Tessa Duste

This charming bookshop on one of Amsterdam's sweetest and most romantic canals is a great place to scoop up non-fiction books. They carry books on a range of subjects from architecture to design and natural history.

Get ready to take a breath & relax, as this traditional healing massage parlour wants you to focus on energy flow & slowing down. Once you arrive at An Chi Massage Lounge, you’ll feel truly transported, as it is like no other place in Amsterdam we know. Their tailor-made treatments are inspired by different spiritual schools of thought (think Buddhism, Taoism & Confucianism), so choose what resonates with you most.

For all of the ‘broodjes’ we eat here in Amsterdam there are surprisingly few really fantastic bakeries. But fear not: there is one that we think may even be better than any Parisian boulangeries. Levain et le vin is a wonderful bakery & wine shop that sells gorgeous loaves of sourdough bread & exciting & unusual natural wines. Did we mention it’s adorable too?

As you might have noticed, you definitely won’t struggle to find a lovely place to tuck in at night in the Grachtengordel. But despite the fact that there are so many great options, The Hoxton still stands out. This hip, clubby hotel is perched in an enviable spot on the Herengracht and is affordable compared to other hotels in the area. If you’re looking for something that’s both cosy and trendy, look no further.

If you are itching to feel like a true local & not your run of the mill tourist checking in at a big, anonymous hotel, we strongly urge you to book one of the two suites at the intimate, charming Villa Nicola. The whole place oozes style & grandeur, which is a perfect complement to the lovely, leafy part of De Pijp it’s tucked away in.

A good facial is a transformative experience, but there’s only so much a good cleanse and a great cream can do. For something a little deeper, a little more rejuvenating, book an appointment at Medical Laser Center on the Cornelis Schuytstraat. Though everyone on staff is talented and professional, we always book our botox with Leonie and laser treatments with Tanja.

Located a mighty 3,600 metres above sea level close to the mysterious Incan ruins at Moray in the Sacred Valley, it takes a little effort to visit the second Peruvian restaurant of Virgilio Martínez. Mil is an Andean microcosm of Lima’s iconic Central. But instead of using ingredients from across the nation, it strictly sources from the ecosystem surrounding the restaurant. Anthropologists on staff foster relations with tight-knit indigenous communities and together they plant, nurture and harvest sustainable tuber crops, maize, legumes, cacao and Andean herbs, as well as care for a small on-site orchard. Guest can also visit Mil’s tiny cacao lab then enjoy its fruits for dessert.