The 10 million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest in the world, containing more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. Rising to the third floor of The Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to 140 species of sea life and has several ways to experience underwater life, starting with a stroll through a 48m walk-through tunnel. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view while watching sand tiger sharks and stingrays glide above you. You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, get wet in a snorkelling cage and even go swimming with the sharks.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden is the sky-lit atrium at Bellagio with vibrant and fantastical scenes composed of plants, flowers and trees. The airy central conservatory was inspired by the Art Nouveau conservatories of Paris. Each season, a 120-person team of professionals creates displays with more than 10,000 flowers, which are regularly switched out to maintain freshness. You never know what to expect: giant flower sculptures celebrating the New Year, koi ponds and pagodas, enormous jade medallions and animatronic figurines, whimsical architectural elements and fantastical scenes.

Pico do Fogo, Cape Verde's youngest and most active volcano, towers beautifully but menacingly over the island of Fogo. The mesmerising black volcanic soil is reminiscent of similar fiery peaks in Hawaii and Iceland and is used to grow coffee. A small community, Chã das Caldeiras, is precariously located in the caldera very near the peak, and adventurers can hike up the imposing 2,829 metres for unparalleled views of the island.

Ciutadella de Menorca is a small town and the cultural rival of Mahón. Take a stroll along the canal-like harbour and dine on fresh lobster in one of the waterside restaurants, before checking out British colonial ruins.