NO APRIL SHOWERS, JUST PINK FLOWERS AND GOLDEN HOURS
▶ Spring has sprung and with it comes better weather and lively events. Hayley Skirka picks the destinations that bloom in April
As temperatures in the UAE begin to creep up, many other destinations are waving goodbye to winter for the start of the warmer seasons. Ramadan has begun, while Eid Al Fitr and school holidays are on the horizon. That puts next month in prime position for a holiday. But where should you go? Here are 10 destinations to keep on your radar.
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez comes back to life every April as the sun returns to the village on France’s southern coast. It’s too early in the year for the well-heeled crowds that flock to this
Mediterranean destination every summer, which means it’s a great time for leisurely strolls through quaint streets, dining al fresco at rustic cafes and strolling through flower filled alleys.
This spring, you can check into the Arev St Tropez, a new boutique hotel set to open on Friday with colourful rooms, private gardens and a reinterpretation of The Strand, one of the oldest restaurants in the region.
California
One of the world’s most popular music festivals takes place in California, meaning it’s the place to see and be seen. Head
to Indio for the famed Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, Tyler the Creator and No Doubt are headlining this year.
After the festival, spend a few days unwinding in Palm Springs. Stay at Life House Palm Springs, which opened at the end of last year and has an Insta-friendly swimming pool, a gorgeous cactus garden with fire pits and individually decorated bedrooms.
Bangkok
Jet off to Thailand’s bustling capital for warm weather, tropical foliage in full bloom and citywide celebrations for the annual Songkran Water
Festival. Travellers can expect plenty of splashing about in Bangkok, where there’s a good mix of traditional and modern festivities to celebrate the Thai New Year.
Visit the city’s temples, then enjoy water fights on the streets or at hotel pool parties.
Watch a floral float parade and check out sand pagoda building competitions. It’s also the shoulder season for tourism, meaning you’ll get a little more bang for your baht at hotels across the city.
AlUla
Catch the tail end of winter in Saudi Arabia’s historical city AlUla. Discover the kingdom’s natural wonders via rock formations, towering cliffs and winding canyons and explore ancient carvings.
Next month is also when the social calendar ramps up with events across art, culture, adventure and music. When it comes to accommodation, you can embrace Bedouin traditions at Banyan Tree AlUla, a tranquil desert retreat, or enjoy a real escape from city life at Habitas AlUla, a stunning eco-focused resort set amid sandstone cliffs.
Mexico City
It’s the last chance to visit Mexico in the dry season and enjoy slightly lower prices as the high season comes to an end. Many locals head to the beach or quaint towns for Easter, leaving the capital less crowded and easier to navigate.
With its historical attractions, entertainment venues and countless museums, this bustling metropolis has something for everyone.
The city centre and former heart of the Aztec empire is a great place to go – do so during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and you’ll probably find it’s largely free of crowds.
Marrakesh
Next month is a fantastic time to visit Morocco’s colourful and chaotic city. Daytime
temperatures frequently hover between 26°C and 29°C with plenty of sunshine, while evenings are pleasantly cool. Make the most of the comfortable night air with a visit to the medina after dark.
During Ramadan, the markets close in the morning but stay open until around midnight and are a great place to search for souvenirs, sample Moroccan street food or simply soak up the hustle and bustle while getting lost in the narrow streets. It’s a different pace from the capital Rabat and city of Fez, but well worth it after a little adjusting.
This year, the city’s famed Majorelle Garden celebrates its centenary and there are lots of events happening at the botanical attraction and colourful cubist villa.
Mount Fuji, Japan
While it’s not the best time for climbing the mountain, April coincides with Japan’s Sakura blooms, which are predicted to begin this month, with the full bloom expected on March 28. At Lake Kawaguchi, a resort town at the base of Mount Fuji, the blooms will occur in mid-April.
However, don’t expect to have the pink cherry blossoms to yourself as it’s peak season for tourism, and Japan is seeing huge interest from travellers after being shut off from the
world during the pandemic. But if you can cope with the crowds, a visual feast of nature awaits as you gaze at the stunning blossoms while lolling in the warm waters of an onsen (hot springs).
Turkish Riviera
Spring is one of the best times to visit Turkey’s popular Turquoise Coast, which stretches along the southern coastline from Antalya to Bodrum.
Temperatures are beginning to heat up and you can expect plenty of sunshine-filled days, but it’s not quite hot enough to draw crowds of tourists so you’ll be able to enjoy the region’s sandy beaches, archaeological ruins and diverse landscapes largely to yourself.
Take your pick from high-end resorts including Six Senses Kaplankaya in Bordum or the palatial Titanic Mardan Palace in Antalya, or go for an adults-only, all-inclusive escape at Rixos Premium Gocek inside a picturesque nature reserve in Dalaman.
The Seychelles
Next month is one of the most popular times to visit this Indian Ocean archipelago as it falls in the calmer period between the Seychelles’ two annual trade winds. Days are warm and sunny with temperatures often hovering at about 30°C, while dreaded showers are few and far between.
Famed for its picture-perfect beaches with a granite backdrop, its islands such as Mahe, Platte and La Digue have everything you need for a sunshine getaway. The recently opened Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island on its private pristine shoreline is a good pick for a blowout trip. Cheaper options include Beau Vallon on Mahe, where you can find family-friendly stays for about Dh300 a night.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria in Spain’s Canary Islands is a great pick for a springtime getaway. Pleasant temperatures make for good walking conditions and the island is a favourite for hiking thanks to its landscape of pine forests, sunken calderas and views of the water.
Next month is also low season for tourists – though take note of Easter holidays – so beaches are typically uncrowded, although it may be a little cold for swimming. Daytime temperatures are about 20°C but bring a jacket for the evenings as they tend to be cool and windy. April is also a good month for whale watching as the mammals traverse the Atlantic Ocean, and dolphins can be seen off the island’s coastlines, too.