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

Simjae

Seoul

Hugan Books is the bookstore and publishing space I run myself. Around the bookstore, there are still old printing shops, film labs and small workshops that have been there for decades - it feels very connected to the way I work. 

I never wanted it to feel like somewhere that exists only to sell things, but a place where someone can unexpectedly discover a new book, image or piece of culture, and spend some time without feeling like they need to rush.

I’ve always been more interested in places that have kept their own character over time rather than spaces that are constantly changing to follow trends. 

Chowon has that feeling: the furniture, the people, the atmosphere and even the way the coffee is served all feel different from newer cafés. Places like this are important because they preserve an older rhythm of Seoul, even while everything around them continues to change quickly. 

Songchu Valley is somewhere I go when I want to properly leave the feeling of the city behind.  It isn’t very far from Seoul, but once you arrive, the atmosphere feels completely different: there’s water, rocks, trees and  mountains. 

You can spend hours there without really needing to do anything. There’s something very Korean to me about spending an entire day by a valley, eating food and just taking your time with people. It’s a very simple way of relaxing, but that’s exactly what I like about it.

Jingwansa is somewhere I go when I want to feel like I’ve left the city without actually having to leave. It sits right next to the Bukhansan mountain, so once you walk a little further inside, you start hearing the stream, the wind and the birds more than the traffic. I usually just walk slowly and sit somewhere near the trees or the water. That kind of stillness feels very natural there. Jingwansa is a reminder that Seoul isn’t only made up of concrete and high-rise buildings: you can spend time surrounded by mountains and nature, and then return to the centre of the city quickly. That contrast is one of the things that makes Seoul special.

An old-school Korean barbecue restaurant in Yongsan. It’s the kind of place I like because it hasn’t been overly polished or designed; it still feels very local and lived-in. People gather around the table, grill meat, have a few drinks and spend time talking without really watching the clock. I think that kind of moment is also an important part of slowing down in Seoul. For me, slow living doesn’t always mean being somewhere quiet or surrounded by nature. Sometimes it can simply mean sitting around a table with people you like, sharing food and letting the evening unfold naturally. Seoul moves incredibly fast, but places like this have their own rhythm. 

When shoots and projects start overlapping, there are times when I need to step away from the pace of Seoul. One place I do that is my local bathhouse; I like going early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s quieter, for an hour or two, when I naturally disconnect from my phone and from work. 

I’m much more drawn to older neighbourhood bathhouses than new or luxurious ones. Bathhouses are such an ordinary and familiar part of life in Korea, but for me they’re also a place where I can clear my head and reset my  rhythm. It’s probably one of the simplest ways I slow myself down in Seoul. 

The World’s Most Impatient City is Best at Half Speed

Tokyo

First stop: Shibuya. 
At Shibuya, you'll find our favourite restaurant, “Oh! Kamabar” ❤ You can enjoy traditional Japanese “kamameshi” (rice cooked in an iron pot), and honestly, everything on the menu is delicious! They even serve “habushu”—a traditional Okinawan liquor with a snake inside! Whenever we get together for dinner and a toast, this is always our go-to spot ☺

Second stop: Nakameguro.

Here you'll find one of our top Tokyo recommendations, Iroha Sushi!! Our office is located in Nakameguro, so we often go there after work or whenever we can’t decide where to eat, it’s one of our go to spots. The sushi chef will serve when you sit at the bar in front of you! We usually sit at the zashiki (Japanese tatami seat) you will see a lot of autographed boards all around the wall!! Hope you can find ours too. The sushi is delicious, of course, but our favourite dish is the yam sticks (nagaimo sticks). We highly recommend trying it when you go♡

Third Stop: Asakusa.


You will not miss the famous Kaminarimon at the Sensoji Temple. There is a lot of monja-yaki restaurants around the temple, which is a teppan yaki soul food from Tokyo! Walking around the temple will take you on a journey to the nostalgic side of Tokyo.
 

Fourth Stop: Harajuku.


We grew up taking purikura (photo booth snaps) in Takeshita street, you will see many subculture scenes here! Shopping here is the best, there are many cute shops such as the vintage shop 'bed Harajuku'. You may want to stop by!

Fifth stop: Shinjuku.

We recommend “Hanazono Shrine” near the station❀·

It’s known for bringing good luck for your career in the entertainment industry so many artists visit during the New Year!!! We went there with our manager in the beginning of the year to pray for a great year…ஐ♡

There is also a big festival held by the shrine in November, it is famous for its “kumade” which is a good luck charm for good business, so a lot of people that runs their own company, restaurants, artists, go there to buy the charm and wish for good luck!

f5ve Take Us On A Ride On The Tokyo Subway

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

Carl Jan Cruz

Manila

It's a great 'one stop shop' experience that's composed by amazing galleries, stores, and restaurants: Toyo, Panaderya, Sidechick, Aphro, ArtinFormal, and Bellas Artes Projects to name a few

World's oldest China town. Amazing food and supply finds

For those chill times you only want 'one drink' 

Filipino multi brand Tropa Store and Hoodwink are here along with other contemporary int'l brands and outlets like Archives

Amazing block parties and an emerging community of creatives. Celine Mallari and Jao San Pedro's works are to be seen here too

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