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The Top 26 Spring Destinations: Where to Go This Spring

Whether you’re looking to stay domestic with a countryside escape or a last spring skiing weekend or seeking to venture further afield to a European city or an indulgent Maldives bungalow, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spring destinations where you can plan a trip to now.

Contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare to start planning your spring getaway—for this year and the future. Our team can match you with the hotel and activities that are right for you, and provide information on transportation options, private villas and charters and more.


Domestic Spring Getaways


Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has always been a crucible for new ideas in the arts, design and lifestyle, and with one third of California’s population living in the metropolitan area’s 4,850 square miles, this sprawling, glamorous, change-obsessed place is something to behold. Come spring, you can spend your days immersing yourself in the culture, enjoying attractions, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Avenue of Stars, and strolling through Santa Monica—all with reliably pleasant weather and diminished crowds. Then return to home bases like the posh and private Peninsula Beverly Hills, the glamorous Maybourne, the zen Nobu Ryokan and more Indagare favorites.

Related: Top Tables: LA's Best Restaurants

Charleston & Kiawah Island, South Carolina

One of America’s earliest cities, Charleston remains among its most elegant, its cobblestone streets still plied by horse-drawn carriages and lined with live oaks. Charleston encompasses the best of two disparate but equally engaging cultures: the aged hush of European hamlets and the welcoming hospitality of the American South, with an exciting culinary scene and great springtime weather to boot. Plus, a recent crop of boutique hotels, like The Pinch, have only expanded Charleston's collection of charming hotels, which already included the picturesque Zero George and The Dewberry.

Less than a one-hour drive away from the charming food capital, lovely Kiawah Island is an ideal add-on or standalone choice for a long weekend of leisure. With 10 miles of beachfront and the Beachwalker County Park, this barrier island is a peaceful nature haven for a southern escape. Our favorite property in the area? The Sanctuary, an oceanfront resort that caters to golfers.

Related: Foodie Travel Guide 2023: The 15 Best Cities for Everyone Who Loves Food

Sea Island, Georgia

Within the Golden Isles of Georgia, this privately owned hideaway offers warmer temperatures, ocean breezes, a slower pace—and one of the top traditional resorts on the East Coast. If you seek rejuvenation, the 65,000-square-foot spa is sure to satisfy—booking a treatment is worth it for access to the lounge alone, where daybeds seem to float over the rippling pools that fill the atrium. Those suffering from cabin fever will appreciate the three renowned golf courses and a wide array of activities, from dance classes to fishing. The range of accommodations is equally diverse, with secluded oceanfront villas and family-friendly cottages, ideal for private time.

Related: Our Favorite U.S. Hotels with Private Cottages or Villas

Miami, Palm Beach & Key West, Florida

For a much-needed dose of Vitamin D, Miami offers a chic cultural destination and tons of sun. This dynamic city is home not only to the seven-square-mile Miami Beach but also countless luxurious retreats (like 1 Hotel South Beach or Setai Miami Beach), exciting culinary creations and an ever-evolving contemporary art and design scene.

Palm Beach provides a quieter, more upscale alternative to Miami. Fifteen minutes from town and located on a private stretch of beach, the Four Seasons is a prime spot for travelers seeking space—while in town, White Elephant (sister property to the Nantucket mainstay), which opened late 2020, is a fresh, boutique addition to the scene. A five-hour drive south, Key West—a former haunt of Ernest Hemingway—is a funky enclave with wonderful snorkeling that feels stylish, yet off-the-beaten-path. Plus: for those who want a “castaway” tropical experience, stateside, Little Palm Island is a lovely add-on option, as it is accessible from Key West only by boat or seaplane.

Related: The Best Beach Resorts in Florida and Top Tables: Miami’s Best Restaurants

U.S. Virgin Islands

Just 1,000 miles southeast of Miami, the U.S. Virgin Islands are perfect for a convenient Caribbean getaway, without a passport. The three major islands—St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas—are known for their charming pastel buildings, crystal-clear harbors, white-sand beaches and rich cultural diversity. From the Coral World Aquarium and the sea turtle nesting grounds to the 18th-century sugar mill ruins, there are activities for all ages and interests. Plus: contact us to learn more about arranging your own private yacht charter for an adventure at sea.

Related: Our Favorite Beach Resorts for a Winter Escape in 2023

Hawaii

With temperatures hovering pleasantly in the 70s and the wet season at its end, April is a beautiful time to visit the active volcanoes, blooming tropical flora and pristine beaches of red, black and white sands in Hawaii. Each of the five main islands—the Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Oahu and Kauaioffer countless adventures, beautiful vistas and a welcoming aloha spirit. Travelers can re-energize with daily surfing lessons, mountain hikes, bird- and whale-watching, snorkeling, lounging on the beach and dining on fresh fish and fruit, oceanside. For an idyllic home base, some of our favorite properties include: Big Island's Mauna Lani and Four Seasons Hualalai, as well as Andaz Maui.

Related: Top Chef, Hawaii Edition

Barnard, Vermont

With scenic skiing and hiking, cozy hotels and a boho-chic vibe bolstered by craft breweries and college towns, Vermont offers a picture-perfect escape within driving distance of eastern hotspots. And no place is better to call home for a weekend—or a week—in this area than Twin Farms, an ultra-indulgent retreat set on a 300-acre estate that served as a getaway in the 1930s for literary giants Sinclair Lewis and his wife, journalist Dorothy Thompson. Today, the hotel has a beautifully designed main lodge, suites and 10 stand-alone cottages (three of which are pet-friendly!—plus eight treehouse accommodations which opened in Fall 2023—for ultimate privacy—as well as a world-class culinary program, an enviable art collection and impeccable service.

Related: Just Back from Vermont: Twin Farms (& What to Do Nearby)

Hudson Valley, New York

The massive Hudson Valley region, stretching from northern Westchester County and spanning both sides of the majestic Hudson River, is a wonderful, complex destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of art, Americana, history and food, as well as spiritualists and wellness seekers. While exploring all that this peaceful area has to offer, travelers can unwind at bucolic luxury retreats like Glenmere Mansion, Troutbeck and Little Cat Lodge, which opened in Summer 2022—plus, seize the chance to experience Chef in Residence at Stone Barns, a repositioning of Dan Barber’s Michelin-starred Blue Hill restaurant that aims to bring greater diversity of culture and perspective to local farm-to-table cuisine.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

For hikers, foodies and design fiends, the blue-toned Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee contain two must-visit sister properties: Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. Perhaps best enjoyed together—but still amazing on their own—the two hotels encompass a combined nearly 10,000 acres of land for hiking, biking and horseback riding—as well as other entertainments like wheel-thrown pottery, archery, painting, yoga, fishing and, of course, whiskey-tasting. While the location is decidedly country, the décor and atmosphere are decidedly not: at the Mountain, the jewel-toned, Art-Deco-inspired cocktail bar serves treats like “A Seat at the Empress’s Table” (Empress 1908 Gin, lavender-infused Carpano, dry vermouth and edible pansies—all prepared table-side); at the Farm, a highlight is meeting the resident truffle-hunting Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, which are bred there and have a five-year waiting list.

Related: Exclusive Review: Blackberry Mountain

Utah & Arizona

In late 2020, Indagare Founder Melissa Biggs Bradley embarked on a family trip to Zion, Bryce National Park and the Grand Canyon. Of the experience, she wrote: “We criss-crossed the Utah-Arizona border, raced along a rocky riverbed and navigated the rim of the Vermillion Cliffs that drop 3,000 feet into the striated canyon in a rainbow of red and orange hues. We stood on towering boulders scanning for California condors and spying the Colorado river snaking its way to Lake Powell. For sheer awe-inspiring natural drama, it ranked up there with the Alps, the Amazon and the Serengeti.” For a getaway full of grounding and gratitude, this region of America should not be overlooked—especially with accommodations at top hotels like Amangiri (with its brand-new Camp Sarika), Miraval and the Lodge at Blue Sky.

Related: Indagare Matchmaker: The Best Lodges & Ranches in the American West

SPRING SKIING IN THE AMERICAN WEST

Deer Valley, Park City & Alta, Utah

All within an hour of one another and the Salt Lake City airport, there are few skiing destinations as convenient as those in Utah. For a pampering and private experience, Deer Valley’s top hotels (St. Regis Deer Valley, Montage Deer Valley, Stein Eriksen Lodge and the newly renovated Goldener Hirsch), provide prime access to pristine skiers-only terrain and a great ski school. Those seeking sprawling and more variable terrain, should head to Park City Mountain and Canyons where accommodations include the newly opened ski-in ski-out Pendry Park City (both mountains are also accessible to Deer Valley resorts via a 10-minute shuttle ride). Meanwhile, snow-seekers and adventure-addicts may want to spend their trip (or a few days of it) at Snowpine Lodge at Alta, where surprise snow dumps can happen well into March.

Related: The 9 Best Places to Ski in the U.S.: Indagare Matchmaker

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Known as “The Big One” for its vast expanses of difficult runs, Jackson Hole embodies the spirit of the Wild West, both on the slopes and off. The rustic local ski scene is punctuated by pockets of luxury centered around the top hotels (Caldera House, Four Seasons Jackson Hole and Amangani). Although it has attracted a trendy crowd in the past few years, Jackson Hole continues to maintain a rugged, easygoing atmosphere, which makes it great for families, as well as couples and groups of friends.

Sun Valley

Established in the 1930s, Sun Valley was the very first winter destination resort in the United States. Once the ski getaway for stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, including Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable, it continues to draw visitors with its easy charm, old-school glamour, excellent slopes and natural beauty. The two main mountains to know are Bald (or Baldy) and Dollar (ideal for first-timers), and there are also themed “Adventure Trails” for children. After hours on the slopes, an après-ski cocktail at the historic Sun Valley Lodge—our recommended home base—is the perfect conclusion to the day.

Aspen, Vail & Beaver Creek, Colorado

With designer shops, luxury hotels (top picks include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome and the St. Regis), high-end restaurants and serious Rocky Mountain terrain, Aspen is the glittering crown jewel of the see-and-be-seen ski destinations. While the four mountains offer a range of terrain for all skill levels, what really shines here is the glamorous après ski scene. For a less glitzy but still buzzy option, Vail Mountain has its own following of chic adventurers, setting itself apart from the west’s copious resorts with Vail Village, a European style alpine village, home to shops, restaurants and hotels, including the Four Seasons Vail and Sonnenalp Resort. Beaver Creek, often referred to as Vail’s little sister, is another great option with a charming alpine town and Indagare favorites like the Park Hyatt and Ritz Carlton.

Related: What’s New on the Slopes: Indagare’s Ski News Report 2023-2024

Alaska

Alaska is a mind-blowing ecological wonderland, encompassing three distinct vegetation zones and bordering the Arctic Circle and three bodies of ocean. Though not a pampering destination, it wows with wild landscapes and adventure. The spring season is a fantastic time for enjoying winter sports (like heli-skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and more) in the mountains, with fewer crowds and longer days. For an outdoorsy pod, consider taking over the Sheldon Chalet, a five-bedroom haven that sits on the only privately-owned land in the mountains of Denali National Park (a highlight: unmatched views of Mount Denali’s summit from the comfort of your bed). Or for a one-stop-shop on Lake Judd, head to Tordrillo Mountain Lodge—their "Kings and Corn" program allows guests to heli-ski and King salmon fish in one day and is only available in June.

INTERNATIONAL SPRING GETAWAYS

Mexico

Mexico’s treasures are as diverse as they are diverting—adored for its dreamy beach resorts, colorful cuisine, playful atmosphere and vibrant art scene, it is the perfect destination for a getaway that balances cultural activity and indulgent relaxation. And whether you opt for a beachy getaway to the Riviera Maya (Hotel Esencia or the Belmond) or Los Cabos (One&Only and Las Ventanas), or a culture-, art- and food-focused escape to the central city of San Miguel de Allende, this spring break destination is a classic for good reason.

Caribbean

In March and April, the Caribbean beckons with its powdery white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters and pampering resorts. Just a 3.5-hour direct flight from New York, travelers looking for a romantic, secluded atmosphere should visit Turks & Caicos. A top family-friendly option, also accessible via direct flights from the U.S., is Antigua, where the all-inclusive Jumby Bay offers a private island location, friendly atmosphere and top-notch amenities on a spectacular beachfront. Other Indagare favorites include the Dominican Republic’s Amanera, Harbour Island in the Bahamas, St. Lucias Sugar Beach resort, and Necker Island—Richard Branson’s exclusive hideaway in the British Virgin Islands.

Related: Direct Flights to the Caribbean

Costa Rica

The country of “pura vida,Costa Rica champions health, wellness and nature (and it’s home to one of the world’s seven Blue Zones, where the longest-living populations reside). Come for outdoor yoga, meditation on pristine beaches, excellent surfing and snorkeling, wildlife-viewing and jungle adventures by ATV, horseback and zipline—all while unwinding at an eco-friendly resort like Kasiiya Papagayo or Nayara Springs. The pampering Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo is perfect for families or couples looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, while the Andaz remains a tried-and-true favorite for a spectacular beach at a lower price point.

Cartagena

With an old town surrounded by colonial-era fortifications built by the Spanish (and a Miami-esque skyline as well), Cartagena is both a stunning time capsule on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and a contemporary mecca for sun-seekers. Blessed with abundant tropical fruits and fresh fish, cuisine in Cartagena is often a delicious fusion of Caribbean, Mediterranean and international influences, and the slew of new modern restaurants have brought the food scene to the next level. And with world-class music, a strong cultural focus on film and literature (Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez kept a home here) and chic shops and hotels like Casa San Agustin and Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel, the lure of this seaside city is undeniable.

Panama

If you’re hoping to get a bit lost in the world after months of remaining at home, Panama’s Islas Secas may be the place for you. Indagare Creative Director Simone Girner, who scouted the property when it first opened its doors in 2018, describes the property as such: “Some 15 miles off the mainland, 14 densely forested islands rise from the sea like ancient creatures—majestic and pristine. Frigate birds soar overhead, pelicans glide beside the boat, and every now and then a fish or stingray cuts through the turquoise-blue waters, as if they, too, were leaping for joy, aware of the privilege of being in such a special place.” The experience here is akin to a nautical version of an African safari lodge, with minimal human impact in the wild.

Related: 22 Best Private Island Resorts to Escape to This Year

Nicaragua

“The country of lakes and volcanoes” indeed. Central America’s largest and least densely populated country is home to 28 volcanos (six of which are still active), eight crater lakes and hundreds of beaches along 650 miles of untouched coastline. Nicaragua’s stunning tropical landscape and lush flora and fauna are the perfect complement to vibrant Spanish colonial cities like Granada, with its colorful facades, cobblestone streets, luxury hotels (including Hotel Plaza Colon and Tribal Hotel), wealth of cafés and charming old churches that help to tell the history of one of the oldest cities in the Americas. We suggest beginning or ending your trip with a venture on the coast, where the beachfront villas and rum tasting room make the secluded and ultra-luxe resort Mukul practically a destination of its own.

Iceland

With otherworldly terrain ripe for expeditions like glacier walking, descending into a volcano, and cruising to see whales, fjords and puffins, Iceland is an adventure traveler’s dream. And when spring hits, days grow longer and sunnier, migrating birds return and more hiking trails become accessible, while snow on the mountain peaks still allow for winter activities like heli-skiing and snowmobiling. And of course, Iceland is a prime destination for viewing the magical Northern Lights. In the fascinating capital of Reykjavik, your home base might take the form of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon (built into Iceland’s volcanic frontier) or the Canopy Hotel, while for a pampering, adventure-centric haven, we recommend heading to the always popular Deplar Farm.

European Cities: Paris, Rome & Lisbon

The limited crowds, blossoming flowers and milder temperatures are the primary draw of European cities in the spring. Paris, for one, is absolutely dreamy between late March and early April, as flower shows, festivals and street fairs crop back up after a gloomy winter, and blooming cherry blossom bring a pop of color to famous sites like the Eiffel Tower. (Our favorite hotels include the Hotel Ritz, Le Bristol or La Réserve, to name only a few). For a bump in temperature perfect for seeing the sites, head to Hotel Edenor Hotel de Russie in Rome where gelato season begins the day the sun starts shining and artichokes reach their peak freshness in time for the Easter feasts. Meanwhile, carnival season has begun in Lisbon, with Brazilian parades swarming the streets and top hotels like Bairro Alto and the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz showing their spring colors.

Morocco

With sunny (but not stifling) days and refreshing nights, plus the verdant gardens at properties like La Mamounia Marrakech, springtime is a lovely season in Morocco. While Marrakech offers history, romance and atmosphere, with gorgeous architecture and an extravagant shopping scene, the beauty of this indulgent spring getaway doesn’t end with the cities. In the Atlas Mountains, travelers can enjoy a range of outdoor adventure activities, including hiking and horse back riding. Further afield, in the remote desert oasis of Skoura, a 14-room restored kasbah named “the House of Dreams”—Dar Ahlam—is an exquisite hideaway that offers indulgence and authentic cultural connection. Favorite activities include treks through the Valley of Roses, ending with a picnic by a river and sunset cocktails arranged on an isolated hilltop, furnished with cushions and carpets.

Related: Best Family Spring Break Ideas 2023: Where to Go With Kids


Note: The Atlas Mountains suffered damage during the earthquake in Fall 2023. One of our favorite hotels, Kasbah Tamadot is in the midst of repairs, but travelers can still enjoy some of the active adventure from Olinto Atlas Mountain Retreat.


African Safari

After two years of significantly decreased tourism, travelers’ dollars are needed more than ever in Africa. So the low spring season is a great time to visit our favorite safari spots (though some are best left avoided this time of year). As the summer rains have just passed, the spring is the best time to see tons of water surging over the otherworldly Victoria Falls in Zambia. March in Ngorongoro Crater in the Serengeti sees spectacular wildlife viewing (the Great Migration is in the Serengeti from January to March) and lush scenery brought out by the wet season. And since the calving period takes place in February, the plains will be crawling with baby zebras and wildebeest. East Africa is best avoided come April when the wet season is in full swing, but lodges like Singita Lebombo Lodge and Royal Malewane in South Africa will still have the jaw-dropping safari experience you’ll be gushing about for years.

Related: Indagare Matchmaker: Best Safaris in Africa

Maldives

This nation of more than one thousand tiny islands contains a water world to satisfy the tropical fantasies of surfers, scuba divers, beach lovers and honeymooners. For an extended spring break vacation that is truly far-flung—with five-star service and amenities—escape to one of the many luxurious overwater bungalows and beachfront villas available at properties like One&Only Reethi Rah, Cheval Blanc Randheli or COMO Maalifushi.

Related: Ultimate Exotic Beach Vacations


Contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare to start planning your spring getaway—for this year and the future. Our team can match you with the hotel and activities that are right for you, and provide information on transportation options, private villas and charters and more.


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