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.

Best explored after sundown, the Al Majaz waterfront area draws visitors to its multiple restaurants and cafés which offer front-row seats to the colourful fountain shows that happen several times a night. During the daylight hours, visitors are free to enjoy the public park, recreation areas, mini-golf course and well-equipped children's playgrounds.

Soaring 828 metres above Dubai and currently the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa represents a union of art, engineering and heritage. It's home to ample office space, private residences, the 160-room Armani Hotel and "At the Top" observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors. There are also more than 1,000 specially commissioned works of art throughout the building.

The Arabian Wildlife Centre houses several venues, such as a Children's Farm (where the little ones can feed and ride horses and donkeys), a Botanical Garden and the Wildlife Centre itself. Multiple species of animals are on display, from carnivorous leopards to birds and harmless small rodents.