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

My Life As Ali Thomas

Bangkok

Looking for stuff to really sink your mind into? Here’s the place. A five-story art museum filled with very interesting perspectives; a day to really dig deep into the minds of others.

Let’s go shoot some stuff! A short trip just over on the other side of the city, blow off some steam, feel that kick in your soul.

Private dinner, good conversations, paintings, pairing warmth with a sense of wholesome, feels like coming home, tastes like home. Get those warm-fuzzy feelings back in your heart.

Best live music in the city. Feel the wine flowing and drop by after dinner, whether you’re wandering alone or with companies, Saxophone Pub welcomes all wanderers!

Get a massage while you’re here, aside from the soul, your body needs soothing too.

Be weird, be curious, be whatever, here’s the place for that. Great escape, back to the basics, to simplicity, a reset button for your soul to do and be whatever it needs to.

'My Life As Ali Thomas' Show Us Their Favourite Spots in Bangkok

Pyra

Best tsukemen in the country. Also ramen.

Best museum to see Thai contemporary art by local artists.

Use the AIS Super Wifi for the fastest internet in the city. Ask for the password from your AIS user friends.

Pyra's Guide to Bangkok

Psycho YP

Abuja

I’m a huge fan of wings and this is a place I know has great wings. Deffo one for this list

I don’t really go clubbing that much, but I know Moscow is the one people are at.

Got a close friend who DJs there most nights so it’s always a vibe. Outdoor but under like a little cabana type thing. Big vibes.

Abuja with Psycho YP

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

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

Sobhhï

Dubai

Dubai with Sobhhï

Ferro and Reiss of VBX

Amsterdam

"A very cool new event space founded by good friends. It feels somewhere between a club and warehouse and is showing amazing potential so far. What really sets Lofi apart from the pack is their cultural programming. Check out the experimental live performances at Basisklanken when you get the chance. We guarantee you won’t regret it."

"Being behind the controls at Shelter always feels like taking a warm bath. This club has been essential to our artistic development over the years. This is a world-class venue, with a great sound system."

"Like Shelter this venue played a big role in our artistic development over the years. These red containers have their own magical charm. You just can’t beat the feeling of sunlight coming through Bret’s windows, as the after hours are just getting started."
Temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

"One of our favourite new after hours locations of the city. A former piracy radio broadcast location, now outfitted with a Function One sound system. Intimate wooden dance floor and balcony. In summer you can even catch some rays on the deck."

"Our local go-to place to satisfy our gear addiction and engage into nerd talk about said gear with owner Tim. We try to avoid going there too much because of financial reasons, but it’s hard to resist to urge. The fact that it’s around the corner of our studio doesn’t help at all..."

"Seawolf records is Alfredo Romagnoli. He is a very knowledgeable guy and often attends our parties. This gives him a good idea of our taste, so his recommendations are usually on point. Whilst Seawolf used to be an 'appointment only, storage-locker digging', Alfredo is currently setting up his own record store. Doors open in April!"
Temporarily closed due to COVID-19.

"Located in a small alleyway on a stones throw distance from Amsterdam Central Station, this record store is a long term staple in the cities musical landscape. Open seven days a week and a great selection, featuring both second hand, as well as new gems. They even have a bin marked “VBX Sound” ;) Owners Dewey & Richard have an encyclopaedic knowledge about music and are always willing to lend a helping hand."

"Best ramen place in town. One guy, he cooks... he cooks good, no alcohol, very Japanese. You can find us there, for sure, once a week."

"Even though Ferro doesn’t like cheese, we still want to mention this place. They took a very Dutch product cheese and managed to turn eating it into a completely different experience. Definitely stop by this place for an authentic, but modernised Amsterdam experience."

"A hidden gem in the Southern part of the city. Living room setting, vegetarian food that has the potential to convert even the most hardcore carnivores, amazing selection of wines and superb service. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance, because this place is always fully booked."

"A really nice smart shop in the Red Light District. They know all about the stuff they sell. The place feels zen & grounded and even has a cactus garden."

"Located on the Amsterdam canals, this spa is the perfect place to recover after a long weekend of partying."

Amsterdam with Ferro & Reiss of VBX

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.

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