Ask any Londoner where they head for a beach break and it’ll be Brighton. The capital of kitsch is just 1.5 hours away from London, and the ideal place to trade the city for some sea air. 

There’s also a proud green focus here – Brighton often wins award for its eco-credentials, thanks to its beach cleaning initiatives, thriving vegan scene, no-waste restaurants and pioneering politicians. The LGBTQ+ community has played a huge part in putting Brighton on the map – Pride celebrations here are considered the best in the UK. Britney has previously headlined, so, it’s worth planning your trip to coincide.  

As much as we love the buzz of Brighton, our best tip is this: for quieter beaches, take a 10-minute train ride, or walk along the seafront to Hove. You can thank us later. 

Where to stay in Brighton

Drakes Hotel

Located right on the seafront, this townhouse is as quintessentially English as they come and loved by Cate Blanchett, Kylie Minogue and Woody Allen. If you can, book the circular room with couple-sized bath overlooking Brighton Pier. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a postcard. Don’t miss the Drakes Viper cocktail before perusing the Modern British menu. 

Artist Residence

Above Regency Square, this bohemian Artist Residence was the first of the boutique brand. The ping-pong in the basement tells us that the crowd is younger and perhaps more sociable than other hotels in the city. Decorated by artists, rooms are curated for creative eyes and filled with antiques. Don’t forget that breakfast is served until midday – these guys know what they’re doing. 

Harbour Hotel

The real pull for this hotel is the underground spa. Built within the exposed bricks of the old smugglers’ tunnel, you’ll find six treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Scandinavian hot tubs, a hydrotherapy pool, and gym. There are plenty of seaview rooms to choose from and Harby’s bar offers a relaxed setting for drinks and dinner. 

Where to eat in Brighton

Little Fish Market

Looking for sustainable seafood? This place should be your go-to. The tasting menu includes six courses, featuring dishes like hand-dived scallops, mussel curry with apple, and gigha halibut. Definitely add the wine pairing.

Marmalade

This restaurant serves a short but delicious menu, from Thursday to Saturday evenings. The rest of the week, check out their concept store just a stone’s throw away, which serves coffee, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and is a great place to stock up on luxe local provisions. There are also a couple of outdoor tables, perfect to sit for 10 minutes, while you drink your flat white in the sun. 

Isaac At

Practicing ‘farm-to-table’ perfection, every ingredient is sourced from a local supplier on a daily basis. Isaac At also claim to be the only restaurant in the UK to offer an all-English wine list. And we particularly love their inventive desserts. 

Where to drink in Brighton

Plateau

Plateau focus on ethical farming, sustainability and organic wines. Their friendly staff ensure the wine tastings are accessible, even for non-experts. Offering a choice of around 20 wines a day, the list is updated regularly, too. 

The Gin Tub

This bar hit the headlines a few years back by banning phones. Whether you’re for or against the idea, the lack of technology means you can focus on present company and enjoy the fantastic cocktails. Their Happy Hour works out as extremely good value. 

The Mesmerist Pub

One for the beer drinkers in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, this pub spans three floors so you should find space, even when it’s busy. Saturdays draw in the crowds ready for a night of dancing, while on Sundays, they’ll be serving up classic roasts.

Where to dance 

Number 32 Duke Street

Here you have all three: a restaurant, bar and nightclub. From 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, the tables are cleared and the DJs set up their decks. Expect RnB, hip-hop and pop classics. 

The Haunt

Expect a lot of themed music nights at The Haunt, from ‘80s Party’ to ‘SH*T POP’. Entry costs just £3 and in the past they have hosted British bands, such as Hot Chip, The XX and Wild Beasts. 

Casablanca Jazz Club

Locals love this spot for a no-fuss live music experience, and warm welcome from the staff. Don’t expect anything fancy – this place is founded upon grit, good stories and classic Brighton charm. 

Where to shop

Workshop

Don’t leave the UK without trying seaweed beauty brand Haeckels. This shop stocks a whole bunch alongside Grown Alchemist, Tangent and plenty more. 

Wolf and Gypsy

Brighton is a haven for thrift shopping. You could spend hours in Wolf & Gypsy, sifting through one-off treasures. Don’t rush it. 

Resident

Vinyls are slim and can slide nicely into your case. So, go crazy at Resident: the best record shop in Brighton. 

Dowse Design

Dowse Design is the store for present buying – from jewelry to art prints and ceramics. 

What to do in Brighton

Time for a cliché: let’s talk about the British weather.

If it’s sunny, head to Pavilion Gardens, walk down the coast, hop between shops in North Laine. And, we’d highly recommend a street art tour with street artist REQ and Enter Gallery (bookable via Eventbrite). 

If rain persists, cheer yourself up with treats and arcade games at the Pier then take shelter in The British Airways i360, which presents the best panoramic views whatever the weather. 

Quick hit of culture 

The ocean is always a huge inspiration for artists, so it’s no surprise that Brighton has some great galleries and museums. 

Start with Brighton Museum for photography or LGBTQ+ themed work. Two Kats and a Cow is a smaller option, launched by three painters. Finally, Fabrica is all about new contemporary work, based in a former Regency church building. 

The train back to London with likely take you via Clapham, so, here are five things to do while you’re there.

Austin has been on our radar for a while now. Though big name festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest call the city home, they aren’t even close to the only reason we love making the trip. With great music seven days a week, excellent restaurants (and food trucks), and more outdoor activities than we can count, it’s hard not to find something you’ll love here, too.

Given all of the above, not to mention the University of Texas campus in the middle of town, Austin is a real hub for creativity and innovation. The city’s young professional population is on the rise, and in turn, they’ve brought new indie coffee shops, fashion stores, restaurants, and more. Brands like Outdoor Voices have moved their headquarters down south, emerging chefs like Zach Hunter have made Texas their base, and boutique hotel groups such as Bunkhouse have decided to expand here.

Yet, despite the influx of new blood, none of the quirk we love so much about the city has been lost. You’ll find the best of both worlds in Austin. Below are just a few of our favorite spots.

Where to stay in Austin

Hotel Saint Cecilia

This 14-room boutique hotel is located in the South Congress neighborhood of Austin. A bit more secluded than the rest of the hotels on this list, Saint Cecilia sits with lush grounds that give a true sense of privacy. Named after the patron saint of music and poetry, there’s a subtle a sense of rock n’ roll. Oh, and that iconic neon “SOUL” sign overlooking a beautiful pool you’ve probably seen photos of? You’ll find that here, too. 

The LINE Hotel

The LINE’s third property in Austin is much like the DC and LA experience, in that it is shaped by the city it’s built in. Housed in an old jazz club, The LINE pays homage to the creative history of the building and Austin itself. Rooms overlook Lady Bird Lake and come complete with local art. If you can find any time to rest during your trip, definitely spend a few hours by their gorgeous pool. 

Hotel San José

Behind stucco walls on South Congress Avenue, you’ll find Hotel San José. The modern design, with minimalist concrete accents, feels harmonious with the gardens and courtyard. While the pool is surrounded by bright couches and pillows – always photoshoot ready. In fact, it is almost too pretty to leave; luckily the cocktails are great, so it’s no chore to stay.

Heywood Hotel

Heywood Hotel is located in the east Austin area, probably one of the hottest neighborhoods in town. With only seven guest rooms, you can expect impeccably personalized service.  Grab a bike to explore the neighborhood (or for a quick ride downtown); or enjoy the digital nomad life as you work through your inbox in the sunny courtyard.

Where to eat in Austin

Dai Due

A former farmers market stand and supper club, Dai Due’s bricks-and-mortar location gives a true taste of Texas. Expect hyper-locally sourced meat and rich recipes that are typical of the state, and deliciously done. 

Sour Duck Market

From the owners of upscale restaurant Odd Duck (which you should also go to), this all-day eatery/market/bar in Eastside is a wonderfully laidback alternative. It is the perfect place to grab a beer, wine, or cocktail and a few small plates with friends, gathered around the outdoor picnic tables.

Kemuri Tatsu-Ya

For those visiting from New York, LA, or anywhere else that claims to have the best ramen around – get ready. This place, along with its sister restaurant Ramen Tatsu-Ya, serves some of the best. As well as great noodles, Kemuri is also known for its “Texas Izakaya”, a hybrid of Texas BBQ goodness and Japanese ramen goodness. It’s all very, very good. 

Saigon Le Vendeur

Austin has exceptionally good Vietnamese food, and this spot serves our favorite banh mi in town, out of an old shipping container – which only adds to the whole experience.

Veracruz Tacos

Veracruz is worth the hype and you should go to any or all of their locations. Our favorite is the one near Radio Coffee & Beer or around Mueller’s Farmers Market. Get the Migas Poblanas and have your life be changed forever. 

Where to drink

Kitty Cohen’s

Kitty Cohen’s is a Palm Springs-inspired patio bar, where you can get punches and other tiki drinks and probably be the happiest version of yourself. They have a small pool in the middle of the outdoor area, which you can dip into if you want.

P6

On the rooftop of the LINE hotel, this cocktail bar serves serious booze and even more serious views. The drinks aren’t cheap, but they are delicious, and it would be a challenge to find a better place to watch the sun go down. 

Techo Mezcaleria

This tiny mezcal bar sits at the top of a restaurant in the east Austin neighborhood. There’s an extensive selection of mezcal, a dark wooden bar and romantic interior, plus an outdoor patio if you’re in a bigger group. 

Where to dance

Barbarella

If you’re looking for a club experience that still fits with the Austin culture, come to Barbarella. Each night of the week is themed (60s, 70s, 80s, electronic, etc.), so there is truly something for everyone. 

The White Horse

If you’re looking to dance to live music (usually honky-tonk) and want to get your two-step on, there’s nowhere better than this Eastside staple. The live bands change depending on the night, but you are pretty much guaranteed a great time seven days a week. 

Cheer Up Charlies

Cheer Up Charlies is a queer-friendly bar made for everyone. Housed in what looks like a lodge, there’s a great patio and even better music. They have dance parties, live bands, art shows, and beyond. Plus, kombucha on tap, if you don’t fancy a beer. 

Where to shop in Austin

STAG Provisions for Men

One of our favorite men’s stores on South Congress. They have some vintage, a ton of new, cool brands, and super friendly staff.

Esby Apparel

We love Esby Apparel for the classic cuts and clean lines – think menswear for women. It’s a sustainable brand that values minimalism and makes those pieces that you can wear on repeat.

Mueller’s Farmers Market

One of our favorite farmers markets in Austin. Right next to a man-made lake, come here for great produce vendors, packaged goods, games, and food trucks. 

ByGeorge

One of Austin’s most upscale stores, ByGeorge has high-end designers and high-quality brands you might not have heard of (yet). Their jewelry section is second to none. If you’re looking to drop some cash on some seriously beautiful items, this is your spot.

Feathers

Austin has really good vintage shopping (Charm School Vintage, Room Service Vintage, Blue Velvet, etc). If you just go to one, make it Feathers, for a more curated selection. There won’t be piles of clothes here – the store reads more like a boutique, but you will find great denim, hats, and amazing one-of-a-kind pieces (we found a floor-length denim jacket and couldn’t be happier).

Take Heart

The selection at Take Heart is perfectly curated and the place to go for a gift, or just to browse every shelf. We love their minimalist pottery, Japanese goods, jewelry, and candles.

What to do in Austin

Barton Springs Pool

This is Austin’s favorite watering hole. Fed entirely by natural springs, it’s a man made pool in the middle of Zilker Park, and the perfect place to cool off during the warmer months in Austin. 

Wild Basin Preserve

With 227 acres of hiking trails, Wild Basin Preserve is a great and totally accessible outdoor excursion. There is a clear map at the entrance that allows you to map your route, so you can decide to make it a challenging hike or an easy meander.  

Jester King Brewery

With beautiful views, outdoor games, and great pizza, you could easily spend an entire day here. Their year-round and special-edition beers are fantastic, but what we love more is the property. The farmhouse sits in Texas Hill Country and makes you feel like you could be much further than 30 minutes west of Austin.

Where to work

Thunderbird Coffee

This place serves our favorite coffee in Austin (a bold claim), but we are putting it on our “Where to work” list because of the big communal tables, large outdoor space, and private high tops. Plus, their baked goods and drinks are worth working your way through. Pro tip: if you buy a bag of beans to take home (which you should), you get a free drink. 

The pool at Hotel Saint Cecilia

You’re in Austin, where the weather is pretty warm most of the year. If you aren’t taking advantage of that while you are penning emails, closing deals, or editing copy – then, let this be your prompt. Head to the pool at Saint Cecilia for prime sunshine and privacy.

Austin Public Library

The Austin Public Library is an architectural gem inside and out, and happens to have a fantastic restaurant. It’s downtown and the perfect place to come to plug-in. 

Where to get coffee in Austin

Juiceland

This Austin-based chain makes really good smoothies and healthy snacks, alongside the coffee. We love the location near Deep Eddy.

Seventh Flag Coffee

One of our favorite coffee shops in south Austin. It’s spacious and comfy, which makes sense because it was once a home. We love the minimalist design and the coffee is well brewed.

Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors

Insider Margot Boyer-Dry calls Figure 8 the best cup of coffee she’s had, hands down. Started by two Austin natives, Figure 8 is a small local coffee shop with reclaimed wood tables and its own roasted beans – delicious. As they say, it’s: “Worth the (ever increasing) Drive on 35”.

Where to get your hits of culture

Two-Step at Broken Spoke

Broken Spokes is a legendary dance hall and music museum. Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton have both played here. Need we say more? Come here to two-step any day of the week. Dancing isn’t mandatory, but it’s hard to resist once you’re there.

Live Music

Continental Club, Cheer-up Charlies, Mohawk, Scoot Inn, C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. We could keep going for the entirety of this article, but you get the picture. Austin is a great place to see music. Whether it’s during Austin City Limits and SXSW or long after the festivals have departed, this town hosts a range of great artists on a nightly basis.

Blanton Museum of Art

On the UT campus, this is far beyond a traditional college art museum. With permanent collections and exhibitions that come through, it’s a must visit in Austin. We love taking time out in the peaceful courtyard to wind down from the buzz of the city, and there’s also a great cafe. 

Where to work out in Austin

Practice Yoga

We love this no-frills Eastside studio and every teacher we have had has been great. They categorize themselves as “absurdly high-quality donation-based yoga” and we couldn’t agree more.

CorePower Yoga

We know this isn’t necessarily a “hyper-local” suggestion, but CorePower Yoga does the trick and we do love the Austin location. When you just need to sweat it, CorePower has you covered.

Bike or run along Ann & Roy Butler Path

Austin boasts some of the most beautiful city greens we could ask for, so it’s worth taking the workout outside. Ann & Roy Butler Path is the trail that runs along Lady Bird Lake, and it’s the perfect place for a bike ride or a jog. Our suggestion? Jog along the trail to Deep Eddy, and then take a dip.

 

We could walk every arrondissement 100 times and still discover new things to love about Paris. From sipping coffee with a croissant at a sidewalk cafe, to running through the rain along the Seine, to tiny glasses of house red – Paris is where your idyllic image (allow us a little cliché here) of what the city could be actually matches its reality.

Though people think of Paris as a place for the sophisticated and fashionable (and let’s be real, everyone who lives there seems to have that cool edge), there’s something for everyone.

We figure you’ve already got The Louvre and a few of the top restaurants on your list. In an effort to add some lesser known gems, and pay homage to the places we love most, check out our guide to Paris, below.

Where to stay in Paris

The Hoxton Paris

Yes, you will find a Hoxton on our list of “Where to stay” in any city that has one – and with good reason. Their Paris outpost is housed in an 18th century hôtel particulier and is their largest (and arguably most beautiful) hotel. Many of the furnishings come from French designers and you can choose from the Shoebox-sized room, through to the Biggy. We recommend asking for one on the top floor, as they have striking views of the Eiffel Tower. With the Rivié restaurant serving classic French fair and Jacques’ Bar making great cocktails, you really don’t need to go anywhere else.

Le Pigalle

This might be the sexiest hotel in Paris. With in-room bathtubs, views of the city, and eclectic artwork – it’s definitely a spot to book if you are going away with someone special. As much as we love the rooms, our favorite thing about this hotel is that the good time comes to you. Their ground floor not only has a vinyl record library, they also have DJs here on a weekly basis.

Grands Boulevards

Experimental Group (the guys behind Experimental Cocktail Club), took a step into the hotel business and opened one in both London and Paris. Built in an 18th-century townhouse and boasting 50 rooms that are designed with rich fabrics and playful details, we would crown the Grands Boulevards the chicest of Experimental’s hotels.

Grand Amour

This is the older sibling to Amour (a 3-star hotel which is also worth staying at). This place serves retro Hollywood vibes, with a Parisian spin. We stay at this place as much for the courtyard bar and the great restaurant as we do for the eclectic rooms.

Where to eat in Paris

Chez Janou

This restaurant is loved by locals and tourists alike. The food is good, the vibe is better, and their chocolate mousse (which is literally bottomless) is the best.

Chateaubriand

Don’t come to Chateaubriand if you are a control freak. This distinctly French restaurant has one of the best and most affordable tasting menus we’ve come across – but you don’t get a choice. Truth be told, that’s fine with us because everything that comes out of the kitchen is great.

Le Stresa

Though it’s a bit scene-y and may not be your first pick if you are trying to go to authentic Parisian places, you can’t deny that La Stresa is good fun. Pasta, velvet chairs, and ornate mirrors set the scene. 

Pamela Popo

This restaurant is named after a Serge Gainsbourg song. Need we say more? Decked out in vintage wallpaper, Pamela Popo will take you right back to the 50s and 60s. It’s classic French food; and a lovely place to sit and linger when it’s warm outside.

Where to drink

Le Comptoir Général

Along Canal Saint Martin is one of our favorite multi-use bars in Paris. This Franco-African themed space looks like a converted warehouse loft, with mismatched chairs and vintage finds hanging on the walls. Come here for drinks and great tunes in the evening, and return the next morning for coffee.

Le Perchoir

Our favorite rooftop bar in Paris. Come here for a sunset drink (or three) and make sure to dress well, it’s a stylish crowd.

Hero

Hero is a Korean-inspired restaurant on rue Saint Denis, and while the food is great, the cocktails are even better. It’s dark and sexy, with a mix of hip-hop and K-pop in the background.

Le Dépanneur

Great cocktails in a cozy-chic space (that’s also a restaurant if you’re hungry). It’s in the increasingly hip Pigalle neighborhood, so a good place to start your evening or meet for a date (you are in Paris after all).

Le Syndicat

Behind a seemingly closed storefront you’ll find Le Syndicat. This bar specializes in unusual cocktails and is bringing back old-school French spirits.

What to do in Paris

Marche des Enfants Rouges

An indoor market with tons of stalls that carry fresh produce, prepared food, and more. It’s a great place to stop for lunch.

Picnic on the Seine

There are few better experiences in Paris than buying a baguette, a bottle of wine, and great cheese to bring to the banks of the river. 

Institut Suédois

This gallery explores the history of artistic exchanges between France and Sweden, and frequently has exhibits by young creatives and artists.

Canal Saint Martin

Truly one of the most picturesque and romantic spots in a very photogenic city. It’s more tranquil than the other sites along the Seine and is close enough to the Marais to swing by on a whim.

Piscine Molitor

Hotel Molitor’s iconic pool is very Wes Anderson, and ideal to cool off in the warmer months.  

Where to shop in Paris

Merci

That little red car you’ve seen all over the internet? It’s parked in front of Paris’s favorite concept shop, Merci. This multi-floored, high-end general store has home goods, clothing, second-hand books, gifts, furniture, a flower shop and a cafe. Everything you could possibly wish for.

Ami

The St. Germain location of this super-cool men’s brand is the only place you’ll find its women’s capsule collection – we are dedicated fans of the blazers.

Thanx God I’m A V.I.P.

This is the best secondhand vintage shop in the area (although it’s worth exploring the others, too). The collection is well curated and organized by color. We have found some real gems.

Shakespeare & Co

An iconic bookstore you may have heard of, always worth a visit for that magical feeling that good book shops inspire.

Where to dance

Rosa Bonheur

In the middle of Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, this gay bar is a great daytime or sunset spot. And once the sun goes down, it can turn into a serious dance party. Bring your best moves.

Lulu White Drinking Club

Once you walk through the unmarked door in Pigalle, you’ll find live jazz and a bar that specializes in New Orleans-style cocktails. The crowd gets rowdy in the best possible way and this is definitely a place you can dance all night.

Andy Wahloo

With great tunes, neon lights, and a Moroccan-themed bar, this place creates some of our favorite cocktails in Paris. Eat at Derrière, which is a restaurant by the same owner, ahead of dancing.

Where to get coffee in Paris

Le Loir Dans la Théière

Truly some of the best pastries you will have in Paris. Come here for a tea break or lunch, or both. 

Ten Belles

One of the city’s first specialty coffee shops, similar to those you find in NYC, this cafe has a strong brew and not a lot of space. Get a takeaway and sip as you stroll.

Télescope

Popular with the fashion crowd, Télescope offers great coffee, an amazing tea selection. You can’t bring your laptop, which makes it all the better for reading, writing, or people watching.

Jardin des Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg

Sitting in one of these parks and watching Paris live its life while you drink your coffee is a joy. Take a picnic, take your children, take yourself and soak it all up before heading on to one of the nearby museums or galleries.

Where to get a hit of Parisian culture

Jeu de Paume

Assuming Musée de l’Orangerie is already on your list, we highly encourage a pit stop at this museum, too. It’s dedicated to photography, and located on the edge of the Tuileries gardens, just a short walk from Monet’s waterlilies. 

Musée Rodin

Once the workshop of the famed sculptor, the Hôtel Biron and its gardens are now a museum dedicated to Rodin’s work and the collection of art he kept. You can visit his studio in central Paris, as well as his home just outside the city. We recommend doing both.

Palais de Tokyo

One of the largest contemporary art centers in Europe, Palais de Tokyo sits beside the Musée d’Art Moderne, sharing a courtyard. With a focus on emerging and established artists from around the world, expect new works from some of recent history’s best talent. Though it may not be one of your first stops in Paris, it’s a refreshing change from the old classics.

Père Lachaise Cemetery

If it were possible to have a dinner party with the dead, you would definitely want to come to the largest cemetery in Paris for the best company. Gertrude Stein, Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and Édith Piaf are all buried here. 

Where to work remotely in Paris

Hubsy

This is more like a co-working space than a coffee shop. You pay based on the hour and get free drinks and snacks while you’re there. Conveniently located in the 3rd, you’ll find fast wifi and plenty of outlets.

Gaîté Lyrique

This large concept space is completely free to the public. It hosts cultural programming and events, and has coffee shops and bars on each floor. Make yourself at home, stay as long as you like, and check out any exhibitions or shows while you’re there.

For more inspiration, check out A Guide to Paris, by Social Country Lead at Amazon Prime Video France, Juliette Premmereur.

Marina Mularz is a writer living in Hollywood (in the heart of Thai Town), with an enviable job in product, editorial and writing innovation for Netflix. She has also published a collection of short stories, Welcome to Freedom Point, which is funny, honest, relatable and won Marina the New American Fiction Prize in 2019. Marina loves to travel, especially in and around California – you’ll catch her on the scenic coastal train heading down to San Diego, or darting up to Silicon Valley several a month.

Read on for Marina‘s guide to Los Angeles.

What do you love most about living in Los Angeles?

Never running out of things to try. There is always a new restaurant, a new museum exhibit, a new hike I’ve never taken (with so many new trail dogs to pet). Los Angeles is the ultimate running list of a city.

What is your favorite part of Los Angeles? 

I am a Los Feliz/East Hollywood fan for life. I love the energy, the artistry, the history and the access to serene spaces like Barnsdall Art Park. 

The best coffee shop in LA?

Bolt EaHo gets my bid because they have the kindest staff, the coolest space and they make homemade Twix bars

Your favorite Los Angeles restaurant? 

Lala’s. I’ve eaten nearly everything on the menu, tried every location and it always delivers on quality food and quality company. If I could, I’d marry the milanesa.

The best thing to do in LA?

I’m a small business super fan and shopping for stationary (The Social Type) and unique accessories (Burro) is my kind of way to spend a day. I’ve also fallen in love with is satin jackets and Tuesday of California is an incredible local designer.  

Where would you love to work in LA?

Disneyland! For real. I might be the only person in history to measure productivity between corn dogs, but I have an Annual Pass and I feel inspired every time I am there. I’ve done more writing sitting on Disneyland benches than I have at any desk. 

Your go-to Los Angeles bar or nightclub? 

I am a non-drinker, so I give extra points to any bar that does a great mocktail. That said, Harvard & Stone and The Edison both deliver on inclusive, unique experiences.

And of course, your favorite LA bookshop? 

My heart belongs to Vroman’s of Pasadena. It’s well worth the drive and they also champion a lot of local literary journals and short fiction collections (which are often hard to find on the shelves!)

OK, we’re in Los Angeles for a work trip, and want a hotel where we can get stuff done and have a fun stay – any shouts? 

For the tried-and-true experience, go Kimpton Everly. My out-of-town colleagues love it, and I love it, too, because it’s the perfect flavor of contemporary comfort. For more adventurous spirits, go with the boutique experience of Hotel Covell. It’s got great writerly energy and a bustling bar.

Read on for our guides to LA West-Side and LA Mid-City.

Milos is what we wished Mykonos was like on a good day. It’s the lesser known Greek island with better beaches, better food, and way less tourists. Not insinuating that we don’t like a good visit to the party island – but if Mykonos was Beyonce, Milos would be Solange. You get what we are saying.

As warm-weather destinations go, Greece is always top of our list. And Milos does that quintessential white-washed houses and clear waters vibe like no other. Unlike Santorini, Crete, or any of the more popular islands, Milos is home to 72 incredible beaches and – we’d argue – a more interesting history (the statue of Aphrodite, now in the Louvre, was discovered here).

Make sure you hire a car, too – the towns of Adamas, Pollonia, Plaka, Klima, and Mondrakia are all worth exploring. Read on for our guide to the beautiful Greek island of Milos.

Where to stay in Milos

Skinopi Lodge

High in the hills, you’ll find three discreet villas overlooking the bay. Constructed in modern glass and stone, they look like something out of Architectural Digest – a stark contrast to the more traditional buildings in Adamas and Pollonia. If you are seeking top design, attention to detail, and perfect seclusion, this is the place.

Kostantakis Winery & Residence

These well-designed rooms sit within a beautiful vineyard, the next best thing to being next to the water. It’s a small boutique hotel, so everything feels personal. And, of course, the wine cellars are amazing here.

Salt Hotel

Located near Pollonia, Salt is all of our white-washed Grecian dreams come true. Only 1.5 miles from Papafragas beach, the location is pretty hard to beat. Some rooms come with jacuzzis on the decks, others with a patio overlooking the bay. Either way, bliss.

Where to eat in Milos

To Kyma

Though it isn’t technically on Milos, the short boat ride to Kimolos is worth it for this simple seaside taverna. Despite the fact that it takes pride in the no-frills atmosphere, it’s known to host the same celebrities as some of the best restaurants in NYC, London or Paris (the likes of Brad Pitt, Keira Knightly et al are regulars when vacationing in the Greek islands). Order the octopus and a variety of salads.

O Xamos

Set in a charming garden, this old-school restaurant is where you go when you want home-cooked Greek food. They are famous for their grilled meats, and with good reason. Make sure to get a side of grilled halloumi, too.

Medousa

This is our favorite restaurant on the island. Arrive a little early, put your name on the list for a table (ask for one overlooking the sea), and go check out Mandrakia beach while you wait (it’s usually not too long). Serving the best seafood, make sure to order the octopus and a full bottle of white wine. Note: don’t mind the cats roaming around, it’s all part of the atmosphere.

Where to drink

Utopia Cafe

For the best sunset views and decent cocktails, head to Utopia. It’s in the hillside town of Plaka – which is lovely for a wander around the little shops. And, check ahead if you can, as opening hours are unpredictable and it’s a summer-only place.

Kri Kri

Also located in Plaka, Kri Kri doesn’t serve the best drinks we’ve ever had, but it’s nice to stop at before or after dinner and the garden area is adorable.

Kostantakis Winery

Have you tried Greek wine yet? Now’s your chance. Come here for a full tasting or just a glass, and walk the grounds while you drink to really soak up the terroir.

Where to get coffee in Milos

Palaios Pastry

As a counterpoint to all the delicious Greek mezze that Milos has to offer, head to Palaios Pastry. Everything in the shop is homemade, and they offer a variety of traditional Greek desserts.

Alesta

This unfussy little coffee shop in Pollonia is wonderful for people watching and a world away from the ‘coffee culture’ spots you might be used to in London, LA, Berlin and the like. Closed for the winter season, it reopens come spring.

What to do in Milos

Firiplaka Beach

Firiplaka is the idyllic sandy beach we all imagine when we think of Greece. Backed by pink-hued cliffs that make for an incredible contrast to the bright blue ocean, you can rent a cabana, a lounge chair or, head down to the ‘clothing optional’ zone and embrace the freedom.

Kleftiko Caves

Milos was once an island where pirates took shelter after looting ships, and the Kleftiko Caves were some of their favorite places to hide. You’ll need to take a boat to see the caves (check the weather ahead, as they don’t go out if it’s too windy), but it’s 100% worth the trip. We recommend Oneiro tours, who cater to small groups and tailor a more personalized experience.

Tsigrado Beach

Tsigrado is tucked away near Firiplaka, so it’s ideal for a beach-hopping day on the southern part of the island. Prepare for a steep descent down to the sand, but once navigated, it’s a gorgeous sandy cove to spend the afternoon.

Sarakíniko Beach

By far one of the most famous spots in Milos, Sarakiniko is the moonscape beach that you might recognise from photos. White volcanic rocks line the shallow waters, and make for amazing structures to jump off and sunbath on. 

Firopotamos Beach

Backed by classic fisherman’s houses, this isn’t a secluded cove, rather a beach to take in the local culture. You’ll be in good company, with Greek tourists getting their dose of Vitamin D on the sand. 

Where to get your hit of culture

Venetian Castle

Built in the 13th century, the well-preserved Venetian Castle is located on the highest peak of the island. Definitely come here for some of the best sunset (or sunrise) views in Milos. 

Klima Village

One of, if not the most picturesque village in Milos. An old fishing town that still operates, the houses here are carved into the white rock, and famous for their colorful “boat garage” doors. This is another great place to catch a sunset.

Catacombs

Dating back to between the 1st and 5th centuries, these are the only Christian catacombs in Greece. They are incredibly well preserved and offer a welcome break from the heat of the sun.