Josh is one of our favorite photographers. The main subjects for his work are beautiful humans looking happy in beautiful clothing. In other words: fashion editorials. He’s worked with big name magazines like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, T Magazine and Esquire. Did we mention he also shot the videos for pop music duo Oh Wonder?
When he isn’t clicking the camera or filming, he is probably listening to David Bowie (who is his dream co-pilot), thinking about space, or drinking an old-fashioned.
Ever since ‘Hygge’ became a trend, people have been fascinated by the Danes and their lifestyle. And they are just as cool and laid back as you imagined. Their effortless confidence is very honest and refreshing – there’s no fussiness. Hanging with some Danes will definitely leave you feeling ‘fun and cozy’ (it’s impossible to literally translate ‘Hygge’ into English!). Pleasure is a way of life here and the idea of not indulging in what you want (including copious amounts of pastries) is simply shocking to a Dane. There are more bikes than people in Copenhagen, which sounds good to us too.
Denmark is a relatively small country and yet they have a big impact on global culture as leaders in the design, fashion, art, and foodie worlds (hello Noma and Ganni!). Copenhagen is a dreamy capital too (sidebar: ask most Swedes where they go besides Stockholm and they will say Copenhagen. Proof there are definitely some cultural parallels between these two).
Denmark also has the happiest workforce in the world and perhaps that has something to do with all that ‘Hygge.’ As the author of The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, explains it: ‘Danes are aware of the decoupling between wealth and wellbeing. After our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t lead to more happiness and, instead, Danes are good at focusing on what brings them a better quality of life.’ Zen AF.
Where to stay
Hotel SP34 A boutique hotel perfectly located in the heart of Copenhagen. It’s walkable or bikeable to tons of stuff you want to see, ingest, buy or do. This is the Latin Quarter’s finest boutique hotel with an arty vibe.
Nobis Hotel The newly opened Nobis Hotel has got it all – they even have toiletries from Byredo that you can take with you. The building is historic and the restaurant is divine.
D’Angleterre This classic 5-star hotel offers the best breakfast view from a very cute rooftop terrace. Previous guests have included rockstars and royalty. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
Where to eat
Manfreds Since Noma itself (voted the best restaurant in the world for four years) is now closed, we are lucky that it fostered plenty of great chefs who have now opened their own restaurants in Copenhagen. One of these is Manfreds: a Michelin starred restaurant with a tasting menu for 270DKK (270 euro). This place is perfect for vegetarians – so rare for high-end tasting menus!
Of course, there are amazing restaurants without Michelin stars in this city. Three of them just happen to be Italian: go to Mangia for the incredible pasta and the dope atmosphere, Baest for the best pizzas in town and a young vibe or Spaghetteria for the local feels. The latter really embodies the Copenhagen attitude of being very cool and casual.
If you’d rather go low on the carbs, Fishmarket and Osteria 16 are two excellent seafood restaurants.
Where to get coffee
Café Atelier September Thanks to the hip owner Fredrik Bille Brahe (brother of Sophie Bille Brahe, the famous jewellery designer, and newly married to top model Caroline Brasch) this place is a local hotspot. The curated menu offers healthy and very tasty bites, and of course great coffee. But don’t even think about asking for oat or almond milk here – they only do regular.
If you prefer your coffee with a Danish pastry, head over to Juno the Bakery, which is less trendy but the wienerbrød is amazing. If you’re really into exceptional coffee and don’t care about the rest, then The Coffee Collective is the place for you.
Where to shop
Storm This is your first stop, for sure. An impressive concept store that will leave no one empty-handed. Around the corner is Beau Marché , another must-see. If not for the design decoration, go to grab a coffee in their cozy backyard café. Local brands like Ganni, Soulland, and Wood Wood all need to be explored too (especially for New Yorker style stars, who are already decked out head-to-toe in these brands!) Go to Time’s Up for some secondhand shopping – it might be worth mentioning this is a favorite of Virgil Abloh’s.
Where to get a hit of culture
Louisiana This modern art museum is located outside of Copenhagen, so it doesn’t technically qualify for this list, but it is so good. The train from the central station only takes 30 minutes – cheap and easy.
Glyptotek If you prefer to stay in the city center, make your way to Glyptoteket. The main hall is very inspiring and soothing. Go here for lunch when you’re hungover and need some energy. When you’re back to normal, make sure to check out the exhibitions as well.
Where to party
Apollo Bar Put on your sneakers and go to Apollo Bar (also owned by Fredrik Bille Brahe). This is the place to be with the cool crowd from creative industries who come here on a regular basis, especially during Fashion Week.
Bakken If you feel like that’s not enough, make your way to Kodbyn (in the ‘meatpacking district’), and then Bakken for the afterparty.
Where to work
Skt. Petri Hotel The lounge is the perfect place to sit down with your computer without being disturbed. In the summer, head to the terrace and enjoy some sun while you work.
Image via Anne Travel Foodie
What to do
Christiania Rent a bike or hop on a bicycle taxi (or just take a normal taxi), and go to this ‘free town’ that is a community market where people pretty much make a living out of selling art and handicrafts to tourists. A strange place you’ll want to see before leaving.
Where to work out
In the summer, go for a swim – firstly, it’s a super clean harbor in the middle of a big city, which basically never happens. Secondly, there are wooden docks all over the place that encourage a dive (or five).
Copenhagen is obviously the perfect city for cycling. It’s flat and there’s 350km of cycle paths (so it’s super safe). Rent a bicycle and cycle anywhere you need to go – this will definitely keep you in shape during your stay here and allow you to stuff your face with pastries daily, as the Danes do.
Where to drink
Ruby This is where you can get the best cocktails in town. It will feel like your friend’s living room, complete with dark lighting to set the mood and small corners to ‘hide’ in.
Hotel Sanders If you want something better suited for that daytime Hinge date, then the roof terrace of the new luxury Hotel Sanders is a perfect hideaway in thoughtful surroundings.
Best place to buy gifts
Hay – a cool brand and even cooler store. Buy some Danish design from Hay for someone you love.
Image via Visit Copenhagen
Best spot for your new Bumble profile photo
The waterfront in Nyhavn by the postcard ready buildings. Regardless of whether that photo is going on your Bumble profile or not, this place needs a stroll and a photo sesh. Don’t stay for lunch though, as every place in this ‘hood is a tourist trap.
International model Dayami Candebat has a passion for travel. Whether it’s TV campaigns for Scandinavian giant KappAhl, German retailer Zalando, or the international beauty brand Nivea, travelling means she experiences tapestries of culture. From Papua New Guinea to Paris, it’s this that feeds her zest for life.
Name your three favorite hotels, plus a few details on why you love them?
The Grand Hôtel, Stockholm – This lush and luxurious hotel is in the city centre at the waterfront. I loved the spa with its saunas and cold baths. The restaurant’s ‘kottbullar’ (meatballs) with cranberry sauce paired with a glass of red wine was delicious.
The Iberostar Parque Central, Havana – I’m Cuban and German. I used to go to Cuba four times a year and this is one of my favorite hotels. It is located in La Habana Vieja on the Parque Central and Paseo del Prado where Chanel held its Chanel Cruise 2016/17 collection show. The amenities are amazing, and the rooftop pool is a perfect place to rest in between exploring. On the rooftop you have an amazing view of Havana Vieja (the Old Town) – sitting there at sunset with a mojito in your hands is priceless.
Rapopo Plantation Resort, Papua New Guinea – on East New Britain island. The hotel has stunning views of the Tavurvur volcano overlooking the islands of Rabaul. You can swim with dolphins 10 minutes from the hotel and the water is crystal clear. Papua New Guinea is one of the best countries for diving, too.
Rapopo
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
I love the Hoxton Hotels in London and Amsterdam. In Havana, it’s the Hostal Conde de Villanueva – an old colonnaded mansion. Peacocks walk by whilst you drink your coffee!
You travel a lot for work, was this something you were seeking in a career? How do you make it as relaxing and fun as possible?
Yes, this was something I always wanted since I was a little girl. In school we travelled more than any other family (I knew), so it always seemed normal to me. I lived in the US for a year, then studied Mechanical Engineering in Cuba, then Business Administration in India, then completed my Masters in Amsterdam. I used to work full-time for one of the biggest creative agencies in Germany as a Digital Project Manager but there wasn’t enough travel.
Through modelling, I discovered that travelling for work gives me a lot of energy. It’s fun to meet new people and learn about different cultures and languages. To keep my travel fun and relaxing, I pay attention to my mood. I can be talkative but If I feel tired and need sleep, I put on my Bose noise-cancelling earphones straight away. I need to be true to myself.
Usually I wait to be the last one to board the flight to guarantee myself a good seat. Obviously, this doesn’t work when the flight is fully booked!
What do you always bring with you in your carry-on?
I am still learning to pack light- but I always bring my noise-cancelling headphones, a good book, my phone charger, an external battery, an international adaptor, a multi-socket plug, some lightweight gym clothes, a jump rope, my camera, a pair of black and a pair of blue jeans, some simple white and black shirts, and my laptop. I also throw in a hair and face mask, some painkillers, throat/flu remedies and eye drops (yes- I am a walking pharmacy).
What’s your go-to outfit for getting through security quickly, and still looking good?
There are three options:
Golden hoops paired with a white tee or blouse, comfortable closed jeans, my black Acne scarf to keep me warm, a cashmere pullover, and some sneakers.
If I know I’ll be constantly on the move, I’ll put on my comfy Lululemon leggings, a big pullover, and Nike sneakers – that’s it.
My third option you probably won’t like to hear, but sometimes I simply don’t really care how I look. Business class or economy class, I just wear whatever feels good at that moment.
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world (alive or dead) at baggage claim, who would you swap with?
Definitely Michelle Obama or Oprah!
Where’s your next trip? If vacation, why did you choose there?
South Africa. It’s my first time- so I’m really looking forward to learning more about the ‘rainbow nation.’ I want to take a Township Tour and see Mandela’s home. I discovered a love for hiking a few years ago and South Africa has a lot of trails. The final reason is the amazing food and wine!
Have you or would you travel alone? If Y/N, why?
Definitely! I travelled alone a lot during my studies in India. I went to Nepal alone and had an amazing time. It sounds cliché, but you get to know yourself and it gives you a feeling of empowerment.
Beach or City or Mountain?
Beach.
In flight wifi- good idea?
No.
Early check-in/ late check-out?
Late check-out.
Favourite subscription service you’ll never delete?
