Rio de Janeiro is almost impossibly marvellous, with its curving white beaches and city neighbourhoods studded with green-shrouded mountains, all facing the blue depths of the Atlantic Ocean.

BBC: Living in: Rio de Janeiro

The wave breaks at the river mouth so you can rinse off in a fresh water pool with a view of light green pyramid-shaped mountains in the valley.

BBC: Learning to surf in the land of giants

The 40-minute journey passes by rocky mountains blanketed with snowy tips and tiny green islands peeking out of the fjords.

BBC: Journey to Canada��s secret sunshine coast

To the east are towering green mountains, and to the west, rare pink dolphins share the delta waters with cargo ships plying the South China trade.

WSJ: Stays: A Boutique Hotel That Once Held Pirates