Shell Beach offers St Barts' most unusual shoreline — a sun-drenched crescent where countless tiny shells crunch underfoot instead of sand. Just five minutes from Gustavia's boutiques, this "in-town" escape delivers calm waters that deepen quickly, perfect for swimmers and snorkellers (gear not provided). For a taste of yacht-spotting glamour, watch sailboats anchor offshore while local musicians strum at Shellona restaurant during golden hour. Adventurers can test their nerve diving off the nearby cliffs, while tender feet might prefer water shoes for the shell-covered shore.

Once a sacred site for the ancient indigenous community of Muiscas, La Candelaria neighbourhood is where Bogotá was founded back in 1538. Naturally, this is the first stop for many tourists. Steep stone streets are lined with colonial buildings that house cafes, restaurants and artisanal shops. Some buildings are showing signs of their long life, while others have been revitalised with colourful street art. You will find major cultural hotspots like the Gold Museum, Museo Botero, the colonial-era cathedral dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria and the neoclassical Capitol flanking Bolivar Plaza. Navigate the winding streets of the historical centre yourself or follow a guided tour of La Candelaria.

The Memory, Peace & Reconciliation Center stands as a rare cultural institution conceived during ongoing conflict rather than after. Its stark concrete facade, punctuated by asymmetrical windows representing fallen tears, dominates a quiet corner of Bogotá — a physical reckoning with Colombia’s six million victims of violence. Inside, rotating exhibitions blend contemporary art with archival documents, avoiding sensationalism while honouring personal narratives. Sculptures crafted from reclaimed weapons share space with grassroots reconciliation projects, their modest scale underscoring the centre’s focus on human stories over grand gestures. Large multipurpose halls host community dialogues, acknowledging that healing remains a work in progress.