An Easter Escape? It's Not Too Late!

As you know, I've always encouraged you to start the vacation planning process with ample lead time. It's never too soon, in my opinion to lay the foundation for your safe, enjoyable just-the-way-you-want-it journey. What I am about to say doesn't change that and I can't believe I'm going to say it out loud: a luxurious Easter getaway is still a possibility! There. It's out in the open. However, I'm not going to let you make a habit of waiting 'til the last minute to plan and book your trip. Why would you take an Easter vacation? It's a time when families typically come together to reconnect, so...why not?

BRAZIL - For something COMPLETELY different, spend Easter at Iguassu Falls. What makes it an Easter like you've never had before is that April is autumn in Brazil. Easter in autumn! Temperatures are still warm and the foliage is turning dramatic gold and crimson. At Hotel das Cataratas, a truly gastronomic Easter feast is on the menu. Four fabulous days of tempting buffets, BBQ and pizza, an alfresco bar with live music, sumptuous à la carte Easter dinner, chocolate table (that's where you'll find me), ceremony in the garden and brunch with free-flowing caipirinhas and Easter cocktails. A dedicated children’s programme includes engaging activities, delicious dinners and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The hotel’s privileged location means that when you finally tear yourself away from the Easter action, you enjoy exclusive out-of-hours access to Iguassu Falls, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

SICILY - Easter Monday or Pasquetta, is an occasion for friends and family to get together and enjoy grilled specialities in the beautiful spring weather. Embracing this tradition, Villa Sant’Andrea is hosting a Sicilian-style BBQ on the stunning Bay of Mazzarò. Chef Agostino D’Angelo will prepare succulent meat and fish delicacies as guests bask in the sea views and live Sicilian music. Grand Hotel Timeo is renowned for its gastronomy, and what could be a more perfect time to indulge than Easter? A sumptuous Easter Brunch can be savoured in the lush gardens, in a prime spot overlooking Mount Etna. Chef Toro has curated an irresistible menu chock-full of traditional Easter specialities, including eggs and sweet treats. And after the feasting is over? A thrilling Easter egg hunt will entertain the youngest and most energetic guests.

ENGLAND - Spring sees Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with its flourishing gardens and orchards come alive like nowhere else. Deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, children and adults can experience the unique magic of Le Manoir together, with a Family Time package that offers Michelin-starred dining in the fabled restaurant, a joint course at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School and a family garden tour. The learning continues at home with the Seed Explorers activity box, offering seasonal packages brimming with green-fingered fun.

PORTUGAL - Long hours of sunshine await at Reid’s Palace, where a gorgeously decorated lobby and myriad exotic blooms signal the arrival of Easter. The Pastry Team has prepared delicious sweets to set the tone for guests’ arrival. The fun continues with exciting family activities, such as classes to make traditional Easter almonds, storytelling sessions, egg-straordinary surprises from the Michelin-starred chef and the all-important Easter egg hunt in the gardens. Ask me for the Easter in Madeira package for an incredible 5-night experience.

MEDITERRANEAN - Slow, simple living, an olive-oil rich diet and moments of happiness shared with loved ones defines the Mediterranean lifestyle. This spring, Belmond invites guests to embrace it in wondrous ways. A lavish picnic overlooking Florence in the romantic terraced gardens of Villa San Michele. Serene boat trips across the Venetian Lagoon from Cipriani, a secluded hideaway on Giudecca. Leisurely bike rides through the rolling Tuscan hills surrounding Castello di Casole. Authentic Mallorcan cuisine at La Residencia, where the hotel’s own expansive olive grove can be explored with the lovable resident donkeys. Starlit cocktails, nature strolls, tranquil dips in the sea: the Mediterranean lifestyle waits to capture new aficionados this spring.

THAILAND - Napasai invites guests to truly escape from it all in Koh Samui, walking barefoot on the sand, toasting the golden hour and stargazing in the balmy night air. This is the time of Songkran, the Thai New Year, when people celebrate in the streets and playful water fights break out. April is hot and sunny, so cooling splashes are welcome. The hotel’s Songkran Festival Package allows guests to take full advantage of this convivial time of year with luxury accommodation, breakfast and amenities over a minimum two-night stay.

Your exhilarating Easter escape is a phone call away. This year, when you mingle your family's holiday traditions with new experiences that create unforgettable memories, you'll be the hero who thought of this all by yourself. It will be our secret.