Sabrina Louis

Organik Festival

December Heat: 4 Beach Getaways for the Festive Season

The Best Destinations for Parties, Beaches and Nature This Month

Polyswitch 

Casablanca

Imagined by architect Pierre Bousquet in 1918, Marche Central is a staple "Souk" market located in the heart of Casablanca and emblematic heritage locals take pride in. Known particularly for its fresh offerings of local fish, but also meats, vegetables, rare spics and flowers, Marche Central represents a cultural experience, always a great pick for lunch and a walk in the surroundings. 

Every local can attest the best juices and smoothies in town are pressed here, I tried all the juices and they're all worth a shot. Open 24/7, the prices are reasonable and the staff are very friendly even when the orders come in heavy. 

To me, this place represents the true feel of a sunny local cafe terrace, perfect for reading a book or ideating about your next project. Bring your pastries from the corner, order a mint tea and enjoy the atmosphere. 

My gateway to Casablanca of the past, the Habbous neighbourhood is a pleasant and magical area. The ideal spot for those who seek Moroccan authenticity in Casablanca, aimed at an idealised version of the old Medina, located in one of the most ancient districts in town, its narrow alleys are charming to stroll around in. You can follow the arches and they will lead you to neat open-air markets, bookshops and bazaars. With such a serene aura, time spent in is assured to prevail over the bustling city life. 

Established in 1950, this place never disappoints, I've been coming over since my childhood. They offer a fabulous selection of ice cream and desserts in an impeccable context and beautiful decor, inarguably the best in town. The menu is extensive but, I don't think they have a bad flavour. 

My favourite spot to watch sunsets and sunrises from in Casablanca. 

A record store that knew how to portray the spirit of the city, "DISQUES GAM" was more than just a music store, it was the leading institution that generously served Casablanca, and the country as a whole with music for over 50 years, a goldmine for any record collector. Established by a very passionate and resilient man, "Boujemaa" was the last survivor of the many record stores Casablanca had back in the day, he always believed in vinyl as the best format, and he was right.

"Boujemaa" passed just a few years ago but his legacy will live on forever.

The 7 Best Places to Visit in Casablanca with Polyswitch

Singapore 

Perfect for a date night, pre-drinks before going out-out, catching up with friends and discovering new DJs, old heads and undiscovered tunes. It’s a sociable hub for music lovers, creatives and friendly faces. It’s not open late so I’d recommend not after 8pm if you want a good shift. They serve Pan-Asian fusion food and cocktails, the menu is mouthwatering! Ask for Dean Chew, one of the co-founders of the label Darker Than Wax runs this place. He’s a sweet, sweet soul.

Perfect for a casual catch up with your friends. The crowd is a lot of East-siders – so some really laid-back people. The sunset is beautiful around the East Coast, it feels really nostalgic, so I’d say [pull up] at 7pm just before the evening sets in. They serve beers and spirits, as well as some hard-hitting Thai food. The spot is run by a really chill older couple, I used to work here actually!

The vibe is perfect for if you’re craving some authentic Chinese seafood whilst having a catch up with some friends and family. This is the place you need to hit up. Almost exclusively local Singaporean folk and longtime Singapore residents. It’s definitely a hidden gem. The stingray, fried rice and sambal kangkong are my go-to dishes. If you haven’t tried stingray, it has a soft meat texture that essentially melts in your mouth.

It’s affordable dim sum, so the vibe is perfect for any occasion! You have hundreds of options and insanely quick service. The place is almost always local Singaporeans – another hidden gem. You should order lime juice with sour plum, xiao long bao (Shanghai soup dumplings), siu mai, fried prawn dumplings, wanton, crab meat sauce with mantou. Basically anything, to be honest. I could order everything twice over.

It’s the perfect place to end your night out. I’d always end up here after the club with a group of friends. I'd say the crowd is a mix between people who want to watch football and drunk club-goers. Order the roti prata with fish, chicken, lamb curry or dhal if you’re vegan or vegetarian.

You can get to the island by hopping on a ferry for under 20 Singapore dollars (SGD) from Marina South Pier. I’d recommend the 10am ferry so you get a full day out. Definitely bring your own food and water to St John’s Island because they don’t sell any!

It’s super affordable to get to Pulau Ubin – it costs under five SGD for a single trip. You can get a bumboat at Changi Point Ferry Terminal which usually takes around 15 minutes. You can also bring your own bicycle here or rent one when you’re there. It’s also a good shout to bring your own water and snacks even though you can find food there. My favourite thing to do is kayaking along the mangroves – surreal.

Jhumka on Where to Go in Singapore

St Lucia 

The food takes us back to our childhood: Mandella being born and bred here, and Rochelle's family being St. Lucian. This is authentic St. Lucian cuisine.

Seafood right along the seafront, what more could you want? The flavours are unreal!

Fresh produce and amazing views. There is different produce in season at different stages of the year, but the quality never changes. Perfect for a lunch or dinner treat.

Great place to stop for local cuisine when in the area of Vieux Fort, where the food is prepared by a Vieux Fort local chef, Chevorn.

Located directly in front of the port where the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, in the fishing port canteen – so you know the food is tasty! Nothing fancy, just pure flavour!

Mr Pete has been serving the best cocoa tea, roast bakes, fried makes and more in Vieux Fort for many years. This is the best spot to get an early morning bite to eat as he is gone by around midday and he sells out!

Located along sandy beach – one of the very few Atlantic Ocean beaches in St. Lucia – and open to all, you will find a lot of locals also dining here. Great cocktails and rum options also. Perfect for something to eat after a swim.

Brilliant steak and local food with a great atmosphere and live entertainment. As it's along the Rodney Bay strip, you can continue your night after you have had your food.

The Best Local Food Spots in St. Lucia With Bon Mangé

Rose Bonica

Cape Town

Our local vinyl store, run by a group of really amazing people. They describe it as a “community record store for colourful music”. Check out their online store and The Other Radio that brings you shows hosted by a whole selection of South African artists and DJs.

There's no way you can visit Cape Town without driving along Chapmans Peak and getting a photo at the Lookout Point. For people who live here, Chappies is still one of the go to spots on a Sunday drive. I mean how can it not be with a view like this.

Definitely one of my most nostalgic spots, having gone to Llandudno Primary. The sunsets from here are insane! If I’m honest, it's also one of the only beaches I'd go to if I liked to go to the beach.

If you want the best fish and chips in Cape Town. If you disagree, you can always feed the fish to the seagulls.

One of the few clubs that we have in Cape Town. Champagne and NTSC are my favourite nights. Some of their other nights are great too, if you're looking for a bit more of a Berlin techno vibe.

I recently went to the Aquarium to film a live stream and it's definitely my new favourite spot in Cape Town. The best part is that most of the sea life are rescues getting rehabilitated to get put back into the ocean.

The perfect little village to escape to when the city becomes too much. The beach is beyond and there's a beautiful Lake at the end of the beach to float around in when the waves get too much.

Party in an Aquarium? Welcome to Cape Town

ESEA Sisters

London

Brighton

Wales

A beautiful, serene traditional Japanese garden located in West London, designed by Japanese landscape architect Shoji Nakahara. With tiered waterfalls, stone lanterns, a koi pond, Japanese maple trees and Sakura trees, it really gives a sense of a ‘home from home’ for the Japanese diaspora. It’s also completely free to access! I go there first thing most mornings before work, to clear my head, ground myself with nature, and write. It’s a very special place that has a lot of history to it - it was opened in 1991 as a gift from the City of Kyoto to commemorate the friendship between Japan and Great Britain, and in 2012 there was an additional Fukushima memorial garden added to the side of the Kyoto Garden. The peacocks strutting around the garden are an added bonus!

It’s a tranquil pebbly beach set below the backdrop of the Seven Sisters cliffs - which creates a pretty dramatic scene! It’s a great place to go swimming or surfing, but if the tide is out, you’ll also see some rock pools to explore, and you can hunt for fossils and even catch crabs! There’s definitely something for everyone, I know that some areas of the Birling Gap beach are used by nudists/naturists. Which is maybe something to be mindful of when you visit. 

Our collective, ESEA Sisters, have been organising a series of nature walks with healing circles each month in different locations near London, and the Birling Gap is actually going to be our next destination! Immersing ourselves in the water, having a swim, connecting with nature, and incorporating some tai-chi/qi-gong on the beach, we’ll be rebalancing our energy and grounding ourselves, while in community with others. I’d recommend that if you go to the Birling Gap, try some of those activities out - either alone or in company. It’s a great way to destress. 

It's our capital's dividing waterway, it's home to famous races and regattas and an abundance of wildlife resides on it’s banks. How could we not add it to the list!

There are so many things that make the Thames special but let's start outside of London. The Thames is home to hundreds of beautiful towns and villages many of which are easily accessible by train so you can spend the day walking between places (the Thames has 185miles of walkable trails!) before finally heading home. Towns include Henley-on-Thames, famous for the regatta in the Summer and you can cross the Thames between Windsor and Eton, but the most magical places are the areas up and down the banks that locals would call 'our spot'. These are small oases found up and down the river where rope swings are built, bridges were made for jumping off and friends spend late summer evenings swimming and cooling off in the water. If you swam anywhere near the zoo Beale Park, like I did all through my teenage years, you’d often find yourself swimming alongside terrapins from when the park once flooded! 

One of the best places to swim here is a village called Pangbourne, not far from Reading, easily accessible by train or car as there is a dedicated carpark. Here you’ll find the brave jumping off the bridge, people using the water activities facility to canoe, others who come to try their hand at fishing a bit further down and tonnes of people splashing in the water or watching the boats and yachts go by from the jetty.

Now heading downstream to the capital. The Thames Path walking routes here are not to be missed from the quaint village-esque feel of Barnes all the way to the Wapping, a now largely residential area that still holds it's old dock and factory history within every cobbled street, it makes a perfect alternative day out for anyone heading to London. Getting tired feet doing all that walking? Hop on one of the many river buses or tours that depart between Richmond all the way to the Thames Barrier. Another great way to see the sites of London on one of Britain's most famous waterways.

This is a huge expanse of white rolling sand dunes residing on the coast of West Sussex. It is often deemed one of the most beautiful beaches in England at 13km long and backing onto the South Downs, it’s enjoyable all year round and there are areas all along the front for you to swim, make sandcastles, go for a walk or enjoy a BBQ with family. 

It’s one of the few beaches in the UK where I have found absolutely anyone is welcome to come and enjoy it, no stares or whispered conversation between other families for looking different. I went to university in a county with a lot of coastline and always found my presence at the beaches there to be bothersome to many others. In fact, the only thing to note when you come to enjoy West Wittering is please be mindful and smart when going to enjoy the water, there are safe swimming areas for a reason! 

Lifeguards are posted up and down the beach and with it being so large, there are many areas to swim. Lots of places have much calmer, slightly busier waters which make it perfect for swimming together with friends and family or if you prefer to get your sea laps in, like me, there are equally calm areas to swim often used by those of us who might be taking the beach a little too seriously... If you’re looking for a bit of thrill when you head here, there are areas dedicated to water activities like wind surfing too.

Whilst visiting my partner’s parents for the first time in Gellifor, North Wales we took a trip West, to Dolgellau, hiked around Llynnau Cregennen (Cregennan Lakes), and meandered down hairpin bends towards Fairbourne Beach. We met with a large sea wall that protects the village from high tide, which we clambered over and stood in awe of the sprawling sandy beach. Despite the sunshine, it was sparsely filled with fellow beach walkers. Opalescent jellyfish were dotted around the sand - marking the edge of the tide. The open views fogged the horizon line facing the general direction of Ireland, and I felt at peace. A resolution had been made. We had our swimming gear - we had to jump in. Nothing beats a salty swim with natural views, crisp fresh air, and staring up to a clear blue sky. The feeling of weightlessness clears the mind, ready for the return back to the hustle bustle of London living.

Sadly, Fairbourne is on the front line in the battle against climate change and there are rising concerns that the lovely little village by it’s shores will be consumed by rising tides and ever more frequent flooding. “It’s being called the first place in the UK to be lost to climate change, as rising sea levels and extreme weather become too much to defend it from.” 13th March 2020 - Greenpeace. So be considerate and respectful when visiting and perhaps let your trip inspire you to invest as much time in healing the earth we share as we try to invest in healing ourselves. 

ESEA Sisters Guide us to Healing Waters

Casey MQ

Toronto

Fresh pressed juices and cold cut bánh mì sandwiches from this local restaurant. A gem in Toronto and the owners are incredibly kind. Plus their instagram is amazing.

A great beach spot to suddenly feel a little removed from Toronto while maintaining a view from the city. There is a clothing optional area as well.

I do not drink coffee but if I did, from what I’ve heard, I would purchase from The Common. I regularly get a tea and croissant from there though. Currently takeout but in the past I have spent a lot of time hanging out in there.

This family run restaurant in Parkdale makes excellent Momos. Lovely place!

TECHNICALLY you could ride your bike from Leslie Spit through to Don Valley Trail but it would be a mission. It’s a beautiful bike ride though and Leslie Spit takes you to an outer point of Toronto where you end up looking right back at the city by the end of the epic trail.

The Lightbox is not open at the moment but I’ve always loved the programming and have gone on solo dates there many times!

This is a lovely fashion store in Toronto. Tightly curated selection of clothing and publications. The store really has it’s own demeanor.

A great place to find preloved books. There are three locations at this point in Toronto but most of my purchases have been at the Bloor location. I basically stand around the recommended reads for a little too long.

Which brings me to the Toronto Reference Library lol. Last year I spent a lot of time at this library on the fourth or fifth floor. The inside is gorgeous. I actually spent a lot of time working on ‘babycasey’ at this library.

I have only been here a few times at night but if you hope the fence which is not a particularly easy task - you can maybe get a few laps of swimming in!

Casey MQ takes us around Toronto

Maeve

Cayman Islands

This is where a lot of the locals get their fish fry. In my opinion, it's the best place on island for fish fry. They also have tables under cabanas on a beach and it's on the quieter side of the island.

My favourite spot on the Island. Not only do they have amazing food but they throw events like live music and parties. It's an amazing cultural and creative hub. They use a lot of local produce, give a lot back to the community and support local creatives.
If you go you should ask for Aris Latham's vegan pie - it's unreal.

It's a local tradition to hop on a boat and go to Rum Point on a Sunday. It can get pretty crazy - everyone anchors at a sandbar plays music and it always ends up being a big party. You can't miss this tradition if you come to Cayman!

They have insane Trinidadian and local food here but my favourite thing to get are the doubles. The best hangover cure is getting takeaway from here.

Little Cayman is the smallest island of the three and though the majority of tourists visit Grand Cayman - Little Cayman is an amazing place to go for a couple of days to recharge. Everything is slow moving here and it's so peaceful. You can rent scooters and explore the island.

A quiet beach named after the fact that it's got little starfish dotted around the shore. You can get there by boat and anchor in the shallows. It's a nice place to chill with friends.

Here you can get local art and amazing produce from local farmers. Also cool place to meet some Caymanians and get some advice on what's going on on the island.

Discover the Cayman Islands with Maeve

Wavy the Creator

Lagos

This is probably one of my favorite places to eat, coupled with the fact that it basically gives the vibe of you being in a house based on the variety of “rooms” you can go to.
Their jollof rice, peppered turkey and plantain? Never a miss

This is a new fashion store that appeals to the younger crowd in Nigeria. I first came across them on social media and was very pleased when i went to their online store and saw how well they cater to what the young people like. They have variety of options from shoes, to accessory They recently just opened a store at the Palms mall in Lekki, which is very convenient.

When I heard about Rufus and Bee, a fun house in Lagos, I was excited. The sense of freedom and nostalgia from the experience could make your inner child come alive. It is located in a building with 3 restaurants, a movie theater and an amazing rooftop view.

I feel this is a recreational haven for music and art lovers. It is a strategic site for the country, it was created around a decommissioned prison. From getting an insight into prison life in the 80’s to seeing a sample size of a cell as well as the gallows kind of motivates my process.
You sense immediately the love that transformed this former prison and place of hate and misery of colonial times into a venue where everyone is welcome. The park is beautiful

This bay is the ideal spot for ocean lovers, tourists and unarguably one of the best places to go to and have fun and relax. It’s my go to for the perfect “daycation”.

The main attraction for me was the 400m long canopy walkway (longest in Africa) as it gives a full view of the unique wildlife inhabiting the centre.

My first time at Bogobiri, I felt like I was at a spa in a treehouse. The art and decor are placed together to help you relax. The restaurant, the hotel and the art center make it a hub for everyone. You definitely know I do not miss Thursday’s open mic night.

A fine dining restaurant placed in an eye-catching environment with bamboo structures, use of shapes, contemporary art pieces and lest I forget, a contemporary fashion design store. My friends know it's the luxury Amala for me, to me it’s Amala that went to Yale.

This gallery is arguably the largest of its kind in West Africa with over 8,000 diverse works of art. Getting to see a wealth of artworks and be inspired by the thoughts behind the art. My favorite part of the first experience was how receptive and accommodating it feels once you’re in.

One of the largest markets in the city located in the heart of Lagos island. I enjoy thrifting a lot so this is like thrifting heaven

Exploring Lagos with Wavy the Creator

Queer Bruk

Margate

Incredible beach with an amazingly (and somewhat surprisingly) diverse and safe atmosphere. Margate is rich with culture that is slowly but surely becoming more diverse, making it a great place for people of colour and LGBTQ+ people. 


Swim Level: Beginner

Public Transport:  Yes 

Facilities: Lifeguard 

Stanborough Park is a 126 acre plot of land that has two lakes that are beautiful. While swimming isn’t allowed, it’s an amazing place to take part in canoeing, kayaking and other water sports - Welwyn is still relatively close to London, also!

Swim Level: Not for Swimming 

Public Transport: Yes

Facilities: Yes


Trent Park is personally near and dear to my heart, I've had my birthday party underneath the same tree since I was one year old (with the exception of a couple of years) and the place is amazing! Located in North London (Cockfosters), the park is 413 acres and there are many bodies of water. It’s a truly amazing place that is transformative and peaceful.

Swim Level: Not for swimming 

Public Transport:  Yes

Facilities: No 

Cool Off From the Clubs with Queer Bruk’s Water Spots

Kida Kudz

I love the ambience here, it’s literally full of culture and the hospitality is like none other. If you’re looking for Palmwine, Terra Kulture is the spot!

I love the view of the ocean. I come here often to take a walk on the beach side and clear my head. It helps me meditate. 
The food at "TRUTH", one of the spots at Landmark beach is also amazing. If you go there you have to get the platter, you get so many tasty options and can choose between the seafood or the beef platter.

They serve the best Nigerian dishes here, it’s like a home away from home. I especially love their starters… ALL OF THEM! I would definitely recommend the Ram Roll and Puff Puff - it’s not a meal that you get everywhere. 

Come for the cocktails… stay for more! My favourite is the Fruit Punch (mocktail), I have it every time. The Okoloko is also a Top Memba on their menu for sure!
They play great music and have a playlist which you can listen to when you want to experience those vibes from home.

My favourite thing about New Afrika Shrine is the heritage and culture, it’s everywhere from the music, the locals and the roadside meals - it’s simply inspiring, a real taste of Nigeria.

Explore Lagos with Kida Kudz

Petite Noir

 The best beach in Cape Town, hands down. (Personally!)

A beautiful cosy restaurant in the CBD - makes some of the best food in Cape Town.

A creative and interactive space that has a radio station that plays the best music from around the world. A true tastemaker for Cape Town.  


Petite Noir's Guide to Cape Town

Hawai'i

Owner and head instructor, Dharma Shay, opened the gym which specialises in functional fitness, athletic training, personal training, nutrition guidance, HIIT, post-natal exercise classes, youth athletic training, strength and conditioning, Olympic lifting, jiu-jitsu, and stand up martial arts. This is a great gym on the big island with highly trained and professional staff.

Owners, Randy and Gabby, opened their locally-sourced restaurant on the Big Island in 2011. They have delicious options such as blackened ono sandwiches, their Da Aina burger with a fantastic avocado cream sauce, lilikoi cheesecake or their tropical dreams ice cream. They also have an online shop selling their signature Kona Ketchup, Hawaiian Fire Sauce, and Mauka Mustard at great prices. Vegan friendly!

A beautiful studio in Kailua Kona that offers vinyasa, power, yin, restorative, and meditation classes.

A family-operated hearty, healthy, soul restaurant serving delicious, organic food in the heart of Lihue. The menu consists of Kauai-grown traditional soul food staples such as collard greens, candied yams, fried fish, and fresh baked cornbread.

Opened by two best friends, Chase and Mercedes, Pau Hana offers a high-quality mobile bar service for any event, celebration or reason to have a great time with delicious drinks in hand without having to worry about your guests desires.

After receiving her cosmetology license in 2009 from Western Beauty Institute in Van Nuys, California Raquel with her Los Angeles-native hustle and island girl heart is living out her dreams in Maui. In 2017, Raquel became a Curl Coach Educator for DevaCurl. While curly hair is a passion of Raquel's she also loves to style, colour, and cut all hair types. She has an online shop carrying various hair products as well.

A wonderful artist who tattoos around Maui and Kauai Island. He specialises in black and grey, Polynesian tribal, and ornamental work.

Qiana, a native New Yorker, from Red Hook, Brooklyn and her husband from Southern Italy opened Sale Pepe - Maui’s authentic Italian restaurant. Their pastas and artisan Italian pizzas are crafted by a certified pizzaiola with fresh, local ingredients in classic and creative presentations. Paired with the enjoyment of a fun, social wine bar atmosphere you cant find anywhere else on the island.

They are open for business.

This teahouse has multiple locations across Oahu inside various Sand People and Down To Earth retail stores. Founded in 2015, Kye Teahouse was established on the foundation of Going Back to Nature. Their ingredients are grown in Hawaii & picked only at the peak of freshness. It's one of the reasons why their tea taste so incredible. All of the packing and shipping materials are biodegradable & environmentally sustainable.

Chef, Lamont Brown, showcases locally-sourced ingredients on a worldly platform, with emphasis on Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Visit their restaurant in Haleiwa for the perfect date night, or a great time with friend.

Owner, Soufiane Bouharkat, grew up in Paris and opened his first cafe there. Later moving to Oahu, he opened Le Crepe Cafe in 2009. He creates a bright and enthusiastic Ohana environment for everyone to experience and strives daily to provide his guests with fresh, natural ingredients that not only taste good, but makes you feel great as well.

Locally-owned scuba diving company located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Manny will take you on incredible diving adventures and leave with an experience you'll never forget! Check out his website for a list of activities and price.

Husband and wife team, the Bensons, whose roots are from Louisiana, were inspired by the Hawaiian Islands, which they decided to make Oahu home and open a mouth-watering deli.

Hawaii finally has their very first co-working space! Located on Oahu and birthed from the idea of creating a community of creators and dreamers, BoxJelly strives to cultivate an inspiring workplace that embodies the worth of a well-lived in home.

A food Truck that specializes in Jamaican cuisine. The truck was inspired by a great friend of owner, Damon, that taught him how to cook Jamaican food. He passed away about thirteen years ago and he's been sharing his food with friends and family for years. He actually started the business in December 2019 with a food cart only selling chicken and shrimp plates. In June of 2020, he obtained the food truck, expanded his menu to brown stew chicken and curry chicken. They also do a jerk pork belly, sandwiches and tacos with the Caribbean flare.

Black-Owned Businesses in Hawai'i

Izzy Bossy

Jamaica

Winifred beach has to be my favourite beach its one of the last beaches which hasn’t been bought by foreigners a hub for the community to come and cool af, if you go you must go up to Cynthia’s and get some food just ask for her down on the beach!

Blue lagoon holds a special place in my heart one of my favourite place to swim its hot and cold under and has a magic in the air, if you go down make sure to get a raft trip ask for Beena with the bleached hair and go over to monkey island.

Obviously, I had to put some music-related tings. If you know me you know how much DANCEHALL IS MI EVERYTHING and the best way to keep up with the new music is to get a CD from Junior on William Street.

Boston is the home of jerk. You can’t come to Jamaica and not try it. There are a few amazing places, but you must go to its home, Boston. Go to Mickey's - the first place on the left (if you are facing it). I also always get a chicken sausage from Bumpy as well; you will see him, he is right across.

Corey makes the best fruit smoothies in Port Antonio. He also makes peanut punch with almond milk which is quite rare here, but it’s super yummy. He is based in the back of the fruit market just walk through the shop to the back left corner and you will see him.

This is by far my favourite date night spot. The owner, Vanessa, is one of my good friends and cooks the most delicious food. Get the lobster! Actually, get anything its all amazing !! Also located on Long Bay Beach - you HAVE to go!

Have you ever had a burger with plantain and callaloo? Well then, you must go to Woody's in Drapers. Their burgers are literally so unique tasting and delicious.

If you are going to Rio Grande make sure you head out early as its a full day of rafting. I always drive up and start from Berrydale. You can stop the raft and swim in the river. Also, half way up if you call in advance, you can stop for food at Belinda. She is not there all the time, so you must organise in advance, but I promise you you won’t regret it!

Sanko Bay is a tiny local beach. There isn’t sand, but you can swim and the view is so beautiful. We are currently trying to re-build the community centre situated on this beach to support and give the Drapers community a hub for the locals. We’re also giving free workshops and equipment for our future generation to be able to bloom.

Everyone always talks about Dunn River, but there are so many hidden gems. Reach Falls is much quieter and you can walk down the back of the waterfall where there are holes you can jump through (this will make more sense when you reach). It’s way more chilled and private; take some snacks, drinks & lots of mosquito repellent with you in your bag.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOME VIBEZ YOU MUST GO TO MANNAS. You can also pre-order food for small and big groups. Hit up Jason. This is also a must-go!

Coconut shrimp curry to die for. Great for any celebration or just a lovely dinner. Make sore you ask the owner to tell you his story and why he set up soldier camp.

Explore Portland, Jamaica, with Izzy Bossy

Azeema

Devon

Divers Cove is an open water, wild swimming location in Surrey. Divers Cove is special because it’s quiet and hidden away. Even though it is a manmade lake it’s a very natural environment surrounded by trees, it feels wild but also safe. 

The water is clean and shines a blue-green colour in the light reflecting the stone/sand of the ex-quarry and the hues of the sky. This place is particularly special as we chose this location for our NIKE SWIM shoot. Through the shoot we wanted to showcase the effects that swimming can have on our friendships, our interdependent relationship with nature, and the gratitude we feel for our bodies. 

The group of five Muslim women photographed – Zaineb Abelque, Memunatu Barrie, Tasneem Elnayal, Maz Ullah, and Rania Qaddoura – were able to swim freely with the help of Nike’s Victory Swim line, a modest swimwear collection for women of various modesties. What’s less common than seeing Muslim women represented positively at all in the media is seeing them represented in all their diversity. 

This location also has a hot tub and sauna and can also be hired for private bookings. A female lifeguard can also be requested.


The beaches at the Pier side of Walton/Frinton stretch out far at low tide and the water is shallow and sandy suitable for all ages. Towards the Naze tower/cliffs it gets wilder and quieter. If you like adventure and less crowds then this side of Walton is best for you. The beaches here have the remains of 2nd world war Pillboxes that have fallen from the top of the cliffs and as you go further to where the cliffs melt away the beach becomes even more wild and narrower. This area of Sussex the sedimentary composition is sandstone and clay so don’t be surprised if you get clay squidged between your toes. Be careful of the tides if you venture down to swim here! 

A peaceful watery haven in the middle of North London for an open water swim. You have to book a time slot via the website, but this spot is better than Hampstead ponds. No mud and a refreshing swim. This swimming location is probably best for more confident swimmers, although there are lifeguards standing watch. 

There are also full facilities & changing rooms. 

If you don’t fancy swimming this is still a lovely place to visit and walk around, there are two reservoirs, one for swimming and one that is a nature reserve. Both are beautiful. 

This area of Devon is so stunning and green. The beaches here are mostly pebble beaches with some sandy in places. Though those end up being commercialised and very busy for that reason. Away from the crowds, one cove in particular you get to by walking past/through Goodrington Sands and up over the field track to where it winds down to a secluded beach. Here you will find people having BBQ's, local parties and locals hanging out. This is a well known spot for the people who live in the area.

Going for a quick swim here when the sun is coming down over the beach is magical. The water is cool but refreshing and crystal clear. Wear beach shoes in the water as the ground can be uneven/rocky in places.

Elberry cove is just one of many coves in Devon, there are so many rocky coves and tucked away beaches to explore and swim with friends.

No 5. Was going to be Crystal Palace Swimming pool (this is another location we have used for a swim project with Nike. Featuring Swimmer and Equestrian Ghaida, Directed by Nadira Amrani.) However the iconic pool is currently under renovation. 

So the final recommendation will be the late British-Iraqi Architect, Zaha Hadid’s creation. The London Aquatic Centre. Both cavernous and futuristic, Its architecture is inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion and encompasses a breaking wave. 

Swimming here is quite simply epic.

Dive into the Best Spots in the South with Azeema

Camidoh

Accra

I enjoy this beach mostly at night, because it reveals the real "architectural" aesthetics and its marvellously decorated beachfront with thatch roofs, summer huts, beautiful bonfire and scented oil lamps.

At this beach, I get to have a practical contact with two exceptional climate zones in close proximity and also see the offshore oil rigs at work. This eco-lodge beach is always a favourite destination anytime I am in the western part of Ghana.

Officially known as the La Pleasure Beach, anytime I visit Labadi beach, it is because of the scenic stretch of sand. Due to its spacious shoreline lined with sparse coconut trees, I am offered that lovely opportunity to have a great walk with cool breeze, enjoy horseback rides, delicious street food, and live band music without travelling out of town.

I love Bojo Beach to the core. You have to travel far out the capital city to relax by the sea, it offers great intimate and pleasant experiences and you can also canoe!

Ghana's Best Beaches with Camidoh

La Bella Verde

Ibiza

It is just crazy, beautiful. If you want to reach it by land, it's a massive hike and definitely not everybody is up for that or even capable of getting there. So it's easier by boat. It's such an impressive place, the colour of the water, the history of the place. It's just an amazing, unique and beautiful place.

Es Vedrà is this huge rock sticking out of the water with many myths written about it. It's supposed to be, super magnetic and contributing to the magical energy of the island. And there's this old pirate myth that due to the magnetic forces of the rock like compasses would be spinning around like crazy, and people would not be able to know the way north was and they would crash. These are all stories, but it is a very impressive place to sail past.

It's just very beautiful and the whole West Coast really is quite impressive to sail past because of the geometric rock formations and caves.

This is where one of our boats is based and it has these beautiful, white sand beaches like Playa de Migjorn and the caves!

On the way from the port of Formentera to Cala Saona, there are these swim-in caves. We get close by and then you can jump off the boat and swim into them.

This is a beautiful private island on the east coast. It is a really magical place as well. Beautiful water and just an amazing location.

Ibiza's Only Eco-Friendly Boat Trip with La Bella Verde

Ashlee Constance

Barbados

The BEST bakery on the island. I always get a jampuff, a horseshoe and apple crumble. Don't forget to try their salt bread, it's a must have in Barbados, they're the base of cutters. Cutters can have in fish, fishcakes, ham, cheese... find one before you leave.

Only the rain can keep me from heading to Browne's beach on the weekend. While you're there get a snowcone.

A sweet rum shop with a sweet view. My go-to place for a Sunday evening beer and some karaoke. It's right by the beach so normally I'll go in the water for a nice sea bath, order some food, watch the sunset and head home.

It's really all about the sauce but the rotisserie chicken and chips are pretty good. Perfect place to find a big food and catch a local vibe.

There's local fruits and vegetables, art and a thrift store upstairs. When I'm in Bridgetown, I always try to pass through to buy some stuff and support local vendors. Try to find the lady outside roasting corn, it's really good.

Oistins is where you should be on Friday nights and you must go to Lexie's while you're there. Ideal spot to catch some new and old Bajan vibes, drink some rum and lime. It's also my official line dancing spot.

Calming beach spot, one of my favourite places to go when I need to breathe. During low tide, the natural pools are sooo refreshing. Ask around for the rum shop on the hill, for some sick views.

Off the Beaten Track in Barbados with Ashlee Constance

Tanaka Fuego

Manchester

A beach that holds many of my childhood memories. It is such a special spot with a great beach. From high tide to low tide you can go for a splash about or a decent swim. It's pretty well known so it gets quite busy during summer but if you go off peak it's not chaotic at all. 4-6pm is the best time for me, you can enjoy the gentle breeze of the day winding down.

Not my favourite place but the people are more open minded. You can book swimming sessions for £6. Its family friendly and good for both beginners and those that want to do laps. There are also loads of activities to test out if you want to have fun and let loose.

Manchester is a place I love to go to, from the accent to the shore-  its a place that reminds me of being a kid. Chorlton water park is great for a paddle, and fun with friends. Like most of my other spots it isn’t remote, amidst the crowds you'll see dogs roaming free or a group of cis men having a lads summer so with this in mind I wouldn’t suggest coming down here alone, bring a pal or two and find a little spot to relax by the water. While you are there, hit Didsbury Park for a spot of bird watching. Its just a bus ride or a 30-40minute walk away.

Embrace the crowds and stay afloat with Tanaka Fuego

Nightmares on Wax

Most people when they come to Spain, they want Paella. Well, this is the best paella on the island. One of the main reasons why is because a lot of the people make their paella and use rabbit as their stock, I don’t know how comfortable people are with that.... I’m not a fan personally. But they use chicken stock which makes it next level. They do a mixed seafood paella, but the lobster paella is the one and it’s not crazy expensive. It’s in the North of the island and isn’t crazy beach prices.

Been around for around 16 years now and it’s an organic Italian restaurant in San Lorenzo. You need to get the parmegiana (which is always slightly burnt on the outside and is incredible). The steak is literally the best steak on the island and that’s a big quote, I know. The setting and the ambiance there, it’s always on point. I’ve never eaten a meal there and been disappointed.

All the produce is organic, the ambience, you’re in a citrus garden and it’s just beautiful. You have to book as well, you can’t just roll up! Their cafe is good during the day, they do focaccia with goat's cheese if you’re not lucky enough to get there in the evening.

It’s well known for its Asado, or Argentinian BBQ, the meat and everything is great but the biggest surprise is their tomato salad. It’s a meat spot but it’s really all about the tomato salad which is a bit mind boggling. I’m trying to find out how they’ve done it because it’s just tomatoes and onions! It’s like, how can you make tomatoes and onions taste so incredible? Beautiful setting, really nice garden.

This is in a really nice village, the best village on the island, I believe. It’s like a fairy tale. There’s a plant-based restaurant there called Wild Beets owned by a guy called Cliff. All their juices and smoothies are amazing. One of my favourites is the juiced smoothie made up of cashews, dates, banana and açai. That one is amazing. But their protein bowls are just amazing, all their bowls are, including their buddha bowls.


Santa Gertrudis, I’d say just go for the experience and just to be there. They have one of the oldest bocadillo restaurants on the island, they make their own bread and sandwiches. You do have to queue because everyone tries to go there. If you don’t want to go for a full meal, that’s the place to go.

This restaurant is on Cala d'Hort beach, and it’s the only beach you can see Es Vedrá totally clearly from. It has amazing seafood, all of their selection is really great. Es Vedrá is a small island off of Ibiza, it’s not inhabited but there’s a lot of mysticism around it. They says it’s the third most magnetic place on the planet, so the energy down there is really nice and it’s a beautiful beach to go down to and a very different side to Ibiza to experience.

This is a brand new place and is in San Miguel. It’s like a café/deli. It’s more a Mediterranean-Asian fusion but they also serve Italian. All amazing food, amazing desserts. They also have a menu where you can order things 24 hours in advance, like flambéd sushi rolls. San Miguel is a little bit old school, there isn’t as much going on.


But this place has appeared, there’s a new pizza place that has appeared and is going through a bit of a shift at the moment. This place isn’t on a main street, they don’t have a sign up! I ended up driving up and down the street just to try and find it. The food is amazing for a new spot, so I want to support them and I want them to do well.

Nightmares on Wax’s Guide to the Best Food in Ibiza

Estelle

Los Angeles 

Healthy coffee shop in the heart of Leimert Park - the best place in Los Angeles to be.

A little outside of the norm beach scope, but popular as its cleaner than Santa Monica.

Healthy vegan and non-vegan eats in South LA. Also, West Indian food and general fare.

Brunch on a Sunday with LEGENDARY DAMON - the perfect COVID compliant rooftop brunch. Gorgeous scenery, great music - good private vibe.

SHABBAAAA - the best monthly reggae party in LA. Period.

Best day to go is on a Saturday morning 8-12pm. There are ALL kinds of fresh flowers at wholesale prices. Sort of an LA ritual when you get an apartment or house here; you buy your fresh flowers from the flower market.

Monthly HUGE vintage and new artisan market, in “Pasadena”; sort of a village Los Angeles to me.

LA with Estelle

Cami Layé Okún

Havana

I highly recommend a visit to the other side of the bay of Havana, the way to get there is by the “Lanchitas de Regla” (small boats). Known for being a town with a strong cultural tradition, especially with regard to Afro-Cuban religiosity and spirituality, it’s also a place known for its musicians.

The University of the Arts, built in 1976, is undoubtedly one of the city's architectural emblems. Twenty minutes from the centre of Havana, the ISA is a campus full of vegetation with domes and tunnels that from an aerial view, suggest breasts, fallopian tubes and vaginas. Despite having five buildings, you can only access the ‘artes circenses’ building that is currently abandoned. Ideal place to meditate, read or picnic with friends.

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