Latest news with #tranquility
Malay Mail
10-07-2025
- Malay Mail
No phones, no WiFi, just sheep: Finnish holiday-goers flock to ‘shepherd weeks' to disconnect
KUHMOINEN (Finland), July 11 — Finnish holidaygoers are clamouring to shell out hundreds of euros to work as shepherds for a week as a vacation, seeking tranquillity in nature and a chance to disconnect from their busy lives. Petri Stenberg is enjoying a 'shepherd week' together with his wife Oona and their two children Fia, age 2, and Hugo, 4, on an old farm on an island in the Isojarvi National Park in central Finland. The popular holiday scheme, organised by the Metsähallitus company that manages and protects state-owned land and water areas, allows the family to combine recreation and nature conservation. 'We are living very close to nature here. We feed the sheep a couple of times a day, we have been to the sauna, swam and gone fishing,' Oona Stenberg, who works as a physiotherapist, told AFP. 'Not once have I seen any news here. There's no TV here, we haven't browsed our phones. So in a way, my mind has somehow calmed down and I'm just concentrating on being here,' she added. Accessible only by rowboat or on foot through the forest and across a bridge, the old farm is one of around a dozen remote sites across Finland to which Finns can apply for a week-long holiday taking care of sheep. Historically, grazing sheep and other animals have played a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and habitats for flora and fauna at the various locations. But changed forestry and agricultural practices, including a 'dramatic' decline in the number of small farms in Finland, have seen these traditional biotopes of so-called semi-natural grasslands and wooded pastures become an endangered part of Finland's nature, explained Metsähallitus expert Leena Hiltunen. 'The main purpose of the shepherd weeks is to increase people's knowledge about these traditional biotopes,' Hiltunen said. The vegetation on the Isojarvi island was traditionally kept light and lush as grazing sheep prevented overgrowth, providing the necessary ecosystem for now-endangered plant and insect species. Compared to the 1950s, less than one per cent of Finland's traditional biotopes and landscapes remain, according to Metsähallitus, with most of them now located in protected areas. 'Appreciation and protection of nature is so important... So it is really important for all of us to learn about it and for children to learn to appreciate it,' said Oona Stenberg. A sheep herd stands on a field on June 17, 2025 in Isojarvi National Park, Langelmaki, Finland. Metsahallitus, a state owned enterprise in charge of most of protected areas and forestry, has started renting farm cabins where the guests have the chance to take care of a small herd of sheep during their staying. — AFP pic Popular holiday Metsähallitus received 12,764 applications from 2,236 applicants — many applying for more than one site — for this year's summer season. A total of 158 shepherd weeks are selected through a lottery. 'There has been a great deal of interest,' Hiltunen said. The Stenberg family, who lives in Vantaa, just north of Helsinki, applied a few times until they finally got lucky this year. A week typically costs between €400 and €670 (RM1,990-RM3,330) at most locations. The housing is spartan and simple, in huts or cottages often lacking running water and sometimes even electricity. 'Some people have asked us why we wanted to pay to herd sheep and do some yard work,' laughed Oona Stenberg. 'But it is really an experience for us, and the kids are loving it,' she added, sipping from her coffee cup outside the family's yellow cottage, surrounded by old wooden outhouses and a sauna overlooking the lake. In Finland, many people spend their summers in rustic countryside cottages. Hiltunen said only Finns could apply for the shepherd weeks because it was crucial to know 'how to manage the modest lifestyle' in nature on one's own. 'We don't have enough resources to advertise it internationally, or have someone there nearby advising how things work,' she said. 'Break from everyday life' On the lakeland island, a sense of complete serenity hung in the air, the grey sky suggesting rain was on its way. The family had been instructed to count the dozen sheep every day 'and make sure their overall health is good, that they are eating enough and checking that the fencing is intact,' said Petri Stenberg, who drives excavators for a living. The small farm was a working farm until 1989 and was bought by Metsähallitus in the 1990s. Flipping through the pages of a notebook inside the house, Petri Stenberg showed writings and a few sketches of sheep from previous visitors who documented their daily life and observations. 'This is a real break from everyday life,' he said. — AFP
The Independent
08-07-2025
- The Independent
Grace Mykonos, Greece, hotel review
This intimate and luxurious boutique hotel, perched on a hillside overlooking Agios Stefanos beach, is for those searching for tranquillity away from the bustle of Mykonos town Location With just 32 rooms and a great location five minutes' walk from the no-frills Agios Stefanos beach, this is a great boutique choice for the area. The beach is small, yet rivals the more popular shores in the southern part of the island. The hillside is dotted with several hotels and guest houses, and there are a few tavernas and restaurants within walking distance. Mykonos town is a five-minute drive, while the airport is only 15 minutes away by car, making it easy to get around to all of the key sights either by hire car, taxi or bus. Ferries to other islands depart from the nearby New Port. The vibe Grace Mykonos feels like a sensory retreat. It features contemporary interiors painted in hues of Cycladic white, creating a tranquil atmosphere, while a calming sandalwood scent fills the entire property. Plus, its size means that it isn't overrun with other guests, and the overall vibe forces you to slow down and embrace the peaceful sounds of the waves nearby. Relaxing music is played by the pool, which is situated on the third level of the hotel, surrounded by a range of comfortable wooden loungers and beds (from where you can eat lunch if you fancy). This is not a hotel for partygoers, but rather for those on a more relaxed schedule. Service Service is exemplary. On arrival, you are given cold towels and a glass of water, and there is always a member of staff on hand who is chatty and knowledgeable. Bed and bath All 32 rooms are individually dressed and feature white linens, grey interiors and minimalist decor. Room categories range from a deluxe room with a sea view to suites featuring private plunge pools and terraces that can accommodate up to four guests. King sized beds are delightfully comfortable with rattan headboards and grey upholstery. Bathrooms – mainly walk-in rainfall-style shower heads – are done out in grey granite and are equipped with a range of body washes and creams. Food and drink Breakfast includes a classic continental option with luxury additions, such as avocado on toast and poached eggs with smoked salmon, as well as a range of crepes and pastries. There are no restrictions on eating times, meaning you can have a leisurely lunch from the all-day menu from the hotel's poolside restaurant, Anama, whenever you fancy. For dinner at the restaurant, showstoppers on the menu included crispy baked feta with succulent sun-dried figs and sesame, the stuffed vegetable risotto and crispy ladopita bread dipped in tzatziki. As for drinks, there is a small bar inside Anama restaurant offering a long list of wines and cocktails, which are all available on room service if you want to order one from your private terrace. Facilities The ground floor is home to a small spa, which offers knot-chasing massage therapies, moisturising facial treatments and detoxifying body scrub rituals. Anama restaurant has outdoor and covered seating, allowing you to soak up the sun or cool off during mealtimes. The sunlounger area, which has an infinity glass balcony, has breathtaking views of the sea and the wider landscape of the island in the distance. The pool is more for dipping than swimming due to its shallow depth, but it makes for the perfect place to cool off during hot weather. Accessibility There are two rooms on the ground floor which are designed for guests who use a wheelchair. Pet policy One dog is allowed per room, with a maximum weight of 8kg. There is a non-refundable deep cleaning fee of €100 per stay. They must be well-behaved and are not allowed in the restaurant, bar, spa or the pool area. Check in/check out? Check in is from 3pm; check-out time is 11am Family-friendly? Yes, some rooms and suites can sleep up to four people. While the hotel generally has more of a couples and groups-of-friends vibe, several families with young and older children were there during my stay. At a glance Perfect for: Couples looking for a romantic retreat at a beautiful boutique location Not right for: Big families with young children
The Guardian
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Gong baths and a naked sauna: my search for inner peace at Glastonbury
The quest for tranquility in the world's least tranquil place can lead you to unexpected places. On a baking-hot Glastonbury day, I am sitting in a 90C sauna surrounded by 10 naked strangers. My journey began on Friday. While Lorde is playing a crammed secret set at the Woodsies stage, I'm over at Humblewell – a somewhat smaller tent – with 50 people who couldn't care less about the buzz. We lie on mats and parched grass, eyes closed, breathing deeply, legs moving in unison under the orders of the yoga teacher, Dina. A bassy soundtrack distracts from the many sounds outside competing for our attention. If it wasn't for the bucket hats, you wouldn't know you were at Glastonbury. I fold into a child's pose and feel a deep sense of release. Not many people come to Worthy Farm for peace and quiet. It is, after all, a place where 24/7 sensory overload seems inescapable. I have left two noisy children at home, and while I am looking forward to lots of loud music and dancing, I also need some chill time. I would hazard a guess that most attenders crave a bit of tranquility at some point over the weekend, if only between the hours of 4am-7am, when distant thuds and campsite chatter finally cease. Thankfully, there is inner peace to be found. The Retreat Yurt, next door to the yoga class, is packed full of weary people indulging in much-needed meditation. The session facilitator, Dan Peppiatt, gives gentle encouragement and plays a selection of instruments along to a soundscape recorded at the Cornish woodland where he lives off-grid. Occasionally, Arran Burton joins in on a selection of handcarved wooden flutes. I am close to drifting off when someone accidentally elbows me. 'We offer a space for people to stop,' says Peppiatt after the session. 'A lot of them come to have a snooze.' 'We will be back tomorrow,' says MJ Ascenzo, who has come to the festival from Manchester. 'It's the perfect start to the day,' she adds, before heading off to find some breakfast. On a nearby hill, a series of brightly coloured hammocks are a shady spot for some respite. I pull myself into one and eye the guy next to me with envy: he has the right idea, sound asleep with an eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones. I try to relax, but every time someone gets off a hammock, it feels as though mine is about to snap. My next stop is the Healing Fields, the OG of Glastonbury wellness. Here you can try tai chi, join a harmonised singing group or sample an array of massages and treatments. I eat some falafel, resist the urge to get a tarot reading and take a moment to pause in the neighbouring peace garden, which at noon is blissfully serene – perhaps less so at midnight, given its proximity to the late-night haven the Stone Circle. In a corner of the Tipi Field, I find people who really are letting go. Lost Horizon, the 'nomadic spa', has been a fixture at the festival for 15 years. Offering a sauna in a yurt and, crucially, a shower afterwards, visitors can buy a single entry, or a pass for the day or weekend (£15/£30/£50). Having a shower on site can involve a long queue, so this is a smart investment. That said, a sauna is a challenge on a hot day. And, alarmingly, this is a clothing-optional area. To one side of the area there is a huge trampoline, where naked adults are jumping. Jenna Brocklehurst from Somerset is running the sauna, and tells me that last night they hosted a ceilidh in the buff. 'It is a sanctuary,' says Clive Phillips from Goa, covering himself up with a sarong. 'An oasis of calm in an often crazy experience.' A partly clothed band provides entertainment for the spa-goers, many of whom are lying in the garden between sessions, making the most of the slightly less frenetic vibe. 'It's not what I expected,' says Carol from Bristol, who likes to try something new each time she attends. 'It is a bit of grass with sweaty people on it.' She recommends trying a laughing yoga class, although she thinks she got Covid from doing it here last year. As I enter the sauna semi-clad, I seriously question my life choices. But then the Green Fields choir circle the yurt, serenading those sweating inside. When I come out, I feel refreshed and renewed – and very grateful for a cold shower. As Alanis sings later: 'I've never felt this healthy before.' I retreat to a gong bath and fall into a deep sleep. It is possible to find peace at Glastonbury – you just have to look in the right places.
The Guardian
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Gong baths and a naked sauna: my search for inner peace at Glastonbury
The quest for tranquility in the world's least tranquil place can lead you to unexpected places. On a baking-hot Glastonbury day, I am sitting in a 90C sauna surrounded by 10 naked strangers. My journey began on Friday. While Lorde is playing a crammed secret set at the Woodsies stage, I'm over at Humblewell – a somewhat smaller tent – with 50 people who couldn't care less about the buzz. We lie on mats and parched grass, eyes closed, breathing deeply, legs moving in unison under the orders of the yoga teacher, Dina. A bassy soundtrack distracts from the many sounds outside competing for our attention. If it wasn't for the bucket hats, you wouldn't know you were at Glastonbury. I fold into a child's pose and feel a deep sense of release. Not many people come to Worthy Farm for peace and quiet. It is, after all, a place where 24/7 sensory overload seems inescapable. I have left two noisy children at home, and while I am looking forward to lots of loud music and dancing, I also need some chill time. I would hazard a guess that most attenders crave a bit of tranquility at some point over the weekend, if only between the hours of 4am-7am, when distant thuds and campsite chatter finally cease. Thankfully, there is inner peace to be found. The Retreat Yurt, next door to the yoga class, is packed full of weary people indulging in much-needed meditation. The session facilitator, Dan Peppiatt, gives gentle encouragement and plays a selection of instruments along to a soundscape recorded at the Cornish woodland where he lives off-grid. Occasionally, Arran Burton joins in on a selection of handcarved wooden flutes. I am close to drifting off when someone accidentally elbows me. 'We offer a space for people to stop,' says Peppiatt after the session. 'A lot of them come to have a snooze.' 'We will be back tomorrow,' says MJ Ascenzo, who has come to the festival from Manchester. 'It's the perfect start to the day,' she adds, before heading off to find some breakfast. On a nearby hill, a series of brightly coloured hammocks are a shady spot for some respite. I pull myself into one and eye the guy next to me with envy: he has the right idea, sound asleep with an eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones. I try to relax, but every time someone gets off a hammock, it feels as though mine is about to snap. My next stop is the Healing Fields, the OG of Glastonbury wellness. Here you can try tai chi, join a harmonised singing group or sample an array of massages and treatments. I eat some falafel, resist the urge to get a tarot reading and take a moment to pause in the neighbouring peace garden, which at noon is blissfully serene – perhaps less so at midnight, given its proximity to the late-night haven the Stone Circle. In a corner of the Tipi Field, I find people who really are letting go. Lost Horizon, the 'nomadic spa', has been a fixture at the festival for 15 years. Offering a sauna in a yurt and, crucially, a shower afterwards, visitors can buy a single entry, or a pass for the day or weekend (£15/£30/£50). Having a shower on site can involve a long queue, so this is a smart investment. That said, a sauna is a challenge on a hot day. And, alarmingly, this is a clothing-optional area. To one side of the area there is a huge trampoline, where naked adults are jumping. Jenna Brocklehurst from Somerset is running the sauna, and tells me that last night they hosted a ceilidh in the buff. 'It is a sanctuary,' says Clive Phillips from Goa, covering himself up with a sarong. 'An oasis of calm in an often crazy experience.' A partly clothed band provides entertainment for the spa-goers, many of whom are lying in the garden between sessions, making the most of the slightly less frenetic vibe. 'It's not what I expected,' says Carol from Bristol, who likes to try something new each time she attends. 'It is a bit of grass with sweaty people on it.' She recommends trying a laughing yoga class, although she thinks she got Covid from doing it here last year. As I enter the sauna semi-clad, I seriously question my life choices. But then the Green Fields choir circle the yurt, serenading those sweating inside. When I come out, I feel refreshed and renewed – and very grateful for a cold shower. As Alanis sings later: 'I've never felt this healthy before.' I retreat to a gong bath and fall into a deep sleep. It is possible to find peace at Glastonbury – you just have to look in the right places.
Wall Street Journal
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Wall Street Journal
The Man Who Stood Beside Jackie Robinson
Brooklyn, N.Y. I was seeking a few hours of tranquility from the angry headlines of the day. Unexpectedly I found a moment of grace outside a minor-league ballpark.
