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In Monocle’s latest book, Swim & Sun, you’ll find our pick of the places in which to cool off when the mercury rises and plenty to get you dreaming about your next dip. We celebrate the joys of diving into the ocean, leaping into a river and allowing your limbs to stretch – and your mind to clear – as you simply swim. In its visually stunning pages, the guide celebrates the sunny pleasures on offer at our favourite beach clubs, urban pools and lakeside bathing spots. [So pick up a copy and jump in.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Who tops our liveable leaderboard? Monocle’s annual Quality of Life Survey puts the world’s best cities through their paces and profiles the urban centres on the up. We also get set for summer by gardening in Hiroshima, dining in Marseille and dancing in Mexico City. Plus: how Bratislava’s bass-playing, architect mayor is helping the city to find its groove. [Grab your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Look on the bright side of life with [Konfekt’s dazzling summer instalment](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2337535/konfekt-issue-11/). Issue 11 is an ideal accompaniment to beachside lounging, featuring an alluring trip along Portugal’s untamed Atlantic coast, inspiring residences and a look at why rose oil is so valuable that it’s kept in a vault. Plus: Lebanese mezze, wild swimming and what to wear in the sun.

Ever dreamed of ditching the rat race for a life on the land? We meet the new Mediterranean farmers doing just that in the latest edition of Monocle. Issue 164 also includes an Art Special that puts collectors, galleries and this year’s Art Basel in the frame. Plus: a guide to the Venice Architecture Biennale and a rare venture into Syria. [Order your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2326118/issue-164/)

Tinned sardines are an icon of Portugal. We visit a family-run shop and one of the country’s last artisanal canneries to discover why sardines are cherished by the Portuguese, how the industry started back with Napoleon and what is driving the revival of canned fish. Discover more from the country with [Portugal: The Monocle Handbook.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2227005/portugal-the-monocle-handbook/)

Located in the northwestern corner of the Scottish Highlands, Gairloch is a coastal village of about 700 people that is known for its mountains, sea loch and rugged landscape. Monocle paid a visit to Two Lochs, reportedly Britain’s smallest commercial radio station, which is nestled on Gairloch’s shores, run by a handful of volunteers and has built a loyal fanbase of global listeners.

Monocle’s third annual Design Awards honour the top 50 objects, places and designers that have popped onto our radar over the past year. Expect stunning buildings, cosy furniture and saké in cans. Elsewhere in Issue 163, we find out how Russia recruits spies (and why it needs to), set up home at the world’s premier property fair and step out in spring fashion. [Grab your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Nature is a key source of inspiration for glass artist Michael Ruh, who has hand-crafted pieces for leading architects and brands, such as Fortnum & Mason. We visited his south London studio as production was underway for a new commission for The Birch Hotel to hear about his design process.

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This issue of Konfekt celebrates the promise of spring, with bracing hikes, adventurous road trips and long dinners filled with sparkling discussion and searching debate. We’ll picnic on the cliffs of northern Corsica, journey along Slovenia’s coastline and check in to a new hotel in the heritage-rich village of Lefkara in Cyprus. Plus: chic looks, inspiring interiors and piquant Indonesian recipes. [Grab your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2307621/konfekt-issue-10/)

What’s in store for retail? Monocle’s Retail Survey checks out the global benchmarks in shopping, while our spring Style Directory rounds up the labels, designers and products on the radar of the sharpest dressers. Elsewhere, we go in-depth on the mystery of who blew up Nord Stream and reveal Paris’s best sandwich – and how to make it. [Order your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2299788/issue-162/)

Following hot on the heels of Portugal: The Monocle Handbook is the second title in a new series of country-focused guides. This sunny book looks beyond the tourist haunts to present Monocle’s favourite spots across Spain, from Madrid and Málaga to the Balearic and Canary Islands. [Order your copy today from The Monocle Shop.](https://monocle.com/shop/)