When it's time to leave school, work and April's chilly weather behind for a week or two, where better to indulge with quality family together than one of the world's most luxurious locations?
Europe
By April, Europe is warming up and everyone's ready for a sun-soaked sojourn. For a week brimming with golden sands, blue skies and attractions for all ages, why not make the short haul hop to the Canary Islands? These ancient volcanic isles are famed for their elusive landscapes and intriguing geography and boast an ever-expanding collection of luxury hotels. A timeless family favourite, Tenerife has recently welcomed yet another luxury icon, the ultra-modern Royal Hideaway Corales Resort. A stay in the super-stylish Suites Wing invites guests of all ages to relish exemplary eateries - including a sea-view gelateria serving artisan ice cream - and a jam-packed calendar of complimentary activities, while little VIPs can check in at the children's club or splash about in their dedicated swimming pool. A short distance down the coast, longstanding favourite Bahia del Duque continues to curate idyllic experiences for everyone. If you can tear yourself away from the harmonising spa and encourage your tiny travellers to leave the fantasy world of Duqui Club, take time to explore the resort and the island further; cruise around impressive cliffs and unspoilt beaches by yacht, explore the blossoming landscape of Teide National Park or hit the water with a wealth of watersports, from jet skiing to flyboarding.
Suites Wing Swimming Pool at Royal Hideaway Corales Resort
Beach View at Baha del Duque
Terrace at Elysium Hotel
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On Aphrodite's island of Cyprus, luxury Easter holidays are defined by historical sites, quaint villages and long days of glorious sunshine. Only ten minutes from Paphos Harbour, the compellingly designed Elysium Hotel has mastered the art of appealing to all ages, harmoniously blending the Angel's Kids' Club and Crèche with adults-only elements including the sunken Royal Pool and heavenly Opium Spa. The resort's enviable location also affords easy access to the UNESCO Tombs of the Kings, believed to have been the burial sites of Paphos' ancient aristocrats and high officials, promising a thought-provoking historical tour for the whole family.
If it's seclusion you're searching for, a luxury villa holiday on the mesmerising island of Mallorca may be more your style. On Sir Richard Branson's sun-drenched Son Bunyola estate, privacy is plentiful, and the villas are nothing short of sublime. Four-bedroom Sa Terra Rotja - literally translating to 'red earth' in the local Mallorquín language - has beautiful bedrooms, a private heated swimming pool and tranquil sun terrace for family gatherings, while 13th century villa Son Balagueret's interior incorporates colourful local paintings and rustic wooden beams, serviced by housekeeping, a garden attendant and private Chef, ensuring worry-free relaxation for everyone.
Caribbean
Caribbean spirits are high in April, with many families eagerly escaping to the archipelago's beaches before the busy peak season. Nowhere on the island does sand-between-your-toes family luxury quite like Tamarind by Elegant Hotels, perfectly perched on 750ft of powder-soft sand on Barbados' famous West Coast. With the resort's all-inclusive experience incorporating everything from delectable dining options to watersports and scenic tours, you won't have to worry about a thing! Tots and toddlers will love the Flying Fish Kids Club's programme of games, crafts and island activities, while increasingly independent teenagers can make new friends with volleyball on the beach or a game of pool in the ultra-cool teen lounge. You can bask in bountiful Bajan culture during your luxury family holiday too, with a comprehensive choice of bespoke tours to tempt every personality.
Over in the exotic British Virgin Islands, Rosewood Little Dix Bay has long been regarded as one of the world's greatest getaways for families. The recently renovated resort encourages guests of all ages to do as little or as much as they like; six new tennis courts and the dedicated Hiking Butler promise to keep adventure-seeking travellers busy, while Sense, A Rosewood Spa has been meticulously designed to embody the island's easy-going ethos through restorative treatments and therapies. Meanwhile, local storytelling, landscape painting and shell-hunting are all on the menu at the Rosewood's Explorers club, a wonderland for little imaginations in a totally tropical setting!
Middle East, Indian Ocean & Asia
If you choose the Middle East for your luxury Easter holiday, you can guarantee those April showers will be far, far behind! Temperatures in Dubai can reach over 30°c throughout the month, idyllic for poolside play, daring the desert dunes and city sightseeing. One of Dubai's most iconic resorts, Atlantis, The Palm will keep thrill-seekers, food fanatics, spa devotees and little VIPs busy for weeks. Spend your luxury holiday exploring the exhilarating slides and attractions at Aquaventure Waterpark, dining at abundant award-winning restaurants led by celebrity chefs, and relishing fun for all the family, from watching live bands and performers to striking lucky at the bowling alley! Never one to be surpassed in special celebrations, the action-packed agenda for Easter comprises Easter egg hunts, piñata parties, family challenges and even a visit from the scuba-diving Easter Bunny! Another of Dubai's most prestigious properties, Jumeirah Al Naseem may seem like grown-up getaway, but it's definitely young at heart - in fact, even artist-in-residence, Mattar Bin Lahej's four statement pieces in the hotel were inspired by his childhood. Boasting access to all the facilities at the Madinat Jumeriah resort, including five swimming pools, two kilometres of private beach and over 50 restaurants and lounges, you can spend your luxury Easter break however you please, all easily accessed via a five-kilometre river system served by traditional abra boats.
Lazy River at Atlantis, The Palm
Pool at Jumeirah Al Naseem
Chill Island at Niyama Private Islands Maldives
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Pining to make your Easter break last a little longer? Pair Dubai's city culture with one of the Indian Ocean's isolated idylls, the perfect spot for a few days of uninterrupted quality time together. At Niyama Private Islands Maldives, the two islands - Chill and Play - merge innovative concepts with a luxury castaway experience. From a gourmet kitchen and specially designed show stage at the Explorers Kids' Club, to the overwater treatment rooms at the dreamy Drift Spa, every corner of the island has something new worth discovering. An experience to inspire all ages, venture six metres below the surface for a taste of SubSix, an atmospheric dining venue with magical views of the surrounding sealife, creating luxury Easter holiday memories we promise you won't forget.
For families with a sense of adventure or an intrigue for culture, Asia is the destination that keeps on giving. While April may bring short spells of rain in Thailand, it's a blessing rather than a curse - the terraced rice paddies turn their most spectacular shade of green and fewer crowds make it much easier to explore. The phenomenal, family-friendly Rosewood Phuket in Emerald Bay not only has an overwhelming choice of in-resort facilities - including a stunning swimming pool and fisherman's village-style restaurant - but encourages families to relish an immersive Thai experience, with temple visits, local village tours and rainforest zip-lining all easily arranged. Away from the hustle and bustle, the small, less developed island of Koh Kood awaits, home to eco-conscious resort, Soneva Kiri. The villas are sensational, all complete with their own Mr or Mrs Friday Butler to cater to your family's every whim, while dining can be as formal or relaxed as you desire. For kids, the highlight will undoubtedly be The Den; a giant moulded bamboo playground shaped like a manta ray, packed with excitement and experiences! For grown-up foodies, try your hand at Thai cuisine with an authentic cookery class, while adventure-seekers may prefer diving in the house reef or snorkelling in Koh Rang Yai National Marine Park.