Easter Holiday Inspiration: make the most out of the break
The sun is emerging, the flowers unfurling – indeed, spring is just around the corner. Whether it's beach or mountain you're after, nature or city, make the most out of this Easter holiday. Try a surf session, hike through the sun-drenched Alps, sip wine in a vineyard or on a rooftop bar. Now is the time to spread our wings and explore the world again.
Surfing in Portugal
Portugal's rugged, postcard-perfect Atlantic Coast is blessed with swells, some that reach several stories high. North of Lisbon, Praia do Norte has massive white swells for pro surfers, while the idyllic port of Peniche has calmer waves suited for beginners. And don't forget the stunning grassy cliffs of the Algarve, unfolding into sparkling turquoise waters. There are many surf spots to choose from here, and for something a little hidden, Praia da Arrifana, which is accessible only through a steep pedestrian-only road, is wonderful. Black cliffs surround a crescent-shaped bay with consistent waves.
Epicurean adventures in Italy
Life in Italy revolves around food. Breakfast is a wonderful sugary cornetto stuffed with jam and chocolate, paired with a cappuccino. An Aperitivo before dinner is an elaborate affair involving Aperol Spritz, chips and laughter. Venice is the place to be for freshly-caught seafood and Rome for traditional pasta. If you find yourself in Naples, Trattoria de Nennella is a quirky pizzeria where waiters sing and dance. They also serve a yummy Margherita pizza. The sun-drenched island of Sicily on the Mediterranean makes a mean calzone (closed pizza) and amazing desserts such as cannoli stuffed with cream cheese and pistachio.
Hiking in Slovenia
Pint-sized Slovenia has much to offer in terms of nature. Known for its fairy-tale castles and lakes, it's also dubbed “the sunny side of the Alps." It's for this reason that hikers will find this central European country delightful. The 25km-long Soča Trail will bring you through canyons and the majestic turquoise Soča river, framed by alpine trees. For a taste of Slovenia's varied landscape, the Juliana Trail, opened in 2019, is a whopping 270km loop around the Julian Alps. You'll be in the throes of the Slovenian countryside, cutting through traditional villages, forests, green pastures and rivers, with the snow-capped Alps ever in sight.
Cycling in Mallorca
The quintessential springtime island resort, Mallorca is also a cyclers' paradise. Cycling routes snake through rocky mountain ranges, making for quite a workout but the view of the stunning Balearic Sea is worth it. The most iconic route is Sa Calobra and it isn't the easiest, as cyclers must first climb to the Tramuntana Mountains but the eventual descent down the coast and to Port Soller is picturesque. For an equally scenic ride through rolling hills, try the Southern Tramuntana Coastal Road which connects the charming villages of Esporles and Andratx.
The ultimate city break in New York
Spring in the Big Apple is lovely – the parks are ripe for exploring and rooftop bars for imbibing. The annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, where festival-goers wear ornate Easter-themed hats and costumes, is back on April 17. For something mellower, take a walk in the Bronx's New York Botanical Garden where a beautiful orchid show will be on display, or check out the Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood. For a real New York experience, the High Line is lovely during spring, as is Central Park. In the evenings, make a reservation for a rooftop bar – the Catch Roof has great views of Manhattan, and beer drinkers should try Tavern 29.
Wine discoveries in France
Though harvest season isn't until autumn, wine tasting is a year-round activity and there's never a bad time to go vineyard hopping in France. Stay overnight in a castle in Bordeaux and sample all the red wine. Have several glasses of bubbly in Champagne, which is home to world-class vineyards such as Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon. And of course, there's Provence, the oldest wine region in France. Wine has been grown here since the 6th century BC, a testament to the exquisiteness of the delicate pink rosé.
Family fun in Dubai
Dubai is a playground for children and adults alike with so much to offer from desert to underwater adventures and even snow sports. Ride a camel across JBR Beach and cool off at the Wild Wadi Waterpark with its sky-high and twisting water slides. Or, if you dare, cage snorkel with tiger sharks at Dubai Aquarium, which has more than 400 sharks and rays. Sit on the medieval dragon roller coaster in Legoland and hit the slopes at Ski Dubai. The fun never stops!
