Kiddy Land, one of Tokyo’s largest toy stores, is a shrine to all things “kawaii” (cute). Spread over six floors, the shop features all major global toy brands and characters, including Dick Bruna’s Miffy, Disney and of course Hello Kitty. Character-branded stationery, cards, stickers, stamps, and gift wrap can be found in the basement.

The first floor offers an eclectic mix of fancy dress gear, watches and accessories. The second floor features a fabulous array of stuffed animals, while the third floor concentrates of American characters such as Barbie and Spiderman. The fourth floor is geared towards pre-school kids and toddlers, and the fifth is full of games and gadgets. With such a fantastic range of toys, this Tokyo institution will win over even the most jaded of shoppers.

ADDRESS: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

PHONE: +81 (0)3 3409 3431

WEBSITE: www.kiddyland.co.jp/index2.html (Japanese language only)

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The charming Riad de l’Orangeraie is located in the Mouassine district of the old Médina. This beautiful house has two courtyards – one with fountains, flowers and trees (Côté Jardin); the other with a small blue mosaic swimming pool and hamman (Côté Oasis).

Around these patios are seven bedrooms, each decorated in warm earth tones and a modern, minimalist style. There are three suites and four standard rooms named after spices. (Paprika, Muscade and Coraindre for the suites; Safran, Gingembre, Cannelle and Curcuma for the standard rooms.) The bathrooms are immaculate: all clean, smooth surfaces and the facilities in perfect working order.

One of the most stunning features of the riad is its roof top terrace, with views over the Medina that stretch as far as the Atlas Mountains. A great place to sip one’s mint tea! The terrace has lots of hidden corners for a discreet spot of sunbathing or to take a romantic meal prepared on demand and to your taste.

Riad staff are attentive, friendly and discreet, playing no small part in creating a familial and relaxed atmosphere.

Well-located for further excursions into the city – which the concierge will happily organise – the riad is only 5 minutes from the main square Djema El Fna.

Address: 61, rue Sidi El Yamani, Mouassine, Médina

Phone: 00 212 (0)61 23 87 89

Website: www.riadorangeraie.com

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Recently renovated by French owner Christine Rio, Le Tobsil is set in a beautiful old riad in the Medina. Romantic, intimate, and richly decorated, the restaurant is considered one of Marrakech's finest. Guests are seated on two levels around an open courtyard, treated to the hypnotic songs of local gnawa musicians. The food is equally sumptous: a five course Morrocan meal, replete with vegetarian mezes, pastillas, tagine, couscous, pastries and fresh fruit. The set menu is 600DH a head, including apertifs and wine.

22 Derb Moulay Abdallah ben Hezzaien
R'mila, Bab Ksour
Marrakesh Medina
Tel: 024 44 40 52

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Located in the fashionable Omotesando area, this "kaitenzushi" (conveyer belt sushi restaurants) is one the best known in central Tokyo. Customers simply pick their sushi from a selection on a small conveyer belt - anything from a basic cucumber roll to the more exotic sea urchin. Prices start from 120 yen a plate. After your meal, take a stroll down trendy Jingumae street and shop to your heart's delight.

ADDRESS: 5-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

PHONE: +81 (0)3 3498 3968

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The exquisitely designed Sagamore is situated in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco district. Ultra-modern and ultra-chic, the hotel has 93 rooms: one- and two-bedroom suites, garden bungalows or rooftop penthouses. And if dining out becomes a chore, each room has its own kitchenette.

For those wishing to take in the sun, the oceanfront zero-entry infinity pool is the perfect place to lounge in style.

The Sagamore also boasts an impressive collection of contemporary art, spread throughout the complex. The hotel’s crisp white décor is the perfect background to showcase colourful and unusual pieces from the likes of Udo Neoger, Sterz Imrie, David Stoltz and Christine Borlands.

Service isn’t sacrificed for style, though. The friendly and helpful staff will cater to your every wish.

1671 Collins Avenue, Tel: +1 305 535 8088
www.sagamorehotel.com

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This dark and intimate bar is located only five minutes from the ever-bustling Shibuya train station.

If you can find the subterranean entrance, the temple-like Tantra is a welcome retreat from the frantic pace of Tokyo life, making it a favourite of locals and foreigners in the know.

Descending down a narrow incense-filled stairway, guests are asked by staff to wait while a space is prepared. Customers will be seated in either the main bar area or in one of two smaller curtained alcoves.

Guests will find themselves reclining back on sumptuous floor cushions, soothed by soft ambient music. In the two alcoves, sectioned off with draped fabric, there are screens that play an endless stream of abstract images.

The bar is decorated with Tantric stone sculptures, panels and figures. A large Buddha’s head rests in the centre of the main room. Candles are the only source of light and feed the otherworldly atmosphere - a sanctuary from the madness above.

Address: B1F Ichimainoe Bldg., 3-5-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Phone: +81(0)3-5485-8414

Hours: Open 8 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday to Saturday.

Food and drink served.

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