Hanauma Bay is a marine nature reserve and one of Oahu’s most iconic snorkeling destinations. Glide through its crystal-clear waters to encounter shimmering schools of silver fish, vibrant parrotfish, and even curious sea turtles that might swim right up to you. As a protected marine-life conservation district, the bay is a haven for biodiversity, but its popularity also poses a challenge. The delicate ecosystem faces ongoing threats from the very visitors who come to admire its beauty, making responsible tourism essential for its preservation.

The beautiful former home of Doris Duke is now a museum housing the Foundation for Islamic Art, which promotes the study and understanding of Islamic arts and cultures. Book a guided tour for exploring the five acre complex with the house itself, a playhouse, a pool, courtyards, terraces, gardens, and water feature. Access to Shangri La is by reservation or business appointment only.

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.