Azeema

United Kingdom

London

Devon

Divers Cove is an open water, wild swimming location in Surrey. Divers Cove is special because it’s quiet and hidden away. Even though it is a manmade lake it’s a very natural environment surrounded by trees, it feels wild but also safe. 

The water is clean and shines a blue-green colour in the light reflecting the stone/sand of the ex-quarry and the hues of the sky. This place is particularly special as we chose this location for our NIKE SWIM shoot. Through the shoot we wanted to showcase the effects that swimming can have on our friendships, our interdependent relationship with nature, and the gratitude we feel for our bodies. 

The group of five Muslim women photographed – Zaineb Abelque, Memunatu Barrie, Tasneem Elnayal, Maz Ullah, and Rania Qaddoura – were able to swim freely with the help of Nike’s Victory Swim line, a modest swimwear collection for women of various modesties. What’s less common than seeing Muslim women represented positively at all in the media is seeing them represented in all their diversity. 

This location also has a hot tub and sauna and can also be hired for private bookings. A female lifeguard can also be requested.


Divers Cove

The beaches at the Pier side of Walton/Frinton stretch out far at low tide and the water is shallow and sandy suitable for all ages. Towards the Naze tower/cliffs it gets wilder and quieter. If you like adventure and less crowds then this side of Walton is best for you. The beaches here have the remains of 2nd world war Pillboxes that have fallen from the top of the cliffs and as you go further to where the cliffs melt away the beach becomes even more wild and narrower. This area of Sussex the sedimentary composition is sandstone and clay so don’t be surprised if you get clay squidged between your toes. Be careful of the tides if you venture down to swim here! 

Walton on the Naze

A peaceful watery haven in the middle of North London for an open water swim. You have to book a time slot via the website, but this spot is better than Hampstead ponds. No mud and a refreshing swim. This swimming location is probably best for more confident swimmers, although there are lifeguards standing watch. 

There are also full facilities & changing rooms. 

If you don’t fancy swimming this is still a lovely place to visit and walk around, there are two reservoirs, one for swimming and one that is a nature reserve. Both are beautiful. 

West Reservoir

This area of Devon is so stunning and green. The beaches here are mostly pebble beaches with some sandy in places. Though those end up being commercialised and very busy for that reason. Away from the crowds, one cove in particular you get to by walking past/through Goodrington Sands and up over the field track to where it winds down to a secluded beach. Here you will find people having BBQ's, local parties and locals hanging out. This is a well known spot for the people who live in the area.

Going for a quick swim here when the sun is coming down over the beach is magical. The water is cool but refreshing and crystal clear. Wear beach shoes in the water as the ground can be uneven/rocky in places.

Elberry cove is just one of many coves in Devon, there are so many rocky coves and tucked away beaches to explore and swim with friends.

Elberry Cove

No 5. Was going to be Crystal Palace Swimming pool (this is another location we have used for a swim project with Nike. Featuring Swimmer and Equestrian Ghaida, Directed by Nadira Amrani.) However the iconic pool is currently under renovation. 

So the final recommendation will be the late British-Iraqi Architect, Zaha Hadid’s creation. The London Aquatic Centre. Both cavernous and futuristic, Its architecture is inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion and encompasses a breaking wave. 

Swimming here is quite simply epic.

London Aquatics Centre

Similar Guides

Dive into the Best Spots in the South with Azeema

Mei River

Sweden

Stockholm 

Mine and my girl's favorite spot. Great food and atmosphere. The chevre with truffle honey is the bomb!

Racamaca

There are some really good ramen spots in Stockholm and you could go into long debates about which one is the best. My favorite is called Totemo, a small place with few seats. There is always a line outside, so be ready for that.

Totemo

Been sitting in a studio right next door, so swinging by for a beer after a session isn't half bad.

Bar Hommage

I used to go here every weekend when I was younger. A good supply of old instruments, cameras etc. And for a good cause, the money goes towards social sustainability.

Myrorna

Stockholm-based brand, always on top with their collections. This is a ”side project” they've been doing.

Our Legacy Work Shop

Carl Milles' old home, where he did most if his art. Dreaming to have a garden like that someday. It's nice to just walk around and get inspired.

Millesgården

Spent most of my summers here as a child. Calm and beautiful, a great escape from the city. Just jump on boat in the city and go island hopping.

Skärgården (Stockholm Archipelago)

Stockholm with Mei River

India

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.

Pali Bhavan

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!

Elephanta Caves

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.

ISKCON Temple

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.

Chor Bazaar

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.

Bandra

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.

Banganga

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.

Thackers

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!

Kala Ghoda

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.

Haji Ali

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Australia

Melbourne

Share a gukbab soup with a pal. Dump the rice in when it rocks up, adjust flavour with pickled shrimp and sauces.

Gukbab

Best ramen in the city, though the childish will use the long lines as an excuse to argue. Show up at 3pm for quickest seats at a table.

Hakata Gensuke 

Book ahead, order the "shao long bao" and go hard on the chef's recommendations.

Hu Tong

Visit with a group of three or more and ask for the pork set. Kimchi jjigae is included.

ChangGo Korean BBQ

My favourite Thai street food in the CBD can be a bit tricky to find because it's literally in a carpark.

Soi 38

Quick Indonesian. Can't go wrong with a balado or a bakar. Get a combo and ration the teh for spicy moments.

Blok M Express 

Best char siu bao and dou sha bao if you need a cheap snack on the go.

Nam Loong

The fit-out is stunning, but so is the broth. Go easy on the hot sauces and remember, mild is still spicy in the Sichuan universe.

Panda Hotpot

Outstanding Korean fried chicken, and it's open late.

Buza Chicken

Melbourne’s Best Spots for Asian Food by Yeo

Poland

Kraków

One of the oldest confectioneries in Kraków, which was opened in 1958 and since then run by the same family. The taste of cakes is still exactly the same as when I was a child. You can buy the best eclairs in the world there. My mum always bought them and after 30 years they still have an incredibly delicious taste. You have to try them when you are in Kraków!

Cukiernia Michałek

The best ice cream you can imagine, a natural, traditional recipe which hasn't changed since 1985. This place is as old as me and for me it is the taste of my childhood. It was only open during summer and the queue was always huge but it was worth the wait as you can’t compare the taste to other ice creams. Not too sweet, perfect texture and delicious. My parents took me there and now I go there with my daughter.

Lody na Starowiślnej

Kraków is famous for its Zapiekanki, a street food which you can eat in many places. In this place you will eat the perfect Zapiekanka you can imagine, fresh made, crispy baguette with lots of sliced champignon and melted cheese. Run by the same ladies since 1980 who haven't changed anything in the recipe and inside the place. You can still see old stoves there. If you want to try the real Zapiekanka you have to go to Sienna 3.

Zapiekanki od 1980 roku

If you want to try the best burgers in Kraków, you have to go to Parkowa, located in Park Bednarskiego, next to the soccer field. Both meat and vegetarian options are crazy good. The best place to go is when it is warm outside and you can enjoy your Saturday being in the Park.

Parkowa

For drinks I recommend my favourite bar in Kraków, Piękny Pies. It is the place where you can drink some good beer or drinks, listen to some very good music and watch the exhibitions on the walls. During weekends, downstairs [hosts] some really nice parties with electronic music. Piękny Pies has always been a favourite place for artists thanks to its unique atmosphere. 

Piękny Pies

Kraków is full of small bars and clubs, but most of them are tourist oriented which to be honest I don’t like. For me you have to feel comfortable in a bar, a bit like at home. It should be a place where you can spend nice time with your friends. Such a place is Święta Krowa, you can just meet there for a drink or go there for the whole night and party with electronic music. The room is very small but because it is very cozy, during a party you can feel like you're at a house party. They also have a really nice garden which you can enjoy during summer.

Święta Krowa

Sekta is another great bar/ club to go for a drink and for a party. Very tiny, cozy room, with top DJs and a great vibe. A club run by the Ukrainian community, where you can feel their friendly spirit and openness. One of my favourite spots to play in Krakow and to spend time with friends.

Sekta Selekta

When you are in Kraków you have to go to Lasek Wolski to spend a nice day surrounded by beautiful forest, next to Kraków ZOO. Close to ZOO in one of the forest lanes you will find Mech Cafe which is located in Symbioza - Ecological Education Center. They have really good coffee, cakes and sandwiches. But for me what is the most amazing is that you can drink your coffee with a view of the forest. The best place to relax.

Mech Cafe

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Rema

Nigeria

Benin City

Mama Ebo Pepper Rice

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

Kada Plaza

The best place to play football in Ekehuan road

Garrick Lane

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

Christ Embassy

They have the best ice cream in Benin City

Mat-Ice

Benin City with Rema

Italy

Milan

You know the tiny winery full of antique, super rare bottles in a small town in Tuscany where you can sip extraordinary wine and take a bite of homemade bruschettas? Ok this is the thing, but in Milan. -  Burro Studio 

Cantine Isola

It looks like a beautiful greenhouse but it’s a restaurant and a bar. A piece of heaven in Milan. - Burro Studio 

Lubar

We present you your new food addiction: cotoletta alla milanese. Try it here and your transformation in a real local will be completed by saying 'uè grazie figa' instead of a regular thank you at the end - Burro Studio

Antica Trattoria della Pesa

They make their own gin, the owners used to work in fashion and design. It’s an incredible place for late night drinks. - Naomi Accardi

The Botanical Club

For the last 25 years Fondazione Prada has championed contemporary art and culture through its innovative and experimental program. A visit is mandatory not only for the exhibitions and stunning architecture, but to IG story your time at Bar Luce which will make it seem as if you're in a Wes Anderson movie. - Burro Studio 

Fondazione Prada + Bar Luce

Brunch. A sunny day, the nature surrounding you, the comfort food. It’s not an Instagram picture, it’s this place. Make a call and remember to book a table to enjoy your brunch in the garden! - Burro Studio. 

Erba Brusca

Typical Milano food, I bring all my guests here for real local food (higher end but worth the money) - Naomi Accardi

La Libera

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Ariel Zetina

United States

Chicago

Belizean restaurants are so rare, and I’m literally so glad I live in one of the only cities in the US with the food I grew up with. Black-owned and family-owned, perfectly authentic dishes, this is the real deal. My go-to order is panades (Belize’s version of empanadas, filled with fish or beans) and Belizean stew chicken (get it with rice and beans – a must), Belizean potato salad and plantains on the side). If you have to go to one place on this list, this is literally not the one to miss!

Garifuna Flava

If you’re going to Chicago, please skip the deep dish; original Chicago pizza is thin crust. Chicago-style hot dogs are acceptable, but the real Chicago staple not to miss is the jibarito. Using tostones (fried plantain) instead of bread, this sandwich is a staple of Puerto Rican diasporic cooking in Chicago, and although it is not the inventor of the jibarito (Borinquen in Humboldt Park is, and also amazing), Jibaritos y Más in Logan Square delivers such a deep gastronomical experience that keeps me coming back. My favourite is the shrimp jibarito.

Jibaritos y Más

This Costa Rican BYOB spot is amazing for groups, especially for vegetarians – the veggie casado is amazing. Really proud of this restaurant for surviving the pandemic and coming out strong on the other side! Costa Rican cuisine is another that is so rare in the world to find and this is, in fact, the only Costa Rican restaurant in Chicago.

Irazu

Sorry, I gotta do another Belizean place. Redz is on the very northern tip of Chicago, closest to the northernmost train station on the Red Line. Another family-owned spot that cannot be beat. My recommendations are the same here (panades, stew chicken), but be sure not to miss my favourite Belizean creation: the meat pie, basically replacing the terrible bland innards of British meat pie and replacing it with jerk turkey.

Belize was a British colony until the 80s, the more you know! Don’t miss getting bun either – a raisin sweet bread on the dessert menu. Though I grew up eating it with cheese on it, so try that if you dare.

Redz

The spot that’s also signed off by my Dominican friends. I used to live near this place and discovered Dominican food through here. Located in the very west of Logan Square off the beaten path, this casual place is a great breakfast or lunch spot. Get the mangu!

Punta Cana

OK, really, you can’t go wrong anywhere on or near 18th Street in Pilsen – a formerly immigrant Czech neighbourhood but now mostly Mexican American. The staple, 5 Rabanitos, is the most vegetarian-friendly place. Here you can find vegetarian versions of many of the different dishes available at most of the places on or near 18th Street.

5 Rabanitos

Also on 18th Street, and my go-to when ordering to-go Mexican. Make sure you’re headed to the correct Los Comales, the one on the corner of 18th and Ashland! I love the milanesa tortas here and also the escabeche on the table, marinated carrots, onions and peppers to top your dishes with (or to eat with chips).

Taqueria Los Comales #3

I used to have a DJ gig weekly on Mondays at nearby Beauty Bar. This is my most random choice on this, since there are so many good Mexican taquerias all around Chicago, but this is the one that speaks to me most intimately over the years. The chile relleno torta is incredible. Great place to go after drinking with friends in the area. Very little seating so get it to go.

Taqueria Traspasada 2

When you hear Peruvian food in Chicago, a lot of peoples' minds go to Cabra: the Stephanie Izzard-owned Peruvian rooftop restaurant above the Hoxton in West Loop. While this is good and one of my go-to rooftop spots, the real Peruvian staple is the family-owned, Guy Fieri-approved Taste of Peru on the north side. Rarely a wait, and a true Chicago hidden gem.

Taste of Peru

Known exclusively as the Tamale Guy, anyone who frequents semi-popular late night bars in Chicago knows this man. The husband-wife team runs their business out of a single cooler, which travels from bar to bar serving drunk and hungry patrons. When I see him, I always get one. The best tamales in Chicago. Follow @tamaletracker on Twitter to find the Tamale Guy, but more likely you will run into him, as he somehow always knows where the crowd is. Truly, truly impressive.

The Tamale Guy (Various Bars)

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Thailand

Bangkok

An out of town izakaya that you can enjoy yourself at without the business of the city.

Renji Izakaya 

This is where I like to do my vintage shopping on the weekends.

Talad Rod Fai (Srinakarin Train Market) 

My friends and I gather here for a good time. As an integral part of Bangkok's nightlife, Blaq Lyte Air is a place where you can drink, dance and appreciate the city's skyline. With DJs playing on the main floor and the kitchen room, it's a place where you can come to enjoy the music and create fun memories. Come as you are, you can be yourself here.

Blaq Lyte Air

My favourite Isaan local street food. I bring my friends here to experience the authentic flavours of Thailand. My favourite dish is the beef larb.

Larb Lub Lub 

The shophouse is a place for people to gather and enjoy themselves while shopping, listening to music and creating conversations. I started the shophouse to bring people together and create a sense of community.

BLAQ LYTE Shophouse

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Coco Em

Kenya

Nairobi

It’s a craft fair market place where you can buy stuff made locally in Kenya and I often DJ there with a couple of my friends. If you’re looking for t-shirts, perfume, cards or books, you can find it there and just chill and listen to us DJ for you. It happens every 2 months.

Pop Up & Chill

The name ‘Oliech’ is indigenous of Western areas of Kenya. They’re known for fish because they have Lake Victoria there. She sells a lot of fish and plays a lot of Rumba Lingala music too. It’s a crazy vibe because they have live bands there too. It’s really cool.

Mama Oliech

WLL is an amazing space in Westlands that’s one of my favourite places to hang out. It was started by a DJ/producer, who was really into book swapping. He’d host these big book swap event with people talking about literature and DJs playing. It really is the world's loudest library.

Worlds Loudest Library

Coco Em: Trippin in Nairobi

RP Boo

Madison and Kilpatrick on the west side of Chicago. This space right here was a building known as The Factory, one of the first places that birthed footwork. Early 83’ to late 85’ there were a lot of breakdancers coming in and out. I couldn’t come here as I was a small fry, not old enough. My cousins would come from the south side as they loved to party, they would have house parties and the dancers from The Factory would come, which is when I got to see the dancing. The DJs at these parties were better than the ones on the radio - and that was the birth of my passion to become the DJ.

The Factory

Ghetto house heaven! This is the southside's Elk Lodge.What makes this place special is that all the kids from ‘the projects’ came down to party here from 90’-97’ - that would have been the first official generation of the dancing. From 8-2am, it was the place to be. This is actually where I met DJ Rashad for the first time. To work here at night and go to my day job in the morning - priceless.  I really miss it. 

Elk's Lodge

Before it became Dolton Expo Centre, it was a grocery store - so much space. I think its a church now. This was the place where we were fuelled by the dancers, they were having fun, they inspired us to keep the tracks going. Some intense battles happened, ain't no kiddie land battles, but for the ‘Get It’ battles.  

Dalton Expo Center

Around 96'-98', there were no more house parties in the city of Chicago. So Malcolm Walls and Ronnie Sloan (House-O-Matics) got together to do a dance party out this way. This was a big factory, my first rave party in Chicago was here. This is where I first heard the term 'juking'. Saturday nights were hot, I’ve seen some intense [dance] battles in here. Terrasquad, Wolfpack and Creation - those are the [dance crews] that changed the style and developed it to what we see now. 

Cavallini's

The [oldest and largest African American parade in the US] happens here once a year, the second week of August [Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic] . This is the street where the news cameras are, where the parades were. This is the starting line of the parade, you have floats coming from that way and entering from this way. I have entered from the parade in this realm into the other realm. I am the first person to have ever DJ-ed the parade on turntables, live - that was 91-92.

Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

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Camidoh

Ghana

Accra

I enjoy this beach mostly at night, because it reveals the real "architectural" aesthetics and its marvellously decorated beachfront with thatch roofs, summer huts, beautiful bonfire and scented oil lamps.

Busua Beach

At this beach, I get to have a practical contact with two exceptional climate zones in close proximity and also see the offshore oil rigs at work. This eco-lodge beach is always a favourite destination anytime I am in the western part of Ghana.

Escape 3 Points Beach

Officially known as the La Pleasure Beach, anytime I visit Labadi beach, it is because of the scenic stretch of sand. Due to its spacious shoreline lined with sparse coconut trees, I am offered that lovely opportunity to have a great walk with cool breeze, enjoy horseback rides, delicious street food, and live band music without travelling out of town.

Labadi Beach

I love Bojo Beach to the core. You have to travel far out the capital city to relax by the sea, it offers great intimate and pleasant experiences and you can also canoe!