29 September 2025
This year I’m doing a vinyasa yoga teacher training because I want to know absolutely everything about yoga, meditation, and Buddhism. Last week we had a full-time training week in Amsterdam. I won’t tell you about the training itself – that deserves a separate post – but I will share about my morning walk to the studio, during which I came across some really nice spots.
I’ll also tell you about the lovely apartment I rented from a Petite Passport reader that’s listed on Airbnb (perfect for solo female travellers). Plus, I tried a fantastic restaurant in The Hague. And of course, I’ll update you on lots of new discoveries: from an iconic concept store hosting a pop-up in Paris to the work of an amazing Swedish-Iraqi designer. I’ll also reveal from which island I’ll be reporting this week. Let’s go!
As mentioned, I rented a cozy apartment in Amsterdam-West, and it was a 30-minute walk to De Nieuwe Yogaschool, where I’m doing my training. Along the way, I came across some really great spots I’d love to share with you.
For instance, Bakkerij Louf has a new location in West, much quieter than the one on Bilderdijkstraat. Around the corner is Café Beurre, the favorite restaurant of Yann Pierre-Jean, owner of Saint-Jean (read his recent interview we featured on Petite Passport here). A little further along, you’ll find Villa, a newly opened contemporary art space in Westerpark.
Strolling through the Jordaan also offers plenty of gems. I stumbled upon Nu Delicatessen for a tasty pit stop, and on Rozengracht you can order the most delicious chocolate chip cookies at Bakkerij Wolf. Don’t forget to also stop by Studio Henk’s store.
The apartment I rented was parallel to Westerpark. It’s small but has everything you need to feel at home: a good bed, a nice kitchen and sofa, and above all, lots of peace and quiet. After a full training day, it felt wonderful to return to such a calm environment.
In The Hague, just before summer, Onda opened – a restaurant with a strong focus on the listening bar concept. Onda means ‘Wave’ in Spanish, and since one of the three owners is from Argentina, he loved that the name could stand for both a sound wave and the wave of a good vibe. And that vibe was definitely there Saturday night. The food was amazing: the kingfish crudo was a highlight, as was the beef tartare and the chocolate hazelnut dessert. Later in the evening, a DJ plays some tunes.
This past week, I’ve added the following spots to the site:
A new café from the owners of Rosa et Al Townhouse in Porto
A lovely new hotel in Pigalle, Paris
But I’ve spotted more things this week:
The Broken Arm in Paris collaborated with Salomon, resulting in a hiking shoe inspired by shepherds. Definitely makes me want to book a trip to Scotland or the Dolomites.
In Paris this week (until October 9), you can visit a revival of the world-famous concept store Colette at the Grand Palais. It coincides with Fashion Week and the Virgil Abloh exhibition. Expect unique creations from the late designer (who passed in 2021) and from those who worked with him.
In Madrid, I’d love to check out Norah, a Mediterranean restaurant.
COS has launched an incredible pop-up in Seoul.
This Wednesday, St. John – the legendary London restaurant – is opening a café next to the London Review Bookstore in Bloomsbury.
Last Saturday, the exhibition Kind of Blue opened at Bisou Gallery in Amsterdam. Highly recommended if you’re inspired by the color blue and founder Julien’s refined art selection.
Also last Saturday, the Iris van Herpen exhibition opened at the Kunsthal in Rotterdam.
Typeo Gallery, known for Typeo Loft in Skåne, Sweden, is now showing the work of Swedish-Iraqi designer Sizar Alexis. Not cheap, but true dream pieces worth saving up for.
I’ll be taking you along to the Greek islands of Crete (this week) and Santorini (next week). The Greek hotel group Domes (yes, of Domes Zeen Chania) invited me to create an exclusive guide for their hotel guests. I’ll be scouting and photographing the best restaurants and shops, as well as the most beautiful beaches, museums, and wineries. See you there (via Instagram’s Best Friends list, exclusively for members).
Credits: all pictures by Petite Passport, except Early in Porto (by Vitor Leite) and Massé in Paris (by Cleo Goossens)
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