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

Kira Puru

Melbourne

A no-frills dive bar in the heart of Fitzroy. It's been one of my favourite haunts for like ten years and it literally hasn't changed that entire time.

A classic all-rounder, great for first dates, meet-the-parents, business meetings, or drinks with mates. The vibe is awesome, sangria is delicious, food is great, though it's a high risk game taking Americans out for Mexican. The fish taco is lit.

A tiny little cafe on Sparta Lane in Brunswick. I go for the lone barista, Michael's dry banter, but yeah, the coffee is good too.

This is your cheap and cheerful date night shit. $9 will get you a massive pasta but $40 will get you a literal 3 course meal for two. If you're broke and into carbs, this is it.

The wine list is always short but great, and if you can't get dirty martinis dirty enough. Here's your joint.

First Saturday of every month, this is the hot tip for cheap designer vintage gems, and yeah, you can drink while you shop.

Pretty sure I had the best dinner of my life here. I guess you've gotta like meat though. Seriously take a day off eating before you go here because it's really sad when you're full.

My two rogue punk mates own this dive bar in Thornbury, it's a safe bet for random weird times and a very diverse crowd.

So close to the city but so handy if you need to be amongst some nature and clear your mind for a bit. Perfect for a little afternoon bike ride.

This is a real cute first date vibe. The decor is simple and stylish, the staff are sweet and there's always a great record spinning.

Melbourne with Kira Puru

Shay Lia

Abidjan

The Bushman Cafe Hotel is a necessary stop in Abidjan! It’s a hotel, an art gallery, a creative space, a rooftop bar and a cafe all in one. What makes it so special is the decor - it’s tastefully filled with that 70’s afro-aesthetic I can’t get enough of. The abundance of intriguing sculpture, prints, colours, art and plants is incredible and you leave feeling different. That level of beauty gives a sense of freedom and stimulation that is enhanced by the spirit of this place. You’ll see people going to their singing or yoga class in the art gallery, while others will be in the cafe looking for their calm, others will be laughing out loud on the rooftop at the restaurant!

Le Cafe des Jardins is a new, very modern cafe with a western approach and design to it. It has that green, soothing and relaxing set up. There aren’t that many places like that in Abidjan. The food is absolutely delicious. I recommend the fish skewers or the salmon with peanut butter sauce. The desserts are all very delicious too! If you're looking for a young, refreshing restaurant with a European aesthetic and a more elevated dining experience, this is for you.

The Ivorian soil is so abundant. Every direction you look in, you see green. It feels like one big jungle so there are garden centres everywhere in Abidjan. They don’t have a specific name or a registered address (like many places in Africa) but they are definitely worth mentioning. It’s an affordable way to sight-see too! I took this picture at my favourite one, in the neighbourhood I stay in.


Everyone who’s been to Abidjan knows about the CAVA. Translated from French, these four letters stand for “The Crafted Centre of the City of Abidjan”. It is the best place to buy authentic handcrafted gifts. It looks like a small village where all merchants and artists are selling fabric, sculptures, paintings, jewellery and more. It’s such a beautiful, colourful, charming and inspiring place to go. It exhibits the talent and identity of Abidjan so well and is also the perfect place to practise your bargaining skills!


Domaine Bini is the place to disconnect from society. From the city of Abidjan, it will take about half an hour to get there. You’ll be welcomed in full nature by professional guides and a welcoming staff and can go on an educational walk in the woods where you will be introduced to the surrounding ecosystem. It’s a beautiful way to learn about how coconut palms grow; why rubber trees are bent and the cocoa circuit. After the hike you’ll be able to take a bath outside, covered in the natural clay of your choice. Then comes lunch - a selection of delicious traditional meals. They also have bedrooms if you decide to pay for 2 days! It’s a divine place to connect with Mother Nature and educate yourself while spending a good time with friends and family.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam is the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire. It is so well preserved and protected by UNESCO. Being there feels like travelling through time and going back to the late 19th- and early 20th-century. It is an incredibly charming and calm little town where you can spend the day walking around and wondering about the past. Grand-Bassam was the most important port, economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire when the country was a French colony.

The Equinox Fitness is a Fitness Centre located in Cocody. I love this place! If you want to stay in shape during your stay in Abidjan I highly recommend it. It has a huge, well equipped gym on two floors, a basketball court, a pool and a small spa. The best thing is that it’s never packed, so you don’t have to worry about Covid-19! I love that the coaches are very nice and helpful. It’s also very affordable considering all the services that also include full access to all the classes (afro dance, spinning, boxing, yoga etc.). A very friendly peaceful atmosphere with good music!! It will boost your mood!

Top Spots in Abidjan with Shay Lia

Swim Dem Crew

London

This is the pool where it all began for us five years ago, so it’s gotta go to the top! It’s the perfect location for a quick dip in the Summer or a spot of sunbathing in East.


This has been our home for the last two years. We see this pool more than we see our family and to be able to swim in a pool that Olympians regularly grace is pretty special.

Nathaniel’s personal favourite, it’s the only pool we’ve swum in that had marble tiles. MARBLE. You feel like royalty in there even if the cherub statues are a bit weird.

Peigh’s personal favourite. Its grand design makes it feel like a church, so we call it the cathedral of swimming. You can do every sport here, even beach volley ball.

This pool is tucked away near Silicon roundabout, but doesn’t disappoint. It’s been refurbished, but still keeps its old wooden viewing seats from 1931 when it was built that just add to its grand aesthetic.

Brockwell Lido is the perfect pool for summertime. While sunbathing you’ll hear the exercise classes in the background, kids playing and see people eating delicious food at the cafe.

This pool is spacious and beautiful. Its huge windows let plenty of natural light in that add to the experience. You HAVE to go to Mario’s Cafe for breakfast afterwards. It’s on one of London’s most famous roads because of the colourful houses.

This is the only pool in London made entirely out of metal! In the summertime, you’ll see the sun rays glisten through this metal basin and give you a tan twice as quick.

This is a proper local pool that’s in the need of some TLC, but it does get the job done. Its location is perfect for a Sunday swim followed by breakfast at Cafe 338 and a stroll through Columbia Road Market.

Swim Dem Crew's Top Swim Spots

Orange Culture

Lagos

For great breakfast, pop by craft gourmet.

If you want to enjoy an amazing time bouncing - stop by the indoor trampoline park and connect with your inner child.

Fun arcade games, bowling and the option of three different restaurants including one with a rooftop view.

Stop by or order in for great shawarma and fries.

Discover Nigerian contemporary art at its best at Rele in the heart of Lagos.

Catch a beautiful history, beautiful Adire and beautiful conversations with Mama Nike at the Nike Art Gallery. It is truly an experience.

If you want to try delicious suya for the first time, stop by Bukka Hut in the evening.

For super facials, mani peds and relaxing massages, pop by Bnatural in Victoria island, Lagos.

For great spoken word, live bands and delicious food, stop by Bogobiri to enjoy a rich artistic and Afrocentric experience.

If you want to enjoy Nigerian food in a beautiful, architectural space with great vibes stop by NOK. Weekends are great with DJs and bands sometimes hosted while you enjoy great food.

Try the longest bridge walk/canopy walk and also enjoy a nice picnic outside during dry season. Stay hydrated and carry your camera to capture the beautiful experience.

Amazing Japanese food and the option of a beautiful beach view while you sip on a delicious cocktail. Shiro is definitely the spot. At night the music gets really good and you have Hard Rock Cafe in the same compound for a great night out.

Fine dining - this is the place to visit. Steak is amazing.

Lagos with Orange Culture

Ramesh

Ibiza

A new addition to the island in 2019 and the beginnings of pushing the boundaries from classic mediterranean cooking. Antía and Matias arrived from living in New York and brought younger vibes to a sleepy Santa E. Watch out for them hosting pop-up supper clubs at places like LOS ENAMORADOS or LA GRANJA. Remember to order their Kale Caesar Salad, your taste buds will not forget it.

Founders and wine creators, Cassidy and Bernat have set up their super natural wines shop in the quaint town of San Lorenzo next door to the church. San Lorenzo is such a quaint town (I don't even think there is a shop there), simply two banging restaurants, a school, a natural wine shop and a church.

Casa Lhasa’s foundations are: fresh food bought from the market daily, incredible anfitriones (hosts and hostess - in Spanish) and knowledge on natural wines.

NICK and FACU, these two movement coaches are special, their value of movement being medicine boils down to the stories that got them here... The way the light runs into this space is beautiful, it is a real pleasure to train in this room. If you are at all into practicing movement, it is worth a trip to the group class or a 1-2-1. Be prepared to jump around like a frog or a cat and be chased around with a stick. You get a sweat on, improve your core strength and can learn to stand upside down!

ps - they have freezers set up for wim hoff in the back :)

Have you ever wondered what a crossfit class would be like with a smiley crew of ex-ravers. Well you don’t have to wonder any more if you join Danny Plants Rewild tribe. Whether you are here on holiday for a drop in or want to be a monthly member this kettlebell and pull up crew will make you smile. A warm vibe and great crew to lifty with.

Think - if fabric had a crossfit team.

I’ve finally found a yoga studio where you can book online and in advance! Phew. The Studio is new to the island but Nadia (THEHEALTHJUNKIE) is not; she is a veteran of the club scene having been a dancer at Cocoon, Paradise and many other quality parties. Nadia found yoga and set up the studio in 2021. Situated in San Lorenzo and currently with one class every day, it is a boutique studio with a quality teacher, whether you want core strength, or yin, this space is quality.

Ramon and Inma are a couple that are in service of the bowls, they hold a special energy from the island and their bowls help to take you to other worlds. If you haven’t yet experienced sound healing, try it. If you are a regular receiver of the sound; you know that each healer has their sounds and their style. Sounds for life infuses emotive tracks with the bowls, gongs and the bells, played for you in their light and airy yoga room or they can be set up in the forest or at your house. Send them a DM on INSTAGRAM to book.

An absolute classic of the north for sunset, vibes and the bongos. Don’t be fooled into only heading down here on Sundays. It is well worth heading down any day of the week and more of less any time. Good vibes, great for swimming in the sea (I challenge you to swim to the rock shaped like a finger).

Toby Clarke has been on the island for ten plus years this time and has created something extremely special with his bandwagon of guides that show you many unexplored spots on the island. Whether you want to book in for a private walk or join their community wednesday 5km saunters. The vibe is lovely, they chat about the history of the island and it is easy to make friends with their crew. Look at their website to book.

A Cave up in the north of the island. If you fancy a history lesson on Ibiza, look up and read about the goddess of Tannit before you head to the cave. If you feeling it bring here a gift like a beautiful bunch of flowers you pick on the way there she will reward you with love.

An extremely cute and vibey hippie market with trinkets from the island, trippy bucket hats, hippie shirts and quality handmade merchandise. Look out for MEKE Coffee stall, for a reup as the market is on Sunday mornings you’ll probably want the coffee hit. Top tip for this market is to book a brunch or lunch table at the GIRI CAFE for after you have finished browsing the market - book 3-4 day in advance.

Explore North Ibiza with Ramesh

Manchester

Alkaline Way is a family run business that provides an array of plant based products at excellent prices. From soft body butter creams to Sea Moss, their website is the perfect shop for keeping your body healthy, inside and out.

Pull Up Bar is a late night, laid-back Jamaican joint serving up spicy and authentic food. Dining in here, you'll see the floor-to-ceiling murals and eat some of the best Jerk in town. There's also a Reggae Roast on Sundays (with a vegan option of roast pumpkin) and a yummy list of rum-laced cocktails that provide all the vibes.

Boogie Moli is an artist, who uses a mix of different mediums such as wheat paste, acrylics and spray paint, to create unique canvas’s you can purchase directly from his website.

Delicious bite-size cake pops and other mini sweet treats in and around the city.

A modern barber shop with a good mix of clientele and a barber with a knowledge of many cool and modern hairstyles including comb-overs, fades, hightop etc.

Serves contemporary Caribbean food and cocktails with travel-inspired flavours all the way to Manchester.

Owner, Javeno, runs this gym of the year with an aim for all community residents from young to old to have as many opportunities as possible to better their health.

A travel on request hair service that specialises in custom wig units, micro-rings, sew-ins, bundles, closures, as well as dyeing and styling. Hair can also be done for bridal events and other special occasions.

Prince Cofie Owusu, known as Shakka, launched Trap Kitchen in 2016 from his mum's flat on a housing estate in Camberwell. Now, it's so successful, it's branched all the way in the North. Expect a mouth-watering and eclectic menu with influences from soul food to Chinese to African-American cuisine.

A lash technician and beauty therapist specialising in all things fabulous lashes. Deposit required before booking.

Offers authentic Caribbean cuisine just for take away at the moment, on Deliveroo and JustEat, as well as delivery via phone number in their IG bio. All of their dishes are cooked using the freshest ingredients, and all meat dishes are certified Halal.

Fresh authentic Caribbean food that specialises in jerk chicken made with beautiful blends of Jamaica spices.

A Mancunian foodie at its finest who recreates street foods from across the world with bold flavours. A take-away service for those who want to eat good.

Delicious home-cooked meals delivered to your home by Chef Exose, a Masterchef The Professionals Finalist in 2019.

Manchester-based label flipping the script on the ethics of the fashion and textile industry, found in the Whitworth Art Gallery and established by textile designer, Ibukun Baldwin.

Black-Owned Businesses in Manchester

The category is…Black storytelling! Their focus is to make stories by African, Caribbean and Afro-Latinx fam available and readily accessible. You can currently find them at their bookstore pop up in Shoreditch Boxpark.

London’s first ever cactus and succulent shop. Offering a selection of the most unusual and exotic plants sourced from across the UK and Europe. Their online store is still available to shop on.

Eat of Eden serves up some of the best tasting specialist plant based cuisine in there many locations across London. We recommend the callaloo, ackee and macaroni pie.

Brixton Soup Kitchen are a Brixton-based service for the homeless and people in need. However, they help people who are from London and surrounding areas. Their charity provides hot food, support and counselling for people in need. They rely on donations and volunteers to continue their work, which you can easily donate to on their website.

2021 Andam prize winner and a distinctive new voice in the menswear arena, Bianca Saunders has been capturing the attention of the fashion world, alongside the likes of Kanye West and WizKid. The London designer's pieces counter the traditional notions of gender and masculinity and draws from touchstones on either side of her British and West Indian background. Her collection is available to purchase at Browns.

Black Cultural Archives is the home of Black British History. Their mission is to collect, preserve and celebrate the histories of people of African and Caribbean descent in the UK and to inspire and give strength to individuals, communities and society.

If you’re looking to cleanse your home and space, Cremate’s natural incense hand-dipped in London is the shit. They come in two scents: Mary Mother of God and Middle Way. We love both.

Homage Tees are responsible for those T-shirts emblazoned with the faces of British icons like Louis Theroux, Princess Di and David Attenborough.

South London rooted Jewellery and accessory brand Image Gang has garnered a global community of courageous and creative young women. You can purchase Image Gang on ASOS and directly via their website.

Who doesn't need fresh crepes? One of the many businesses created for our culture.

The world would not be the same without Carribean food. Riaz Phillips created Belly Full: Caribbean Food in the UK, to document a journey across the UK meeting the people behind the county's most popular Caribbean eateries. If you love your jerk and rice & peas, why not educate yourself on their history?

Whilst in quarantine, supply yourself with the more fresh and delicious fruit straight to your door weekly. They also give more variety than your basic Tesco selection.

The only paradox we want to be in. Delicious plant based recipes, plant based catering for dinner parties.

Exploring the space where football and the Black experience intersects.

Black Thrive is a partnership between communities, statutory organisations, voluntary and private sector. They work together to reduce the inequality and injustices experienced by Black people in mental health services. They address the barriers which lead to poorer outcomes across a range of social factors, such as education, employment, housing, and so on, all of which may negatively impact one’s health and wellbeing.

Born from a lack of ethnically diverse natural hair care in the luxury beauty industry. Nigerian-Italian Loretta De Feo devised Dizziak – a deep conditioning formula that provides course, textured hair with the rich hydration it needs and deserves. A revolution in multi-cultural hair care, Dizziak has been coined an aphrodisiac for Afro hair – delivering visible and touchable results in minutes.

Specialists in African and Caribbean Literature since 1966. For over 50 years New Beacon Books has made available to Britain and its communities poetry, literature, non –fiction, history and children’s books from Africa, Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America and Britain.

Welcome to the home of natural honey! Founded by local Walthamstow legend, you can subscribe to receive raw honey to your doorstep or even buy bees for yourself.

SEASON is a trailblazing football and fashion platform that launched in London in 2016 to counter the male, pale and sometimes stale state of modern football culture. They tell stories that showcase, celebrate and empower female fans authentically, while unpacking important issues, emphasising diversity and collaborating with exciting creative talent.

Founded by Karl Jouanni, Alive & More is a forward-thinking, and gravity-defying fashion brand. Living within the cosmos of his other venture, TEAM RELMS, ALIVE & MORE is a streetwear label that brings something new, fresh, and all-encompassing to the table. The concept is simple, get the RELMS app, play the game, and travel to the virtual fashion shrine to unlock your very real garments, and, while you’re at it, immerse yourself in the world of Team Relms as well.

Bleu is a creative interior design, mid-century furniture store based in Herne Hill, South London. They source our illustrious stock from around the world. Most of their products are mid-century modern, 20th century design, decorative art, vintage industrial furniture, vintage African masks and art. They also offer specialist upholstery and restoration too!

Trap House Salon is a safe, judgement free space to get your your hair, nails and lashes done at affordable prices. They give you that good good experience and you always leave looking fly.

Gingham doll is a small womenswear brand based in London who continuously excite the fashion palette, using classic silhouettes but with a fresher twist. They are still operating and offering Free post worldwide and have just been informed that our boutique in Shoreditch will reopen on the 20th June.

Pureté Nature is wellness brand for luxury skincare, haircare, aromatherapy and home fragrances. All of their products are ethically sourced and handcrafted by themselves using the finest natural ingredients.

The best radio station in the world. Need we say more? You can subscribe to NTS and become a member now.

Learn how to use your space with Storage Goals. They offer customised and stylish storage solutions that are tailored to your personality. Using Scandinavian designed products from Elfa, they cater for all your home and office storage needs.

In 2016, Dutch streetwear brand Patta, opened its London store doors in the middle of Soho. Ready to introduce London's community to everything it represents, Patta have continuously stayed a brand that influences culture in London and across the world.

The Prince of Peckham is a pub for south London, by south London. The community pub is for everyone in the area, with a downstairs bar and pub, and an amazing event space. On the top floor there is a music room for parties, weddings, meetings, location shoots, live music, art exhibitions, and all other celebrations. Street food kings White Men Can't Jerk are kitchen residents serving up jerk chicken, Caribbean roasts and stacks of wings. It's a vibe all year around.

Based in East London - Hackney. They specialise in running fitness classes, personal training, membership and hiring out our space to fitness professionals. Their goals are to create a safe space for groups and individuals to improve their lifestyles through health, fitness, sports and wellbeing.

Black-Owned Businesses in London

Chicago

Found near Hyde Park, a modern and flavourful to-go flexitarian and transitioning vegan/vegetarian restaurant you're sure to love with its whopping burgers.

Vegetarian/vegan Southern and soul food plus a juice bar in a casual storefront space with local art.

Casual spot featuring comfort Food from the mountains of Ethiopia, with both meat & vegetarian options and a full bar.

The only boutique of its kind located South of Chicago and neighboring South Suburbs. A unique shop for rare and pre-owned vinyl records and premium vintage home décor and furniture.

With Hyde Park origins, Leaders 1354 is a lifestyle sneaker shop located in downtown Chicago that sells streetwear, Adidas and Nike shoes, and apparel.

A streetwear retail destination and creative hub based in Chicago. In their own words: "The idea behind Fat Tiger is more complex than a simple retail space, FTW is a vehicle, not only for us, but for others to express their ideas and visions".

Founded in 2007, Sir & Madame is a men's and women's clothing brand and luxury lifestyle boutique. The brand is the lovechild of the creative husband and wife team, Brian and Autumn Merritt. Their passion and creativity has produced an eclectic combination of casual and elegant pieces.

Majani - Swahili for 'green'. They serve delicious vegan cuisine to food enthusiasts and health-conscious patrons in Chicagoland by utilizing the freshest ingredients from local gardens and farms.

A small fitness and dance studio located out of the recreation hall of Lincoln Church. Located out of the Pilsen community, Healthy Hood was created to provide quality fitness and dance classes at an affordable price to the underserved.

Black-Owned Businesses in Chicago

anaiis

It’s been a ritual for me to do this hike on January 1st, it’s about 5-7 hours of the most ethereal otherworldly beauty, feels like being on mars. You need two cars unless you hitch hike your way back to the top after the hike, bring loads of water and drink it slowly.

My favouuuuuurite fish tacos, definitely get them from this location. The mango salsa is so yummy.

There’s a little hut on the road to Hana, just have to keep an eye out for it. They make the best banana bread with these special breeds of bananas in maui the apple-banana and the ice-cream banana.

This is hidden spot on the road to Hana, but so gorgeous and unexpected.

My favourite activity on Maui, park your car in the parking lot for big beach, walk to the right extremity of the beach and climb up the hill which will lead you to the other side. There’s a drum circle on this nude beach every Sunday and it’s such vibes.

Star gazing La Perouse Bay -- go way past midnight, be mindful of the deers you may encounter on the drive there, and star gaze from the bay’s parking lot.

I love this jungly hike, it feels so good to be immersed in all of the greenery.

Sneak into the Andaz hotel for a nice hot tub / sunset. I love sneaking in to the Andaz, via the beach front… act cool. Really nice view of the sunset from the hot tub.

The Beautiful Island of Maui, Hawai'i with anaiis

Koreatown Running Club 

Los Angeles 

6th st in Koreatown gets so busy with the nightlife and endless restaurants. I love running down 6th and seeing all the chaos that comes with everyone having a good night out on the town.

For a mellow neighbourhood run, I enjoy running through Hancock Park which neighbours Koreatown. I love looking at the architecture of the houses there.

Stop by for some cold brew at the local coffee shop, Document coffee.

My favourite route is definitely running down Wilshire Blvd heading west. It’s a straight shot that leads to Santa Monica. I enjoy all the stop lights for the quick breaks to catch your breath during your long run :) 


We meet here a lot during marathon training. Starting from the most northern spot of the parking lot, we run south through Santa Monica, Venice and Playa del Rey and back up with the Pacific Ocean right by our side. It’s about 16 miles but there’s ways to extend it to 22. No lights and we end up with a good time at the beach.

Downtown Los Angeles is always fun to run through. We don’t go there often. Maybe to a restaurant or bar but we’re in and out. You often don’t get to wander and look around so it’s always refreshing run our route runs through it.

In the mornings when we do our big group runs, we’ll sometimes run down Vermont leaving Koreatown and pass a whole block of street vendors that take up the whole sidewalk. There’s probably like 20 tents packed with people. It’s the only place that can match our energy that early in the morning. We always run alongside them and exchange good mornings and buenos dias back and forth.

Easy loops around the reservoir ending with some coffee and food in Silverlake is always a good time. It’s also a good ten miler from Koreatown with a loop around the reservoir.

Nike has always been a great partner with us early on. 3107 Pico is home to the original Nike store. Eventually, it became a printing/copy shop but with some work, it fell back into the hands of Nike. A place with a lot of history. Always good to run out of here and make some more.

Koreatown Run Club's Guide to LA

Last Pick Athletic Club

Shoreditch to Barbican and back. Quite a scenic route, but can get busy at times. Barbican can also cater to bodyweight workouts such as dips and elevated push-ups.

Granary Square to Primrose Hill and back. Our favourite route, you get to jog across the canal then go up into Camden High Street. Once you get to Primrose Hill, it's great for hill sprints and elevation gain. Once you reach the top of the hill, you'll be greeted with a lovely skyline view of London.

2.0
Granary Square to Angel and back. This route follows mostly backroads so it's a quiet run with loads of elevation, strengthening the runner's muscles.

Shoreditch to Waterloo to Tower Bridge and back. Another scenic run with amazing views of London's skyline from both bridges.

Old Street to London Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge. Nice flat route as you run along the Embankment and loop back around towards Old Street/Shoreditch.

Shoreditch to Olympic Park and back. This is the longest and most challenging route, mostly flat surface. You run past Victoria Park, where you can stop and do some bodyweight exercises alongside. Once you make your way back from the Olympic Park, it's one straight road from Bow to get back to your starting point.

Pall Mall to Waterloo and back. If people are trying to see London landmarks as they run, this is probably the best route. Along this route, you get to pass Waterloo Bridge, Big Ben, Embankment, and the Florence Nightingale Museum.

London's Best Running Routes with Last Pick Athletic Club

Poppy Ajudha

Steam Down happens every Wednesday at Buster Mantis and is an insane music night run by friends from a jazz background. It’s experimental, spontaneous and very lively. Get there early because it’s completely packed out by the time the music starts.

Best spaghetti I’ve ever had. Made by one lovely man in a little hut.

My favourite restaurant in South London. A mix of Iranian, Turkish and Greek style cooking.

Church of Sound is one of the most inspiring places to watch a live band give you their everything. The stage is in the centre and the audience surrounds. You will be consumed by the music.

I grew up coming to this place. My dad would buy himself crabs to cook and buy me lucky bags from the corner shops, it’s full of colourful stalls and beautiful people living their existence. Check out Rag n Bone, a lil gem of a vintage store at the end of the market.

So many amazing bands pass through this place from Ezra Collective to Nubya Garcia, Theon Cross, Kokoroko and Joe Armon-Jones. We’ve all played here or come to hear amazing new music.

Poppy Ajudha's Top London Spots

Ana Sting

I have to confess that in the last years I felt quite connected with the frequency and vibration of certain crystals. I have been meditating and using them for protection and healing. There is this magical place called 'Crystal Mountain' which is a hub for health, healing and happiness. It is an experimental, high vibrational temple for sharing and expressing yourself. The centre also reunites a group of experts and alternative healers creating a vortex for deep transformation and realisation. If you are already familiar with that world you will absolutely love it, if you feel the urge to try it, pay a visit, do not doubt it.

One of the most yummy and local places on the island. This front beach restaurant is found in the town of Talamanca, ten minutes away from the old town and it's run by the most fun and charismatic lady. She makes the place unique and always comes and takes care of the clients with a smile on her face but you can't forget about their fresh food. Definitely a place to visit.

If you need to go shopping and need something glamorous and unique you have to stop by Annie's. The English fashion icon and entrepreneur has the best selection of new and vintage clothing and accessories inside the Old Town of Ibiza. I recommend going at night before having dinner at one of the restaurants in the area or while you eat an ice cream and walk around the beautiful streets.

You might have never heard of it but don't worry, I didn't hear of it before I arrived on the island. Primal is the funniest workout I have ever tried, it connects with your inner child and it is more like a game than a workout which makes it entertaining and feels short although it's a full intense hour. 

Paying a visit to the small island of Formentera is a must. Either book a boat with a group of people and spend the day sailing or take a 30 minute boat and spend a couple of days driving around the tiny island of white sand and turquoise waters. If Ibiza gets a little too much this is the best getaway.

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