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

Alexander-Julian Gibbson

New York City 

Really dope night spot. Has a lot of creatively themed parties, and has great DJs.

One of my favorite spots in Bushwick/Bedstuy. Really cool vibes, and has a dope backyard that hosts all kinds of event in the summer. Jazz Nights every Thursday too.

My favorite little dive bar spot that effectively hosts 3 very different vibes all at once. In the front there's a regular dive bar, playing rock music. Outside, a very chill and quaint outdoor are with cheap drinks, and the backroom turns to a complete and total rager after midnight. #DIVERSITY lol

Alexander-Julian Gibbson's Guide to Brooklyn

Mumbai

Hands down the best Indian restaurant in Mumbai. It's also beautifully designed and if you are scared to try street food off the carts, go here for the greatest feeling of satisfaction.

A short trip from the city, these caves date back to more than 3,000 years ago and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hire a guide and take a half-day tour to explore enigmatic Indian sculpture art. Makes for a great break from Mumbai's constant noise of horns!

This historical temple is located in Juhu devoted to Lord Krishna is known for its good vibrations and serenity. If you are visiting around a festival, you could witness a celebration and the prayer which is an experience you must have.

Chor Bazaar literally translates to 'thieves market'. It’s essentially a street market full of vintage gems. From furniture to clothing, to artefacts to stationary to old photo frames, I’ve found some great treasures here which I hold really close to my heart. Every piece here has a rich past and a story to tell.

This is my neighbourhood for the last 6 years in Mumbai and I absolutely won’t live anywhere else in the city (or the world). There are a lot of outsiders (from different parts of the country/world) that live here and it’s full of life with some of the best nightlife options as well as best small coffee shops and eating spots. Walking around the sea promenade around sunset or getting a coffee from a local brewery around the corner are some of the favourite parts of my day. And it makes me feel like I’m home.
Tip: Walk in the sub-lanes of Bandra to discover some of the most beautiful colonial architecture, small catholic houses, all giving a lesson in its history.

This religious-historical site is a small waterbody surrounded by temples. To me, it's an oasis tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the maximum city. I often go here to clear my mind at dusk or dawn.

Go here for the Thackers Special Thali. Local flavours and delicacies are all served in one platter as part of the ritual. Experience a traditional Gujarati vegetarian meal in all its glory! Food coma to follow.

Also known as the art district of Mumbai. It has come up as the centre of everything artsy and trendy. Find here a mix of great cafes, art galleries and small homegrown designer stores. Make a detour to Colaba Causeway (a great place for street shopping!) for a true taste of the old and young Mumbai!

A mosque or dargah located on an islet off the coast of Worli. It’s one of the most recognised and iconic landmarks in Mumbai and has a very charming Islamic architecture. It’s beautifully lit every night and at the end of your visit, tuck into a cup of the iconic fruit cream from Haji Ali Juice Center outside.

The Best of Mumbai with Creative Director Kshitij Kankaria

Rema

Benin City

Best place to watch movies and they got an arcade, really fun

The best place to play football in Ekehuan road

My church, where I get inspired by God’s word and a platform for me to share my sound and inspire the youths backed by the gospel of God

They have the best ice cream in Benin City

Benin City with Rema

Sita Abellan

Murcia

Every room of this place feels like it kind of hides a story, like if you were going back in time. It’s a very special place in Murcia.

When I visit Murcia I always make sure I pass by this place. I love coming here especially on Sunday mornings and watching the view of the city in nature. It’s a very relaxing place.

There is no other place more beautiful than The Cathedral for me. It’s style combines gothic with barroco. It’s a must see.

The best ensaladilla rusa in Murcia!! Marineras is one of my favourite “aperitivo” dishes. Simple and so tastyyyy with a glass of wine.

And because I enjoy eating and I do it well, one of my favourite places in Murcia to eat. They have many typical Murcia dishes.

This heavy metal bar was part of my teenage years in Murcia. I spent so many afternoons, nights and even days in this place. Just listening from punk to heavy. This place was kind of significant for me when I was younger since I got so many references from it.

Discover Murcia with Sita Abellan

ANEESHA

The timing was a bit unfortunate as Subko opened its doors to people just 3 days before the national lockdown in March. Kudos to the team for staying strong and pressing forward and still being able to build a solid follower base over time. What I really like about this place is that it is the only coffee shop in Bandra that has enough space and a good vibe, apart from the fact that they have partnered with Daniel Trulson from Bread and Chocolate in Auroville, Pondicherry for all the bakery goodies.

I appreciate the fact that the focus likes on export quality coffee from across various estates and regions in India and how they also want to build a creative community shedding light to so many talented people in the country.

This is a neighbourhood bar run by two very dear friends. It came to life in 2013, which was also the year I had moved back home from the UK and was the only place that was playing interesting electronic music. I was so disappointed as I was unable to find any place in Mumbai that played good music and when I stumbled upon The Daily I was so glad! Over time we also threw some of the best parties and although not a big space the compact and tight-knit vibe definitely creates some magic! A venue that has interesting tapped the best of both worlds i.e. food and brunches as well as gigs on weekends - I would highly recommend the Ravioli and The Elysium cocktail, it’s a definite go!

Ah, I have such a special bond with Mount Mary Church. I went to a Convent school and although not Catholic, we always had the option to attend the mass if we wanted to. And I always landed up at church with the rest. I felt at peace every time I visited. My friends and I used to often drive down late at night and go light candles at the altar opposite to the church and sit on the steps, just chatting or in silence. I pick this spot as it has been an integral part of my growing up years and it’s location in a beautiful and quiet neighbourhood adds on to the charm.

People are often surprised when they find out that I dig cricket. Another fact is, I can also throw down some Bollywood moves especially at a wedding. I guess not a lot of them have seen the Indian in me ;). Wankhede stadium has been home to some of the most amazing cricket matches I have witnessed. From One Day Internationals to T20, the electric energy of the crowd in the stadium is unlike any other. Witnessing a cricket game in Mumbai should definitely be on your list.

I went to college in the south of city which was a good 30-40 minute train ride from where I live. There is this old school Iranian ice cream parlour near my college that has been serving ice cream since 1953. The place is known for it’s freshest ice cream biscuits served as a thick slab sandwiched between wafer biscuits and wrapped in thin butter paper. Its most popular flavours, walnut crunch and kesar pista (Pistachios & Saffron) are also layered with bits of walnut and caramelised sugar. It’s a simple and humble looking place just the people who run it and they haven’t toyed around with their prices. This one is a hidden gem everyone must find.

Come here during Ramadhan! My best friend Nishrin is Muslim and every year during Eid she invites her close crew for a lavish Eid dinner. Something I always look forward to and super grateful to her for! Apart from that we also end up driving down to Mohammed Ali Road during Ramadan where you can get amazing street food and desserts. From Kebabs to Biryani to Malpua to Firnis to Nalli Niharis, everything is absolutely delicious.

A viewer will definitely love the old world vibe of this place, especially the beautiful dated ticket windows. Gaiety Galaxy is a G7 multiplex, a place where I have grown up watching movies. Their Samosas are to die for and they used to serve us popcorn from Hoggers Park which had this authentic unique taste that one got addicted to! The most enthusiastic crowd is found here. The crowd doesn’t shy away from hooting welcoming and cheering on their favourite mega star during songs, special entries or major twists/suspense which unfolds. You may even find some dancing away in the aisles. You will find a lot of celebrities dressed down or wearing a Burkha often visit the cinema to see the reaction of the crowd to the film they are starring in. Of course we have a lot of modern multiplexes in Mumbai now but it is always fun to catch a movie here every once in a while!

The best thing that I love about the Dome is the view. It overlooks Marine Drive and is a great place for brunch because you end up spending time until the sun goes down and that is the best part! It is a rooftop restaurant and bar, part of The Intercontinental Hotel on Marine Drive, so it is definitely one of the posh places. From sundowners to a quiet dinner with a loved one to brunch with friends, I definitely rate this as the go to bar if you’re in a good mood to treat yourself :)

As I run a music and culture agency in Mumbai, I have spent a lot of time putting together artist tours. This is a studio space available for rent mainly for movies and ad shoots, but we have organised a couple of events here which have been exceptional and memorable. This includes the likes of Seth Troxler, Parra for Cuva & Juju and Jordash. A lot more heart and effort goes into such events because you are producing them from scratch unlike putting up a club night where a lot of things are already in place. Both have their charm no doubt!

I know I have exceeded beyond 10 spots but I can’t not include The Yoga House in my list. This place conducts yoga classes and has a cafe on top and is the most peaceful place to spend your day. You could work out of here or read a book (I have also ended up taking a nap) that’s how serene this place is. I highly recommend their tartines and the max protein cottage cheese burger! All the health conscious ones are going to love this!

Mumbai with DJ, Aneesha 

Lorenzo BITW

Rome

One of the biggest food markets of the city and a place where you can get lost really easily. I love to go shopping there when I have time to spend and find some particular food or something very typical that you won’t find in supermarkets.

Il Mangiadischi is a small record store situated in the area of San Lorenzo, Fidel Kato the owner is an hip hop and rap connoisseur and he will make you feel at home when you enter into the store.

The place is tiny and you can’t even sit inside, they will call it now street food but it’s something we always had in Rome. Supplì is the best thing to try there, a fried rice balls with ragù inside.

I love the fact that the owners of this spot are quite rude and they have the characteristics of the typical Roman guys. The bar is situated in popular area of Testaccio and the best thing to try there is Zabaione.

This is where locals in my area, Prati, go to have a drink or to chill but it’s not the usual Prati spot because it’s cheap and people are friendly. If you go there try Spritz mezzo e mezzo.

This beautiful building was built by Borromini and it has a unique architecture, inside there is also an incredible library. The place is not always open so it’s a matter of luck of walking by and find the doors opened.

This place is kind of magic and it has his own charm. Hanging everywhere there are communist posters and they serve only wine or prosecco. They have a really good selection of wine and you can also bring your own food and eat there.

Explore Rome's Best Local Spots with Lorenzo BITW

Poppy Ajudha

London

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.

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