Saint Lucia

St Lucia 

The food takes us back to our childhood: Mandella being born and bred here, and Rochelle's family being St. Lucian. This is authentic St. Lucian cuisine.

Plante's Place

Seafood right along the seafront, what more could you want? The flavours are unreal!

Chateau Mygo (House of Seafood)

Fresh produce and amazing views. There is different produce in season at different stages of the year, but the quality never changes. Perfect for a lunch or dinner treat.

Treetop at Crystals

Great place to stop for local cuisine when in the area of Vieux Fort, where the food is prepared by a Vieux Fort local chef, Chevorn.

True Value Kitchen 

Located directly in front of the port where the fishermen bring in their catch of the day, in the fishing port canteen – so you know the food is tasty! Nothing fancy, just pure flavour!

Bernice Kitchen

Mr Pete has been serving the best cocoa tea, roast bakes, fried makes and more in Vieux Fort for many years. This is the best spot to get an early morning bite to eat as he is gone by around midday and he sells out!

Mr Pete's

Located along sandy beach – one of the very few Atlantic Ocean beaches in St. Lucia – and open to all, you will find a lot of locals also dining here. Great cocktails and rum options also. Perfect for something to eat after a swim.

Island Breeze

Brilliant steak and local food with a great atmosphere and live entertainment. As it's along the Rodney Bay strip, you can continue your night after you have had your food.

Bambooze

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China

Shanghai

Exquisite Fujian cuisine. The overall quality is very high, with some western food concepts incorporated into the tradition, but the balance is just right. The restaurant has a great view and good service. It’s no surprise that it’s on the Black Pearl and Michelin lists – not easy to make a reservation.

Meet the Bund

I have been eating sheng-jian (local style pan-fried dumplings) since I was a kid, and the taste of this restaurant has not changed much. [It's an] authentic, original flavour. It is the local snack in Shanghai that I most often recommend to my friends. Shanghai Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Project.

Dong Tai Xiang (东泰祥)

Large in quantity and cheap, a must-eat for those who love spicy food.

Ban Bu Dian

Tibetan style coffee. The shop staff are all from Tibet, and the store also sells Tibetan handmade products.

Shardaa

Suitable for gatherings of friends as they have limited space. If you can’t get enough of the raw drunken crab, grilled spring chicken and braised prawns, you can order a bowl of re gan noodles.

Peng Ci

The presentation is lovely and the cocktails are a must-order. They collaborate with different celebrity chefs frequently, a very unique experience.

Savor by OSP

I'm glad this one has stayed open for so many years, since there are two restaurants I wanted to write about that closed after the pandemic. Their pasta and desserts always make me happy.

8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana

33EMYBW on Her Favourite Restaurants in Shanghai

Tushar 

Nigeria

Lagos

Needs no introduction. This David Adjaye-built concept store is a visionary space and a must visit for anyone who comes to Lagos. Their restaurant in the back, NOK, is popping on Fridays

NOK Restaurant

Lagos’ first non-profit artist residency program. They have brilliant artists coming in to work 3 sessions a year. It’s always great to go hang out on open days and talk to artists about their projects. They also have presentations of the artists’ work once the residency sessions are over

Arthouse Foundation 

This is the showroom space for Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO brand. Go here to shop, hang out and sip some rum agricole or, on special days and if you’re invited, party at the best raves in Lagos. Fashion Week season is always mighty eventful at this space

IAMISIGO

This concept space in Lekki is a collaboration project between a bunch of young creatives. They have a publication, a gallery space, a fashion label, and God knows what else. Their exhibitions focus on showcasing the process and use of technology

Baroque Age Studio

Located in the top flat of a seven-story building in Lagos and founded by artist Wura-Natasha Ogunji, The Treehouse supports creative experimentation, artistic investigation and the asking of radical and open questions. With views of creek and lagoon, prison and polo fields, it provides a perfect platform for thinking about how spaces, architecture, and community influence and inform how we move, feel, and imagine the world

The Treehouse Lagos

Set up with the purpose of using creativity to engage with the community in Lagos Island, hFACTOR is a space and also a collective (of which I am a part). Through exhibitions, talks, gatherings and other engagements, we hope to have conversations opening people's minds to new possibilities

hFACTOR

Lekki Arts and Crafts Market 

Creative Spaces with Tushar

France

Marseille

A Moroccan owned wine bar - my number 1 spot for a drink!

Planète Livre Marseille la Passerelle

Very cute wine bar if you're staying in Le Panier.

Le Vin sur la Main

Cocktail bar next door to the chapitre, which is just as good with a Scarface-esque interior and huge terrace – works for both sides of your budget. Once you can't afford to keep going on the cocktails, go next door for a pastis and and a demi.

Apotek (Refromes Canibiere)

A sexy little wine cave near Longchamp with max cooking and other guest chefs. Nicolai and Max have also taken over a space called La Traverse near Malmosque in an art residency house. Keep an eye out for it this summer to head there on the weekends.

La Traverse

Fred's newly-opened cave just down the road from his first baby, Winesucker –a neighbourhood casual wine spot – Justine Pruvot is cooking there right now and her hyper-natural approach to cooking is sure to be a hit for the summer heatwave.

Mercato 

Small plates and wine, go up to the bonne mere for sunset and head here on the way back down!

Figure

Where to Go for a Drink in Marseille, by Chef Megan

Colombia

Medellin

A lot of our skate competitions in Medellín happen in La Loma. This famous hill spot is very steep, and when you descolgar (go down) you hit a crazy speed. I like skating in this spot because it’s exciting and you get a lot of adrenaline. Because it's so high, after you skate it someone has to bring you back up in the motorbikes, where you hold onto the back and they drive you; or you have to walk back up which takes ages.

Aranjuez Hill

I grew up in this barrio so it will always be special for me and somewhere where I can skate. This barrio has a lot of tourists now, and is less dangerous than it used to be but you still have to be smart and be good with the people. There is a lot of things happening on the street here. I like skating here in my barrio, because you can find a lot of secret spots. You can skate down the paths and go fast, or find little back roads, ledges, alleys, playgrounds and more to land tricks. When I’m in the Comuna I like showing the other kids in the barrio how to skate.

Comuna 13

Estadio was the first skatepark in Medellín, it’s right next to the Nacional stadium. It is an important spot for me because it’s where I first started spending a lot of time skateboarding, met a lot of people who have been important to me. There would always be people here skating all the time, so you can always arrive and there’ll be parceros to skate with or people to spend time with. Next to the stadium there is Estadio Skate Shop where Danny and his friends sell brands from Colombia, Mexico; we don't get many brands from outside of Latin America.

Estadio

La 4 is probably the biggest skatepark in Medellín, it reminds me of Southbank in London because it has a roof. The roof means everyone can hang here when it rains. La 4 has the reputation as the party skatepark, and maybe dangerous at times; there are always people partying with big speakers playing techno or reggaeton, eating, drinking and the rest. You can go there at any time and there will be people partying there, and here all the different crews gather like the skaters, BMX, rollers and the moto crews all hang around and come together. In La 4 there is always a high energy, you have to be a very aggressive skater here to stand out, to get your turn, you have to push further and go faster, because there are so many people trying to use the space. The police come here a lot and cause problems. The other week, they took my moto into the transito and gave me a fine for not having the right papers. There are also a lot of fights here  because the people are charged a lot.

La 4

This is a more low-key skatepark and it’s higher up in the city. It has a view where you can see all the red buildings of Medellín, all the barrios and the mountains in the background. Here is a good parche because everyone is chill, and when it’s sunny you can see a lot of things in beautiful Medellín.

Madre Laura

Centro also has some good spots to skate. You can see places like Parque de la Deseos – which was nicknamed Parque de la Resistencia during the months of protest a few years ago. Many people camped out there, living there in tents as part of the primera línea, as a protest, and there was all sorts of craziness going on here.

Parque de la Deseos

Where to Skate in Medellín, According to Cris Skate Future

Rose Bonica

South Africa

Cape Town

Our local vinyl store, run by a group of really amazing people. They describe it as a “community record store for colourful music”. Check out their online store and The Other Radio that brings you shows hosted by a whole selection of South African artists and DJs.

The Other Records 

There's no way you can visit Cape Town without driving along Chapmans Peak and getting a photo at the Lookout Point. For people who live here, Chappies is still one of the go to spots on a Sunday drive. I mean how can it not be with a view like this.

Chapman's Peak

Definitely one of my most nostalgic spots, having gone to Llandudno Primary. The sunsets from here are insane! If I’m honest, it's also one of the only beaches I'd go to if I liked to go to the beach.

Llandudno Beach

If you want the best fish and chips in Cape Town. If you disagree, you can always feed the fish to the seagulls.

Fish on the Rocks

One of the few clubs that we have in Cape Town. Champagne and NTSC are my favourite nights. Some of their other nights are great too, if you're looking for a bit more of a Berlin techno vibe.

Mødular.

I recently went to the Aquarium to film a live stream and it's definitely my new favourite spot in Cape Town. The best part is that most of the sea life are rescues getting rehabilitated to get put back into the ocean.

Two Oceans Aquarium

The perfect little village to escape to when the city becomes too much. The beach is beyond and there's a beautiful Lake at the end of the beach to float around in when the waves get too much.

Pringle Bay

Party in an Aquarium? Welcome to Cape Town

Issasha

Thailand

Bangkok

The best choice for natural wines. You can choose your bottle and drink here. Good music and vinyls for your ears also.

Salon Kiku

Another new intimate club located in the heart of the city. Nestled between Chinatown's cocktail bars and founded by core members of the Bangkok nightlife community, this new offering is a jewel in the heart of Bangkok. A must go to in the city.

Bar Temp

You will find everything here from cafes, bars, nights out, quirky restaurants and vintage shops. It's worth exploring on a visit to Talat Noi.

The Warehouse Talat Noi

Very cool store, you can find a young designer brands here with a real community feel. They also have a tattoo shop upstairs.


Sell the Souls

BCR is a community radio station that offers more than just radio. It provides community support for Bangkok, raises funds for social issues and it’s a great hangout spot. It also also hosts workshops and other music related events which have created something of a community. I’m glad to be one of the resident DJs.

Bangkok Community Radio

Kwan Sil Ki

It's a rooftop space offering delicious yakitori style Thai Isan BBQ that is extremely affordable and delightful. Their craft beers go well with the grilled larb.

Larb Siab

A cosy little cafe run by a lovely and knowledgeable owner. If you're a coffee snob, then I would highly recommend this spot.

Phu Chai Kai Cafe

From Rooftop Larb to Community Radio: Issasha's Guide to Local Bangkok 

Kinez Riza and Nindy Noto

Indonesia

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.

Besakih Temple

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.

Tenganan Pegeringsinan Village

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.

Melukat Sebatu

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.

Qi Temple Acupuncture

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.

Spring Spa Canggu

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.

John Hardy Seminyak

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

Pura Ayun Bongkasa

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.

Batukaru Coffee Plantation

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.

Agustian Supriatna

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.

Tirta Usada

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.

Savitri Devi

Bali's Spiritual and Wellness Side with Nindy and Kinez

South Korea

Seoul

It’s a modern Korean restaurant with Makgeolli pairings. If my friend visits me from abroad, I definitely want to take them to this place. You can try Korean food here easily and beautifully. They have a ‘by-the-glass’ tasting where you can try different Korean liquors paired with the food. I recommend it! My favourite dish is the ‘squid sundae,’ which comes in ink sauce and butter crumbs on top. If you choose based on your favourite ingredients, you can’t go wrong.

Mr.Ahn's Makgeolli

I heard that a lot of foreigners come to Korea looking for Dakhanmari (a whole chicken soup). Dakgomtang is a similar dish, but it’s a bit easier to eat. Koreans are crazy about the soup and rice combo. Here, you can order a dish called Dakgopjil, which is tender chicken skin and meat served with the soup. You can either eat it as a side dish or mix it into the soup – whatever you prefer. If you’re curious about what Koreans really eat daily, you should try this place!

Apgujeong Jinju

It’s an organic-style café and wine bar with large windows, great for reading or chatting. The music selection is great, and the food is delicious too. The vibe changes between day and night – both are worth experiencing. The daytime is laid-back, while the evening feels more romantic. Sometimes they host parties at night, and enjoying the music with their ‘shiso gin tonic’ or ‘roasted sweet potato with ice cream’ makes for an unforgettable night.

Department.en

Just a bit north of central Seoul, where the museums and the old city gates are, you’ll find this retro café with an ‘80s vibe. At night, they play music on LPs, creating a unique atmosphere. Their drip coffee is great, and their special ‘Himalayan Masala Chai’ – a spicy milk tea – is really interesting. It’s definitely worth trying.

Cup of Coffee / Coffee Han Jan

Every weekend (Thu to Sun), they host a variety of events. They have a system that records DJ and artist performances, and the space is really friendly, so it’s easy to connect with people through the music. They also run a YouTube channel where you can check out mixes and shows from different people. I’ve hosted parties and performed here myself, and it’s always been a lovely experience.

Seoul Community Radio 

It’s one of my favourite clubs in Seoul. They host a lot of curated parties and pull in a diverse crowd from the underground scene. The vibe is super chill, with a rooftop overlooking the Sang-su area and a separate dancefloor downstairs, so you can go back and forth between them and take breaks as needed. Some nights you’ll see breakdancing battles, and other times they’ve got hot dogs on the rooftop. It’s a fun spot, and even Peggy Gou has shown up for a surprise set!

Modeci

It’s a book café/library for adults. They mainly feature graphic novels, but don’t worry if you don’t speak Korean – there are plenty of photo books, art books, and English titles available too. There are lots of interesting reads. You can enjoy a coffee or a drink while you read in a comfortable setting, and you can even buy any books you like.

Graphic

It’s a bar and café run by a web magazine that’s all about South Korea’s underground scene. If you check their schedule ahead of time, you might catch local DJs doing special radio shows. They also have events like ‘Tekken tournaments’ and ‘record flea markets’ from time to time. It’s a great spot to grab a drink before you head out to the clubs in Itaewon on a weekend night. Plus, the bartenders are friendly.

Quest

It’s not in Seoul, but it’s pretty close and totally worth the trip. It’s a fantastic spot for enjoying classical, jazz, and opera. They play music on LPs and vintage gear, and you can move around the big space to see how the sound changes and how the view outside shifts. The place itself has a really cool vibe, and the view of the Imjin River is stunning. They don’t allow outside drinks and don’t sell anything but water. The atmosphere is so beautiful that I once dreamed of having my wedding here!

Concino Concrete

It’s not in Seoul, but it’s a great spot nearby where you can really enjoy nature. It’s a lookout point where you can camp and even stay overnight with a view of North Korea. The view changes a bit with the seasons, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the lookout, so it’s super easy to get to. I think it’s perfect for bringing some coffee and snacks and just chilling out for a few hours.

Jang-san Observatory

Squid Sundae and Potatoes with Ice Cream: NECTA’s Guide to Seoul’s Best-Kept Secrets

Treetop Journey

United States

New York City 

Hinge

Our favourite swimming hole and lounge spot upstate. It’s not too far from the city and it’s relatively easy to find. Pack a lunch and a cooler, find a little rock and spend all day here. Plus, once you’re ready to head out you can stop at Hodge Podge shop and have Ray talk your ear off. He may or may not sell you something depending on how attached to it he’s feeling that day.

Leeds Swimming Hole

This small but immersive community garden might seem like your typical garden from the outside, but once you step through its doors, you’ll discover so much more. With hundreds of different plant species to explore, the real gem here is the secret "treetop" house. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and read your favourite book. Since it only fits two people, you'll want to arrive early to claim your spot!

6BC Botanical Garden

Mossy Stone was our flagship farm for our season last year and we’ve spent a lot of time with Tyler, the farmer. This place is special and his produce proves that. Mossy Stone is a fully regenerative, organic market garden, which means he grows a high volume and density of crops on a small plot. Tyler’s sungolds are the sweetest we’ve ever had. You can catch them at farmers’ markets in Windham and Catskill. 

Mossy Stone Farms

I live next to this park and let me tell you, it has changed my life. When I have the day off, I start my morning by finding a bench with a cup of coffee from Variety and a book. Inevitably I’ll run into friends, dogs, toddlers on bikes, older Polish men deep in conversation. I love this park so much. They have a bird watching club on Saturdays, a Farmer’s Market on Sundays, grass, trees, and a slappy curb. I’ve been to more birthday parties, going away parties here than I can count on my hand. It’s perfect, come say hi. - Rayan 

McGolrick Park

Stissing House is a historic restaurant housed in a centuries-old inn, offering a cosy farm atmosphere with an elegant touch. They are extremely intentional about sourcing from local farms, being situated right in the heart of the Hudson Valley, where there are plenty of great farms to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a date night or just stopping by for a glass of wine and a bite at the bar while reading a book, this spot is truly perfect for that

Stissing House

It’s hard to put into words just how insanely good this place is. Wilson, the man behind the bread, started in Delhi, NY running a small operation where his bread was nearly impossible to get. He later moved closer to Saratoga Springs to open Bakery Suzanne, named after his mother. He crafts pastries, bread, and much more, and everything is to die for. After trying one of his sourdough loaves, you might even consider moving upstate.

Bakery Suzanne 

Achilles Heel is a little gem surrounded by the unsightly new towers in North Greenpoint. Equal parts bar and restaurant, they have a great rotating list of natural wines and cocktails and some of the best food in Brooklyn. Our friend Edmond took over as chef there earlier this year and his menus are exciting and delicious. They also get the fire going in the winter — you’ll never want to leave.

Achilles Heel 

This is the perfect place after checking out Kaaterskill Falls or any of the little swimming holes over there. Best sandwiches ever, good cup of coffee, enough said. The BLT is f**ked.

Circle W Market

We met the team at Forecast in early spring of 2024 and eventually solidified our friendship by bringing them along on one of our camping trips. Recently, we used their space as the pickup location for one of our biggest camping trips to date. Their concept is cool; a hybrid gallery, retail and event space that connects the city with nature.

Forecast 

A favourite bar in the East Village. It’s cheap and delicious. No frills. Good for a date or just to meet some friends. The bartenders are cool and so is everyone sitting at the bar. They also have a cute little backyard. We recommend a dirty gin martini and a burger. Say less!

The York

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My Life As Ali Thomas

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

Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok

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.