1. THE BEST KIDS ESCAPE
Escape to paradise with your family this spring, and make memories that make up for the last year. Emerald Maldives has launched a new roster of family-friendly activities on its island in the Raa Atoll, designed to bring families closer together. From pizza making and gelato classes to meditation and yoga lessons for kids, there are tons of things keep big and little kids entertained.
Book the family offer and you’ll also get 20 per cent off the best available rate for a minimum seven-night’s stay. The offer also includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary weekly Yoga For Kids, a complimentary 60-minute massage for two adults or a cookery class for the family, plus one in-room family breakfast. The memories start here.
2. THE SOUL OF SRI LANKA
Now that Sri Lanka is open to travel once again, those seeking sunshine, serenity and soul should make a beeline to Taj Bentota Resort & Spa. With its colonial architecture, contemporary interiors and luxury on tap, it makes for a rewarding retreat. There’s much to do here, from whale watching to nature drives through Yala National Park on a Sri Lankan ‘safari’ spotting leopards and sloth bears. Keep it more chilled with a dip in the pool before drying off on the beachfront under the gentle swaying of palm trees. The hotel’s Suite Saver offer, valid all year round, is perfect for bed-and-breakfast seekers, with early check-in/late check-out options, and exclusive savings of 25 per cent. An all-inclusive experience ramps things up with complimentary drinks, laundry and airport transfers.
3. THE VIEW FROM UP HERE
Without doubt one of the coolest island adventures one can have in the Maldives, Kandima has launched its new adrenaline-fuelled skydiving programme. Whether you’re a pro or a first-timer, imagine a jaw-dropping one-minuted free-fall from 12,000 feet with views that look as good as above... Nothing but blue sky above, and the turquoise Indian Ocean beneath, your parachute adventure will give you a vantage point few have ever seen before.
Tandem skydive with an instructor or, for the ultimate jump for experienced skydivers, go it alone! Either way, Kandima will be waiting for you when you land. Of course, not everyone chases the thrill of launching themselves out the plane, so for those staying on terra firma, you can lie back and watch the parachute parade from the comfort of Kandima’s pool - one of the longest in the Maldives.
4. A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN
Just look at that pool! Tell us you wouldn’t want to be there, sundowner in hand, with a sunset spa treatment just waiting on your word... Heritance Aarah definitely puts the ‘aaaah’ into the Maldives, with its laid-back, barefoot beauty. The resort’s Easter offer is a must for sunseekers wanting an escape that doubles down on rustic luxury, with 40 per cent off your room rate when booking direct with the hotel. You can also ‘book now, pay later’ and take comfort in a flexible cancellation policy that allows you to change your mind up to 72 hours prior to arrival.
Stay in an Ocean Villa for the feeling of floating on water; a family pool beach villa for your own private slice of heaven; or, if you really want to glam-slam your way to heaven, the Ocean Residence - a 316sqm two-bedroom suite that sits over the water, sleeps four adults, has its own private pool and a dedicated butler. Make the most of your time catamaran sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving or simply sinking into the Medi Spa for a holistic tune-up.
5. EXCLUSIVITY IN THE ALPS
From the snowy slopes of ski season to the blooming green peaks of spring, the mountains of Crans-Montana are the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures whatever the weather. LeCrans Hotel & Spa should be your jumping off point. Positioned at 1,625 metres and surrounded by forest, the resort is the ultimate definition of serenity, with nothing but fir trees, lakes and the Valais Alps to interrupt your eyeline.
A destination for families, couples or solo travellers, spring brings with it hiking, outdoor swimming, golf, mountain biking, horse riding and much more. The LeCrans Spa is obviously worth a look-in too, with its panoramic alpine views, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi and indoor/outdoor pools. The Mountain & Spa package will give you two nights in a Mountain Luxury room, a meal at panoramic restaurant LeMontBlanc and one massage.
6. CAPITAL GAINS IN HONG KONG
While London may be off our visit list for the time being, we have a solution to all those missing the UK capital. Travel to The Langham Hong Kong for its brand new ‘A Glimpse of London’ staycation offer that lets guests experience London in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Guests will be presented a pink Langham boarding pass when they check-in, and be immediately transported to London when they step into the two British-themed rooms - A Trip to London Parks and Pink Afternoon Tea Room. The latter is designed and decorated in the luxury brand’s signature pink, with an afternoon tea set-up with roses, a papier mâché floral wall, an indoor swing and a romantic canopy corner draped in lights. The offer features a one-night stay at Superior Courtyard View Room, complimentary breakfast, a 30-minute self-service photo session, and an extra HK$800 dining credit.
7. WHAT LIES BENEATH
With self-care taking top billing for 2021, we’re all feeling the need to put ourselves first once in a while. Few places can you do that better than at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, with its holistic outlook and four pillars of Sleep, Sport, Food and Spa. With an environmental ethos that reflects the islands beautiful surrounds, here you’re sure to soothe mind, body and soul. For early risers, there’s sunrise yoga, or for those who wake later in the day, sunset yoga too. You can even practice on top of a dhoni in the middle of the Indian Ocean, should your heart desire.
For something less gentle, there’s aqua fitness, zumba and body combat. And for those wanting to up the fitness ante, the resort’s Fit Trail is an island jogging track with five fitness stations, with a variety of obstacles and workout stations. Book the Underwater Experience offer and stay in an Aqua Villa, with its submerged bedroom under the ocean, alongside a floating breakfast, photo session, and marine excursion.