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.

These magnificent limestone caves feature delicate shawls, grand columns, underground pools and amazing chambers. You can explore five caves created from a belt of limestone laid down about 440 million years ago. The caves are set inside the deep gorges and rugged bluffs of the Yarrangobilly River Valley at the north of Kosciuszko National Park. Bring bathers to enjoy the natural thermal pool which is a constant 27°C.

Whether you’re a family of beginners, expert skiers and snowboarders, or somewhere in the middle, there’s a resort to suit your needs in the Snowy Mountains. Family friendly Charlotte Pass and Selwyn Snowfields gently tempt beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders, while Perisher and Thredbo offer plenty of action both on the slopes and après-ski.

Styggens stuga, once home to Karl Johan Persson (born 1828), sits in Frösaråsen, north of Fredriksberg in Ludvika's western finnmark. This well-preserved cottage, nestled in the forest, offers a glimpse into the past and the intriguing story of its former inhabitant. With informative displays, a well-maintained trail and facilities, it's worth s visit.