While the spring sunshine is supposedly here to stay, those single-digit temperatures are not what we ordered. So if you’re fed up with being teased by the promise of warmer climes – and the British weather simply not delivering – perhaps it’s best to beat the blues and enjoy a spot of sun elsewhere. Whether you fancy going long-haul to Sri Lanka, Mexico and Thailand, or would prefer a cultural city break to Rome, here’s where to travel in April 2025 for that all-important vitamin D.
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Thought Thailand was exclusively a winter sun destination? Think again. The Land of Smiles boasts year-round balmy temperatures, while the month of April in particular marks the beginning of the country’s dry season which lasts until November – so go now to enjoy dry, less humid conditions. Plus, the UK’s Easter holidays aptly coincide with Songkran – Thai New Year – making it the perfect time to experience this beautiful country and its culture at its best.
But, where to go? In a country that’s roughly twice the size of the UK, it’s hard to whittle down the must-see destinations. For an authentic taste of south-east Asia that also acts as a gateway to the Gulf of Thailand, we’d recommend Phuket. Having experienced something of a facelift in recent years, go beyond Patong Beach to discover the heart of Thailand’s largest island, featuring leafy mountainous peaks, white sandy beaches and jungles primed for exploration, as well as a number of authentic eateries serving pineapple fried rice, fragrant curries and fresh seafood. Don’t miss the vibrant markets in the picture-perfect Old Town – famous for its Sino-Portuguese architecture – and climb the 94-steps up to the Big Buddha to be rewarded with panoramic views across the city.
Celebrating both Easter and Songkran, Trisara – one of Phuket’s most exclusive and private resorts – is the destination for a seamless family holiday this month. Just 15 minutes from Phuket Airport, the five-star hotel is nestled on a private bay, surrounded by lush tropical gardens that provide an idyllic backdrop for a relaxing escape, and boasts Thailand’s largest on-site villa collection, each featuring private pools and ocean views. Think of this as your Thai home-from-home and you won’t be disappointed.
The Songkran celebrations begin on 13 April 2025, featuring a unique programme that pays homage to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and Buddhist traditions. Highlights for little ones include the Po Tong Truck Wet and Wild Excursion – organised by the on-site Kid’s Club where children can drive wooden Thai trolley trucks around Naiton Beach and partake in the tradition of spraying water – as well as Trisara’s Little Farmers Programme which offers a fun-filled day at the nearby Pru Jampa Farm, including an Easter egg extravaganza, lunch box and round-trip transfers. Adults needn’t feel left out of the fun, thanks to the Songkran Sunset Drinks where they’ll be treated to a refreshing cocktail, snacks and mesmerising fire show, and decadent Easter Brunch, held at Cielo and Space restaurant and featuring an exceptional spread of festive dishes, decadent chocolate eggs and other sweet treats accompanied by live music.
From £1,273 per night.
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A heady mix of ancient culture, exceptional cuisine and diverse scenery, Mexico has everything you need for a memorable holiday. While its capital is ideal for throwing yourself into the country’s hustle and bustle, and Cancún is a hive for tourists, we’d personally recommend skipping them both and instead heading to the serene locales found in Yucatán, – known for its beaches and Mayan ruins – and Riviera Maya. Perfect for those who want to learn about authentic Mexican culture without the chaos, while also having access to one of its most pristine stretches of sandy beaches in the country, Riviera Maya is roughly 35 minutes away from Cancún by car but trust us when we say it feels like a world away. Famed for its diving spots, delectable food, Mayan ruins and sun-drenched resorts, this is the destination for well-heeled travellers to experience Mexico at its finest.
The sister hotel to Chablé Yucatan – voted best hotel in North America at The World’s 50 Best Hotels – Chablé Maroma lies on a 650-foot private beach fringing Riviera Maya. Boasting 70 villas by renowned interiors expert Paulina Morán, expect spacious suites, each with their own private pool and ample outdoor space that encourages guests to reconnect with nature. Just steps from your villa’s door, discover mangroves of The Reserve of Punta Maroma and venture further to be greeted by its untouched coastline – one of Riviera Maya’s best-kept secrets, located 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen.
While the hotel’s spaces cocoon guests in luxury, the other key focuses here are on wellbeing and food. Steeped in Mayan traditions and centred around three key wellness pillars – purification, balance and transformation – Chablé Maroma’s spa offers an extensive treatment menu that’s been specifically designed to restore and rejuvenate. Elsewhere, Jorge Vallejo, one of Mexico’s top chefs, has spearheaded the culinary offering at Chablé Hotels. Dishes at the Michelin-starred Bu’ul and Kaban take their cues from local and regional flavours, and in accordance with Chablé’s sustainability commitment, seasonal menus are created using organic ingredients directly grown in the hotels’ ka’anche’s (traditional Mayan gardens) or sourced locally from small businesses. This is what we call Mexican magic.
From £600 per night.
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A cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature from every angle – Table Mountain overlooks the urban sprawl below and the city is fringed by both Table Bay and False Bay – the South African capital offers plenty to entertain travellers. See the sights at Cape of Good Hope, a section of the Table Mountain National Park that features awe-inspiring scenery, fantastic walks, brilliant birdwatching and often-deserted beaches, and visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which easily ranks as the most beautiful garden in the world. Venture into the city to discover a bustling food scene, a plethora of homegrown wineries and a thriving artistic culture, spotted not only in galleries but on walls, bridges and houses at every turn.
Situated at the centre of Cape Town’s fashionable Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, this One&Only outpost is a tranquil enclave on the doorstep of the South African capital. The rooms and suites are decorated in a neutral palette and are among the largest in the city, with some featuring private balconies that offer impressive views of Table Mountain, the marina or both. Elsewhere, sample delectable Japanese cuisine at Nobu or dine on native dishes at Rooi, fuelling guests for the myriad curated concierge experiences on offer, from safaris to tours of the world-renowned Cape wine region.
From £530 per night.
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Rome springs into life in April, and offers travellers the perfect mild temperatures required to explore its attraction-packed city – think the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon – without the summer crowds. This month also coincides with the elongated Easter celebrations, and as the city is predominantly Catholic, many travellers will be able to witness religious processions, experience unique traditions, and indulge in delectable seasonal treats. A trip to the Vatican – the city-state that’s also the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope – is a must.
Designed and built by famed Italian architect Francesco Borromini, Donna Camilla Savelli is an 87-room hotel housed inside a 17th-century convent in the heart of Rome’s lively Trastevere district. The boutique hotel is due to complete major renovations this April, which will see each room elegantly furnished, featuring views of the old convent, the cityscape, or of the hotel’s peaceful internal gardens. The hotel is home to three eateries, but we’d highly recommend booking the renaissance menu by il Ferro e il Fuoco’s head chef Emidio Ferro, who guides guests through recipes of days long past, such as traditional spaghetti with clams and fresh cheese dumplings with butter and sage.
From £200 per night.
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Just as everyone once flocked to Bali, it now seems that everyone is flocking to Sri Lanka – but for good reason. Lying alone in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, the country experienced more than its fair share of turmoil during the Covid-19 pandemic but has, more recently, proven how safe it is for travellers looking to experience a real tropical paradise. The teardrop island is home to a plethora of national parks, which are in turn home to Asian elephants, leopards and sloths (a Sri Lankan safari is a must), while golden beaches that provide nesting spots for birds and turtles can be found on every coastline. The food is second to none, offering an array of flavours – think sweet onion relishes, bitter melon, spicy coconut, and rich curries. Enough said.
Uga Chena Huts is a wilderness paradise nestled deep within the jungle in Sri Lanka’s far south, a few miles from Yala National Park. Comprising just 18 thatched-roof cabins – each with its own private deck and pool – the seven-acre property provides a bucket-list-worthy opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, from spotting sea turtles laying eggs by moonlight to elephants wandering down from the nearby forest to play in the surf. Don’t miss the world-class dining experience at Basses restaurant, sundowners at the poolside bar and spoiling spa treatments from the comfort of your residence – while adventure awaits in the form of game drives in Yala National Park, bush walks, Sri Lankan cookery classes and stargazing.
From £960 per night.
