Henschotermeer recreational area is located in the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug forests, just 30 minutes by car or an hour's cycling from Utrecht. Come here for serene walks in the fall and winter, or for a swim in the summer. The area also offers food trucks and a restaurant for those who want to grab a bite and chill by the lake. In addition, there's an island connected to the beach by two wooden bridges. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Utrecht for a day, there's no better place to be.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic churches in the Netherlands, the Sint-Willibrordkerk is home to a remarkable collection of art and wood carvings. Contrary to what everyone might expect, the interior of the church is adorned with a giant LED halo (artwork by Titia Ex, part of Utrecht Lumen) on the roof. The church also boasts intricate decorations and stunning stained glass windows. To top it all off, the church hosts concerts regularly, given its ideal setup for choir singing.

Saline Beach is St Barts’ untamed coastal masterpiece — a crescent of powdery sand where turquoise waves meet rugged hills in perfect harmony. The journey begins with a 200-metre trek through scrubland and over a low dune, rewarding visitors with a vista of undeveloped shoreline where the only distractions are seabirds and the rhythmic crash of surf. On a clear day, direct your gaze past the green dot of Île Coco and you'll just be able to spot St Kitts on the horizon. Come prepared: shade is scarce and facilities nonexistent. What you’ll find instead is raw beauty; the kind that draws naturists and photographers, all chasing that rare blend of wildness and tropical splendor. Time your visit for late afternoon when the light gilds the salt pond’s edges (the same salty pound that gave the beach its name), and you’ll understand why this beach remains the island’s best-kept escape.