Colombier Beach is St Barts’ crowning escape — a crescent of white sand accessible only by boat or two scenic hiking trails, ensuring its pristine seclusion. The Flamands Trail (20-30 minutes) starts past Petite Anse, winding along cactus-dotted cliffs with glimpses of rocky shores. For panoramic vistas, take the Colombier Lookout Trail (30-45 minutes) from the viewpoint parking lot, descending past iguanas sunning on volcanic boulders to reach the shore. Protected by a hilly peninsula, the bay’s calm waters reveal sea turtles and coral. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel! History lingers at the western edge, where hurricane-topped ruins of Laurence Rockefeller’s 1950s villa stand guard. No facilities mean packing sun shelter and water; early mornings reward hikers with empty sands and gentler heat.

Experience the artistry of glassblowing at Fritz Glass, a Cape Cod favorite since 1991. Fritz Lauenstein, who began his glassblowing journey in 1974, invites you to witness his craft and discover the beauty of handcrafted glass art. The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes visitors to watch Fritz work and learn about the glassblowing process, creating a memorable experience for all ages. Purchase one-of-a-kind glass art pieces and amazing souvenirs, perfect for commemorating your visit to this unique Cape Cod gem.

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.

St Barts Airport (SBH) thrills aviation enthusiasts with its dramatic 650-metre runway with one of the world's most challenging approaches. Landing aircraft must dive steeply right after clearing the hillside, then immediately pull up just a few seconds before touching down. The distance between the edge of the hill and the plane can be less than two meters! Prime viewing spots include St Jean Beach (where planes appear to skim sunbathers), the western runway perimeter, and the airport terminal cafeteria with its panoramic windows. For a grand perspective, the hills east of St Jean Bay frame the runway against turquoise waters. Note: never linger directly beneath flight paths — these low-flying aircraft leave no margin for error.