Kinez Riza and Nindy Noto

Bali

The stone foundations of this temple are megalithic, or around 2000 years old, and is one of Bali’s most sacred temples under the Agung Volcano. It is exceptionally large with stone paved alleys leading you towards the interior complex.

Tenganan Pegeringsinan Village is one of Bali’s earliest villages known for their ‘evil warding’ geringsing textiles and Perang Pandan, an annual ceremony held at the end of June that showcases fighters striking each other with Pandan leaves.

Melukat in Sebatu is a spring temple cleanse in the Sebatu valley, discovered as a sacred site 8 years ago and potent in energy. Required to go with a mangku or guide to enter the premises and conduct the ceremony.

Qi Temple Acupuncture, Bamboo Cupping, Moxibustion and Tui Na is my go to for a regular fix to ease physical or mental tension in Canggu.

Their Codage facials are especially compatible with my skincare needs, alongside their stretch shiatsu massage and signature massage. The Olaplex hair treatment and eyelash extensions are essential too.

John Hardy Seminyak serves a fantastic lunch inspired by flavours across the archipelago paired with jamu drinks in the Seminyak flagship store of jeweller John Hardy, known for Bali heritage jewellery techniques such as the chain link weave in silver, gold and precious metals.

Pura Ayun in Bongkasa - a quiet temple in the village of Bongkasa across the valley from Sayan Road, flanked by ancient banyan trees so old and colossal it is visible along the tree line as you look across the valley

A beautiful stay in the mountains in an organic coffee plantation with different styled rooms if you’re seeking colder nights by the fire and incredible organic food, owned by Ibu Kentri Norberg who is a mother to all. There are several natural river pools on the property accessible in a 15 minute trek when the days get hot.

Agustian Supriatna is a multi-instrumentalist who leads sound healing sessions using various instruments such as bamboo flutes, sitar, steel hand pan, bells and singing bowls. Catch him perform at venues in Ubud to help you attain a more peaceful and aligned state of mind.

Tirta Usada is a holistic clinic led by Tjokorde Gde Kerthyasa. Trained as a homoeopath and a Buteko Breathwork practitioner, he is also a tea master. If you have a specific ailment, he’s full of great advice. You can also head to the clinic for general advice on how to incorporate natural health practices into your daily life.

Savitri Devi is a Kundilini yoga teacher, reiki master, as well as a holistic and wellness lifestyle coach. She is based in the wellness hub of the island, an area called Ubud, and teaches at three different places there.

Bali's Spiritual and Wellness Side with Nindy and Kinez

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

Spaghetto

Milan

Best movie theater in Milano. They screen really cool and diverse movies at literally every time of the day. Movies are not dubbed! You don’t have to hear your fav actors speaking with a weird Italian voice! Yes!! Another awesome thing about this place is that the lovely lesbian couple who run it got it from the local church. I have no idea how they manage to screen stuff like a death metal documentary there but I swear they do!

The b-movie fan Mecca! Dvds, vhs tapes, posters, action figures, gadgets, collectables, movie soundtrack albums etc. Lots of Italian horror and cult movies. I just love it!

Illustration and comic book art museum. They have great exhibitions and workshops. The place where the museum is located is very nice. There is a cool funny statue, a little park with a tiny skatepark and a bar called Boom where you can enjoy happy hour sitting outside or on the rooftop.

The place is def not fancy and they only make pizza, but it's super delicious and it gives you an idea of what the Isola district used to be before hipsters and gentrification arrived.

It's a public swimming pool, but also a theater and venue that hosts various events. It's really a unique place, where beautiful 1930s Italian architecture meets contemporary art and happenings.

Triennale is home to the Italian design Museum and hosts some of the best exhibitions in Milano. They also have concerts and sometimes music events that start super late at night and in the morning. Outside in the garden there's a bar, amazing sculptures and a fountain by Giorgio De Chirico.

Probably the best gelato in Milano. Fucking amazing! Try salty pistachio!

It is the first fetish boutique in Italy opening back in 1998. Arianna and Martina are super nice and they have the best lingerie, toys and latex in Milan. What I love is that they also carry pin-up dresses and 50s inspired clothing.

Super fun and friendly place in the heart of Lambrate. They brew their own unpasteurised/unfiltered beer and have won many awards for it. They sell their craft beer to a lot of pubs in Milan, Italy, and abroad, but this is the original spot where it all started in the mid 90s.

I like Rob de Matt because food is good but it’s also a very cool concept/project. The association who runs it provides work and help to marginalised people. They have a big garden/outside area that is fantastic in the summer where you can have brunch outside in the weekends and they hosts lots of happenings.

If you love to be surrounded by books like I do, this is the place for you! It’s a wine bar/bistrot/second hand bookshop all together. You can go for lunch, aperitif, dinner or just drinks. They host poetry readings, stand up comedy nights, little concerts and you can take your drinks outside in the nice little square.

Spaghetto's Guide to Milan

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

Sean Paul 

Jamaica

The nearest beach to where I live in Kingston. Hands down the best fried fish in the entire world. Try the festival too...it's like a local combination of a donut and a dumpling.

It's where I learnt to swim and was possibly even conceived (laughs). I still go there to train every week...I play water polo and do laps. You pay a small fee and you can come and train. There's also a diving pool there if you're daredevil enough to jump off the high one.

You can't come to Kingston and not pay homage to the Great Bob Marley. It's his old house that they turned into a museum and there is a studio there. All of Bobs kids still come and play football or record here.

Start the week off with the wickedest double... one street dance ends at around 1am and everyone walks across the road to the other one. We have dances every night of the week but these two start it off RIGHT! Best place to hear the newest Dutty Rock Productions and catch the latest dance moves from dancers with creative names like Gabbidon, Energy, PrettiPretti, Kool Kid, Cyaa Tired & the Get There Squad. It's held in the parking lot outside Susie's bakery and coffee bar.

Jamaica's best strip clubs... 3 locations to pick from (Kingston, Ocho Rios & Montego bay) but Kingston is the original and best, that's where my label Dutty Rock hosts a weekly event called "Full Cup Thursdays" with CopperShaun & the Coppershot sound system... it's an awesome vibe you have to see to believe.

The historical city of the pirates and home of Sir Henry Morgan. This place is where the whole "Pirates of the Caribbean" story comes from... there was a massive earthquake and 3/4 of the city sank into the sea. They say its cuz the city was so wicked, but now its a quiet town where you can eat great seafood and catch a boat out to the cays.

As I said before, head out to Port Royal and take a cooler with you... jump on a motorized canoe and take the 20 mins boat ride out to here and just chill.

Another cay near Port Royal. Smoke a spliff and enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean sea.

Kingston, Jamaica with Sean Paul 

35s & 45s

New York City 

Owned and operated by local DJ Fatik, I go mainly for the new house/techno/re-issue etc stuff and to kick it. He has an ill plant collection too!

Owned and curated by the DJ's DJ Tom Noble - they carry everything but for me - solid funk, soul, world, disco and house + massive 45 collection. They throw fun in store parties a lot - I walked in on Antal & Tom playing once.

Big, big collection and neighbourhood staple of Williamsburg. Big and super well priced collection of jazz, soul, funk, rock, house, world, etc.

Really dope record store and cafe (great coffee) with rare and well curated collection of used and new disco, house, techno, jazz, brazil, world/brazil and soul.

A solid buy, sell, trade record store with mostly rock, reggae, funk etc - but also a pretty good selection of house joints.

A neighbourhood staple in East Village with the best, consistent rotation of affordable and absolute heat on wax - everything from RnB, soul, disco, hip-hop, techno, house and more house.

A very important space, shout out to owners Vanessa & Bowen. This is one of the most inclusive clubbing spaces in NYC right now with some of the best up & coming, forward thinking DJs as well as staple locals and parties. Good priced drinks, with a totally fun and loose atmosphere - one of my favorite places to be. Also astrology themed cocktails!

Best large club in New York right now, no phones on the dance floor!!! Amazing outside day parties in Spring/Summer with consistent local and international talent I always love to see - Honey Dijon, Theo Parrish, DJ Marcelle, Soul Summit, Marcellus Pittman, Galcher Lustwerk, Stud1nt, Analog Soul etc.

Large club in south Brooklyn with 2 rooms, 1 with a large wooden dance floor and custom hi-fi sound system the other shared with a cafe and more for listening and hanging - although, dancing occurs fo sho - another great place to see the likes of Theo Parrish, Francois K, Ron Trent etc.

Hi-fidelity sound system with high quality vegan tacos, the club is in a cool basement built out with wooden sound treatment and Klipsch system + home rotary mixer - vinyl sounds fantastic here.

The consistent home of techno in Brooklyn for some time now - this is a medium/small size space with heavy hitting lineups on a regular basis, well priced and fun. This is one of my favorite places to hang.

Cocktail bar and fusion sushi restaurant with local disco, funk, rnb and soul DJs. Also home to the birth of 35s & 45s.

Manhattan staple true Discotheque style club with views of New Jersey & New York on the top floor of the Standard Hotel - always good DJs - great place to catch Eli Escobar, Sadar Bahar or local parties from Brooklyn that make their way to Manhattan.

A very small futuristic Star Wars outpost kind of space-themed bar with a custom built hi fidelity sound system and rotary mixer.

Best place for development, hi-res printing, framing, etc - all around full service shop in Soho.

DIY film development in Bushwick, a great space to meet others in the neighbourhood and a good place to learn about new spaces or local exhibitions.

Super fast and fairly cheap place for solid development in LES / Chinatown.

Cheap place in Greenpoint to buy film and develop, best for fast turn around on developing - but the quality is not always the top notch. You get what you pay for, its bottom dollar and fast!

35s & 45s Guide to NYC Crate Digging

Blue Hawaii

Montreal

A spa out on the water overlooking the old port. Beautiful views. Good at all times of the year.

Fine French dining. Best steak frites in Montreal. Stunning ambiance. Wonderful wine list.

Record shop with a really good selection and really good prices.

A book shop with graphic novels and modern novels - really special vibe here.

This cafe is the best, it feels like you’re walking into a cafe from the 1960’s. Wonderful atmosphere.

Small stalls and local farmers. A beautiful experience with all kinds of food to try.

The large orange globe with good drinks and hot dogs, a must see, especially in the summer.

Kabinet on a Thursday for jazz/tarot night. Cute cocktail club, try the rasputin. Datcha is the club side. Wednesday nights are best at Datcha or Thursday’s after-jazz tarot.

Blue Hawaii's Guide to Montreal

Gina Hargitay

A reaaaally good ital place. They do the most delicious breakfasts and ackee sandwiches... 

Is a bit overrated, but they do really have a beautiful sunset view.


Jamaica Inn is also a beautiful (but quite expensive) hotel with beach access. 

Inside the Island Village is a must. It's a Jamaican brand of Ice cream that originated from Devon House in Kingston and it's my favourite. 

Also come here for the freshest seafood. Both locations are right next to the water with fresh caught fish served then and there.

It is this cool place with lots of rivers and waterfalls and you can cliff jump and stuff. 


I've actually never been but i've heard good things, I would say it's worth a visit. 

Sugar pot beach is the place on that end of the island where my friends and family usually go, it's quite beautiful. 

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