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The colonial town of St. Pierre, on Martinique’s west coast, has a colorful past. Rich from the earnings of the sugar and rum trades, it was once considered the Paris of the Caribbean—until 1902, when it was destroyed by the violent eruption of the island’s largest volcano, Mount Pelée. A volcano museum in St. Pierre displays items plucked from the rubble and historic photos of the town before and immediately after the eruption. Today, the fine church with historic displays bears testament to the town’s comeback.

Dating back to 803 C.E., the St. Peter Stiftskulinarium is said to be the oldest restaurant in Europe. While there’s a fine contemporary Austrian menu, the history and atmosphere of the various salons and dining rooms are an even bigger draw. The arcaded courtyard in particular is charming and turns into a winter wonderland during the Christmas-market season. The highlight for most travelers will be the Mozart Dinner. Taking place in the stunning ambience of the Baroque Hall, the meal is served with a performance by an ensemble of Mozarteum University Salzburg graduates wearing period costumes—wonderful musicians who also work with renowned orchestras.

Atop St. Paul’s Hill sit the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, built by the Portuguese and consecrated in 1521. Malaysia’s oldest church was first Roman Catholic, then Dutch Reformed and ultimately used by the British to store gunpowder. Missionary St. Francis Xavier was briefly interred here (after three weeks his remains were sent to Goa, in India, where they can be found to this day); an open grave marks the spot where he was buried. Adjacent to the church is the Porta de Santiago, all that’s left of the Portuguese fortress A Famosa; built in the early 16th century after the Portuguese took control of Malacca, the fortress was used by both the Dutch and the British.

If you’ve developed a taste for the flavors of the Caribbean during your cruise, stop at this small spice shop to take some home with you. It’s hard to miss, since it’s located upstairs from the ferry dock. The owners hand-mix most of their signature spice blends. The top seller, Cruz Bay Grill Rub, is a potent dry rub that combines nutmeg, cinnamon, fennel and other spices. The shop also sells island-made candles, rum balls and hot sauces—but watch out for the one made with searing Scotch bonnet chili peppers, a favorite in the Caribbean.

There’s something dark and offbeat about the Jura, Switzerland’s 26th and youngest canton. Located in a distant corner of the deep, wooded Doubs River Valley bordering France, the town of St. Ursanne embodies some of the canton’s surprising remoteness and offers a glimpse of a medieval village untouched by modernity. According to legend, the village, perched on the banks of the Doubs River, was founded by the 7th-century Irish monk Ursicinus, who was banished from Burgundy and became a hermit here. Arriving visitors will first have to cross the four-arched Doubs Bridge before getting to see the town’s medieval edifices, including 14th-century half-timber burgher houses and a 12th-century collegiate church. Climb the 190 steps to access the St. Ursicinus hermitage or a go on short, signposted hike to some castle ruins and the Doubs Nature Park.

With stunning locations, renowned dining, and beachfront accommodations, Sandals Resorts delivers an unforgettable experience.

Get your adrenaline pumping on fitness-focused vacations.

Hotel de Russie’s fabulous courtyard bar is the place to live Rome‘s 21st-century dolce vita. The hotel itself is the preferred address for VIPs and celebrities, so it makes sense that the garden bar is a posh and private Eden. At any time of year, the city’s best-dressed hold court at the outdoor tables, while a seat at the indoor bar is akin to winning the Iron Throne. It’s important to note that, since the Stravinskij Bar single-handedly resurrected Rome’s cocktail scene, drinks will cost you royally. Try the signature martini, The Gibson.

For a comprehensive look at the effects of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius—and to lessen the crowds at Pompeii itself—visitors are encouraged to explore other “Vesuvian” cities and sites in the region as well.

Holidaygoers throughout the Caribbean had their travel plans upended after the FAA instituted a temporary airspace closure in the region due to U.S. military strikes in Venezuela. Here’s the latest.

At Sandals, every stay is designed to connect guests with the islands, from immersive dining experiences to locally inspired architecture and activities.

These standout concepts show how local flavors can elevate an all-inclusive stay.

In a historic 1929 building that used to be the tallest in South America, Hotel Casa Lucia offers travelers a view of the city’s next era.

Make the most of your time on this spectacular Caribbean island, whether you have a few hours or a few days.

Together with the Portas da Cidade (the arched gates to the city), St. Sebastian’s Mother Church is Ponta Delgada’s most iconic example of Azorean white walls with black basalt trim. Built in 1547 and refurbished through the years, it reflects the changes of styles in Portuguese church architecture. Manueline, Baroque and Gothic are its main influences, with the altar of carved and gilded wood being the center of attention.