While the spring sunshine is supposedly here to stay, those single-digit temperatures are not what we ordered. So if you’re fed up with being teased by the promise of warmer 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 Sri Lanka and Mexico, or would prefer a cultural city break to Rome, here’s where to travel in April 2026 for that all-important vitamin D. 

Antalya, Turkey

Average temperature in April: 21°C

Rivalling Bodrum as the Turkish Riviera’s premier holiday destination, Antalya is known as the quieter and, therefore, more family-friendly locale on this stretch of turquoise coastline. Renowned for its blend of Roman-era history and set against a backdrop of the majestic Taurus Mountains, Antalya is the gateway to the riviera and is flanked by a yacht-filled marina and high-end resorts. Culture vultures can get their fix in the historic Kaleiçi old town, but we recommend making the most of the reliable sunshine with trips to Antalya’s gorgeous beaches, including Lara and Konyaaltı. 

Where to stay: Cullinan Belek

Taking its name from the largest, most magnificent diamond ever discovered, you can expect great things at Cullinan Belek. This all-singing, all-dancing 600-key hotel offers everything you need for a sun-drenched escape on the Turkish Riviera, blending gastronomy, wellness, golf and plenty of family-orientated experiences. Set on 800 metres of private white sand beach, featuring custom iroko wood piers and cabanas perfect for languid lounging, accommodation ranges from swim-up and lagoon rooms to huge private villas with heated pools and butler service, so you won’t have to lift a finger. 

Foodies will be well fed thanks to an impressive all-inclusive gastronomy portfolio spanning Turkish, Greek, Italian, Japanese and Indian cuisine, alongside a 24-hour bistro, in-house chocolaterie and buzzy bars for sundowners. Once you’ve explored the best of Antalya, return to the Galapagos Beach Club, which transforms from a laidback bohemian beach venue by day to a high-energy DJ destination by night; relax at the expansive C’espace Spa, complete with high-tech fitness facilities and Gallant Sports Academy; and don’t miss the opportunity to tee off at the Cullinan Links Golf Club – Turkey’s only course with sea on one side and river on the other, offering 36 holes including night golf. See you there. 

From £559 per night. 

Menorca, Balearics

Image: Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock

Average temperature in April: 20°C

Traditionally more low-key than Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca (also known as ‘Minorca’) offers a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe for those looking for a last-minute Easter getaway. Boasting a 216km coastline sprinkled with golden sand beaches and rocky, turquoise-hued enclaves or calas, Menorca has managed to hold on to its abundant natural beauty despite the gradual increase in tourism and, since being granted UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1993, works tirelessly to protect it. The whitewashed capital city of Mahón (or Maó) is well worth a visit, home to several architectural sites from British-style Georgian mansions to the Santa María Church. 

On 7 April 2026, the island will come alive with a celebration of art, culture and gastronomy for the two-week Island of Art festival. Marking the start of the island’s tourism season, it’s set to unite galleries, museums, and local chefs across Mahón, Ciutadella and Alaior and invites travellers to follow curated routes exploring the theme ‘Art and Nature in Dialogue’, with outdoor sculptures, pop-up concerts, and gastronomic events. 

Where to stay: Menorca Experimental

Reopening on 3 April 2026, Menorca Experimental has long been our go-to hotel on the island. Encompassing a 19^th-century finca, the property is designed with the spirit of an artist’s holiday cottage and, in keeping with the island’s commitment to protecting the unique biosphere, consists of nine villas and 43 rooms which seamlessly blend into the natural environment. Nestled among 30 hectares of pine groves, fragrant juniper shrubs and wildflower meadows, the whitewashed farmhouse was decorated by Paris-based interior guru Dorothée Meilichzon in a palette inspired by the Menorcan sky, featuring golden-yellow local wood plank floors, hand-glazed terracotta tiles and pale olive hues.

The hotel’s reopening marks the start of its roster of wellness retreats, kicking off on 22 April with the Embodied Spring Retreat: a five-day programme, led by movement specialist Ingjerd Tranvag, blending Pilates, yoga and somatic movement with restorative practices designed to help guests reconnect with their bodies. Elsewhere, make good use of the concierge to see the very best of the island, connect with local craftspeople and embark on experiences including pottery, painting, horse riding, snorkelling in Menorca’s deep-sea caves, olive oil tasting and wine pairing sessions. 

From £200 per night. 

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Average temperature in April: 36°C

A heady mix of ancient culture, exceptional cuisine and diverse scenery, Mexico has everything you need for a memorable holiday. While its capital is ideal for throwing yourself into the country’s hustle and bustle, and Cancún is a hive for tourists, we personally recommend skipping both and instead heading to the serene locales found in Yucatán – known for its beaches and Mayan ruins – and Riviera Maya. Perfect for those wanting to learn about authentic Mexican culture without the chaos, while also having access to one of the most pristine stretches of sandy beach in the country, Riviera Maya is roughly 35 minutes from Cancún by car but feels like a world away. Famed for its diving spots, delectable food, Mayan ruins and sun-drenched resorts, this is the destination for well-heeled travellers to experience Mexico at its finest. 

Where to stay: Chablé Maroma

The sister hotel to Chablé Yucatan – voted best hotel in North America at the World's 50 Best Hotels – Chablé Maroma lies on a 650-foot private beach. Boasting 70 villas designed by renowned interiors expert Paulina Morán, expect spacious suites, private pools and ample outdoor space that encourages guests to reconnect with nature. Just steps from your villa’s door, discover the mangroves of the Reserve of Punta Maroma and venture further afield to be greeted by its untouched coastline – one of Riviera Maya’s best-kept secrets, located 12 miles north of Playa del Carmen.

While the hotel’s spaces cocoon guests in luxury, the other key focuses here are on wellbeing and food. Steeped in Mayan tradition and centred around three key wellness pillars – purification, balance and transformation – Chablé Maroma’s spa offers an extensive treatment menu designed to restore and rejuvenate. Elsewhere, Jorge Vallejo, one of Mexico's top chefs, has spearheaded the culinary offering at Chablé Hotels. Dishes at the Michelin-starred Bu’ul and Kaban take their cues from local and regional flavours, and in accordance with Chablé’s sustainability commitment, seasonal menus are created using organic ingredients grown in the hotels’ ka’anches (traditional Mayan gardens) or sourced locally from small businesses. This is what we call Mexican magic. 

From £600 per night. 

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 offering impressive views of Table Mountain, the marina or both. Elsewhere, sample delectable Japanese cuisine at Nobu or dine on native dishes at Rooi, 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.

Rome, Italy

Average temperature in April: 20°C

Rome springs into life in April, and offers travellers the perfect mild temperatures required to explore this attraction-packed city – think the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon – without the summer crowds. This month will also see the elongated Easter celebrations, and as the city is predominantly Catholic, 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: Corinthia Rome

Opened in February 2026, Corinthia Rome is located mere moments from the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the artisan quarter of Campo Marzio. Housed in a palazzo on Piazza del Parlamento that was formerly hoem to the Bank of Italy, the hotel preserves the building’s original 1920s architectural features and frescoes while introducing contemporary Italian design. With 60 rooms, including 21 suites, and three dining venues curated by chef Carlo Cracco, the property offers a luxurious spin on Roman hospitality.

Where a bank vault once safeguarded financial reserves, it now offers the ultimate R&R. Inspired by the ritual of Roman bathing, the Corinthia Spa is an intimate, subterranean space shaped by water, mineral stone and softened light. The treatment menu, developed in collaboration with Italian brand Seed to Skin and 111Skin, combines botanical intelligence with clinical innovation. With signature treatments such as The Chrysalis and Reverse Signature Facial, you'll be fresh-faced for your holiday in the Eternal City.

From £1,135 per night.

Sri Lanka

Average temperature in April: 29°C

Just as everyone once flocked to Bali, it now seems everyone is heading to Sri Lanka – and 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 safe 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 provide nesting spots for birds and turtles. 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.

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