Flamands Beach stretches across St Barts’ northwestern coast as the island’s widest crescent of sand, where gentle slopes meet the Caribbean’s playful surf. Unlike more secluded shores, this beach balances public access (via a signed coastal road pathway) with pockets of exclusivity — think billionaire-owned villas and hotels renting loungers at the eastern end. The north-facing bay delivers consistent waves for bodyboarding, framed by hilly headlands and views of offshore islets like Île Chevreau. Come hungry: La Langouste’s grilled lobster and Chez Roland’s Creole dishes are both a short stroll away. Just don’t expect shade — the beach’s pearly expanse promises uninterrupted sunshine, with the occasional celebrity sighting as a bonus.

Also located nearby Ferndale is the Sardis Raptor Center. They host educational programs that provide viewers with the rare opportunity to see a variety of magnificent birds up close. Learn about their habitats, their roles in the environment and much more. Since their inception, the programs have gained enormous popularity in fairs, private and public schools systems and colleges, all over Washington.

Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope, the Vatican City is an ecclesiastical state and the smallest state in Europe, both in dimension and population. Though teeny tiny, the state holds 11 noteworthy museums, including the Michelangelo-decorated Sistine Chapel (perhaps the greatest gem), St Peter's Basilica, and St Peter's Square. Marvel at Vatican's treasures with your booked-ahead tour and avoid lining in notoriously slow-moving queues.