Best Places to Visit in April

Why Go in April: We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—there's never a bad time to jet off to Hawaii. April, however, is one of our favorite times because in between sunbathing and spa appointments you can participate in Hapalula—Hawaii’s annual half marathon (this year on April 8, 2018). Trust us—after racing (or jogging) through the streets of Waikiki, you’ll enjoy those cocktails and island BBQ even more. Oh, and of course, the signature Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage.

Where to Stay: On Waikiki Beach just a few minutes from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, stay at the chic boutique MODERN Honolulu. Swanky all-white interiors are accented with wood and marble, a ton of natural light pours through floor-to-ceiling windows and the oversized terraces are perfect for witnessing the magical Hawaiian sunsets.

Book with Skylark and get an automatic upgrade, daily breakfast for two at The Grove, $100 in hotel credit, waived resort fees, VIP admission to the celeb-studded ADDICTION Nightclub, and a 15% discount at the spa.

Why Go in April: It's a great time to see the breadth of cultural events Monaco's epicenter offers. March 16 through April 29, check out the Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival (Printemps des Arts), a 5-week long celebration of the arts with Mozart, opera, master classes and roundtables featuring talented and notable artists. Tennis enthusiasts: the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters 2018 will be April 14–22 this year. Get tickets soon to see Murray, Djokovic and Nadal gracing the grounds.  

Where to Stay: Just a block away from the Casino is your quiet palatial abode—Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. What to expect? Top-notch, unpretentious service, rooms and suites opulent enough to make you feel like the star of a 19th-century fairytale, exclusive access to the casino and Thermes Marins, Monte-Carlo's largest spa, an Olympic-sized outdoor pool and afternoons spent savoring champagne and caviar while overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 

Why Go in April: After April 1st, kids on spring break and Easter travelers will have bid farewell to this seaside gem. That means more availability, lovely temperatures and vacant stretches of sand—and we can't forget, there's also the bevy of sweet hotel deals you'll encounter when the Spring Breakers' dust settles. 

Where to Stay: A favorite among everyone from couples to families, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit redefined the "all-inclusive" resort. No more buffet lines and themed rooms, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (and the sister properties in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya) are strictly top-notch. Riviera Nayarit's suites sprawl over 1,000sqft, have teak furniture from Bali, private terraces with views of the Pacific or the pools, some have indoor jacuzzis and all have expansive bathrooms stocked with L'Occitane products. We can't wrap up without mentioning the resort's phenomenal dining scene—there are five full-service restaurants offering sumptuous Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean and French flavors in distinctive settings ranging from casual beachside to fine dining.  

Why Go in April: Two words: Cherry Blossoms! Tokyo's charm peaks in the last weeks of March and early April, when the city is blushing pink. Head to Rikugien after sunset to see the sprawling branches of the garden's cherry trees illuminated (garden hours are extended until 9pm) or head to Mount Fuji: starting April 14th and running through May 27th, the annual spring Fuji Shibazakura Festival takes place at Lake Motosu in Yamanashi. Expect about 800,000 Shibazakura to be in full bloom at the base of the iconic mountain. Later in April, indulge in some wine and cheese at the 4th Japanese Wine Matsuri (April 13–15), a weekend-long celebration held at Hibiya Park.

Where to Stay: Following a multi-phase renovation, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo literally takes luxury to crazy new heights, occupying floors 45 through 53 in the Midtown Tower, located in the diplomatic and entertainment hub of Roppongi. All 248 rooms offer magnificent views—ranging from the iconic Tokyo Tower, Mount Fiji, Shinjuku to the Tokyo Bay, carefully designed in a contemporary East-Meets-West aesthetic. The hotel also has a great collection of restaurants and bars, highlights being: Azure 45 with modern Michelin-starred French cuisine on the 45th floor, The Bar which has the most stunning views of Tokyo (to pair with the innovative cocktails and live piano) and finally, the award-winning Hinokizaka which excels at four famous Japanese cooking styles—Kaiseki, Sushi, Tempura and Teppanyaki.