Spring is just around the corner, which means Easter is not far behind. Lots of kids will have a school holiday – and you might be in dire need of a vacation. What’s the best place to travel for an Easter destination trip? Even if you’re not celebrating the holiday itself, where is the best place to spend a week during Easter school break this year? We’ve created a list of the best places in the world to enjoy a luxury Easter holiday trip this year.
the best places for a luxury vacation trip for the Easter holiday this year
Spring is in the air! For those who celebrate the Easter holiday, there are glorious candy-filled baskets and hampers, delicious brunches, luxurious confections and even a little crime-solving, to look forward to. It’s the return of a sweet, pastel wonderland and adorable baby animals that can melt even the most cynical hearts.
Easter also marks an opportunity to travel with the family before the kids are old enough to escape on their own spring breaks with friends. If you’re searching for a luxury trip centered around the festivities of the holiday, we’ve curated a list of places to consider. From the tulips of Amsterdam to the cherry blossoms of Washington D.C, here are 11 of the best places to travel for Easter this year. It’s a chance to celebrate not only the holiday itself but also the arrival of all things spring.
the best places and luxury travel destinations for an Easter holiday vacation this year
1. new york city
Take a trip to the Big Apple and partake in the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, which has been a New York City tradition since the 1800’s. Back then, high-society ladies would promenade in their Easter finery after church. Now, the parade has evolved into a showcase for millinery, featuring fantastical and whimsical toppers that should be seen in-person at least once.
Looking for an Easter egg hunt for your little ones? You’ll find plenty of those at the approximately 1,700 parks within the five boroughs from which to choose. Throw in a delicious Easter brunch spot and a stay at The Pierre, and you’ve got yourself a classic and classy New York City Easter weekend.
2. boca raton, florida
There’s something to fill everyone’s Easter basket at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. In addition to lots of golf, sand and sea, the resort hosts some majorly kid-friendly Easter weekend festivities. They include activities like sack races, face painting and a bounce house.
On Easter Sunday itself, the resort really steps up. There’s an annual Easter egg hunt that features over 10,000 eggs filled with toys and candy hidden on the sprawling golf course. And naturally, there is a seriously good brunch, too.
3. washington d.c.
Since 1878, Presidents and their families have celebrated Easter Monday by hosting the White House Easter Egg Roll, which is held on the South Lawn of the White House. The event is actually one of the oldest annual events in the history of the White House.
After attending the festivities, swing by some of the nation’s landmarks. If Easter comes early, you can enjoy the last of the blooming cherry blossoms at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For accommodations, we suggest the sleek new Conrad Hotel located only a short walk from the National Mall.
4. san francisco
Famed for its annual Union Street Easter Parade, San Francisco draws the crowds in to celebrate this festive spring holiday. The celebration can only be described as a combination of wonderful, wacky and elegant. It welcomes everyone from rollerblading butterflies to sophisticated fashionistas. In addition to a visit from the Easter Bunny himself, you will find live music and plenty of brunch options at Union Street´s restaurants.
Stay at the Fairmont San Francisco in neighboring Nob Hill, where you’ll find high-end amenities like exclusive Le Labo products and Frette bed linens in the guest rooms. And a cheeky tiki bar that’s been blessed by the late Anthony Bourdain.
5. london
From Easter egg hunts and special Easter events for kids and grownups, to some of the world’s best chocolate shops, London is a great option for Easter. Several parks throughout the city host hunts, but one of the highlights at is to run free in the 60 acres of Henry VIII’s gardens at Hampton Court Palace in search of the Lindt GOLD BUNNY.
And since it’s spring, you will want to make the most of the season and spend your free time strolling through beautiful Hyde Park. Then retire to our favorite hotel in London, the Beaumont in Mayfair.
6. amsterdam
Easter in the Netherlands is all about brunch, baby animals and of course, tulips. At the Keukenhof Gardens you will find hundreds of thousands of colorful tulips spread across the fields that you can tour on foot, via bicycle or even overhead from a helicopter. Nearby you will also find the windmill town of Zaanse Schans, where you can taste traditional Dutch cheese and learn how wooden clogs are made.
Back in the city center, you can enjoy brunch at any number of five-star hotels. Or at the chic restaurant The White Room. Kid may prefer a chance to cuddle with baby chicks at the Artis Zoo and then enjoy brunch among the animals. We suggest booking a room – and the Easter buffet brunch – at the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, which features a buffet that extends beyond the usual fare, ranging from congee to Dutch pancakes.
7. prague
The people from Prague love Easter almost as much as they do Christmas. The city is home to one of Europe’s most important Easter markets – The Prague Easter Market on the Old Town Square. The market features wooden stalls decorated with the bright colors of spring, flowers, ribbons and ornaments of animal babies. They are stocked with handicraft products like embroidered lace, wooden toys, ceramics, scented candles, puppets and Easter eggs. In addition to homemade cheese, gingerbread, marzipan and Czech Easter specialties such as mazance (Easter sweet bread).
Throughout the square and the rest of the city, you’ll find blossoming apple trees decorated with eggs. And giant Easter eggs over two meters tall that only add to the Easter feel. Staying in the city center is the best way to experience the market: either the Four Seasons Prague or The Emblem Hotel would be perfect.
8. rome
For those really looking to experience the reason for the Easter season, a trip to Rome would be a meaningful way to spend the holiday. Across Italy, Holy Week is widely celebrated. On Palm Sunday in Rome, you’ll find the streets filled with people carrying the branches of olive trees, instead of the palm fronts you might find in the United States. During Holy Week, there’s everything from lifelike reenactments to solemn processions on Good Friday. And of course, you’d have the chance to visit The Vatican and witness the Easter ceremony held at St. Peter’s Basilica firsthand.
We would be remiss if we did not mention the delicious food traditions that take hold of the city and country this time of year as well. The weeks running up to Easter see supermarkets, stores and specialty confectioners’ shops overflowing with large ornate chocolate eggs, sugar lambs, chocolate hens and other creatures. On Easter Sunday, most families enjoy abbacchio, a roasted leg of lamb, and other traditional dishes. For an authentic Easter brunch, we suggest dining at Imágo, overlooking Rome’s terracotta rooftops and St. Peter’s Basilica, on the roof terrace of the 5-star Hotel Hassler.
9. zermatt.
Though the ski season may be winding down in the US, the higher resorts in The Alps continue to draw skiers in for the Easter season with warming temps and glorious spring sunshine. According to many locals, April is among the best times for skiing in Zermatt thanks to its fantastic snow conditions, grippy pistes and yes, that lovely sunshine. Couple that with the majestic Matterhorn as a backdrop and a weekend-long chocolate Easter bunny hunt across the town. It’s no wonder that Zermatt is one of the grandest and most popular spots for an Easter skiing adventure.
After hitting the slopes and having your fair share of Lindt Swiss chocolate bunnies, retreat to a stay at Mont Cervin Palace, which features an extensive wellness center. It boasts an indoor pool as well as a heated outdoor pool, where you can relax with views of the Matterhorn.
10. bucovina (romania)
You’ll be rewarded for going off the beaten track with a trip to the charming countryside Bucovina region of Romania. The painted medieval churches are the main reason most people travel here. Eight of them are included on the UNESCO Heritage List for the unique Byzantine-style frescoes that cover their walls. Egg painting is a famous tradition here and artisans imbue them with meaningful color and symbols. There are even two museums, each with thousands of eggs, dedicated to the craft. Discover the Egg Museum, in Vama, and the International Museum of Eggs Lucia Condrea, in Moldovita.
11. marrakech.
Spring brings a fresh burst of color to Marrakech, with the surrounding valleys displaying a variety of vibrant blossoms. Sunshine prevails and the temperature sits comfortably at around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making Easter an ideal time to visit and bask in all things spring. Tour the lush Jardin Majorelle, the famous garden of painter Jacques Majorelle which was restored by designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Afterwards check out the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech.
You cannot visit Marrakech without exploring the city’s atmospheric Medina and colorful souks. Take the lush spring flora and fauna theme all the way with a stay at the new Oberoi. It is surrounded by 28 acres of flourishing gardens.
where to go for the best luxury Easter holiday vacation this year
There you have it, our 11 picks for the best places to celebrate a luxury Easter holiday this year. Where are you headed? While our plans may still be up in the air, one thing is for certain – we’ll be sure to have a very sweet time. We hope you do, too!