anaiis

United States

Hawai'i

It’s been a ritual for me to do this hike on January 1st, it’s about 5-7 hours of the most ethereal otherworldly beauty, feels like being on mars. You need two cars unless you hitch hike your way back to the top after the hike, bring loads of water and drink it slowly.

Halakealā Hike

My favouuuuuurite fish tacos, definitely get them from this location. The mango salsa is so yummy.

Coconut's Fish Cafe

There’s a little hut on the road to Hana, just have to keep an eye out for it. They make the best banana bread with these special breeds of bananas in maui the apple-banana and the ice-cream banana.

Banana Bread on the road to Hana

This is hidden spot on the road to Hana, but so gorgeous and unexpected.

Waioka Pond

My favourite activity on Maui, park your car in the parking lot for big beach, walk to the right extremity of the beach and climb up the hill which will lead you to the other side. There’s a drum circle on this nude beach every Sunday and it’s such vibes.

Little Beach

Star gazing La Perouse Bay -- go way past midnight, be mindful of the deers you may encounter on the drive there, and star gaze from the bay’s parking lot.

La Perouse Bay

I love this jungly hike, it feels so good to be immersed in all of the greenery.

Iao Valley

Sneak into the Andaz hotel for a nice hot tub / sunset. I love sneaking in to the Andaz, via the beach front… act cool. Really nice view of the sunset from the hot tub.

Andaz Hotel

Similar Guides

The Beautiful Island of Maui, Hawai'i with anaiis

Octa

Germany

Berlin

This restaurant is run by my good friend Tim Ligtenberg and they make a fantastic Neapolitan. It's also my go-to spot on Friday evenings, as Tim always has a DJ or two spinning in their outdoor space in Mitte's Hackescher Hof, where I can be sure I'll run into at least a few friends before heading to the next event.

Tiny’s Pizza

A small, quiet wine bar in Neukölln – the perfect stop for a chilled glass of orange wine on my way home from the office. They also offer a limited selection of authentic Italian goods, such as my very favorite Nocellara olives and bread sticks.

Balera Weinhandlung

This local nut and dried goods store has a couple of locations around Berlin, but I like to frequent their shop on Karl Marx Straße for familiarity. In addition to their wide selection of traditional Lokum (aka "Turkish Delight") they also offer a huge selection of roasted nuts and dried fruits – I recommend their candied hibiscus, or the sesame roasted almonds – my go-to snacks since the first time I entered their store.

Kumru Kuruyemis

Probably the best way to describe Hopscotch is as an oasis. In addition to a sprawling selection of non-western English-language literature, emphasizing diaspora narratives and marginalized experiences, Hopscotch hosts workshops and events for a general audience.

Hopscotch Reading Room

To be frank, I haven't had a chance to visit the SAVVY Contemporary space, but that is only because of lockdowns hindering the accessibility of cultural institutions. SAVVY's focus, as an arts center, classroom, and communal space, is on interrogating notions of the "West" and "non-West" to attempt to deconstruct some of the firmly held social constructions surrounding such notions. SAVVY founder Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung was recently appointed as the new director of the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin to take effect in 2023, which is a huge deal – especially in Germany, where visible examples of Black cultural architects are very limited.

SAVVY Contemporary

Berlin is home to a huge selection of swimming lakes and ponds. Sadly I have a deep connection to the Ocean, but since Germany is largely landlocked, lakes will have to do. Bernsteinsee is one of my favorite places to go swimming, but at around an hour's drive outside the city, it is a rare visit for me. The vibe there is just very clean, very quiet, and SANDY – which is not the case for all of the lakes in Greater Berlin.

Bernsteinsee

Octa's Favourite Spots in Berlin

Joshua Idehen

Sweden

Stockholm 

The closest thing Stockholm has to an illegal speakeasy from the 1920s. Smoky, tiny and full of surprises.

Glenn Miller Café

The coolest museum in Stockholm. Read that again. And it goes on 'til 10pm. Read that again.

Fotografiska Museum

This is where you see the best up-and-coming jazz that you can dance to before it costs an arm and a leg.

Fasching

I have searched high and low, and here is the finest chicken korma Sweden has to offer. Trust me, I’m Nigerian.

Shanti Gossip

I have never eaten here, but I’ve been to the poetry open mic at least three times and I can vouch for that. Guaranteed to meet a few characters every time, and the host is a gent.

Landet

Hear me out on this one: yes, I know it's a popular nightclub venue, for good reason. I went there in 2018 after a gig and four years later, I have a daughter.

trädgården

7 Chill Nights Out in Stockholm with Joshua Idehen 

Richie Culver

United Kingdom

London

I exhibited at Carlos Ishikawa during Condo 2024, Vanessa is the best in the game in my opinion - not just what she did with Oscar and Issy, but how she has an almost family dynamic with her artists. 

Carlos Ishikawa

Camden Arts Centre has hosted my performances and I’ll be showing a Film I TRUST PAIN October 30th along side unreleased material from Genesis P-Orridge & Rainy Miller - I love working with Matt Williams there, he was the first in any institution to give me a chance and understand the full scope of my practice, which I’m eternally grateful for.

Camden Arts Centre

Emalin remains my other favourite space, again because of their programming and dedication to what they do. I feel they will be around for a very long time. 

Emalin

Being my local gallery - I’ve been a fan from day one. I actually wanted to show there but it took me a while to realise that’s not ever gonna happen (lol). They recently showed my dear friend Allen-Golder Carpenter and continue to do great shows.  

Harlesden High Street

I will be performing as Quiet Husband at M.O.T on 14 November, another special spot with an amazing underground feel very unique to London. 

M.O.T

Fold is probably the best club in the world atm for obvious reasons - feels like we need to cherish it while it’s here and in its prime. These things don’t come around so often. 

FOLD

Honourable mention to Cabinet Gallery - such an amazing roster and space. I guess in an ideal world that’s where I’d like to end up.

Cabinet Gallery

Richie Culver’s Guide to London’s Independent Art Spaces

Greece

Athens

Everyone is welcome to see the shirts I make and I will be there to assist you.

IT'S A SHIRT

I have known the owners George and Jason for a few years now. Those two talented and kind guys are there to assist you in case you wanna buy something local. They are mainly focused on skate culture clothing , but not only! I personally love their hats. Go and have a look!

Mohxa

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stores in Athens. Ifigenia, Vasilis and Chara are there to show you rare plants as well as ceramics from greek artisans. Do not miss it!

Kopria

Not in the area but a bit further is the studio of this amazing project/brand. Book your visit and check their greek herbs and teas. Do not forget to take away Dittany from Crete, a great treat for the cold days..

Daphnis and Chloe

One of the oldest and definately best vintage stores in the city. Pay a visit and spend your time digging into vintage jeans and rare findings.

Yesterday's Bread

5 Places to Shop in Athens with Local Designer IT'S A SHIRT 

Cimafunk

Cuba

Havana

The Wall of Love! Love for music, love for the sea, love for the people. The Wall goes along the coastline and is the best place to sit and keep partying in the street with your friends when the party is over. All kinds of people go and have fun there.

Malecon

When sweating is melody! Musical jams and concerts that are fire, dope music, the avant-garde of Cuban fusion: salsa, jazz, funk, Afro-Cuban genres or whatever occur to you. The concerts start around midnight and people just go crazy dancing. I started my musical career there and perform with Interactivo when I’m in Cuba.

Centro Cultural Bertolt Brecht

The best place to discover Trova and Trovadores, a movement of Cuban songwriters. You can go for concerts and jams and then just have beers or cocktails with the crew, it’s a very informal and friendly place.

La Casa de la Bombilla Verde

A hostel, a bar and a jewel of neo-colonial architecture. Recently renovated with a crew of young Cuban architects and designers, every room is decorated according to a famous song of Cuban music. They do regular concerts and jam sessions on the rooftop where you’ll have one of the nicest views of Havana and the sea.

Hostal Malecon 663

For the tattoo lovers. A little house in Santa Fe village, in the outskirts of Havana. Super nice people, great artists and chill vibes closes to the sea!

Zenit Tattoo Studio 

The band's favourite fresh pasta restaurant!

Totò e Peppino Ristorante

Cimafunk's Guide to Havana

Blue Hawaii

Canada

Montreal

A spa out on the water overlooking the old port. Beautiful views. Good at all times of the year.

Bota Bota

Fine French dining. Best steak frites in Montreal. Stunning ambiance. Wonderful wine list.

L’Express

Record shop with a really good selection and really good prices.

La Rama

A book shop with graphic novels and modern novels - really special vibe here.

Drawn and Quarterly

This cafe is the best, it feels like you’re walking into a cafe from the 1960’s. Wonderful atmosphere.

Caffe Italia

Small stalls and local farmers. A beautiful experience with all kinds of food to try.

Marché Jean Talon

Mount Royal

The large orange globe with good drinks and hot dogs, a must see, especially in the summer.

Orange Julep

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.

Kabinet and Datcha

Blue Hawaii's Guide to Montreal

Richie Hayes and Elliott Kaye

Go on Fish Fridays and get the fish and chips or a fry up and tea during the week! Our favourite place to go in London. Spend most days off here. Go early to avoid waiting in line.

Regency Cafe

If you want a really good vibe to sip coffee this is the place, sick music, incredible coffee based in the heart of the city. 

Rosslyn

Everything you want in a cafe is here. Cheap, accessible and friendly. We used to live round the corner so was our local.

Billy’s cafe- Broadway Market

Not the river cafe everyone thinks it is. This River Cafe is a small spot located in Putney, it serves all your classics done right and serves generous portions too.

River Cafe

Sit outside and have an espresso and a quick shot of something to get you ready for the night. Great pitstop to watch Soho life go by.

Bar Italia - Soho

London's 5 Top British Cafes with Norman's

Swim Dem Crew

Brighton

Margate

We love taking trips to Brighton’s lesser-talked about beach in Saltdean as it’s got plenty of space and less crowding, it’s more local. It’s just a 10 minute bus journey or drive from Brighton centre. A huge bonus of this beach is that Saltdean Lido is less than 100 metres away, providing you with a beautiful art-deco backdrop to your swim and all the facilities that come with a swimming pool (changing rooms, toilets, café). Saltdean Beach is pebbled, like it’s cousin in Brighton, but don’t let that dampen your experience of the crashing waves and tame (by the UKs standards) sounds of seagulls. It’s a place where you can set up shop with your friends for the day in the summer and enter the water at your own pace. While the stones may make your walk to the water less graceful than you’d like, you’re still in control when compared to some other locations. The water will be refreshing and the seaview on a clear day is incredible. On your way back to Brighton, consider having a meal at Curry Leaf Cafe for a quick bite or Little Fish Market for fancy seafood.

Swim Level: Beginner

Public Transport:  Yes 

Facilities: Lifeguard  

Saltdean Beach and Lido 

We visit Margate regularly as a crew when the sun decides to show its face for long enough. The town has been through a regeneration-turned-gentrification sparked by the Turner Contemporary being built and new money hipsters trying to replicate what they saw happening across under-funded boroughs in London on the seaside. That’s brought many challenges for Margate's locals who either can’t get on the property ladder or simply don’t want to, rent is increasing and new homes aren’t being built. It means that for visitors like us, we get to see different communities working and living side by side…for now. Margate has two popular tidal pools. The first is just a few minutes walk from the train station and very much a part of the seaside fun that takes place on hot days, the pool is enclosed so as the tide retreats in the afternoon, there is still plenty of water nearby to get a few laps in. We prefer Walpole Bay pool, which is either a half hour walk from Margate station or a five minute drive. This pool has an all important beach entry and small beach area so tends to be much less busy than Margate’s pool. Expect refreshing water, kids crabbing and seasoned swimming vets all sharing the same space. We challenge you to spend a day there to see the pool appear and disappear as the tide comes in and out, there’s something beautiful about that natural process. Margate has a great food scene with plenty of variety, head to Sargasso for refreshing small plates, Angela’s for the best seafood you’ll ever eat, or their sister restaurant Dory’s for a more casual vibe but similar quality. 


Swim Level: Beginner 

Public Transport:  Yes 

Facilities: No 

Walpole Bay and Tidal Pool

We first visited Frensham Ponds in Farnham in 2021 as a part of us trying to find exciting places outside of London to Swim in and the ponds delivered on that many times over. Of all the places to swim for us, this one is filled with a sense of adventure as it's located in a green with huge trees and rich wildlife. Bring a packed lunch for the day and find a spot along the sand to make your home for the day. Frensham has very calm waters as it’s a lake and two designated swimming areas with a gradual increase in depth as you go further out. We think this is the perfect place to practise floating as it’s such a low pressure place to swim, you’ll most likely be surrounded by families enjoying the weather and water and definitely will not see any elite athletes swimming through the lake. When floating, the key is to remain calm, regulate your breathing and stretch your body out. As you head back to Farnham station, be sure to check out the Plough, it’s a lovely pub with live music most days and is run by a Black musician who also keeps chickens in the garden for delicious eggs. 

Swim Level: Beginner

Public Transport: No 

 Facilities: No 

Frensham Great Pond

Hampstead Heath is home to three swimming ponds, the Ladies, Mens and Mixed ponds are oases in hot summer days and fortresses of solitude in colder weather, with backdrops of comforting willow trees to sooth your inner self. We love to swim there knowing that you’re able to experience floating around on your back or swimming through slightly murky waters without having to leave the City, which is truly special. If Hampstead is too far north for you, consider coming with us down south to Beckenham Place Park for a dip. It’s one of the few ponds that has air filtration which helps to keep the water extra fresh too. You can even give paddle-boarding a try while there and head up to the grounds to see a movie at their outdoor cinema during the summer. 


Swim Level: Beginner 

Public Transport: Yes

 Facilities: Yes

Hampstead Ponds

Heated lidos are actually quite a luxury, while London holds a few of them, we won’t be focusing on them because we think there are so many benefits to having a relationship with cold water. The cold water brings a presence of thought and strengthens the connection between body and mind through the odd sensations you feel, it’s so hard to describe, that’s why you must try it for yourself! So don’t be afraid to go to south London's Brockwell Lido for a dip that will make you feel truly awake, followed by a munch at their amazing cafe. Or head to Tooting Bec Lido that will recreate swimming in the sea as the pool is nearly 100 metres long! Lastly, consider one of the most beautiful lidos in the UK, Parliament Hill Lido with it’s metallic basin (we thought this was done to heat the water up, but it was actually installed to reduce maintenance time as there are no tiles) which also boasts a cafe that has great falafel wraps and traditional breakfast scran. 

Swim Level: Beginner

Public Transport: Yes 

 Facilities: Yes 

London Cold Water Lidos 

Swim Dem Crew's Bodies of Water for Every Level

Tyler Henry

Mexico

Mexico City 

This is the type of place that makes me fall in love with Mexico City. Go here for a relaxed lunch of people watching and very delicious rural Mexican food based around heirloom corn they source, nixtamalize and grind in-house (as well as supplying many other restaurants in Mexico). Jesus, the owner and founding chef, is from the countryside in Guerrero and he cooks with pure soul. Many of the ingredients come directly from his farm or surrounding land in Guerrero. Jesus is one of the most influential people in the way I interact with food today. He is family to me – please tell him I sent you.

Expendio de Maiz Sin Nombre

This is my favourite. A more proper sit down restaurant in Mexico City. This was the first restaurant I cooked in in Mexico, and has a huge place in my heart.  Make a reservation for 3pm, preferably on a Thursday or Friday when they have live music, and go for a superbly long meal. It’s far, probably a 30-minute Uber from your Airbnb or hotel, and it’s in the middle of nowhere. It’s only open for lunch, but it's traditional Mexican dining at its absolute best, showcasing much of the diversity of the food of different Regions of Mexico, as well as ancient recipes. You’ll be surrounded by Mexican families, tourist couples, local chefs, Mexican businessmen, etc. Get lots of mezcal. Take your time sipping, relaxing and hanging before ordering your next item to eat. Ask questions about everything! Skip the bread service, and instead get more tortillas and use them for dipping, scooping, wrapping everything in sight into them. The mole dishes are my favourite on the menu, but the menu changes often and the waiters are great so just ask for suggestions.

Nicos

Painfully perfect Mexican breakfast cooked with love. Come here after a very late night partying (without sleeping), or wake up early and get here before 10am when most things begin to sell out. If you are a foodie, wake up early with a fat joint and go here.

Fonda Margarita 

So stoked on this recent opening from a very close friend, Chef Filipe Nives, and his partner Ramses from Berlin. They operated a badass restaurant together once upon a time in Berlin. Kind of all over the place on food, but I’d say elegant food meant for drinking with influence from Portugal – where Filipe is from – while also celebrating Japanese izakaya culture. The menu revolves around vegetables, but also great fried chicken. Extraordinary wine and drink selection. I love being here at the later end of the night – it feels like a back alley in NYC Chinatown. They often have events and pop-ups of sorts. An industry hang.

Imbiss

Thoughtful use of Mexican ingredients for excellent Italian food, housed in a stunning mansion. Classic institution. When you’re bored of Mexican food, this is a great place to have a more romantic dinner while still enjoying the local bounty, especially with an intimate friend or group of friends.

Rosetta

A spectacular, royal dining experience! This is royal Thai food in a gorgeous garden setting. Run by husband, wife and dear friends Somsri and Eleazar. They have done an extraordinary job creating an elegant dinner with authentic flavours – they grow many of the ingredients they cook with themselves (and I cook with!) on a farm in Hidalgo. I always leave a meal here impressed with their attention to detail and commitment to sharing authentic Thai culture with Mexico.

Galanga Thai

This is my restaurant! Come say hi. Choza is a Thai-influenced restaurant and listening bar. The vibe is for drinking cold beer, eating with your hands and sharing spicy food. Music is a priority, and there is a custom hi-fi system always grooving something psychedelic, global, funky, etc. – usually with someone selecting vinyls. You won’t find choza on Google. It’s walk-in only and only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, but the experience is made with a huge amount of love and deliciousness.

Choza

The Best Restaurants in CDMX 

Surf Ghana

Ghana

Accra

The kids go Trade Fair to learn skateboarding in a space that is secure and private but in the open street still. It is a fun and inclusive space and a coach is also available to give lessons and guides through the process of skateboarding for an easy ride.

Trade Fair

National Theatre is a mix of both Trade Fair and Mile 7 and it has a larger space to contain the gender mix. This year, as the skateboarding scene grew larger the National Theatre was voted the best place to meet all the skateboarding crews without hassles. You will not see any female skateboarder at Mile 7 but you will see them at the National Theatre because of how comfortable the environment is.

National Theatre

Only skateboarders with the shit can skate at Mile 7. It is the ghetto, under an overhead bridge. How can you be a poser and go to Mile 7? That is impossible. There is no coach, only thrashers. It is no man’s land and to skate there you must earn the respect of the hobos who have turned the space to their abode. It is the definition of skate or Die: You either skate well or your board will skid to the main road and get crushed by an oncoming vehicle. That is the end.

Mile 7

Palm Moments is the spanking new alternative restaurant that is on the lips of everyone in the creative community. A slight bamboo and plywood structure built at the pocket of 3rd Otswe Street, Ako Adjei. It is scarcely furnished with a sofa and some chairs barricaded by large outdoor plants. The space is minimal, intimate and can only sit a few group of friends, but the good energy and camaraderie are what makes all and sundry decide it is the best place, fluid to their creative taste, to powwow and get refreshed while at it. This year all roads led to Palm Moments.

As the sun goes over the horizon you see the crews trickling in, reacquainting, eating, drinking and sometimes dancing. It is also the best place to have a block party because out there the ever-growing crowd literally takes over the street.

Palm Moments

Alley Bars signature is their well-cooked and timely served meals! It is really a good bistro to eat at. A bonus, it is the place to be every Sunday for the best Afro-house party in Accra. It was created in a Cul-de-sac which means the roof goes on fire when the vibe is right and people start to dance, the vibrancy of the environment sustains the culture of Afro-house music in Accra pretty well.

Alley Bar

Purple Pub takes our number one vote of "The Peoples Bar". There is no rule to being at Purple Pub just like skateboarding culture, it is a public place. You make your own table, set your chairs and sit. If you cannot find any because the zone is packed, then you can stand or freestyle if that is what you feel like doing. It is the street literally so, anything goes. The main entertainment is the pool tables, the cold drinks and the Dj. The unique thing is that they have a kitchen open all night long with fried Chicken, rice and yam chips on the menu, which is always a tasty treat.

Purple Pub

Kozo is the hype for the best entrepreneurial minds in Accra. It is a well-lit outdoor and indoor premium restaurant and cocktail bar with a nice ambience. The staff are welcoming and available when you need anything and sometimes, at certain places in Accra, that can be too much to ask for. They are famous for their Asian-fusion meals and cabaret on Friday evenings.

Kozo

Front/Back is top-shelf service, we love to see it. To cut to the chase Front/Back serves the best cocktail and everyone should, while in Accra, go there and try it. Most trippers don't know this secret because they can't even get in; it is a membership-only lay-lowcation. For Front/Back, a guy who knows a guy will come in handy; they already know they have the best drinks in the house so bouncers are there to stop you from going in free to enjoy your life. The music is great, the ambience is a mix of serenity, disco frenzy and the beautiful, stylish and artistic personalities you meet in there will kick your tongue out.

Front/Back

Right beside the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is the famous Accra culture art centre. We love this place and visit it often because it is a vortex of artisans ranging from gold and silversmiths drum makers, woodcarvers, tailors, painters, bag makers and dealers of all sorts of African sculptures and textiles. To fulfil our appetite for customization and interior decoration we go to the culture centre. At a lonely corner is a vinyl collector with an amazing catalogue. On Major Laizer’s last trip to Accra he went there and could not believe his eyes, he went away with blessings.

Culture Art Centre

Most top cat chat happens at Nate Barbers Place and they are not called the Hairmasters for anything, they do what they have to do to get your hair styled as you want it done. Don't want to take it from us because we are just random skateboarders? Then ask Wizkid or R2bees and other known personalities that prefer Nate for hair grooming whenever they’re in Accra. The place is basically a celebrity barbershop with services that also caters to the young and stylish who wish to rock the best hairstyles, one thing though; it is strictly by appointment.

The Hair Masters (Nate Barber's Shop)

Blessed Beauty Salon is the favourite salon of bloggers and influencers in Accra. You can never catch us slipping with a weird hairdo, everything from dreadlocks, braids, high cornrows and ponytails we get it done at Blessed Beauty.

Blessed Beauty Salon

When the Video of Naomi Campbell going into Lokko House surfaced on Instagram everyone was like why Lokko House out of the entire trendy concept stores in Accra? Because Lokko House has been the backbone of alternative street art culture for a good number of years, giving the Accra creative scene a platform and space to showcase highbrow fashion and streetwear gears either through the Lokko House Concept store or through the warehouse where most photo and art exhibitions take place.

Lokko House 

The sunset show was a musical concert performed by Moses Sumney during the special viewing of James Barnor Retrospective exhibition at the brand new Nubuke Foundation art gallery, and that cemented Nubuke's idea to create an environment that supports youth inclusivity in the culture and arts sector. Literally, everyone in the creative industry was there to see the exhibition and start a dialogue about the direction Accra art industry is heading to. Nubuke Foundation is an artist’s art gallery because it leads the conversation of decolonisation, powered by a team of seasoned curators with a vibrant youthful support system. That is why we love it, we feel part of it.

Nubuke Foundation

Exploring Accra with Surf Ghana Collective

D3MOR

France

Paris

This is my favourite place to dig new sounds and refresh my ears! A lot of my all-time favourite music comes from this place!

Dizonord

Balades Sonores is an indie record store in the beautiful area of le 18eme next to Le Sacré Coeur monument. I love the small committee concerts they do! Also a lot of my vinyl collection comes from this place!