While the UK may have just enjoyed a four-day break, it seems like the weather didn’t get the memo – hail storms, gusts of wind and rain was not what we ordered. So if you’re fed up with being teased by the promise of sunnier spring climes – and the British weather simply not delivering – perhaps it’s best to beat the blues and enjoy a spot of sun elsewhere. Whether you fancy going long-haul to the tropical islands of Sri Lanka and Mauritius, or would prefer a cultural city break to Rome, here’s where to travel in April 2024 for that all-important vitamin D. 

Cape Town, South Africa

Average temperature in April: 25°C

A cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature from every angle – Table Mountain overlooks the urban sprawl below and the city is fringed by both Table Bay and False Bay – the South African capital offers plenty to entertain travellers. See the sights at Cape of Good Hope, a section of the Table Mountain National Park that features awe-inspiring scenery, fantastic walks, brilliant birdwatching and often-deserted beaches, and visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which easily ranks as the most beautiful garden in the world. Venture into the city to discover a bustling food scene, a plethora of homegrown wineries and a thriving artistic culture, spotted not only in galleries but on walls, bridges and houses at every turn. 

Where to stay: One&Only Cape Town

Situated at the centre of Cape Town’s fashionable Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, this One&Only outpost is a tranquil enclave on the doorstep of the South African capital. The rooms and suites are decorated in a neutral palette and are among the largest in the city, with some featuring private balconies that offer impressive views of Table Mountain, the marina or both. Elsewhere, sample delectable Japanese cuisine at Nobu or dine on native dishes at Ochre, fuelling guests for the myriad curated concierge experiences on offer, from safaris to tours of the world-renowned Cape wine region.

From £530 per night.

Cornwall, UK

Average temperature in April: 15°C

Yes, you heard us right. While the southwest may not offer the balmy climes you will inevitably get by going long-haul, it does promise a sweet escape for those looking to relax by the coast without the flight. Luckily for you, Easter came early this year so by the time you plan your April mini-break the crowds will have left the county, so you can explore the likes of St Ives, Penzance, Fowey and Lands End in peace. This is the perfect choice for those with dogs in tow, as you can exhaust your four-legged friends with a plethora of coastal walks along the cliffs, fields or sandy beaches. Head to Newquay to discover a bustling arts scene and an array of surfing schools, while the likes of Fowey and St Mawes are ready to cater for a well-heeled crowd. 

Where to stay: Dannett House

Situated just outside Looe, a quaint fishing village on Cornwall’s southwest coast, Dannett House is the perfect home-from-home for large family gatherings and special occasions. Featuring nine bedrooms and two large kitchens, there are plenty of entertainment options including a hot tub, a decked-out games room, swathes of surrounding woodland, and a fishing lake. While dining options include a relaxed garden table and a farmhouse kitchen table, our favourite is the large set-up under twinkling lights in the party barn which will serve as the perfect backdrop for any special occasion.

From £2,500 for a seven-night stay.

Saint Lucia, Caribbean

Average temperature in April: 25°C

Named after a goddess, Saint Lucia does definitely embody an ethereal quality. Leafy mountain peaks dot the volcanic island in the eastern Caribbean, paving the way for sandy beaches, reef-diving hotspots, quaint fishing villages and luxury resorts. This is a destination for adventurers, who will delight in the array of mountain trails easily accessed from the capital, Castries, with some leading to waterfalls like the huge 15 metre-high Toraille. Spend your days soaking in the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière, zip-lining through dense rainforests, enjoying authentic Caribbean food, club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip and exploring abandoned sugar plantations. 

Where to stay: Cabot Saint Lucia

Having launched in 2022, award-winning property and golf course developer Cabot has become a mainstay in St Lucia’s prime property scene, boasting 300 beautifully designed homes, endless sea views and bountiful outdoor spaces. The residential community is situated across 1.5 miles of coastline on the dramatic peninsula of Point Hardy on the northern tip of the island, where renowned architect Richard Evans got to work on state-of-the-art custom homes and turnkey villas, ranging from hill-top sites with sweeping panoramic views to toes-in-the-sand beachfront lots.

The jewel in its crown, however, is Cabot's ocean-side golf course. Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Coore and two-time Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, this 18-hole course is one of the world's best golfing destinations, perched above the Atlantic Ocean and crafted around the cliffs and valleys of Point Hardy’s rolling landscape. Other fitness facilities include the top-notch gym and tennis courts, while elsewhere residents can enjoy fine-dining experiences at the clubhouse and rejuvenating treatments at the on-site spa. Go beyond the complex with exciting excursions organised by the Cabot Saint Lucia Explorers Team, ranging from snorkeling and deep-sea fishing trips, to scuba certification and whale watching.

Luxury homes at Cabot Saint Lucia start from USD$6 million.

Rome, Italy

Average temperature in April: 20°C

Rome springs into life in April, and offers travellers the perfect mild temperatures required to explore its attraction-packed city – think the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon – without the summer crowds. This month also coincides with the elongated Easter celebrations, and as the city is predominantly Catholic, many travellers will be able to witness religious processions, experience unique traditions, and indulge in delectable seasonal treats. A trip to the Vatican – the city-state that’s also the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope – is a must. 

Where to stay: Donna Camilla Savelli

Designed and built by famed Italian architect Francesco Borromini, Donna Camilla Savelli is an 87-room hotel housed inside a 17th-century convent in the heart of Rome’s lively Trastevere district. The boutique hotel is due to complete major renovations this April, which will see each room elegantly furnished, featuring views of the old convent, the cityscape, or of the hotel’s peaceful internal gardens. The hotel is home to three eateries, but we’d highly recommend booking the renaissance menu by il Ferro e il Fuoco’s head chef Emidio Ferro, who guides guests through recipes of days long past, such as traditional spaghetti with clams and fresh cheese dumplings with butter and sage. 

From £200 per night.

Sri Lanka

Average temperature in April: 29°C

Just as everyone once flocked to Bali, it now seems that everyone is flocking to Sri Lanka – but for good reason. Lying alone in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, the country experienced more than its fair share of turmoil during the Covid-19 pandemic but has, more recently, proven how safe it is for travellers looking to experience a real tropical paradise. The teardrop island is home to a plethora of national parks, which are in turn home to Asian elephants, leopards and sloths (a Sri Lankan safari is a must), while golden beaches that provide nesting spots for birds and turtles can be found on every coastline. The food is second to none, offering an array of flavours – think sweet onion relishes, bitter melon, spicy coconut, and rich curries. Enough said. 

Where to stay: Uga Chena Huts

Uga Chena Huts is a wilderness paradise nestled deep within the jungle in Sri Lanka’s far south, a few miles from Yala National Park. Comprising just 18 thatched-roof cabins – each with its own private deck and pool – the seven-acre property provides a bucket-list-worthy opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, from spotting sea turtles laying eggs by moonlight to elephants wandering down from the nearby forest to play in the surf. Don’t miss the world-class dining experience at Basses restaurant, sundowners at the poolside bar and spoiling spa treatments from the comfort of your residence – while adventure awaits in the form of game drives in Yala National Park, bush walks, Sri Lankan cookery classes and stargazing.

From £960 per night.

Mauritius

Average temperature in April: 26°C

One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, Mauritius is on a mission to prove how it can cater to all manner of guests. Whether you’re on the hunt for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a rejuvenating break in a far-flung paradise, Mauritius offers delectable cuisine, authentic cultural experiences and luxury resorts in return. Divers will have a field day exploring the endless crystal-clear lagoons and reefs, while, on land, the itinerary can include trips to the Black River Gorges National Park, featuring rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife such as the native flying fox. Don’t miss a trip to the capital of Port Louis, where star attractions include the Eureka plantation house, Champs de Mars horse track and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. April is one of the best times to visit as the cyclone season comes to an end in March before winter rushes in during May. 

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Mauritius

Positioned on the east coast of the island, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is surrounded by turquoise waters and 64 acres of lush gardens bursting with tropical flora. Spread across the main island and a neighbouring private island, connected by a bridge over a sparkling lagoon, the resort is home to 135 villas – all featuring open-air architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor rain showers and private pools – and the jewel in its crown: the five-bedroom Royal Island Sanctuary. Tucked away on the northern corner of the private island, the Royal Island Sanctuary overlooks one of the resort’s three white-sand beaches, with panoramic oceanfront views, two private swimming pools and freestanding bathtubs. 

Foodies can indulge in seven restaurants and a lagoon-front bar and lounge, Blu'Zil. Culinary highlights include Italian-inspired Acquapazza by the Michelin-starred chef Marco Garfagnini, while Lazy Fish celebrates local flavours across dishes of mahi mahi, saffron prawns and rum flambéed lobster. Fill your days with sojourns to the expansive spa, curated excursions such as windsurfing and guided tours of the mangroves to learn about the resort’s conservation work or get out to explore the island’s best kept secrets, such as Tamarind Falls, the sacred lake of Ganga Talao and the historic Tea Route. 

From £676 per night.

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