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mahabis guide // dining culture around the world

mahabis lifestyle // dining culture around the world

Here in the UK and in America, it’s often customary to eat your dinner on the sofa whilst catching up on your favourite TV show. If you have guests, you may set the table and indulge in dinner time conversation, but allocating an hour each evening to simply sitting and...

mahabis interviews // arrested development

mahabis interviews // arrested development

  Trailblazers of the hiphop scene in the early nineties, Arrested Development pushed the boundaries with the messages their music conveyed. Songs such as Mr Wendal and People Everyday are still enjoyed years after release, not just for their melodic mash-up of different genres, but also for the fact that they deal with social issues...

mahabis lifestyle // 10 ways to inspire creativity

mahabis lifestyle // 10 ways to inspire creativity

  Creativity comes natural to some people, waking up with their heads brimming with ideas and inspiration every morning. The rest of us sometimes need a little help with encouraging our creative juices to flow, whether that involves adhering to a routine or allowing yourself moments of spontaneity.    ...

mahabis travel // inspiring views from around the world

Travel destinations are chosen on a variety of merits: tourist attractions, culture, ancient monuments, weather. When searching for a stillness rarely experienced in the daily grind, you may want to plan your next trip to absorb the awesomeness of one of these amazing views from around the world. From city,...

mahabis kids // stories

mahabis kids // stories from mini mahabis ambassadors

    In light of our kids launch, we decided to hear from some little ones themselves about what they think of their mahabis, and what they like to do with their playtime/ downtime. From drawing to reading, we find out that no matter how old you are, having fun,...

mahabis lifestyle // work-life balance in brazil

work-life balance in // brazil

  We have delved into the work life balance in Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. All three have systems which promote a healthier distribution, but what about countries outside of Europe? Of the entirety of North and South America, Brazil is second only to Canada according to the Better Life...

mahabis guide // the art of visual notetaking

mahabis guide // the art of visual note taking

  When we pick up a pen and notebook it's easy to be inclined to stay between the lines and ignore the blank pages. However, visual note-taking or sketch-noting is a technique that allows your notes to be more engaging. Reams upon reams of text in clunky handwriting is hardly aesthetically pleasing,...

mahabis guide // upside of downtime window space

mahabis guide // the upside of downtime

  “May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.” Rainer Maria Rilke   We live in a hectic world where moments of relaxation are often limited, and those that we do have are frequently spent worrying about what's next....

mahabis guide // creative space gallery

mahabis guide // how to find your creative space

  ‘To be creative you must create a space for yourself where you can be undisturbed…separate from everyday concerns.’ - John Cleese   During the day our thoughts come and go, a relentless chatter in our minds. We become used to the chatter as we take in our surroundings, thoughts...

the mahabis notebook

mahabis guide // the power of putting pen to paper

A creative outlet. A repository for thoughts, ideas, memories. The written word, treasured.  The mahabis notebook, available now.      Writing can be many things to many people; a creative outlet, a learning tool, an organisational crutch. For those whom creativity flows from unexpected crevices of the world, whether the...

a chapel // mahabis journal

mahabis retreats // the minimalist chapel

    Although it is named ‘A Chapel’, Predrag Vujanovic’s minimalist structure does not adhere to any particular religion; rather, it provides a tranquil space for people to gather or meditate. The Stockholm-based architect drew inspiration from American sculptor Richard Serra when designing his minimalist retreat. Serra famously works with...

mahabis candles

mahabis candles // creating hygge in your home

  There’s something about lighting a couple of candles that can transform any space into a cosy sanctuary. The combination of soft flickering candlelight, subtle fragrances and a tranquil ambiance creates the perfect ingredients for the Danish tradition of hygge.   Hygge. It’s a word that’s getting thrown around a...

mahabis // sunday guide to lisbon

the sunday guide to // lisbon

photo: diogo tavares    We prefer to take our time when exploring a new city, slowing things down and wandering around at a relaxing pace. Rather than rushing to tick off the usual tourist hot spots, we slow things down and dig a little deeper to find the more peaceful...

a slow road trip down // norway's atlantic road

a slow road trip down // norway's atlantic road

photo: unsplash   If you’re seeking dramatic scenery but looking for somewhere peaceful where you can get away from the crowds, head to Norway for an unforgettable drive. The winding road from Bergen to Trondheim includes the five-mile-long Atlantic Road, a stretch that sweeps and curves over eight iconic bridges to...

mountain resorts // mahabis journal

mahabis retreats // up in the clouds

photo: igor trepeshchenok   As summer is drawing to a close, we're looking beyond the beach for our next relaxing getaway. Instead, we’re embracing the colder weather and plotting long weekends unwinding above the clouds in mountain-top resorts. Wondering where to head for high altitude downtime? Read on to discover our...

mahabis // sunday guide to marseille

the sunday guide to // marseille

  When we travel, we like to take things easy. Rather than trying to cram in as much as possible during a short city break, we recommend slowing things down and wandering around your new location at a relaxing pace. You’re supposed to be on holiday after all, and that...

mahabis lifestyle // rest and recovery: stretching

"Only those who have patience to do simple things perfectly ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily" - James J Corbett   The art of luxuriating in something simple is one of the purest pleasures that can be found. Whilst the renaissance of mindfulness has nudged many to consciously...

mahabis interviews // olya hill

mahabis interviews // olya hill

This week, San Fran mother of six, creative director, ballerina, and model Olya Hill talks to the mahabis journal. If there were anyone deserving of some downtime, we reckon it’d be Olya. But despite juggling multiple roles and a busy household, Olya still makes time for me-time during the day. ...

notes on downtime // part one

Honouring national relaxation day, we gather thoughts on downtime from top creatives and mahabis ambassadors. From their morning rituals, to their evening routines, and everything in between... Read first-hand accounts about relaxation and lifestyle, in our latest series: "notes on downtime".      Nicolas Roope // multi-disciplinary designer, artist and creative "I...

mahabis // gemütlichkeit

mahabis guide // how to embrace the german concept of 'gemütlichkeit'

In previous posts, we have looked to Scandinavia and discussed the untranslatable concepts of fika, hygge, mysa and friluftsliv. But it isn’t just the Nordic countries, however, who have specific phrases that they use to describe a particular sort of downtime. The German gemütlichkeit is very similar to the Danish...

the sunday guide to // barcelona

the sunday guide to // barcelona

photo: jarmoluk   Continuing our series of relaxing city guides, we are visiting Barcelona to discover the tranquillity away from the crowds that gather at the Ramblas.   Barcelona // Spain’s second city is renowned for being a throbbing cultural hub, filled to the brim with dramatic architecture, exciting contemporary art...

mahabis minimalism // simplify. declutter. streamline.

mahabis minimalism // simplify. declutter. streamline.

  photo: samuel zeller   Inspired by Tiffany and Ilaria's #aminimalminute concept, we're taking a closer look at embracing minimalism in daily life. What does it mean to be minimalist and why do we covet minimalism? It seems that we are continuously trying to streamline our homes, our wardrobes and...

lofoten islands // mahabis journal

remote destinations // lofoten islands, norway

   photo: switchback travel   Many visitors who head to Norway aiming to reach the Arctic Circle flock to Nordkapp, so that they can brag upon returning home that they stood on the northern-most outcrop of Europe. If you’re seeking midnight sun and spectacular scenery, yet yearn for a quieter...

gothenburg // mahabis journal

the sunday guide to // gothenburg

 photo: via wikipedia   Our Sunday Guide travel series visits bustling cities across the globe, detailing how to spend a relaxing weekend exploring the sights. Put away your guidebooks and take your time exploring Sweden’s second city as we share our secret tips for how to spend a tranquil Sunday...

nathan wirth // mahabis journal

mahabis visuals // the sonoma coast, by nathan wirth

As we celebrate the launch of our new ‘black edition’ summer slippers, we are continuing our series of posts with a dark theme by sharing the work of Nathan Wirth. Nathan’s dark and brooding photographs of California’s Sonoma Coast at once evoke feelings of isolation and beauty. Rather than the...

mahabis interviews // julien ratel

photo: icebergs in the disko bay | west greenland   Imagine uprooting your life to move to one of the world's most isolated countries to enjoy your days guiding tours and photographing the natural landscapes.  Julien Ratel has done just that, moving from the French Alps to Iceland five years ago...

clouds // mahabis journal

mahabis downtime // the art of doing nothing

 photo: via pixabay    "Sure, we all know how to do nothing. We all know how to lay around and waste time. But many of us are too busy to do it much, and when we do it, our minds are often on other things. We cannot relax and enjoy...

mahabis visuals // monochromatic cityscapes, by dennis ramos

  Continuing our series of darkness-themed posts to promote our new black edition summer slippers, we showcase the monochromatic photography of Dennis Ramos, displaying the architectural beauty of the New York skyline.     Seen in snippets through gaps in between buildings, iconic buildings are portrayed in black and white....

martin rak // mahabis journal

mahabis visuals // the black coastline, by martin rak

  To tie in with the launch of our new ‘black edition’ summer slipper, we’re taking things over to the dark side and revelling in the beauty of darkness. Here, we share the photography of Martin Rak, who showcases the magnificent shadows of the German Baltic coast.     A lonely...

the garden route // mahabis journal

a slow road trip down // the garden route

    Continuing our series of slow and relaxing road trips, we’re heading to South Africa to explore one of the most iconic journeys in the world: the Garden Route. The diverse 800km drive takes in mountains, lagoons, game reserves and breath-taking vistas of the Indian Ocean, as well as...

the netherlands // mahabis journal

work-life balance in // the netherlands

 photo: amsterdam, alexandra stan   We’ve previously discussed the perfect work-life balance in Sweden and Denmark, commenting on how the way of life in these countries has helped them to regularly be named at the top of the list of the best countries for happy and content residents. Whilst we...

husavik goethermal lake // mahabis journal

hidden places // secret geothermal pools in iceland

  Our new ‘hidden places’ series of posts will share some of our best kept slow travel secrets, detailing secret places to unwind in some of our favourite destinations. Our first post in the series looks beyond the Blue Lagoon to share some of Iceland’s hidden hot water havens. The...

mahabis interviews // anika islam

mahabis interviews // anika islam

     Scandinavian inspired. Minimalist designs. Iconic denim signatures. The young UK denim brand Wåven has made its mark, so we took the chance to catch up with the founder, Anika Islam. Having launched the brand soon out of University, she's been busy with its international expansion, new releases, and retail...

mahabis father's day // the perfect gift

mahabis father's day // the perfect gift

    The perfect gift, for the perfect Dad.    ...but don't take our word for it. We ask Jamie Day, Dad to Edie (3y) and Arlo (6m) about how he balances dad-time and downtime, in his mahabis.      "I think all hands-on, modern day dads will agree, you need...

mahabis interviews // will satch

mahabis interviews // will satch

    British rower, Will Satch broke through as one of the teams that took home the bronze medal in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Since then, Will has won three consecutive World Championship titles and has taken home medals from two European championships and several World Cup golds. In...

isle of skye // mahabis journal

mahabis photography // the isle of skye, by anthony robin

    If you are looking for a place of solitude, where you can enjoy your own company in the great outdoors, surrounded by beautiful and dramatic scenery, look no further than the Isle of Skye.     Located off the west coast of Scotland, connected to the mainland by...

mahabis interviews // jo caird

mahabis interviews // jo caird

    Professional photographer, Jo Caird has been photographing athletes for over twenty years. Since becoming the All Blacks first official photographer back in 1998, Jo has established a mutual trust with the team, ventured behind the scenes, and worked at the forefront of action on the pitch, shooting the...

perfect mysa // mahabis journal

mahabis guide // how to embrace the swedish concept of ‘mysa’

photo: lya leslie   We’ve previously discussed untranslatable words that cannot be summed up into one word in the English language. Complementary to their relaxed pace of life, Swedes have many words that sum up the experience of relaxing and enjoying the company of others. Our readers will already know...

mahabis guide // travel essentials for a relaxing break

mahabis guide // travel essentials for a relaxing break

    It doesn't matter where you're heading; when it comes to packing your suitcase, there are some essentials that you need for any trip. We've curated a list of items that you should always pack to make your trip easier, more comfortable and less stressful.    Noise-cancelling headphones There's...

todd saunders fogo island architecture // mahabis journal

mahabis retreats // fogo island studios

Sometimes, you stumble across something wondrous in the most unlikely of places. Newfoundland architect, Todd Saunders created a collection of striking modern structures on a tiny island off the north-east coast of Canada, providing quiet and reflective spaces for artists to retreat and work in the quiet seclusion of the...

Pawel Althamer // Mahabis Journal

mahabis architecture // the meditation pod

  Have you ever wished for a space at work that you can retreat to relax? Polish sculptor, Pawel Althamer commissioned Basel-based architect, Piotr Brzoza to create a studio space with its very own meditation pod.     The large gold structure is unlike anything seen before, protruding from the upper floor...

mahabis interviews // ali dover

mahabis interviews // ali dover

    This week, we caught up photographer and designer Ali Dover. Ali started her journey into designing her own woven wraps after a series of realisations about parenting, lifestyle choices, and slow living. We talk to her about these revelations, how it affects her life and brand, and how...

Seinäjoki library // mahabis journal

mahabis architecture // the seinäjoki library in finland

  A good library should be quiet, tranquil and relaxing; the perfect place to settle down in privacy with the company of a good book. Seinäjoki library in Finland has been designed with relaxation and privacy in mind. The defining features of the library’s interior are its carpeted private pods,...

Råbjerg Mile // Mahabis Journal

mahabis photography // sand dunes

  The sands of time move slowly, as can be witnessed by watching the constant changes to the pattern of sand dunes. Kim Høltermand perfectly encapsulates this with her serene images of Råbjerg Mile, the largest migrating sand dune in Europe.     Råbjerg Mile moves an astonishing 18 metres...

wild atlantic way // mahabis journal

a slow road trip down // the wild atlantic way

   photo: ireland.com   Journeying along remote coastal roads, teetering on the edge of cliffs and offering almost constant views of the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is reminiscent of the dramatic drives down America’s west coast. Sit back, enjoy the views, and take your time to drive one...

Nuno Andrade // Mahabis Journal

mahabis architecture // the champalimaud centre, by charles correa

    Charles Correa was more than just an architect, he was a thinker of urban space who considered both the surrounding environment and the usage of the building when planning his designs. His design for the Champalimaud Centre of the Unknown provides a soothing, relaxing and futuristic outdoor space...

mahabis // sunday guide to // porto

the sunday guide to // porto

 photo: rockstart   Our Sunday Guide series travels to Portugal’s second largest city, Porto to discover why many travellers flock here for a relaxing alternative to a traditional city break. Unwind with a glass of port whilst enjoying the thermal spas, prolific arts scene and quiet beaches that Porto has...

mahabis guide // europe's best contemporary galleries

mahabis guide // europe's best contemporary galleries

Art, as we know it, has changed. With instagram in your back pocket, and access to images across the web in an instant, you can pull up almost any piece of art, check out virtual galleries, and scroll through online exhibitions. But there's something to be said for the experience of...

mahabis retreats // the air-lifted slovenian alpine shelter

mahabis retreats // the air-lifted slovenian alpine shelter

  retreat noun: a quiet and secluded place in which one can rest and relax.    In life, there are some spaces, some settings, that can transport you elsewhere. Within those four walls, you could be anywhere in the world, but you feel at home. Whether it's the comfort of your...

mahabis photography // modern world, by andreas

mahabis photography // modern world, by andreas levers

   This week, we've come across the work of Andreas Levers, a German photographer and media designer.      From Icelandic roads to brutalist concrete structures, Levers focuses on the juncture between architecture and nature.  His Modern World series features seven separate photo collections characterised by desaturated modern landscapes. From...

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