel and how it integrates with
the natural beauty of Sedona?
Ambiente Sedona: Our concept was to
marry modern, minimalist design with
earthy, organic elements to literally bring
the outdoors into the spaces, but also to
create these atriums so that they look like
they floated down from the sky and gently
dropped into place without disturbing the
beauty of the land. So many hotels design
and build out the environment you go to visit
and it’s all been “created” for you. We wanted
to flip that entire concept inside out and let
the beauty of the ancient land be the focal
point. The atrium is your private theatre to
the natural world around you and it is your
Sedona on IMAX view the minute you open
the motorised curtains in the morning.
Lifestylehotels: Collaboration is crucial in
any family business. How do you navigate
the dynamics of working together as
siblings? Are there any unique advantages
or challenges you’ve encountered?
Ambiente Sedona: Thankfully we are a
very close family and work very well together.
The biggest part of that is having mutual
respect for each other so we can share ideas
and hash out disagreements in a productive
way, and that is really key. This experience
has actually brought us closer together in
many ways and we are so excited for the
future and to see where it leads us.
Lifestylehotels: As entrepreneurs and
hoteliers, what advice would you give to
others looking to follow their dreams in the
hospitality industry?
Never give up. You will hit many roadblocks
and things will never go as smoothly as you
had hoped, but every challenge makes you
stronger and when you overcome those
challenges, the satisfaction is even greater.
Lifestylehotels: Looking to the future, do you
have any expansion or new projects in mind
for Ambiente Sedona?
Ambiente Sedona: Absolutely! I think what
we have created is a “brand” that will stand
the test of time, will fit into many beautiful
places and we have created a culture that
truly resonates through our staff to our
guests. All of our guests have said that they
feel like family when they come to Ambiente
and that our staff truly seem happy to be
here. In fact, we have had several guests
who have already returned for their third trip,
which speaks volumes. The truth is, our staff
are truly happy to be here and we make sure
that they feel very appreciated, because
they are.
Photo:
Jenelle
Bonifield,
Kyle
RM
Johnson
WHITE DESERT ANTARCTICA / ANTARCTICA
Foto:
White
Desert
Antarctica
WHITE DESERT
Antarctica / Antarctica
white-desert.com
In the middle of nowhere
but still everywhere.
( + )
Lifestylehotels: Can you please provide
an overview of White Desert and its mission,
and how you two started it?
Patrick: As a teenager, I was inspired by
Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ speech at the Royal
Geographical Society, and it fuelled my
desire for an extraordinary life filled with
polar expeditions. After leaving university
without a clear path, I embarked on a decade
of expeditions, earning a world record in
Antarctica in 2002. I was driven by the thrill
of exploring uncharted territory, rather than
following established routes.
In 2004, Robyn joined me on my second
polar expedition, and this trip ignited
the idea of offering people a chance to
experience the rarely visited interior of
Antarctica. The concept for White Desert
emerged during a gruelling 2,000-mile
traverse of Antarctica where, trapped in
a tent, we envisioned a luxurious retreat
with gourmet food and private jet access.
We wanted to share the breathtaking beauty
of Antarctica’s deep interior, a realm usually
reserved for explorers and scientists, by
creating a camp where regular people could
enjoy relative luxury while witnessing this
extraordinary world.
Lifestylehotels: What unique experiences
or expertise do you bring to the field of
eco-tourism and adventure travel?
Patrick: With three world records and
Robyn’s own polar exploration background,
our company was founded by passionate
and accomplished guides and explorers.
Operating in the pristine environment of
Antarctica has challenged us to develop
innovative practices. For instance, we
were the first Antarctic operator across
both government and private sectors
to trial sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
We also reduce packaging and even peel
and compost potatoes in Cape Town to
minimise waste transportation back from
Antarctica. Our aim is to set an example
and foster collaboration in these efforts.
Antarctica, a place without a local population,
is governed collectively by 56 signatories of
the Antarctic Treaty, showcasing remarkable
global collaboration. White Desert has been
part of the International Association of Ant-
arctic Tourism Operators (IAATO) for nearly
two decades. Robyn has played a pivotal role
in IAATO’s governance for the past five years,
advocating for sustainability initiatives across
the whole industry.
Lifestylehotels: How do you ensure that
White Desert’s expeditions are environmen-
tally sustainable and have a minimal impact
on Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem?
Patrick: We have a whole list of systems
and protocols that we use to make our
operations more efficient every year and
are constantly looking to partner with
firms utilising cutting-edge green/clean
technology. As an example, we built Echo on
sleds so that there are no foundations and
we can remove the camp without a trace.
We have logistics systems that streamline
the removal of all waste from the continent
back to Antarctica (including human and
organic). We have invested in new electric
skidoos (snow mobiles), and as mentioned
we are the first to trial sustainable aviation
fuel. We use solar power to heat our pods
in camp. We have also been carbon neutral
since 2007 and are investing in new blue
carbon projects like planting sea grass
meadows, which are 35 times more efficient
at capturing carbon than forests.
Lifestylehotels: How do you envision the
future of eco-tourism and adventure travel,
and how does White Desert plan to stay at
the forefront of these trends?
Patrick: As a species, we must be more
mindful of our daily choices and their
impact on biodiversity and our planet’s
future. Antarctica, a vital climate change
battleground, houses 70% of the world’s
freshwater and unique biodiversity.
The future of eco-tourism should prioritise
slower, less frequent, low-impact and
enriching travel experiences. Operators like
us need to constantly innovate in the area
of sustainability, supporting Antarctic
science and responsible governance to
leave places better than we found them.
Our seagrass project is a step in that
direction. Exploration is in our nature, but we
must do it with heightened awareness. Travel
is a privilege carrying the responsibility to
preserve the places we visit. We have only
one planet, and safeguarding nature requires
sacrifices. Green technology, like sustainable
aviation fuel, is more costly but essential
for reducing our footprint. We are exploring
options to blend SAF with conventional fuel to
mitigate costs.
Unknown
Explore
the
Patrick and Robyn had a vision in
2004. Ever since then, the possibility
of exploring Antarctica has been
made available to the public with a
luxurious twist. White Desert has also
successfully managed to combine
adventure travel and eco-tourism.
How do they do it? Find out here.

14. THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
LH 12 15
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
HOTEL HEUREKA Italy / Veneto / Venice
STYLE
Br
av
e AND HERE, AI IS
POISED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO REALMS
HITHERTO UNEXPLORED, UNCOVERING
HIDDEN TREASURES OF KNOWLEDGE, AND
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR UNDER-
STANDING. AS THE LINES BETWEEN THE
ORGANIC AND THE SYNTHETIC BLUR, WE STAND
ON THE PRECIPICE OF A BREATHTAKING JOURNEY
– ONE THAT WILL TEST THE LIMITS OF OUR
IMAGINATION, CHALLENGE OUR ETHICAL
COMPASS, AND, ABOVE ALL, ILLUMINATE THE
PATH TO A FUTURE WHERE INTELLIGENCE
KNOWS NO BOUNDS.
WORLD
n
e
w
Photos:
Hotel
Heureka
HOTEL HEUREKA
Venice / A place for art and artists
hotel-heureka.com
It is a testament to the harmonious blend of art,
luxury and histor
( + )
Get artsy
Venezia! The mere mention of the name evokes images of a city steeped in history, romance and artistic grandeur. It is a place where the past seamlessly blends with the present, offering a
unique experience to those who are fortunate enough to visit. One place that captures the essence of this enchanting city is Hotel Heureka, a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the heart of
Venice. With its impeccable design, rich history and proximity to the vibrant art scene, Hotel Heureka provides the perfect haven for art enthusiasts during the Venice Biennale.
TRANSFORMING A HISTORIC PALAZZO
The Hotel Heureka’s ten rooms are housed in a magnificent
16th-century palazzo adorned with original frescoes, columns
and vaulted ceilings. The historic building, with its Renaissance
and Baroque influences, exudes extraordinary charm that
transports guests back in time. The interior design seamlessly
blendsmoderncomfortwithVenetiantradition,creatingames-
merisingmosaicofstylesthatisbothoriginalandunique.Atthe
heart of Hotel Heureka lies its hidden treasure – the garden.
Offering a serene retreat from the bustling city, the garden
provides a sanctuary of tranquillity on hot summer days.
Guests can find respite under the shade of ancient trees,
allowing their minds to wander amidst the beauty of blooming
flowers. In the evening, the garden transforms into a celestial
observatory, a place to revel in the magic of the Italian night
sky and indulge in delightful conversations while enveloped
in the soft glow of blue flowers.
ART AND CULTURE EVERYWHERE
The location of Hotel Heureka in the Cannaregio district means
guests are immersed in the vibrant heart of Venetian life.
A leisurely stroll along the picturesque canals reveals the
authentic Venice, with its magnificent churches, historic build-
ings and breathtaking views of the lagoon. Art aficionados
will find themselves captivated by the Venice Biennale, one of
the most prestigious art exhibitions in the world. Showcasing
contemporary artworks from around the globe, the Biennale
offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge
artistic expressions. The hotel can also be booked for private
and exclusive events. Maybe a group of art lovers during the
Biennale? Close friends and family for a wedding? Or special
family occasions? The possibilities are endless.

15. 17
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
16
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
is
C R E A T I V I T Y F R E E
THE FUSION OF CREATIVITY AND ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE (AI) IS RESHAPING THE WORLD OF DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE.
WE SPOKE TO THREE DESIGNERS WHO ARE RESHAPING THE FUTURE. KAROLIN
SCHMIDBAUR FROM COOP HIMMELB(L)AU EXPLAINS HOW AI IS BEING USED
IN VARIOUS PROJECT PHASES WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE INDIVIDUALITY OF
THE ARCHITECTS. HASSAN RAGAB SHARES HIS VIEWS ON HOW AI CAN PROMOTE
SUSTAINABILITY AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN ARCHITECTURE,
BUT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS ETHICAL ASPECTS, AND ARTURO TEDESCHI SHOWS HOW
HE DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM MUSIC AND FILM AND USES GENERATIVE AI TOOLS
TO ENRICH HIS DESIGNS.
–
W I T H A I .
STYLE
Photo:
Hassan
Ragab

16. 19
18
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
How can AI be used in architecture to
improve sustainability and environmental
protection?
Let’s think of AI as a calculator for
a moment. Before the invention of
calculators, scientists had to work out all
of their calculations by hand, whereas now
they can concentrate on complex matters
because there’s a tool that can solve
equations for them. If as an architect you
want to respond to the issue of environ-
mental protection, you have to consider
an awful lot of factors, and that makes
it difficult. And although we as people
might do our best, our brains only have
limited capacity, whereas the intellectual
capacity of AI is unlimited. Because AI has
access to virtually all scientific data, it can
help architects to predict the results and
consequences of their work.
Are there any ethical problems with AI?
Absolutely. There is already a certain
stigma attached to working with AI. AI is
just a tool, similar to a double blade – you
can distort work with AI and steal others’
ideas, but it can also be used to create
wonderful things. It purely comes down
to the intentions of the user, as with any
type of technology. You might think that
the internet or social media have the same
ethical challenges as AI, but the latter is
much more powerful and has much more
potential. AI is a highly empowering
tool – it gives us the possibility to create
whatever we can dream of, especially
graphics, and that naturally can lead to the
technology being misused. But it also gives
us the opportunity to create spectacular
architectural designs, and that’s what I
want to concentrate on. The end result
always comes down to the morals of the
person using it.
How can buildings designed by AI be
integrated into the existing surroundings?
I’m not sure whether I want to integrate
my architecture into the real world.
I think people often wrongly interpret
my work. There are a lot of different
aspects to architecture, so you need to act
responsibly when putting something in
place in real life. I worked in architecture
and construction for 13 years and I realised
that architecture these days is often used
incorrectly. Over the last few years, I’ve
seen how architecture is being used as a
means to build cultural dominance and
geopolitical power, or financial profit.
That’s why I’m slowly trying to move
out of this sector. Instead of trying to
implement my models in real life with real
consequences, I’m focusing on exploring
how AI can help me immerse myself in the
creative and artistic side of architecture.
Sooner or later, I’d like to bring one or
two of my models to life, but I don’t want
to impose a particular style or integrate
my buildings into cities. Of course, the
buildings that I and other users of AI
programs like Midjourney design are often
more attractive than the architecture
you see in cities, but I don’t think the
visual aspect should be the only part that
impresses people. In my series of designs,
HASSAN RAGAB
is an Egyptian designer with
a background in architecture,
who now lives in south
California. His experience
ranges from exhibition
design to product, furniture
and textile design, and is
strongly linked with calcu-
lations, experimenting and
digital manufacturing.
He is currently providing
computer-aided design
solutions in the field of
architecture, engineering
and construction (AEC) for
a large architectural project
in downtown Los Angeles and
at the same time working on
developing his own designs.
Can you tell us a little about your background
and what inspired you to become a designer?
What are some of your most noteworthy
design projects or pieces of work that you are
especially proud of?
I grew up in the picturesque south of
Italy, and when I was a child, I nurtured
two great passions: making complex
cardboard buildings (true to scale) and
immersing myself in the world of my
beloved Commodore 64, one of the pioneer-
ing home computers of its time. My
fascination mainly centred on developing
basic programs and creating animated
designs. At the time, I didn’t know that
computer-aided art would anchor in
my subconscious a strong feeling for
abstraction and the ability to perceive
shapes as complex relationships between
numbers. Today, my career path has
taken me into the fascinating domain
of computational design, a discipline
at the interface of art and technology,
inspiration and control. You could say
that I never really gave up the childhood
hobby that once shackled my imagination.
Although I don’t consider any one project
to be my favourite, my job entails the
perpetual search for innovative tools and
methods. As such, my latest project always
embodies the synthesis of who I am today.
I recently worked on the stage design
for the world tour of musician Illenium,
a project that united a narrative, algorithms,
AI and above all the ambition of creating a
fascinating extension of the artist’s visual
language.
How do you approach the beginning stage
of a design project? What steps do you take
to gather inspiration and define the design
concept?
Although my work might seem very
technical, I look for inspiration outside
the specific professional context.
Cinema and music have always been
major sources of inspiration for me.
Music has an immensely suggestive
power, and its mathematical structure
can be studied and systematically
transferred to the geometric relationships
between shapes. Cinema inspires me
because of its intrinsic ability to visualise
the future and make it tangible. Up until
a few years ago, I laid out the initial
concept using sketches or mood boards.
Now, using generative AI tools (text to
image or sketch to image), it’s possible
to explore numerous iterations and
quickly develop only the most interesting
ones. It’s only after this point that algo-
rithms and complex three-dimensional
models come into play.
How do you stay up to date with the latest
design trends and technologies? Can you
give examples of how you’ve incorporated
emerging trends into your work?
It’s becoming more and more difficult to
keep up with innovation (as we saw last
year with the development of a variety
of AI-based platforms and tools). I start
using a new technology if I believe that it
can quickly implement what my brain can
imagine, or, in the case of AI, when it can
enrich my vocabulary and my language.
In the case of the stage design that I
mentioned before, there was the desire
to create a form of archetypal architecture
that is far removed from the technological
stereotype and to regularly use generative
AI tools to develop a language that is
enriched by shapes and details that
weren’t originally part of my idea. With
this in mind, I didn’t use a tool to automate
design processes, but rather as a platform
to increase my capacity for expression.
Which tools and software do you use in your
design work? Are there specific design tools
or techniques that you find particularly
effective or innovative?
Algorithms are the extension of my mind,
and algorithmic design (especially Grass-
hopper 3D) enables designers to overcome
the limitations of traditional CAD software
and 3D computer graphics software, and
reach a degree of complexity that goes far
beyond human interaction with digital
objects. The majority of my work results
from translating ideas into code and code
into machine-readable files..
What do you think others in the industry take
from your design work? What makes your
application unique?
For me, qualities like functionality,
sustainability and innovation are always
accompanied by a vision in which the
shapes can evoke an emotional reaction
A R T U R O T E D E S C H I
ARTURO TEDESCHI
is an Italian architect and
computational designer of
international renown. He is
best known for a sculptural
and visionary approach,
which is combined with
research on progressive
design methods, materials and
manufacturing technologies.
His use of digital technologies
blurs the boundaries between
various disciplines and places
the focus on the semantic
and emotional values of
properties. Characteristics
such as functionality, sustain-
ability and innovation are
always accompanied by a
vision in which shapes are
able to trigger an emotional
reaction and inspire users.
and inspire users. I have always tried to
evade the case of technological fetishism
by pursuing the idea of a new generation
of object-oriented artworks that authen-
tically try to achieve the complexity of
digital art, an area with fluid boundaries
in which art and digital technologies blend
and new cultural and social meanings are
encouraged.
In the rapidly evolving world of design,
which future trends or challenges do you see
for designers like you over the next few years?
Especially in relation to AI?
It’s risky making predictions, but we’re on
the verge of a new Copernican revolution
that will bring real technical and creative
advantages to the concept of intelligence
– creativity and the way in which machine
thinking can influence the world around
us – and connect us once again with an
authentic human dimension. I think
today’s greatest challenge is training:
educating the next generation of designers
with technological and environmental
awareness. The real challenge will be
uniting man and machine.
Architect and
Computational Designer Designer
I generated graphics in which a monkey
was holding a building – an idea that in
reality obviously can’t be implemented.
I’m not into constructing buildings
according to my design ideas, but rather
discovering the potential of architecture,
what architecture means and the identity
you can discover in yourself through
architecture.
Has AI changed your ideas and your style?
Definitely. I don’t try to answer questions
using AI – I try to ask more questions
to open my mind. I allow myself to be
challenged by AI so I can find different
access points to architecture, and I work
with it to understand the science and
the philosophy behind architecture in
more depth. I want to research complex
architectural concepts and not just focus
on their application.
H A S S A N R A G A B
STYLE
Photo:
Hassan
Ragab
Photo:
Arturo
Tedeschi

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Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
During which steps of carrying out a project
do you use AI?
In various steps from design through
to the technical details. We work with
a network of AI modules that can be
incorporated into the workflow at
various stages.
To what extent can AI be deployed without
losing the individuality of the architect?
I wouldn’t say that’s the case – we use the
AI modules when they make sense for the
project. It’s only ever parts of stages that
we use AI for, not consistently throughout
the whole project. The architect defines
this process, so individuality is never lost.
C O O P H I M M E L B ( L ) A U
KAROLIN SCHMIDBAUR
Since 2009, Karolin has
been a partner and head of
research at Coop Himmelb(l)
au and bears joint responsi-
bility for the design portfolio.
She holds important roles at
the Groninger Museum East
Pavilion in the Netherlands,
the Central Los Angeles Area
High School #9 for the Visual
and Performing Arts in
downtown Los Angeles, USA,
and the Paneum near Linz,
Austria, to name just a few.
Design Partnerin und
Head of Research
What effect does AI have on the architect’s
creativity?
It encourages creativity if you use it
intentionally and responsibly.
How similar is the AI model to the final
building?
At COOP HIMMELB(L)AU, there’s no such
thing as “the AI model”, as AI is used in
individual steps. The traditional design
and planning process is merely expanded
or enriched by these possibilities.
Vienna’s top destination for
MEZZA—MAISO IS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIO FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, INTERIORS AND DESIGN THAT HAS
DEDICATED ITSELF TO CREATING UNIQUE SPACES, OBJECTS AND PLACES AND IS ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLES. “WE BELIEVE
IN THE INIMITABLE CHARM OF HANDMADE COLLECTORS’ PIECES. THEY HAVE TIMELESS VALUE AND TURN EVERY ROOM INTO SOMETHING SPECIAL,”
SAYS VERENA WOHLKÖNIG, CO-FOUNDER OF MEZZA—MAISO. THE UNIQUE OBJECTS SUCH AS FREESTANDING FURNITURE, ACCESSORIES AND LIGHTS
ARE TRACKED DOWN BY THE TEAM ON GUMPENDORFER STASSE AND MANUFACTURED IN COLLABORATION WITH DESIGNERS AND BRANDS, OR
DESIGNED BY THE STUDIO THEMSELVES THEN PRODUCED AS LIMITED EDITIONS IN ON-OFF AND SMALL SERIES PRODUCTION. HERE, WE PRESENT
AN OVERVIEW OF THE DESIGNERS’ CURRENT FAVOURITE PIECES, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST VIA MEZZA-MAISO.COM.
The latest collectible from Mezza—Maiso is a special edition of the Gropius Lounge
Chair by Ukrainian brand NOOM. It came about as a result of the partnership with brand
founder and designer Kateryna Sokolova. “The Gropius Lounge Chair is part of NOOM’s
current furniture collection, which is dedicated to the great minds behind the Bauhaus
school. For the special edition, we upholstered the chair with an incredible fabric. It stems
from a collaboration between a French label for luxury textiles and avantgarde Milanese
design agency Studiopepe and, like the Gropius Lounge Chair itself, is inspired by radical
architecture,” explains Jürgen Hamberger, co-founder of Mezza—Maiso.
ADVERTORIAL
GROPIUS LOUNGE
CHAIR—LIMITED
EDITION
exclusive collectibles.
The first in-house design by Mezza—Maiso is Table—Vienne, a solid wood table made
according to the studio’s designs by businesses in the region. “Our Table—Vienne can
be individually customised and is entirely variable. Both the length and the material,
treatment and finish can be adapted to the needs of our customers,” explains Wohlkönig.
As well as flexibility, the designers aimed to create a pleasant feel, which is achieved
through gently brushed wood and a minimalist design. Its legs protrude through the
tabletop so they’re visible from above, giving it a unique appearance.
TABLE—VIENNE
Anna Karlin is a New York designer whose skill set includes designing furniture and
lighting collections and jewellery design. With Chess Series, Karlin has designed
sculptures that can be used as side tables or stools and positioned like chess pieces in
the room. The metal stools from the range are made out of cold-rolled steel, plated
with brass and finished with a hand-rubbed patina. The stools made out of wood and
parchment are turned by hand, finished and sealed with water-resistant lacquer.
CHESS SERIES
BY ANNA KARLIN
STUDIOS
Felicia Ferrone is an American architect and designer who reinvents everyday objects in
unexpected ways. With the May Collection, she delivers a modern interpretation of the
stemmed glass that corresponds with her favourite month and whose fluted design will
make it an eye-catcher on any table. Every piece is made by hand by master glass blowers
in the Czech Republic. The borosilicate glass means it can be used in a range of hot and
cold applications and ensures the glasses are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe.
MAY COLLECTION
BY FFERONE
mezza-maiso.com
Photos:
Mezza—Maiso,
Anna
Karlin
Studios,
fferrone
Photo:
Himmelb(l)au
COOP

18. 23
22
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
Fotos:
Joyce
Park
STYLE
Was ist die Mission von Peloton?
Daniel: Die Mission von Peloton ist es
mit Hilfe von Design und Technologie die
Welt über Fitness zu verbinden, sodass die
Menschen die beste Version ihrer selbst
werden können. Außerdem soll Fitness
jederzeit und an jedem Ort verfügbar sein.
Wie macht ihr das?
Daniel: Wir haben drei Bausteine: Die
Hardware, die Software und den Content.
Die Hardware besteht aus dem Bike,
einem Rudergerät oder dem Laufband. Die
Software ist die App, über die man den
Content beziehen und sich mit der Com-
munity vernetzen kann und der Content
sind all die Trainingsvideos, die es auch
möglich machen überall und zu jeder Zeit
zu trainieren. Die Idee bei der Gründung
von Peloton war es bereits nicht nur im
Studio bei der Spinning Class im coolen
New Yorker Studio zu trainieren, sondern
das Erlebnis auch mit nach Hause nehmen
zu können inklusive dem Instructor.
Wenn man das Wort Wellness hört, dann
denken die meisten an Therme und Sauna.
Ihr habt eure eigene Definition von Wellness,
wie lautet die?
Daniel: Wir verstehen Wellness ganz-
heitlich und auf keinen Fall passiv.
Ganzheitlich heißt, sich um die physische
und die mentale Gesundheit zu kümmern.
Uns geht es darum aktiv an seinem „well
being“ zu arbeiten, auch wenn es sich
dann um die Schlafmeditation handelt.
Denn auch dann macht man aktiv etwas,
damit es einem besser geht. Die mentale
Gesundheit ist ein wichtiges Thema und
wird bei uns mit geführter Meditation
abgedeckt.
Ihr seid davon überzeugt, dass die Menschen,
wenn sie reisen unbedingt auch ihrem
persönlichen Trainingsplan folgen wollen.
Früher wollte man im Urlaub doch einfach
gar nichts tun …
Daniel: Unsere Untersuchungen im Hilton
Trends Report 2023 zeigen, dass 50 %
der Reisenden bei ihrer nächsten Reise
eine Komponente des körperlichen oder
geistigen Wohlbefindens wünschen und
dass sie ihre Routine zu Hause fortsetzen
möchten, wenn sie reisen. Der Umgang
mit der eigenen Gesundheit und Fitness
hat sich verändert. Das Angebot von
Hyper-Personalisierung ist neben dem
Gemeinschaftsgefühl unser Schlüssel zum
Erfolg.
DIE MARKE PELOTON EROBERT EUROPA UND
DIE HOTELS. WIR HABEN MIT DANIEL SPRUNG, SENIOR DIRECTOR BEI
PELOTON, ÜBER DIE BEDEUTUNG VON WELLNESS, EINE STARKE COM-
MUNITY UND WIE PERSONALISIERUNG BEI FITNESS AUCH AUF REISEN
Was bedeutet Hyper-Personalisierung?
Daniel: Hyper-Personalisierung ist nicht
neu, Pioniermarken haben damit schon
vor Jahren mit Produkten und Erlebnissen
begonnen. Aber nach der Pandemie ist
dieser Trend in den Fitness- und Well-
nessbereich gesickert. Die Verbraucher
haben sich auch an nahtlose Erlebnisse zu
Hause gewöhnt und nutzen ihre Geräte,
um überall und jederzeit zu trainieren.
Und sie wollen ihr Training nachverfolgen
- aber diese Überwachung muss digita-
lisiert und supereinfach sein. All diese
Veränderungen werden sich fortsetzen
und können mit Peloton mühelos gelebt
werden.
Die Peloton-Community ist ziemlich stark.
Warum will man alleine trainieren, aber
dann doch nicht alleine sein?
Daniel: Es gibt generell eine gestiegene
Nachfrage nach einem Gemeinschafts-
gefühl. Ich denke auch das hat mit der
Pandemie zu tun. Man ist zu Hause und
sucht trotzdem den Kontakt nach außen.
Für diesen neuen „Omnichannel-Konsu-
menten“ bietet Peloton die Möglichkeit,
ein Wellness-Menü bequem von seinem
Hotelzimmer aus zu konsumieren, und
zwar in dem Moment, in dem er die
Inhalte über die App oder auf einem Fahr-
rad konsumiert. Wenn sie mit anderen
Menschen zusammen sein wollen, können
sie im Fitnessstudio auf ein Peloton Bike
steigen. Wenn sie lieber im Freien laufen
oder meditieren, können sie einen Kurs
belegen. Wenn sie am Ende eines langen
Tages zur Ruhe kommen wollen, können
sie eine 10-minütige Schlafmeditation
machen - alles über die Peloton-App. Es
ist ortsunabhängig, kanalübergreifend
und immer nachvollziehbar. Hotelgäste
haben die Wahl und Hoteliers bieten ein
außergewöhnliches Gästeerlebnis.
Könnte man sagen, dass Peloton Fitness
demokratisiert hat?
Daniel: Dieser Aussage würde ich jeden-
falls zustimmen. Ganz egal wie es um die
persönliche Fitness steht, die Programme
in unserer App bieten für jede/n das rich-
tige Training. Man kann seinen persönli-
chen Erfolg steuern und von Level zu Level
kommen. Es besteht aber auch kein Stress
dabei. Es soll einfach Freude machen.
Vom „Anfänger“ bis zum Profi-Sportler
– alle eint das Gemeinschaftsgefühl. Die
Gemeinschaft ist unser Rückgrat, sie ist
das, was wir am besten können. Und wir
wissen, dass die Menschen auf Reisen all
diese Verhaltensweisen auch unterwegs
beibehalten wollen. 90 % der befragten
Peloton-Mitglieder würden eher in
einem Hotel übernachten, wenn es ein
Peloton-Bike gibt. Übrigens: 2022 wurden
mehr als 1,6 Millionen Peloton-Fahrten in
Hotels unternommen.
More than a
ÜBER DANIEL SPRUNG
UND PELOTON
Daniel Sprung ist Senior
Director International, Part-
nerships and Commercial bei
Peloton. Peloton bietet sei-
nen Mitgliedern fachkundige
Anleitung und uniquen Con-
tent, um wirkungsvolle und
unterhaltsame Trainingser-
fahrungen für jeden, überall
und in jeder Phase seiner
Fitnessreise zu schaffen. Ob
zu Hause, in der Natur, auf
Reisen oder im Fitnessstu-
dio - Peloton verbindet mo-
tivierende Kurse, modernste
Technologie und Hardware
sowie die Peloton-App mit
mehreren Ebenen, um das
Peloton-Erlebnis mit oder
ohne Geräte zu personali-
sieren. Peloton wurde 2012
gegründet und hat seinen
Hauptsitz in New York City.
Peloton hat fast 7 Millio-
nen Mitglieder in den USA,
Großbritannien, Kanada,
Deutschland und Australien
und seit Mitte Oktober auch
in Österreich.
FAST
7 MILLIONEN
MITGLIEDER
IN DER PELOTON-
COMMUNITY
50+
PELOTON-
TRAINER
FÜR ALLE FITNESS-MODALITÄTEN
(US + UK + DE)
MITGLIEDER HABEN ÜBER
1 MILLIARDE
KURSE
AUF DER PLATTFORM
ABSOLVIERT
(APP & ALL-ACCESS-ABONNENTEN)
16 FITNESS-
MODALITÄTEN
WERDEN AUF DER
PELOTON-PLATTFORM
ANGEBOTEN
MEHR ALS
1.200 KURSE
WERDEN JEDEN MONAT
ERSTELLT
PELOTON
IN ZAHLEN
bike

19. 25
24
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
THE Stylemate
Issue No 03 | 2023
MAKING THINGS BY HAND IS IN NO WAY “OLD SCHOOL” AT CREATIVE INDUSTRIES STYRIA. STYRIAN PRODUCTS
EXHIBIT A BLEND OF TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN DESIGN AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY. THIS COMBINATION DOESN’T JUST
RESULT IN ACCURATE AND HIGH-QUALITY WORK, IT ALSO MAKES FOR EXTRAORDINARY DESIGNS AND PRODUCTS THAT HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT
ON PEOPLE’S EVERYDAY LIVES. HERE ARE OUR TOP THREE.
Renowned
glasses
designer
Martin
Lasnik
has
collaborated
with
star
foot-
baller
David
Alaba
to
develop
innovative
3D-printed
glasses
with
eye-catching
gold
detailing.
These
glasses
boast
an
unconventional
octagonal
shape
and
mirrored
lenses,
thereby
setting
a
new
benchmark
in
the
glasses
industry
and
serving
as
an
exceptional
example
of
creative
design.
Martin
Lasnik
excels
at
creating
extraordinary
products,
including
well-known
brand
SEEOO
and
his
particularly
remarkable
collection
13&9
Eyewear
–
Diamond
Shades,
which
was
developed
in
partnership
with
13&9
Design.
This
collection
parts
ways
with
conventional
standards
and
explores
totally
new
creative
paths
that
are
far
removed
from
the
mainstream.
The
jewellery
pieces
from
the
GEOMETRIC
COLLECTION
designed
by
13&9
Design
were
developed
using
CAD
programs
and
unite
modern
CNC
technology
with
traditional
Austrian
craftsmanship.
What’s
particularly
unique
about
them
is
the
use
of
the
high-quality
architectural
material
Corian.
The
flowing
forms
of
an
ellipse
and
the
creative
possibilities
of
the
hex-
agon
served
as
sources
of
inspiration.
13&9
Design
is
an
interdisciplinary
design
studio
based
in
Graz,
Austria,
founded
by
Martin
Lesjak,
managing
director
of
renowned
architectural
firm
INNOCAD,
and
designer
Anastasija
Lesjak.
The
team
works
closely
with
specialist
partners,
from
concept
through
to
production,
and
is
involved
in
various
fields,
including
lighting,
furniture,
floor
coverings,
fashion,
accessories,
exhibition
design
and
sound
design.
With
its
RECOVER
innovation,
XAL
has
brought
the
transformative
power
of
daylight
into
interior
spaces.
This
lighting
system
is
designed
to
support
people’s
natural
biorhythm
and
promote
well-being
and
recovery
by
mimicking
the
flow
of
natural
light
using
changes
in
colour
temperature.
Since
it
was
founded
in
Graz
in
1989,
XAL
has
evolved
into
a
company
with
an
incredible
1,300
employees.
Its
core
area
of
specialism
is
creating
contemporary
and
aesthetically
appealing
lights
and
lighting
systems
with
exemplary
design
attributes.
ADVERTORIAL
NOW
The
Fu
ture
is
DA27 X LASNIK
GEOMETRIC COLLECTION JEWELLERY –
HEXA TRIPLE
RECOVER – XAL
Designer:
Martin Lasnik
Designer:
13&9 Design
Designer:
XAL
lasnikeyeworks.com xal.com
WAS IST CAD?
CAD STANDS FOR COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN, WHICH IS A SPECIALIST SOFT-
WARE APPLICATION USED IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES TO CREATE TECHNICAL
DRAWINGS, MODELS AND PLANS. CAD PROGRAMS ENABLE DESIGNERS,
ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND OTHER EXPERTS TO CREATE ACCURATE AND
DETAILED DRAWINGS OF PRODUCTS, BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES.
HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK?
3D PRINTING, ALSO KNOWN AS ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, IS A MANU-
FACTURING PROCESS WHEREBY THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS ARE BUILT
UP LAYER BY LAYER BY GRADUALLY ADDING MATERIAL, RATHER THAN
REMOVING IT FROM A SINGLE BLOCK (AS IS THE CASE WITH TRADITIONAL
SUBTRACTIVE MANUFACTURING, DURING WHICH MATERIAL IS REMOVED
TO FORM THE DESIRED OBJECT). THE PROCESS IS BASED ON DIGITAL 3D
MODELS DESIGNED ON A COMPU TER OR DERIVED FROM 3D SCANS –
USUALLY IN CAD PROGRAMS.
STYRIAN PRODUCTS IS A PROGRAMME FROM CREATIVE INDUSTRIES STYRIA
THAT SHOWCASES DESIGN FROM THE STYRIA REGION OF AUSTRIA – BOTH
ONLINE AND OFFLINE. THE RESULT IS A REFINED COLLECTION OF AROUND
100 EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCTS THAT WERE ALL DEVELOPED, DESIGNED AND
MADE IN STYRIA.
cis.at/projekte/styrian-products/
xtec.at
13and9design.com
Photos:
Markus
Mansi,
XAL
Photo:
Robert
La
Roche