Corossol Beach offers a window into St Barts' authentic soul. It’s a caramel-hued crescent where blue-and-orange fishing dories bob beside lobster traps, preserving the island's maritime heritage. This working harbour feels worlds away from the island's glamorous hotspots, with local artisans still weaving traditional palm-leaf baskets and hats outside their pastel cottages. The village behind the beach hums with unpolished charm: fishermen mend nets, volleyball games erupt spontaneously, and annual Saint Louis Day celebrations fill the air with Creole music. When hunger strikes, Le Régal serves up French-Caribbean flavours just steps from the salt-weathered docks. Come for the quiet rhythm of island life, stay for the sunset over the fishing fleet's silhouettes.

Many of the archipelago's islands are populated by giant Aldabra tortoises, and bird species number 250, 12 of those being unique to the islands. Mahe Island's Port Launay Marine National Park is the place to head for whale shark sightings, and Praslin Island is home to the country's national bird - the Seychelles black parrot. Cousine Island is where visitors are encouraged to take part in wildlife conservation projects (and spot free-roaming giant tortoises and rare bird species along the way). A mere 3km away from there is Fregate Island, known especially for its chelonian inhabitants.

Founded in the 1860s by an American missionary, the lush, sprawling campus of the prestigious American University of Beirut is a pleasure to stroll around. It offers something of a journey into the city's pre-war days. There is an excellent archaeological museum on-site, along with several art galleries, and many nonchalant feline residents, cats, who famously inhabit the premises.