April is a great month for quick spring weekend getaways, spa retreats and longer trips. You will find some great deals because it is shoulder season in many popular vacation spots such as Hawaii, Florida and Southern California which offer warm spring weather, gourmet restaurants and scenic views. If you have time for a longer trip, visit a tropical island where you can unwind on sandy beaches with ocean views.
Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
At the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando you can get a taste of the tropics without leaving mainland USA. The resort features a bamboo forest entrance, a tropical lotus lagoon, beautiful outdoor gardens and colorful sunsets. There is plenty to do for families who like to try a variety of activities. Relax by the lagoon-style pool with a sand beach, play volleyball, work out in the fitness center, visit Universal Orlando and enjoy South Pacific-inspired entertainment at the resort. Learn the hula dance, and watch knife twirlers and fire dancers at Wantilan Luau on Fridays and Saturdays.
Kids can play in the Royal Bali interactive children's water play area. The Mariner's Club offers supervised children's activities. The property offers 1,000 guest rooms and 54 suites that overlook the swimming pool and the tropical gardens. Dining choices abound - there are five restaurants and lounges to choose from, including celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's new Emeril's Tchoup Chop.
6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819, Phone: 407-503-3000
Inn on the Alameda
Inn on the Alameda is an affordable getaway located in Santa Fe. You'll be able to enjoy the quiet residential neighborhood, surrounded by art galleries, museums, fine restaurants, and boutique shops. The inn has two outdoor whirlpools, an exercise room and a library with books and games. Choose from 71 rooms and suites with classic southwestern decor, local artwork, handmade furnishing, and Adobe-style surroundings. Ask for one of the room with a private balcony.
In the mornings, sample fresh fruits, pastries and freshly-squeezed juices from the continental breakfast buffet, included in the room rate. A complimentary wine and cheese reception is also offered each afternoon. There are numerous restaurants to choose from in Santa Fe; the hotel can provide some recommendations based on what you are looking for.
303 E. Alameda, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, Phone: 888-984-2121
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Soft sand. Cerulean waters. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a breathtaking Maldivian resort settled on 52 acres of island perfection – one that is surrounded with hidden coves, groves of palm trees, and a turquoise lagoon. Alluring its guests with more than its surroundings, the resort has an array of accommodations for different types of travelers, from water villas and beach villas to hidden retreats.
Guests can indulge with a wellness treatment at the on-resort spa or partake in one of the many excursions, which include fishing, snorkeling, or going on a dolphin cruise. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a place of tradition, wonder, and indulgence for guests to revel in.
Noonu Atoll - Republic of Maldives, +960 656 0591
Le Meridien Lav, Croatia
Le Meridien Lav, Split is a 5-star hotel situated on the immaculate beaches of the Dalmatian Sea Coast. Right along the coastline of the Adriatic Sea, Split allows its guests to indulge themselves in absolutely everything.
It is a place where the beauty of Croatia can be seen in one panoramic view.
Crystal clear waters, white sparkling sand – with such a beautiful backdrop, guests may never want to leave the hotel, which has its own infinity pool alongside the hotel’s private beach.
Even guests with the most peculiar palette will devour the culinary concoctions on offer, which feature modern Mediterranean cuisine and Croatian flavors.
Grljevacka, 2A, Podstrana, Split, 21312, Croatia, 385 21 500 500
Hotel Metropole in Monte Carlo
The historic Hotel Metropole dates back to 1886 and has hosted many celebrity guests, including Claudia Schiffer, Britney Spears and Sting. It is located just steps away from Monte-Carlo's legendary Grand Casino. Relax next to the seawater swimming pool which has a spacious sun deck and its own bar and restaurant. The bar and lounge area offers a bird's eye view of the Grand Prix circuit. The gardens comprise over 30 species representing more than 3,000 varieties of plants. Take a romantic walk through the beautiful historic grounds.
The luxury spa by Espa offers 8 treatments rooms and 2 VIP Suites. Choose from many signature therapies, saunas and steam baths. There are 141 rooms and suites. Ask for one of the rooms that have been completely refurbished. If you decide to splurge on a Junior Suite or Suite, ask for one with a private terrace facing the sea for best views. The luxury Penthouse Suite has the best views in the house. The terrace can accommodate a party of up to 50 guests. The restaurants serve contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and Japanese dishes. Yoshi is a Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Joel Robuchon.
Andrew Pinckney Inn, Charleston
The Andrew Pinckney Inn is located right in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, where it offers a warm welcome and true Southern hospitality.
Park Shore Waikiki
Park Shore Waikiki is set on the famous Waikiki beach and is a mere hop away from Hawaii’s popular shopping, entertainment, and dining hub. Guests can gaze out on to the beauty of Hawaii from their modern accommodation, each fitted with a private balcony and boasting an amazing view.
Room are replete with amenities such as an interactive television system, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and Wi-Fi. Guests will spend most of their time at the poolside chilling on a lounge chair and overlooking the Waikiki Beach. Other excursions include yoga and fitness classes at Kapiolani Park or a trip to the Honolulu Zoo.
2586 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815, 808-923-0411
Westin Miyako Kyoto
There are several great reasons to check into the Westin Miyako Kyoto - a rejuvenating spa, two swimming pools, an on-site mountain trail and the beautiful Japanese-style gardens. There are three distinct gardens where visitors can relax their body and spirit surrounded by tranquil sounds of waterfalls. The centerpiece of the Aoi-den Garden is a three-level, 15-meter waterfall originally created in 1933 by the landscape architect Jihei Ogawa.
The hotel's newest garden is called the Garden of Philosophy. It was designed by the sculptor Bukichi Inoue and features cool, clear water flowing from the Eastern Mountains. The gardens have been designated as Kyoto City Cultural Assets. The Trail and Wild Bird Sanctuary is a 40-minute walking trail looping around Mount Kacho, past a shrine, wild strawberry patch and a mountaintop observation lookout. Since there are over 50 different species of wild birds to see on the way, be sure to borrow complimentary binoculars from the hotel concierge. The property offers both traditional Japanese-style rooms and Western rooms. The Western rooms have Westin Heavenly Beds and scenic city or garden views. The traditional Japanese-style rooms are situated in a special guest house surrounded by gardens which you can admire through floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms have a 40-inch flat screen LCD TV, Heavenly futon, legless chairs, a tokonoma alcove and a cedar tub in the bathroom. (81)(75) 771 7111.
The Covent Garden Hotel London
The Covent Garden Hotel London is located in the London theater district, near the Royal Opera House and Soho. The hotel is a part of the Firmdale Hotel group which runs a collection of small chic hotels, great for vacation and business stays. The property has a drawing room with wood paneling and a stone fireplace which leads into a library with a fireplace and a bar. If you are planning a party, you can rent one of the hotel's three private rooms, or a 54-person THX Screening Room. There is a workout room and a spa which offers a range of relaxing treatments.
There are 58 bedrooms and suites, some with views over the city rooftops. The rooms are individually decorated and have luxury bathrooms. Guests can dine at the Brasserie Max, a popular restaurant for pre and post theatre diners. The restaurant, which is open all day, serves Modern British cuisine and offers a selection of wines, champagnes and cocktails. In addition, there is 24 hour room service. In addition to people watching at the Brasserie Max, on a Saturday you can join the Weekend Film Club and enjoy a three course dinner followed by a screening of a film of the week (from £ 30). The hotel is situated near 21 theaters, numerous restaurants, bars and clubs. The hotel is approximately one hour by taxi from Heathrow Airport and about 1.5 hours from Gatwick (+44-20-7806-1000).
On The Rocks, Santorini
Santorini, Greece is an amazing location; the emerald Aegean Sea, the intimate Caldera Basin, the bustling capital, Fira, and the Imerovigli, are just a small fragment of everything On The Rocks makes available to guests.
GLocated 200 meters above the Caldera Basin and carved into the natural igneous rock of Imerovigli, On The Rocks is a romantic 4-star boutique hotel that encapsulates the essence of Santorini Island.
Guests can bask in the legendary sunset over the Aegean Sea and peer over the rim of the world’s only inhabited volcano crater. A pool, spa, and contemporary accommodation add to the amazing Santorini experience at On The Rocks.
On The Rocks, Santorini, Imerovigli 84700, Santorini – Greece, +30 22860 23889
Masseria San Domenico, Italy
Prior, the lighthouse of Masseria San Domenico, Italy was used as a watchtower by the Knights of Malta, but since 1996, the historic lighthouse has been restored and renovated into a 5 star luxury resort.
Guests can now indulge themselves at the boutique hotel fitted with first class facilities such as a magnificent outdoor free-form swimming pool. The hotel also has a private beach, spa, and gym, and it is situated near a golf course.
The hotel urges guests to explore the original architecture of Masseria San Domenico, which is surrounded by 60 hectares of olive trees and orchards.
Strada Proviciale, 90 - 72015 Savelletri di Fasano (Brindisi), Italy, +39 080 4827769
Loft 523 in New Orleans
Loft 523 in New Orleans is a hip all-loft hotel located in the Central Business District, two blocks from the famous French Quarter. You will love the open feeling of the loft style rooms and won't have to deal with crowds since there are only 18 rooms. Guest accommodations are sleek with concrete floors and oversize bathroom areas. The bathtubs in the rooms are made by noted Italian manufacturer Agape and all resemble cappuccino cups. The beds have Frette linens, CD/DVD players and wireless internet access. There is a bar as well as room service.
523 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 504-200-6523
