secret me

You’ll forget all about bikes and bitterballen as soon as you cross the threshold at Akitsu, one of the best Japanese restaurants in town. They have a broad menu of yakitori, sushi, warm dishes and more, and they do just about everything very, very well (including takeaway!). Though it’s not the most comfortable seat in the house, we love booking one of the traditional low tables. Shoes off, snacks on!

To be elegant but still stand out is a tough task, but Aimélie Guépin makes it infinitely easier. A skilled couturier and seamstress, Aimélie dreams up beautiful, timeless designs from her atelier in Oud-Zuid. Though we aren’t lucky enough to have a wardrobe comprised entirely of her designs, it’s our favourite spot for special pieces for special occasions.

Mombo Safari Lodge, set within the wildlife rich Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most exceptional safari destinations. Often called the Place of Plenty, the area offers extraordinary year round game viewing with frequent sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and vast herds of plains game right from camp. Recently rebuilt with understated elegance, Mombo combines a deep commitment to conservation with beautifully designed suites overlooking the floodplains where animals wander past almost constantly. For those seeking the purest safari experience, abundant wildlife, expert guiding and a lodge that balances luxury with purpose, Mombo remains in a league of its own.

Discover the perfect blend of fashion, art and nostalgia at Dries Van Noten's striking flagship store situated in the iconic building Het Modepaleis. Explore over 30 years of iconic designer wear by famous Belgian fashion designer Dries van Noten.

This multi-brand boutique delivers bold statements in light, colour and atmosphere and is located next to sister shop Princess. Sweeping lines and a monochrome décor provide a striking backdrop for designer collections from across the globe (The Attico, Jacques, Acne Studios, Taller Mario, Zimmerman and more). 

Graanmarkt 13 is a beautiful concept store with cutting edge fashion and home decor, as well as an award-winning restaurant. The restaurant sources local, high-quality and sustainable products to create exquisite dishes that reflect global culinary trends.

A cool cultural retreat from the muggy afternoon heat, situated in the picturesque old town in the former Château Grimaldi. It houses a small but significant selection of art & ceramics by Picasso who lived here in 1946 for six months, as well as a beautiful outdoor area with sculptures and striking views of the Mediterranean.

Classic Parisian Art Deco cafe on the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain has played host to everyone from Sartre to Picasso. One of the oldest coffee spots in Paris. Try to get a table next to the posh French ladies and sip on a glass of champagne, and get an omelette if you are hungry.