While there are options aplenty of places you can travel to with the nice weather that’s breaking out across the country and world, there are certainly some places that stand out from the others. And, with spring break behind us, now is a great time to take a trip that isn’t quite so filled with people, but definitely filled with fun. So, keep reading to find out the top five places you need to put on your list for spring.
credit: @thepeninsulatokyo
1. Tokyo | The Peninsula Tokyo
If you think the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. are a sight to see, you have no idea what sort of a treat you’re in for in the cherry blossom capital of the world: Japan.
The short life of these incredibly stunning flowers begins as early as February, and typically lasts through April.
To experience the magic of the cherry blossoms, head to The Peninsula Tokyo.
Here you’ll experience a number of different honorings and celebrations of the sakura (cherry blossoms).
Sakura Afternoon Tea
Through April 15, enjoy one of the hotel’s top experiences -- afternoon tea in the lobby.
Served on a silver tree stand, guests will enjoy a glass of Deutz Sakura Rose Champagne, seasonal finger foods, and treats inspired by the flower such as:
- Sakura strawberry lamington
- Cherry biscuit choux
- Lemon blueberry tartlet
- Sakura jelly panna cotta
- Sakura scones and more
Pair your bites and your wine with your choice of 20 teas in the perfect setting of the hotel’s breathtaking cherry blossom arrangements and live music.
Hanami Picnic Set
Take a tasty lunch with you packed by the hotel to one of the best spots to enjoy the cherry blossoms sights and smells. The hotel suggests heading to Hibiya Park, Chidorigafuchi, the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoenmae Park, and more.
In your picnic basket, you’ll find cold cuts, shrimp salad, sandwiches, dessert, fresh fruit, and a bottle of sparkling rose wine.
Signature Cocktails
The cherry blossoms inspire so much in this city, even down to the cocktails at The Peninsula Tokyo’s Peter: The Bar.
The gin-based Anniversary Bouquet melds chamomile, elderflower, and sakura liqueur, and The New Journey mixes Champagne, dry bergamot, and your choice of three types of flowers that determine what color your drink will be.
The Peninsula Cherry Blossom Ceremony at the Spa
This 110-minute treatment begins with cherry blossom tea and a pink macaron. And things only go uphill from there. Indulge in a gentle foot scrub, an exfoliating body scrub and wrap, a cleansing facial, a scalp massage, and an aromatic body massage
Sakura Viewing Tour
Embark on a tour of the cherry blossoms in their most stunning places across the city either during the day or at night.
To book: tokyo.peninsula.com/en/default
credit: @samantha_schwaba
2. Carmel | Carmel Valley Ranch
If you’re looking for a family friendly getaway, then Carmel Valley Ranch is your place.
Not only is this place family friendly, it is also pet friendly.
And if that isn’t enough, then you’re definitely going to be swayed by the 500 acres that this resort sits on right in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
Enjoy accommodations like you’ve never seen before including:
- Year-round organic garden with chicken coop and salt house
- World-class Bee Apiary
- Four-acre Pinot Noir vineyard
You’ll also love the not one, not two, but three outdoor salt water swimming pools, an 18-hole Pete Dye designed golf course, a full-service spa, and a restaurant that brings in local ingredients to create some truly tasty meals.
Head to Carmel Valley Ranch this spring to take advantage of the resort’s Ranch Hands Family Package. This includes overnight accommodations in a suite that fits four, daily breakfast, and daily half day Busy Bee or Kids Camp for up to two children.
To book: www.carmelvalleyranch.com
credit: @Buenaventuraresort
3. Rio Hato | Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort
Adventure runs through the veins of this stunning Panamanian resort.
From on-site water sports such as kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, Jet Skis, boating, and more to land sports such as soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, biking, jogging, horseback riding and numerous others, there is no shortage of activities to be found at Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort.
This resort is family-friendly and offers fun activities for all to enjoy such as an on-site museum, local workshops, and the Buenaventura Zoo filled with monkeys, peacocks, turtles, and many more.
Take advantage of the resort’s current summer promotion (their summer is our winter) that includes accommodations and a daily buffet breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children under 12.
To book: www.thebuenaventurahotel.com/
4. Telluride | The Hotel Telluride
Colorado is home to some of the country’s most ultimate adventures, and when you head to The Hotel Telluride this late spring, you’ll be getting a piece of that yourself.
The hotel is offering a brand new Ropes & Rungs summer alpine adventure package that gives you everything your adventurous self could ever imagine.
This 3-night package will take guests on a guided Via Ferrata climb via an exposed ladder and cable system, in fact the only Via Ferrata in the entire state of Colorado.
You’ll also get to take part in a climb to show off your skills and the stunning Ophir Valley area. This full day of guided rock climbing is led by the folks at San Juan Outdoor Adventures, a fully-insured USDA Forest Service permitted outfitter.
Not sure if climbing is your thing? Don’t worry -- you don’t have to be an experienced climber to enjoy this. You simply have to be okay with heights, and be ready for an adventure.
Included in the package is:
- Accommodations in a Signature King or Double room (featuring a private balcony that overlooks the San Juan Mountains)
- Daily breakfast for two
- A full-day guided Via Ferrata climb
- A full-day rock climbing adventure
This package is available June 1 - September 30
To book: www.thehoteltelluride.com
credit: @monarchbresort
5. Dana Point | Monarch Beach Resort
Live the ultimate beach life for a few days when you venture to Dana Point’s Monarch Beach Resort.
This spring, the resort has some fabulous activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Electric Bike Tours
Grab one of the resort’s battery-operated electric bikes and head out on Salt Creek Trail on your own. Or sign up for a guided tour of the OC to spot some stunning canyon and beach views.
Underwater Robots
This class is a great way to sharpen your knowledge about underwater robots with the whole family. Parents and children will be able to learn the construction of the robots as well as piloting techniques while they compete against each other in plankton races, among many other things. You’ll even get to build your own mini-ROV support vessel to take home with you.
To book: www.monarchbeachresort.com
