They all used to come here: from Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway to Frank Sinatra and the royals. Biarritz used to be the Monte Carlo of the Atlantic coast. With time, the glamour faded, bringing in a new, fresh wave of travellers. Thanks to windsurfing and other water sports, however, the charming city has rejuvenated. It is now the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend break, and there is no need to rush: the city is fairly small and you can easily see everything even on a short visit.

Vigo, a port city in Spain's north-west set scenically on the bank of Ria de Vigo estuary, is the world's largest fishing port. Vigo enjoys fine seafood fresh from the Atlantic, as evident in its numerous cozy taverns. The wildly beautiful Cies Islands, along with one of the world's finest beaches, Rodas, are only a short ferry trip away.

Though Jizan (Jazan, Gizan or Gazan) may be the smallest province of Saudi Arabia, it boasts an astounding natural and geographical diversity that few other regions can match. From scorching desert sands to deep green forests, grassy plains to rocky mountain tops, fertile land to tropical islands and colourful coral reefs, Jizan has it all. The province is not limited to natural beauty — it also boasts significant archaeological sites, a historic harbour that bustles with life, and a huge variety of tropical fruit.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. As the capital of the only predominantly Catholic country in the Orient, it presents a unique blend that feels slightly out of place, yet vibrantly infused with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Music and dancing are ubiquitous, and the city's warmth and enthusiasm can easily rival that of Bangkok. Manila's rich history, shaped by centuries under Spanish religious influence and decades of American consumerism, has led to the saying that the city spent "400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood".