Only a short twenty-five minute drive from Saint-Hippolyte, find solace and relaxation at this most reputable thermotherapy spa. Decorated Japanese-style, Ofuro Spa proudly calls itself 'the most ZEN spa,' offering a truly regenerative experience. Forget the world outside, and sink into a tranquil release using their dry saunas, steam rooms, temperate baths and of course, indulge in a massage by professional massage therapists.

Where the mighty Zambezi River plunges 108 metres into a basalt chasm, Victoria Falls — or Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders) — carves one of Earth’s most dramatic spectacles. Spanning 1,708 metres along the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals its full fury between February and May when floodwaters transform the falls into a thunderous curtain of spray visible from 50 kilometres away. By November, the dry season unveils the geological artistry of the underlying gorges, including the yawning Boiling Pot whirlpool where the river's full force churns violently. On the Zambian side within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, jungle paths lead to the Knife Edge Bridge where visitors brave drenching mist for heart-stopping views of the Eastern Cataract and Rainbow Falls — the highest single drop at 108 metres. The adventurous can descend a steep trail to witness the Zambezi's power at the Boiling Pot, while keeping an eye out for resident baboons and bushbuck. For broader panoramics of the Main Falls and Devil's Cataract, the Zimbabwean side offers unparalleled vistas, especially striking during low water periods from August to January when the falls separate into distinct cascades. A valid passport allows easy border crossing to experience both perspectives. Unique phenomena abound: during full moons, lunar rainbows materialise in the night spray, while Livingstone Island (seasonally accessible) lets visitors peer directly into the precipice where Dr Livingstone first witnessed the falls in 1855. Morning visits provide the clearest views before afternoon spray builds, with waterproof gear essential in wet season. Helicopter flights reveal the falls' full grandeur from above, showcasing how the entire Zambezi funnels through a narrow 110-metre cleft in the basalt plateau — nature's own hydraulic masterpiece. Whether you come for the dry season's geological theatre or the wet season's deafening roar, Victoria Falls remains Africa's most humbling natural wonder, where rainbows dance in perpetual spray and fish eagles soar above gorges carved over millennia. The falls' enduring power continues to captivate, just as they stunned Livingstone, who famously declared: "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight".

Just an hour's boat trip away from Cartagena lie the magnificent Rosario Islands, which belong to Colombia's only underwater natural park (Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park). Abundant marine wildlife (including over 50 species of corals) and some of Colombia's best beaches draw in many in search of relaxation and active pursuits such as snorkelling and diving. Isla Grande is best for kayaking through unique mangrove forests and seeing the phosphorescent plankton light up the waters of a brackish lake at night, while Playa Blanca is Cartagena's most spectacular white-sand beach (also reachable by land). It should be said that the company you choose to tour with has the potential to make or break the experience. Low cost tours can mean multiple intermediate stops en route to your destination, as well as unpleasant surprises such as no transfer back to your hotel. Try and choose a trusted company with consistently good reviews, or opt for a private tour. Mind that seas may be rough at certain times of the year, particularly in December and January, when tours on smaller boats may even become dangerous.

An idyllic escapade in the city centre, the park is a green oasis gifted with some stunning constructions dating back to the 15th century, wonderful tombs mosques and elegant bridges. The great contrast with the bustling city is a welcome change, offering a perfect solution for a relaxing stroll.