The ALT Collective is set to present its most ambitious edition yet when ALT ART returns to Manila this February. Moving to the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the fourth iteration of this contemporary art showcase represents a significant leap in scale and ambition for the Philippine art scene. […]
bulthaup b3: The Heart of the Home
Living in a fast-paced, progressive time in history, such as now, means we can enjoy all forms of modern conveniences to make our lives easier. While it is true that efficient technology may transform daily life, we may still find ourselves in a constant state of stress, with our physical bodies being negatively affected.

Putting our health at the top of our priorities means taking the time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. At La Cura Retreats in Catalunya, Spain, the goal is full rejuvenation to ensure that one’s mind and body continue to function at their best. The wellness haven, founded and curated by Bob and Mabel Noyen, offers guests a thoughtfully designed, nurturing environment where mind and body are nourished through food, movement, and community.
Their farm-to-table philosophy—which begins in their own vegetable garden and culminates in La Cura’s tastefully understated kitchen—reminds one that food is more than what we eat; it is a full experience meant to be savored.


The bulthaup b3 equipped kitchen’s sleek aesthetics seamlessly integrate high-tech functionality in its design. Expansive windows and doorless entryways allow ample natural light to flow in during the day and ease of movement in and around the kitchen; at night, thoughtfully placed lighting provides essential illumination and ambiance. Substantial storage areas keep countertops clutter-free, and each appliance is assigned a designated workspace and zone for efficiency.
The space blends beautifully with the farmhouse’s landscape—pebble-colored laminate complemented by natural oak creates a warm, hospitable feeling, while its aluminum details convey a sense of functional organization. Its open-concept layout makes this kitchen the heart of this home—the perfect setting for preparing meals that feed the body, enrich the mind, and heal the soul. An inviting kitchen island takes center stage, calling forth everyone to gather, whether to cook sumptuous meals or simply to connect with one another.

The retreat’s own private chef, Marleen Kemper, finds her own sanctuary within La Cura’s kitchen. Its sleek interiors make it the perfect canvas for seasonal menus featuring the bounties grown on the property. Ultra-modern touches make cooking and food prep easy and hassle-free—inviting, even, for non-cooks and novice chefs. La Cura’s kitchen truly makes it the ideal setting for its workshops and holistic wellness programs.

One of La Cura’s guests has captured what this culinary experience of mindful eating, that Marleen lovingly prepares, truly is all about: “Each time I walk into this kitchen, there is this warm, welcoming, mothering atmosphere from you. It’s very nourishing in many ways.” From its organic garden, where seasonal ingredients are readily available, to its fully equipped kitchen, La Cura has redefined their guests’ overall food experience into a multisensory adventure.

City life may leave you in a constant state of stress, leading you to sacrifice your health and well-being. We may not have the luxury of escaping to La Cura Retreat’s any time we need rejuvenation, but you can have your own bulthaup b3 kitchen sanctuary. Finding the right tools and the perfect partners to make our lives easier as we take on daily tasks like meal prep and cooking ensures we won’t take our health and well-being for granted, especially in the comforts of our own home.
Photographs from bulthaup.
Read More: bulthaup b2: The Kitchen Reinvented as a Modern Workshop




