Whether it’s a family Easter holiday or chic mini-break you’re seeking, a variety of destinations are blossoming this month. The Mediterranean is heating up and showing off its spring foliage, but it’s not too late to bag a bargain ski trip or party at a Caribbean carnival.
Here’s where to go in April.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Did you know the best place to see Bauhaus architecture isn’t its native Germany, but Tel Aviv? Jewish architects flocked here in the 1930s and had plenty of space to realise their modernist building visions. A walking tour with Be Tel Aviv is the ideal introduction to this Unesco World Heritage Site (it also runs fasncinating day trips into the heart of the Holy Land: Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem), in the year of the Bauhaus centenary.
Wizz Air now runs four low-cost routes from London, making it easier than ever to take a long weekend to this cosmopolitan, beach-side city. Alongside Tel Aviv’s hipster coffee shops and intoxicating food markets, the boutique hotel scene is thriving – the most sought-after boltholes include The Vera, complete with complimentary wine dispenser in its lobby; and Hotel Montefiore, which serves a mouthwatering Vietnamese-meets-Italian menu in its glamorous, low-lit restaurant.
Average temperature in April: 19C
Flight time: 4h 55m
Val d’Isère, France
Keen to sneak in some late-season ski action? Val d’Isère in the French Alps is one of the safest bets for fresh snowfall come Easter, with runs reaching an altitude of nearly 3,400m (and backed up by the largest snowmaking facility in Europe). New for this season is a state-of-the-art 10-person gondola up to après-ski hotspot the Folie Douce, replacing the former bubble lift.
The spacious, self-catered apartments at Ski France’s four-star Résidence Alpina Lodge are handily positioned in the resort centre and include raclette grills in the kitchen – because we all know that molten cheese makes the best feast after a day on the slopes (a seven-night self-catered stay costs from £241pp, accommodation only).
Average temperature in April: 1.8C
Flight time: 1h 40m (to Geneva)
New South Wales, Australia
Head Down Under for a dose of vitamin D – specifically, to the captivating NSW coastline, where Anzac Day is celebrated on 25 April. Start off in Sydney with a couple of nights at industrial-chic Harbour Rocks set in one of the city’s most historic precincts, before hopping in a hire car to cruise southwards along breathtaking coastline.
Wondering where to break the drive? The Dovecote is an ultra-luxe retreat, its three sleek, eco-friendly lodges set in 150 acres of oceanfront farmland – and ideally poised for exploring the Kiama Coast Walk, one of Australia’s finest walking trails, which turns 10 this year. Other must-tries along the way include eating your bodyweight in fresh oysters, frolicking on the pearl-white sand of Jervis Bay and wine tasting in the Southern Highlands.
Average temperature in April: 22C
Flight time: 21h 30m (one stop)
St Maarten, Caribbean
Ready to don some feathers and swig some rum? Some weeks after Rio Carnival and New Orleans’ Mardi Gras have hung up their spangled costumes, St Maarten is just getting started with its raucous equivalent. From 22 April to 6 May, the Caribbean island thrums with reggae, parades and pyrotechnics; those with enough stamina can join the Jouvert street party for kick off at 4am and dance through to the following morning.
Recovery time can be sought on the peaceful beaches around Simpson Bay, grabbing a fresh coconut water and shady spot under a palm tree. What’s more, French and Dutch colonial heritage plus African influences add up to a fascinating island culinary scene, from Creole grill shacks to silver service seafood feasts.
Average temperature in April: 28C
Flight time: 12h 10m (via Paris)
Patagonia, Chile
The seasons flip when you head down to Patagonia: April sees the remote peaks and lakesides of southern Chile all aflame with autumnal colours. Sure, the mercury is starting to drop, but having this natural splendour almost to yourself is well worth it, now the summer crowds have departed.
Award-winning sustainable lodge Tierra Patagonia weaves subtly into this sublime landscape and encourages guests to embark on adventurous day trips such as horseback rides with Baqueanos cowboys and kayaking around glaciers (prices from £1,803pp for an all-inclusive three-night stay, including daily excursions, transfers and open bar). There’s also a higher chance of seeing pumas in Torres del Paine national park, as the big cats begin to descend from the mountains to feed; Natural World Safaris operates tailor-made puma tracking itineraries year-round.
Average temperature in April: 12C
Flight time: 21h 35m (to Punta Arenas, via Santiago or São Paulo)
Hong Kong, China
Sunny but not suffocating, April is the perfect time to visit this skyscraper-studded metropolis. It also gives the chance to witness some traditional festivals: for Ching Ming on 5 April, city cemeteries fill with incense and offerings for ancestors, while the sea goddess Tin Hau is honoured with colourful parades of floral tributes on 27 April.
Where to lay your head between all the celebrations? One of the most sophisticated addresses is the Andre Fu-designed Upper House, with staggering views over the neon skyline and Victoria Harbour – especially from its 39th floor bar. For some additional heady delights, take the funicular railway up Victoria Peak or the retro tram that climbs Hong Kong Island. Then there are those unique street food flavours to sample at Temple Street Night Market – anyone for curry fish balls and stinky tofu?
Average temperature in April: 24C
Flight time: 11h 35m
Mallorca, Spain
Valleys of almond trees blossom snow-white in Mallorca’s springtime. After exploring the historic harbour-front capital, Palma (tip: the hottest new hotel opening is El Llorenç, laying claim to the city’s largest infinity pool), head into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Known as the island’s backbone, you can soak up the rugged, unspoiled scenery on trails through pine forests, wild flower pastures and rustic villages.
On Foot Holidays’ Mallorca and the Serra de Tramuntana offers a self-guided walking tour along the dramatic Archduke’s ridgeway from £1,085pp (including eight nights’ B&B accommodation, luggage transfers and maps). Be sure to fuel up along the journey with a visit to legendary slow-roast lamb tavern Es Verger.
Average temperature in April: 22C
Flight time: 2h 30m
