La Bella Verde

Ibiza

It is just crazy, beautiful. If you want to reach it by land, it's a massive hike and definitely not everybody is up for that or even capable of getting there. So it's easier by boat. It's such an impressive place, the colour of the water, the history of the place. It's just an amazing, unique and beautiful place.

Es Vedrà is this huge rock sticking out of the water with many myths written about it. It's supposed to be, super magnetic and contributing to the magical energy of the island. And there's this old pirate myth that due to the magnetic forces of the rock like compasses would be spinning around like crazy, and people would not be able to know the way north was and they would crash. These are all stories, but it is a very impressive place to sail past.

It's just very beautiful and the whole West Coast really is quite impressive to sail past because of the geometric rock formations and caves.

This is where one of our boats is based and it has these beautiful, white sand beaches like Playa de Migjorn and the caves!

On the way from the port of Formentera to Cala Saona, there are these swim-in caves. We get close by and then you can jump off the boat and swim into them.

This is a beautiful private island on the east coast. It is a really magical place as well. Beautiful water and just an amazing location.

Ibiza's Only Eco-Friendly Boat Trip with La Bella Verde

Orienteer Magazine

Scotland

Wales

London

We took a trip to Arisaig, Scotland with MW guiding us to go sea kayaking. The water is so clear it looks like the Caribbean, we kayaked from island to island spotting seals as we went. With the right equipment you can also go wild camping, snorkelling or fishing. 


Swim level: Beginner 
Public Transport: Yes 
Facilities: Lifeguard 


A photoshoot took us walking the Watkins Path of Snowdonia. We were following the river up which twists and turns through many rock pools and waterfalls, the rock pools make the perfect spot to stop for a swim and cliff jumping! The clearest water and easy to access.  


Swim Level: Intermediate

Public Transport:  Yes

Facilities: None 

Where I am from in Rickmansworth, there are a lot of lakes that you can go sailing on and spots that would be great for wild swimming. I haven’t been back in years but have fond memories. Catch a short train from London and take an easy stroll around them, it's a great spot to go if you just want to be in nature and surrounded by water. 


Swim Level: Beginner 

Public Transport:  No 

Facilities: Toilets / Car Park 

When walking The Old Man Of Coniston, the blue lake is the perfect scene for a mirror lake shot - you get reflections of the mountain behind and the sky, if you can stay till sundown! The colours are so vivid. 


Swim Level: Not for Swimming 

Public Transport:  Yes 

Facilities: No 

There is a lake at the bottom of Pen Y Fan, great spot for a wild swim after a long hike. You can pitch up for the night in the nearby forest and wild camp next to small streams. It's a great spot for a few days as with the right equipment this water can be used for drinking water and to clean your cook sets! 


Swim Level: Beginner 

Public Transport: No 

 Facilities: No 

Orienteer Mapazine's Top Weekend Trips That End with a Dip

Karun

Nairobi

It's a super cute Vegan-friendly and child-friendly cafe that has an all-deaf waiting staff. They also sometimes have a market of all sorts of Kenyan made crafts.

Especially when they have the flea market, or on Wednesday evenings when they have the ‘Speaker Box’. Speaker Box is a series of live acoustic music performances curated by Patricia Kihoro. (Check out her socials, she has great taste in music and always find the best underground indie/folk/jazz Kenyan artists to play.)

I like this restaurant because she always has some dope Kenyan art on display and for sale (Painters, Photographers, mixed media) and live acoustic music on Saturdays.

Or this one, depending on what’s closest. Also great trails. (Also Tip, there are multiple entrances to Karura, find the lesser-known ones for a more peaceful time.)

Karun's Guide to Nairobi

Raffael

Kerala

I'm probably going to get some hate for this but it is literally the best biryani I've eaten in India. And believe me when I say I've pretty much travelled the length and breadth of this country for biryani.

Kerala is littered with these beautifully rustic establishments that brew their own coconut wine called toddy. It's well worth a visit, not just for the toddy but the food and the experience of the whole thing. I would recommend trying the fish head curry, duck curry and beef roast when you do visit. My favourite is the VELLIYAZCHA KAAVU TODDY SHOP, near Attingal.

A tiny, beautiful and clean beach. Beware the currents can be a bit dodgy at times but it's mostly fine.

Kerala's first and India's premier surf and yoga holiday destination. Join the local crew of surf instructors and guides for a surf every morning or just relax at the beautiful and stylish hotel, perched on a cliff top overlooking some of the best beaches and sunsets Kerala has to offer. Also, a really laid back atmosphere and cafe serving healthy treats and a mix of Keralan and Western-style food.

Backwaters of Kerala. The iconic Keralan scenery that you've seen on every postcard. It's like Alleppey but less touristy so best to visit here if you want to experience the backwaters but get away from the hustle of the very touristy spots.

Beautiful pristine beach and one of my favourites to visit. Again, not as many tourists as you might find on other beaches in Kerala so worth a visit.

My favourite spot to surf in Kerala. A beautiful fishing village with a fast hollow left hand wave. You can join for surf lessons or grab a board and go surfing yourself all while the fishermen and boats carry on with their days around you. Beware though, the surf can be a tad crowded here, but the locals are always friendly and welcoming.

I'm a bit of a beach bum as you can probably tell, but sometimes I like to leave the beach to get into the western ghats. You'll think you're in a different country. Vagamon is one of my favourite hill stations in the western ghats, considered to have one of the most ecologically dense environments in the world. The drive up there is stunning as are the views and there are some adventure activities like paragliding, hiking that you can get involved in, or you could just kickback and watch the birds for hours.

Heritage sites, cafes, art galleries and the biennale. Some may go as far as to say it's the art capital of India. (KASHI ART CAFE, DAVID HALL GALLERY, PEPPER HOUSE).

Kerala with Raffael from Soul & Surf

Matt Wilkinson

Cornwall

The name says it all - a tiny hut, hidden away near beautiful Portscatho. This is a legendary local institution, serving awesome, fresh takeaway grub. Their feast nights are off the scale, and their recipe book is great as well.

I always go to this old-school pub whenever I’m back - it’s like a classic, trinket-filled, Aladdin’s cave of a place. Amazing views too, as it’s just metres from one of the most epic harbours on the planet. Go when it’s stormy!

The paddleboarding club at my local beach, Gyllyngvase. Absolutely anyone can paddleboard - here you can take lessons or just head out on your own.

Whether it’s foraging, game butchery, bush-crafting or canoeing, this camping and glamping activity spot - with a central hub for socialising - is remote and beautiful.

The most westerly surf spot in the country, and one of the most breath-taking beaches on the planet, in my opinion. Great for walks, too.

Finisterre have really taken beachwear to the next level. Their surf clothes are tailor-made for the cold climate, and their streetwear is great too.

Cornwall with Matt Wilkinson

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

Stiff Pap

Cape Town

If you want a night out in the township, this should be your first stop. Rands is one of the best live music venues in the city and a great place to experience a night out over some drinks and some of SA’s biggest musicians.

If you’re interested in hiking this is an entry level trail. There’s a beautiful view of the ocean and the city when you reach the peak. It’s really pretty around sundown.

This is a great spot for people who want to experience some of Cape Town’s alternative/underground music events. The best event to attend there is called Prime, so keep an eye on their socials.

This is probably the most popular bar in town. They have great music from an eclectic line up of local (and some international) djs. Start off at the one in Kloof Street around 6/7pm for sundowners and make your way down the road to the one on loop street around 10pm for the rest of the night. If you just want a chilled night out, stick to Kloof Street.

If you’re into markets/food festivals this is your spot on Saturday mornings. There are local bands, food stalls and tons of independent retailers selling (often local) goods.

Observatory is often referred to as the bohemian centre of Cape Town, because of all the students and backpackers it attracts. With the many bars on Lower Main Road, its definitely a must see for people looking to meet new people and interact with the creative community.

If you’re a fan of nature, you might want to make a stop here with the whole family. This is easily one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the country. Depending on the season they also host live concerts on the grass.

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