There are many reasons people choose to go skiing, from the wonderful alpine vistas to the top-class après-ski that can be as lively as it is stylish. But at the heart of any skiing trip is the snow itself – and an opportunity to enjoy the thrills (and sometimes spills) of a descent surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

A long with Mount Fuji, the traditional geisha with their white painted faces, elaborate kimonos, bright red lipstick and black shiny hair piled up in a chignon are one of the most iconic images of Japan.

Kyoto, the former capital, which is home to an impressive 17 World Cultural Heritage Sites, including the Nijo Castle and the Kiyomizu Temple, boasts a long tradition of geisha district in Japan.

Sandals selects the perfect paradise locations for its couples-only resorts, so scattered among the dreamlike tropical islands of Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados, is the Sandals Luxury Resorts, located in all the most desirable destinations.  So, they are always on the calm side of the island here offshore reefs protect the beaches and create clear waters – perfect for swimming, boating, playing or just soaking up the Caribbean sun beneath the natural umbrella of a towering palm.

HOTEL CHESA ROSATSCH, CELERINA

Nestled in the popular Upper Engadine valley, on the banks of the Inn River, this charming property, with rosy red walls and wooden beams, is almost 400 years old. Rooms, though, are modern and boutique, while its restaurant serves tasty stone-grilled locals meat and crispy Flammechueche. The village of Celerina is quiet but perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding area, where it’s possible to view Engadine’s glaciers. Visit hotelrosatsch.ch/en/

CRESTED BUTTE, United States

BEST FOR: Steep and deep skiers looking to channel their inner cowboy.

Arguably the last remaining gem in Colorado’s world-famous portfolio of ski towns, Crested Butte is overflowing with authentic skier soul.  Located a mere 35 miles as the crow flies from Aspen, Crested Butte has a vibe that couldn’t feel further away from the glitzy celeb-fuelled world that exists just over the hill. ‘Crusty Butt’, as it is also affectionately known, is a genuinely welcoming place of locally owned businesses and ‘real’ people who are fiercely proud of their funky little Rocky Mountain cowboy town.

Japan is a fusion of the ultra-modern and the ancient, a country of temples and traditions as well as soaring skylines and futuristic bullet trains. Osaka is no exception.  The iconic 16th-century Osaka Castle – the symbol of the city – with its famous five-layer donjon, which cascades down from its central tower, is set in 60,000 sq m of lawns with cherry blossom trees.

Non-drivers can still enjoy striking panoramas on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. The route encompasses an impressive 91 tunnels and 291 bridges.  Take the Wilhelm Tell Express via the Magadino Plain, and admire the three grand medieval castles of Bellinzona which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Pass through the medieval town of Schaffhausen and the 400-year-old Fortress of Munot, and look out for the 13th-century Hohenklingen Castle at Stien am Rhein.

Singapore is a spectacular land of marvellous modern wonders that will take your breath away.  From the observation wheel and skywalks among the Supertrees, to a giant indoor waterfall and a river safari theme park, Singapore has a variety of attractions to suit every need – as such, the Garden City should be on everyone’s list of must-visit destinations.

Since the dawn of human civilization there is something about the skies that captivates us and can have us looking up for hours. It never fails to fascinate the observer, to the point where we have spent billions studying and exploring our skies. So we have found some worldwide destinations where the stargazers among us can look to their heart's content.

Tenerife offers much more than mass tourism, sun loungers and neon cocktails. As one of the Canary Islands Tenerife can offer a different type of short. If you want to spend most of your time on two legs soaking up the panoramic views at La Gomera's Garajonay National park, the 'cloud forest' or two wheels in the La Esperanza Forest, it is here; relax at a small guest house away from the crowd.