Ramadani Prasetya

Bali

I spent a lot of time there with my family on a beautiful slope of Batukaru. The setup is natural and architecturally well-done. We don’t really think about what we are going to eat; they harvest whatever is available, mostly Indonesian food and mostly vegan. They definitely have good coffee beans and their own nice blend. The surroundings consist of 10 hectares of coffee fields, and the owners are around all the time. The owner, Kentri Norberg, self-healing cancer survivor, especially spends most of her days in the kitchen. Perfect for a retreat, they don’t provide programs, but you can create your own with your family or friends. A yoga shala is provided, and there are natural pools; just make sure you visit during the rainy season because the river might be dry as well.

One of the few natural pools and waterfalls created by the crates. It can be quite touristy at times but is still considerably less commercial and well-managed. It's best to visit early in the morning on weekdays rather than weekends, and avoid holidays and ceremonial days as it is considered a sacred spot. Bring your swimwear and waterproof protection for your camera, as it can be quite damp and soggy. It’s not very far walking. 

One of the few conservation centers for Lepidoptera, housing both moths and butterflies. They have around 25 species, mainly native to Bali, with almost half of them protected and endangered according to the IUCN. The reason I chose the butterfly park is because it plays a key role in our sustainable future. Don’t expect to see a ton of butterflies; yes, you will see them, but you cannot take pictures with them unless they have just emerged from their chrysalis. There’s also a local water playground and a restaurant.

I curated this place. The owner is Ni Wayan Srilaba and has been in the orcids industry for 25 years, and we are together as a board member of Indonesian Orchid Society. The orchid garden consists of 400 species of orchids and another fifty hybrids that bloom throughout the year. It's an agritourism space where you can find guides and QR codes for self-information. It's advisable to visit every two to three months because the flowering seasons may vary. Peak flowering periods are February-March and August-September. Indonesia is considered one of the richest countries in orchid species and varieties. Here, you'll find most of the Old World orchid species as well as new world orchid hybrids. Arundina Restaurant is a place to go if you want to try East Balinese cuisine, featuring their special dish 'Tipat Blayag' (Chicken Curry), without having to travel to Karangasem. 

I operate this place, established by Blair and Ben Ripple in 2002. It's one of the longest-running horticulture farms, where you can witness the growth of Potato Head’s overview. Sharing the Bali culinary revolution's mission, like Potato Head, we introduce new crops while preserving staples and native varieties. The farm boasts over 250 different varieties. As it's not primarily agrotourism-focused, appointments are necessary, and guided tours may not always be available. The area is dedicated to agriculture production, showcasing a wide array of crops and innovations.

The cave itself, carved by the relentless waves over centuries, offers a glimpse into Bali's natural wonders. Inside, the echoes of the ocean resonate, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection. Don't forget to explore the hidden beach and soak in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Suluban Cave is not just a destination; it's a journey through Bali's rugged coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Uncovering Bali’s Sustainable Adventures and Natural Wonders with Ramadani Yudha Prasetya 

Shay Lia

Abidjan

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

Paris

I like to time travel and there’s nothing like an antique shop when you need to be transported to an era. Soubrier is not just any antique shop. I told the owners their business is older than my country. It’s four storeys of fantastic. I spend hours here dreaming and have asked several times if they would consider letting me move in.

Because our first installation of Josephine’s Bookshop was right across the street from the Jardin du Luxembourg, I walked through there everyday. Of course, I spent almost my entire time in Paris working so I never got to go horseback riding or play the giant chess game or take the horticultural classes, but I have all those reasons to go back again and again.

Open everyday from 8am to 2am, Les Éditeurs is a booklady’s restaurant. You’re surrounded by thousands of them, you get a bookmark with your meal, and they respect when you just need a place to read for a few hours while you eat, think and write without interruption.

When you’re in Paris, but you’re really from Virginia and you’re missing soul food, there’s Treize – which not only provides fantastic wi-fi, but also Southern American delicacies like biscuits. They took such great care of us and even have a drink on the menu dedicated to Josephine Baker.

The Queen Elizabeth II flower market runs along the Seine in the heart of the Île de la Cité with flower sales carried out by a dozen independent merchants. However, the site has gone without investment for decades, and the owners say it is in decline. I love supporting independent merchants and try to do so whenever, wherever and however we get a chance. This place is filled with different stalls, it smells amazing, the colours and design are like medicine to my flower-loving soul. Buying flowers, plants and trees here for Josephine’s feels like a semi-revolutionary act.

5 Thought-Inspiring Places in Paris Chosen by Jeannine Cook

Copenhagen

A lovely cafe that a friend Isabella owns. It's located on Nørrebro, close to the red square. They make amazing coffee and always have amazing food and cakes. I really enjoy their matcha million layered pancake cake!

BAR on Kronborggade, also on Nørrebro, is one of my favourite bars! It’s a non-smoker place, and they make amazing drinks and always have a very indie sleaze playlist on.

Ali’s Bageri is an eatery also located by the red square on Nørrebro. Their shakshuka is amazing!

The green fleamarket is my favourite flea market in Copenhagen. Though it's only on for the summer season, it's really so cute. All my friends usually have booths there, and they always invite different eateries to come and sell food like ramen, savoury pancakes and such during the markets.

Located in Frederiksberg is an old queer jazz bar. It's like stepping into a time capsule in there. They have fresh roses hanging from the ceiling along with fabulous old shoes. It’s very old and has red velvet on cushions and such, always a candle on the table and there is a lot of chain smoking going on to live jazz on Sundays. A super fab place!

The Rose Garden on Frederiksberg is also very cute. I live nearby, so I always go for walks with friends there. There are three peacocks who live in there.

My favourite ramen place only because of their veggie ramen, which is like a Nordic fusion. Normally not that into that vibe, but I must say that ramen hits so hard.

Bøssehuset (The Gay House) on Christiania is one of my favourite places to go for parties. They don't host parties regularly so you have keep up with them to see what's going on there. But they have a huge backstage area with tons of old drag costumes that you are allowed to dress up in. I remember when I turned 21 we went and got dressed, and got free shots because of it!

For the best queer party in Copenhagen I would say it's Mainstream! They only host parties every six months or so, but it's definitely my favourite! Often, parties are outside and it's always cute, housey and cunty vibes. It's hosted by friends Kenneth Cockwhore, Entree and Mads Frost, and the next one is 17 August at Byhaven in Copenhagen.

Fashion Designer Alectra Rothschild on Places to Visit During Copenhagen Fashion Week

a l l i e

Toronto

This is the spot where I purchased my crystal singing bowls. The atmosphere is so inviting, and they have an amazing selection of tarot decks, crystals, ritual oils, candles, and homemade goods by local artisans. Their staff is super knowledgeable and it’s possible that they have the best selection of dried flowers and medicinal herbs in the entire city.

This is one of my favourite second-hand bookshops in Toronto. Going in there is like a warm hug. It also feels kind of like stepping through a time machine into the past. You can always find something unique no matter what genre you're looking for, and they have an incredible esoteric section with some really rare finds. If you're looking for anything to do with divination, spiritualism, mysticism and beyond, this is your spot.

If you want to meditate, decompress and get your life, go to Allan Gardens. It’s one of the most stunning botanical gardens to stroll through or sit in and take in the beauty. There's so many different species of plants and flowers to admire, a gorgeous fountain, massive glass ceilings allowing the sun to pour in, and even a turtle pond. When the energy of the city gets overwhelming, this is a great place to recharge.

Jump on the ferry for 15 minutes and you're on Toronto Islands. Check out Wards Island Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, or Hanlan's Point (our only clothing optional beach). The Island is an easy way to delve into nature while still being really close to downtown Toronto. It's incredibly peaceful, and you feel like you're way further from the city than you actually are.

"The Spit" was initially conceived of as a breakwater to protect Toronto's bustling shoreline.This is where I go when I need to connect with nature in a deeper way. It almost feels like a secret, because it's so quiet and vast in its scope. There's so many different trails, twists and turns you can take, so it's sort of like a “choose your own adventure” vibe. A lot of the shores are filled with rebar and construction debris, which add this trippy sculptural element to the rocky beaches. Love being here on bike or on foot, and there's always some new hidden oasis I discover every time I go.

If you have time for a day trip, it takes under 2 hours to drive to Allenwood. We don't have a lot of sandy beaches with great swimming in and around Toronto, so this is one the best spots to venture to nearby. It's so beautiful, and you can walk for a mile across the water's edge. The sunsets are phenomenal. It feels more tropical than anything you'll find in the city.

Yes, I have two botanical gardens on this list! This one is a favourite because although there are greenhouses on the premises, most of the gardens are situated outdoors. There are some hidden waterfalls, winding paths, open fields, and manicured gardens that give off big “Alice in Wonderland” energy. Connecting with nature is one of the most integral parts of my spiritual practice, and these gardens have that transportive quality that helps me tap into the expansiveness of myself.

Find Your Zen in Toronto with a l l i e

Lila

Montevideo

At the southernmost city in the Americas, in Montevideo bay, very close to the busy city center, there's this Breakwater structure in which I love to spend time, unplugging myself from everything while watching and sampling sounds from the docks, birds and fishermen around.

I won't lie, I am a huge fan of South American cemeteries, visiting them in each city I play gigs at. In Montevideo, there's one I'm particularly fond of, Cementerio del Buceo. The dichotomy between massive architecture next to decaying graves with plastic flowers, cats always running around. Most of my favourite local musicians and poets from past centuries are buried there.

In the backyard of a fantastic art museum, there's the Japanese garden of Montevideo. A beautiful spot filled with bamboo trees, cherry blossoms and orchids, blended with Uruguayan national trees such as Ceibo. Love to go there with a good book and stare at the koi fishes for hours.

The flea market culture is quite remarkable in Uruguay. Every Sunday, you will find Tirstan Narvaja market right in the city center. I visit it every weekend ever since I can remember, walking kilometres in search of thrift clothes, vinyls, music gear and the most random things you can imagine.

Undoubtfully every Uruguayan has a fond memory of this spot. Right next to the amusement park and the beach, there is a lovely tiny lake with small boats that you can rent, surrounded by native trees, musicians playing around, tiny little islands with rabbits, and a castle (that is actually a library) in the middle.

Located in the oldest neighborhood in town, Cafe Brasilero is a very inspiring artistic bar founded in 1877, with typical art nouveau decorations and incredible food. It's been said that many famous writers from around the globe have started their books there.

Montevideo is known for venues shutting down in the blink of an eye, so most parties are itinerant. But luckily there's Tundra Bar, a place where you can go see the most experimental underground acts around, perhaps a rave here and there, and in the evening you can eat amazing vegan food.

Montevideo with Lila

SooJin

Seoul

Usually open from sun up to sun down, it's best to visit during the weekday considering what a shit show it is on the weekends. You have to rummage to find gems and beware of counterfeit goods.

Chill cafe/bar tucked away in Eulji-ro that is run simultaneously by the owner of vinyl shop Clique Records. Great high balls, wine, cheese and music.

Hotel in the heart of Hongdae that boasts it's connection with the subculture. Grilled cheese at Tartine is one of the best and you can grab a drink at Side Note Club on their terrace.

A cafe/bar situated on the top floor of the showroom and shop of brand AJOBYAJO - at first it’s intimidating but just walk up the stairs to the 4th floor. Offers a zen-like vibe with Buddhist statues and an aquarium with white carp as their bar table. Their tea/coffee usually comes with traditional dried persimmons.

Located in the Hannam-dong neighborhood of Itaewon, Warped is a streetwear based clothing store where local creatives go to just chill.

A two-room techno club in Itaewon with possibly one of the best sound systems.

Entrance fee to the garden is separate from the Palace.

Small and cozy record bar that was opened by Jinmoo, one of the founders for OG DJ crew 360 Sounds. You can easily hear hip hop, jazz, soul and funk sounds by 360 Sounds members and other local DJs.

Not only a bar but an artistic space that has been used for live performances, film screenings and exhibitions. Sindosi offers books, cassettes and artwork for sale as well as a church going experience on their roof as they have pews for seating.

SooJin Park's Best Spots in Seoul

Miami

I love to go to museums, especially by myself. Perez is one of my favourite museums to go to as they centre a lot of modern and contemporary art of the 20th/21st century. They have one of the best exhibitions and events in my opinion. I get a lot of inspiration here. The location is just perfect to go and then have a walk or picnic around it after with an ocean view.

If you know me you know I love my fritanga. Located in Little Havana, it’s one of my favourite places to get carne asada, queso frito, and gallo pinto con maduro. Overall best food and it’s open 24 hours. If anyone’s got you for a midnight meal after a party it’s Pinolandia.

Another amazing spot to go eat at for some good soul food with an amazing ambience. One of the best Haitian/Caribbean spots in Miami located in Little Haiti has all your favourites, from vegan to meats and seafood. Come here for the best curry goat and jerk chicken to feed the heart with juicy love.

The best queer underground party dedicated to the Black Caribbean diaspora, created by a brother of mine Akia aka Pressure Point. They now have a radio station y’all should go check out if you wanna be at the forefront of what the freshest sounds of the Miami underground is listening to! NB: This collective does not have a specific location.

Recently opened in Miami Design district, Dion Lee has one of my favourite pieces in Miami to wear. I used to work in the store and it just has such a good energy overall, its design is incredible with a beautiful sculpture designed by Oliver Laric. It’s located in Design district which you can also walk around after you purchase some goodies from Dion Lee.

The legendary Domicile is known for its techno parties that a lot of my friends go to since there really aren’t that many spaces that play GOOD techno. If you need a good night out and want to listen to some good techno, Domicile is the place for you.

This is such a cute spot if you love wine and a good ambience. They serve all your favourite spirits which you can order with a charcuterie board and hear some nice live jazz. They have a big outside area in the back filled with flora you feel like you're in a little forest.

Now you KNOW I love a good perreo, and no one is doing it like this party here. Perreo del futuro is a Latino party done where we all get down and sweaty throwing ass to reggaeton. Mi gente Latino will love this party if you ever get the chance to come down to Miami while this is happening. NB: This collective does not have a specific location.

One of my favourite places to walk around even if it's just to window shop. Mainly because it’s not a typical mall because it’s an outdoor mall, beautifully designed by Architectonica. It’s one of the largest construction projects in the US during its creation. It’s actually the most beautiful mall I’ve ever been to. It’s a must.

This is a very very well known bar here in Miami. It is the perfect gastropub to meet up with friends and have some nice signature cocktails or just a couple of beers. It has such a unique vibe with nice live music and it’s open till very late so you can always trust on it.

A treasure and historic landmark built on 1916, Vizcaya museum and Gardens by James Deering is a must see. Formerly his home, it has one of the best botanical gardens you’ll ever witness down here. This a great day time walking activity since it is also located near the water. 

Another incredible Queer underground rave party you’ll ever set foot in Miami. It’s the first party I ever had gone to when I first moved to Miami and made me fall in love with raving haha. Thrown by my sista Gami @ultrathem, it’s just THE party to go to when you’re in Miami. If you didn’t know about them, well now you do! NB: This collective does not have a specific location.

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