Nothing gets pulses racing across the offices of London more than the prospect of a four-day weekend, and with Easter fast approaching, travel plans are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Whether you’re seeking sunshine or craving culture, there’s a myriad of breathtaking destinations and luxury hotels to choose from, all within a few hours of London. Read on for Luxury London’s pick of the best Easter holidays for 2023.
The romantic getaway: Bayou Villas, Antalya, Turkey
Feel the sun on your skin with an escape to the five-star Bayou Villas resort on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Perfect for a romantic getaway, settle down in one of Bayou’s luxurious villas, ranging from one to four bedrooms, after being greeted by a selection of fresh fruit, chocolates and macaroons in the plush lounge upon arrival. Each villa boasts its own private pool and terrace, so although Bayou is located just over a mile away from the beach, there’s no need to leave the high-end surrounds of your villa for that well-deserved sunbathing session.
All villas are equipped with everything you’ll need during your stay, from complimentary Bvlgari products in the bathroom to 65-inch smart TVs and Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth sound systems. Some even include their very own sauna, Jacuzzi and workout room, so don’t feel like you’ll have to break your fitness routine while staying at Bayou. Plus, if you don’t want to be without your little ones, kids will be suitably entertained thanks to an on-site water park and plethora of pools. After some peace and quiet? The fun Kid’s Club is available to take youngsters off your hands for an afternoon or two.
From £2,126 for a two-night minimum stay, visit bayouvillas.com
The early season sun: Le Farnatchi, Marrakech, Morocco
Brimming with culture and picture-perfect scenery, Marrakech is one of the hottest mini-break destinations going, and not just because temperatures are predicted to reach 25 degrees over the Easter weekend. Hidden away in the heart of the vibrant Marrakech medina, and comprising ten individually designed suites across six merchant houses, Le Farnatchi is a true oasis of luxury and tranquillity.
Soaked in splendour from the sparkling emerald courtyard pool and mosaic-clad walls to the rooftop dining space and resplendent gardens, complete with striking views of the Atlas mountains, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the city’s souks in search of its famous shopping and street food. Indulge in authentic Moroccan cuisine at Le Trou Au Mur, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, or take a moment for yourself at the Farnatchi Spa, complete with marble hammams and vaulted ceilings, perfect for recharging after days spent exploring in the heat of Marrakech.
From £350 per night, visit lefarnatchi.com
The home-from-home: Hustle & Bustle, Paris
Easter makes for the perfect occasion for exploring the gorgeous capital of our nearest neighbour — and everyone knows Paris is at its best in springtime. Stroll along the Seine, seek out antiques in Montmartre and watch the world go by from the city’s many coffee shops and bars. Located moments from the bustling Rue Montorgueil market, this elegantly outfitted apartment — available via Plum Guide — makes for the perfect base. Sleeping six and with well-appointed facilities, the quaint streets of Le Marais and the city’s must-visit museums are all close by, while the neighbourhood’s many restaurants and bars promise to provide a quintessential slice of Parisian life.
From £360 per night, visit plumguide.com
The city break: Barcelona Edition, Catalonia, Spain
If you’re craving culture this spring, Barcelona will not disappoint. From Parc Güell and La Sagrada Família to Passeig de Gràcia and the Gothic quarter, the Catalonian capital brims with character wherever you turn, evoking an uncanny sense of time travel as you wander its colourful streets.
Ideally situated in the heart of El Born, the city’s historical and creative epicentre, luxury boutique hotel the Barcelona Edition makes the perfect base from which to explore the city’s many must-see attractions. Sit and sip on a Pisco Sour as you lounge on the hotel’s roof terrace, complete with plunge pool and panoramic views of the city’s rooftops, after a long day rambling Las Ramblas, or pop into the Picasso museum, which is situated just next door. When you’re not out discovering the many culinary delights the city has to offer, pay a visit to one of the hotel’s renowned restaurants – both of which offer al fresco dining – or Cabaret, a newly opened micro-nightclub for a taste of the nightlife the city is so well known for.
From £538 per night, visit editionhotels.com
The family holiday: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
For those looking to make the most of the school holidays and head further afield, the Maldives offers an unforgettable beach break for the whole family. Set across three islands, the Ritz-Carlton hotel boasts an impressive array of waterfront villas, each complete with its own private sun deck and infinity pool.
Ensuring any little ones are well accommodated for, the hotel’s Ritz Kids programme is designed for those aged four to 12 with a special focus on land, water, environmental responsibility and culture. Based out of the Ritz Kids Club — a funky indoor-outdoor space with playgrounds, napping pods, and a pool with slides and jets — you can relax in the knowledge that your little ones will be kept entertained, while you squeeze in some well-deserved downtime. Soak up the sun at the hotel’s beach shack, enjoy a fine-dining experience at one of seven stunning restaurants, or indulge in a spot of self-care at the hotel’s wellbeing sanctuary, which sits at the centre of a tranquil turquoise lagoon. However you decide to spend your time, you’ll return home rested, refreshed and rejuvenated.
From £3,696 per night, visit ritzcarlton.com
The late-season ski trip: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Zermatt, Switzerland
Not ready to hang up the salopettes for another year? No problem. Swiss ski resort Zermatt is open late into the season, boasting impressive snow coverage well into mid-April. Set in the centre of the picturesque village, the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is the ultimate destination for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their late-season ski trip.
Imbued with traditional charm, the hotel houses 78 rooms and suites — most of which feature breathtaking views of the Matterhorn — and five bars and restaurants, including a Swiss cheese bar, smoking lounge and cocktail bar. Situated just a few minutes from the nearest ski lift, the Vita Borni Alpine spa is ideal for a spot of R&R following a heavy day on the slopes, whether that constitutes a deep tissue massage, a dip in the pool, or an invigorating visit to the hotel’s ice grotto.
From £420 per night, visit zermatterhof.ch
The wellness retreat: Six Senses Ibiza, Spain
When you think of wellness, the White Isle doesn’t immediately spring to mind. Typically regarded as the Spanish home of hedonism thanks to its booming music scene, all-night parties and 24-hour beach clubs, Ibiza is beginning to grow up.
Tucked away in little-known Xarraca Bay on the peaceful northern tip of the island, Six Senses Ibiza is an oasis of calm, community, spirituality and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, indulge in pampering treatments, boost your immune system or get stuck into yoga, the hotel’s spa and wellness centre offers a range of personalised programmes to help you achieve a healthy, balanced body and mind. Boasting 137 immaculately appointed rooms and suites across the 20-acre resort, including family-size townhouses, mansions and beachfront cave residences, all of which blend seamlessly into the contours of the bay for unobstructed sunsets, the hotel aims to provide deeply restorative, spiritual experiences rooted in local culture.
From £709 per night, visit sixsenses.com
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