The paradisiacal allure of the Cook Islands extends beyond its crystalline waters and white sandy beaches, as evidenced by the Maire Nui Botanical Gardens. These gardens feature a diverse collection of tropical flowers and plants, creating a serene environment ideal for relaxation or a romantic stroll. The lush, well-maintained gardens showcase the island’s vibrant flora and offer a peaceful retreat from the beach.

Wall House Museum stands as Gustavia’s enigmatic Swedish-era relic, its thick stone walls harboring more questions than answers. Built between 1788-1790, this imposing structure’s original purpose remains debated — was it a theater, political hub, or rental property? Today, its ground floor displays a modest collection of island artifacts (fishing boats, oil lamps), while upstairs houses Gustavia’s historical library. The museum also organises several art exhibitions every year, with topics like contemporary art from Haiti and the Surrealist movement in France. Don’t miss the courtyard’s surviving brick bread oven, a quiet testament to daily life centuries ago. Though the exhibits won’t rewrite history books, the building itself offers a tangible connection to St Barts’ layered past. Pair a visit with sunset drinks at the nearby lighthouse for full time-travel effect.

Nestled near the Desert Botanical Garden, the Phoenix Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals from all over the world, with a special focus on the wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. The zoo features expansive exhibits where you can observe native creatures like coyotes, mountain lions, and desert tortoises up close. For a more immersive experience, the zoo offers interactive opportunities, including camel rides, stingray touch tanks, and a petting zoo where kids can brush and feed goats. In addition to its animal encounters, the Phoenix Zoo hosts daily educational programs and seasonal events such as ZooLights, where the park transforms into a winter wonderland of sparkling lights.

Vasikkavuoma is the largest haymaking mire in the Nordic countries, if not in Europe, covering approximately 250 acres. In its heyday, this expansive area was dotted with about 350 barns, a testament to the historical practice of harvesting sedge and horsetail for fodder by local farmers. Though the number has diminished to 70 remaining barns, Vasikkavuoma preserves the echoes of a bygone era and the agricultural traditions that once thrived in this unique landscape.