The Best Destinations for Spring Break
February 19, 2020 by Allison Reiber DiLiegro
Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Have January and February dragged on? Your reprieve has arrived – Spring Break is upon us. Whether the kids have a break from school or you’re craving a spontaneous getaway, March makes a perfect time for a quick holiday. We’ve assembled a few of our favorite recommendations for travelers seeking a beachy break, country air or a European sojourn. Read on for a burst of inspiration for your Spring Break stay.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a colorful, culture-packed time capsule on the Caribbean. Set in the heart of the colonial town, Casa San Agustin is a 30-room boutique hotel housed in three 17th-century mansions. Inside the courtyard is an oasis on a hot day: a pool in the shadow of a 400-year-old aqueduct. Cartagena’s old city was made for meandering, with cool boutiques, buzzing markets and live music that floats out of airy restaurants. Beach lovers can (and should) arrange a day trip to Casa San Agustin’s private white sand beach in the Rosario Islands, just 45 minutes from the property.
-
- Playa VIk
-
- Bahia Vik
Estancia Vik, Playa Vik or Bahia Vik
José Ignacio, Uruguay
This bohemian beach town is a hub for savvy travelers who come for the world-class restaurants, the art scene, the beaches and – perhaps above all else – Vik Retreats. The group has three soulful, art-filled hotels in José Ignacio: Estancia Vik, Playa Vik and Bahia Vik. While these properties fill up far in advance for the winter holidays, March is low season (though it shouldn’t be). There’s wonderful weather, little rain and particularly warm weather for swimming. Bahia Vik and Playa Vik are set on the beach, while Estancia Vik is set inland on 4,000 acres of land. There’s an action-packed activity list that includes horseback riding, polo lessons, mountain biking and paintball. Vik guests have access to the facilities at all properties. Read our story on Which Vik to Pick here.
Turks and Caicos Islands
For travelers seeking powdery white beaches and turquoise waters, look no further than Turks and Caicos. And if you’re seeking the very best beach on Turks and Caicos (or, as the awards often say, “the best beach in the world”), zoom in until you hit Grace Bay Beach. At the heart of Grace Bay Beach is Grace Bay Club, a sophisticated family-friendly property with ample activities and facilities to keep kids and adults happy and sun-kissed. There are kids’ pools, a kids’ club, adult pools and a spa. From Grace Bay Club’s prime locale, guests have easy access to the island’s must-do restaurants, either on foot or by breezy ride on the complimentary bikes.
Havana, Cuba
90 minutes from Florida but a world away, Cuba is a true escape right in our backyard. The island is alive with retro glamour, a buzzing art scene and so much culture. HabanaLive crafts custom itineraries through the island, featuring vintage car rides, cooking classes, visiting homes of interesting locals, art walks, history tours and more. Once you’ve explored Havana, let HabanaLive arrange a private villa to relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Set on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula, Kasiiya is an intimate retreat on a lush expanse of forest and virgin beach. With just five suites on 123 acres of wilderness, there is ample space for each guest to create their own adventure. The Kasiiya team is on hand to create a unique itinerary featuring activities like water sports, movement classes in the “Jungle Gym,” nature walks, yoga classes and spa treatments. For families, the plush yet eco-friendly tented suites are spacious enough to accommodate kids on the sofa bed.
Saratoga, Wyoming
The Great American West has long been a destination for family bonding. Rather than a cranky road-trip, head to Wyoming’s Brush Creek Ranch to live out your cowboy fantasies set on 30,000 -acre working cattle ranch under Wyoming’s open sky. Voted the #1 resort in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure, Brush Creek Ranch perfectly blends luxury with outdoor adventure. The Lil’ Wranglers program offers archery, hiking, horseback riding and so much more. For the older kids, there’s a basketball court, volleyball, an arcade and many reasons to put down the smartphone. For those looking to fit in the last ski of the winter season, head Green Mountain for the ultimate winter experience. Guests of Brush Creek Ranch have access to this private 600-acre mountain known for incredible downhill skiing and snowboarding for all levels or snowmobile in Medicine Bow National Forest. Sumptuous spa treatments await parents at the Trailhead Spa and farm-to-table exquisite dining at The Farm’s Cheyenne Club.
Paris, France
Looking for an excuse to jet off to Paris? We’re always happy to oblige. Paris makes for an idyllic short break, whether that’s park- and museum-hopping with the kids or lingering over long lunches with friends. If you’re traveling as a multi-generational family or a large group, make Paris feel like home at Maison Montespan. Elegantly decorated and spanning three floors, it feels like the perfect pied-à-terre. It’s full-service and exclusive-use, designed for travelers seeking space, discretion and world-class hospitality. Set in the 16th, a residential neighborhood just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, it truly feels like living the Parisian joie de vivre.
Iceland
Iceland may sound far-flung, but with frequent flights from the East Coast, the island makes for an easy Spring Break getaway for nature- and adventure-lovers. Nordic Luxury arranges itineraries to suit families, couples and friends, with heli-skiing, glacier trekking, fly-fishing, horseback riding, snowmobiling and more. As a stellar bonus, travelers visiting Iceland in March have a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Set in the heart of Portugal’s most enchanting wine country, Six Senses Douro Valley promises gorgeous vistas, crisp weather and countryside charm. While wine country may not be the first locale that comes to mind for a family vacation, Six Senses ensures all are well taken care of. Kids will love the big indoor pool and fun workshops, while parents (as if they need to be sold) will delight at the wine tastings, local cuisine and phenomenal spa. For those who like to get out and explore, it’s a short drive to charming small towns and the cultural powerhouse, Porto.
Contact Hidden Doorways at mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com for more suggestions on Spring Break getaways.
