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The warm winds are blowing and with them, comes a desire to shake off the winter blues with a welcome burst of sunshine, flowers in bloom, spiritual wellness, and the magic of romance. To help you choose your next heart-warming adventure we’ve curated our favorite springtime destinations that are perfect for couples, families, BFFs, flower and spa lovers.

For Flower Lovers

Destination: Washington DC

There’s truly no better time of year to visit the nation’s capital than spring when the city’s 3,800 cherry trees are in stunning bloom. Gifted by Japan in 1912, the first two Yoshina cherry trees were planted by First Lady Helen Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador, on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin (where they remain today). This spring, following two years of virtual events, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is back (through April 17) with peak blooms projected end of March, early April.  The Tidal Basin remains the most sought-after locale to view the delicate pretty-in-pink blossoms. But other notable locations include Arlington National Cemetery, Kennedy Center, Lincoln Memorial, Old Town Alexandria, and East Potomac Park.

Where to Stay: The Line DC

Set in the eclectic Adams Morgan neighborhood, The Line DC, a converted neoclassical church, maintains its architectural bones: vaulted ceilings, repurposed mahogany church pews; signature green vestibule door, and organ pipes (fashioned into a modern chandelier). We love the vintage velvet furniture pieces and framed hymnal pages complemented by the on-trend restaurant sourcing ingredients from nearby farmers and fishermen. For cherry blossom viewing, the location is ideal as the hotel is within easy walking distance to the Lincoln Memorial.

For Loved-Up Couples

Destination: Paris

Image Courtesy of Kimpton St. Honoré Paris 

Springtime in Paris might sound cliche, but the fact of the matter is it’s our favorite time of year to visit when the City of Light is at its most romantic and vibrant. The flowers — magnolia, wisteria, and peonies — are in bloom lighting up the Luxembourg Gardens and Jardin des Plantes in a kaleidoscope of color. The fountains of Versailles (all 55 of them) come alive as do the city’s vibey outdoor cafes and green markets. Cruise the Seine, walk hand in hand along twisty streets, stopping to observe (and sample) the edible works of art from Paris’ top chocolatiers: Jean-Charles Rochoux, Chocolats Richart, Patrick Roger, and Pierre Hermé, who go all out at Easter time.

Where to Stay: Kimpton St. Honoré Paris 

For a truly dazzling and romantic view of Paris — of the iconic Eiffel Tower, Opéra Garnier, and Sacre’-Coeur no less — check in to the Kimpton St. Honoré. Guest rooms all come with balconies and incredible views as does the hotel’s stunning rooftop bar where it’s easy to while the night away over flutes of French champagne and rose. We love the hotel’s Art Deco 1930s vibe, delivered with a contemporary twist that leaves you feeling like you’re staying in your own Parisian apartment, tres romantic.

For Spa Worshippers

Destination: Costa Rica

With its lush mountains, natural hot springs, cloud and rain forests, and endless coastline (over 800 miles), Costa Rica is an open-air spa. Add in monarch butterflies, howler monkeys, hummingbirds, and sloths — yes real-life sloths— and you’ve landed in spa utopia. The mantra here is ‘pura vida’ (pure life), which is perhaps why yogis and spa purists sojourn regularly for a total mind-body-spirit reset.

Where to Stay: Hacienda AltaGracia 

New on the yoga and meditation block, the 50-casita Hacienda AltaGracia opened late last year to gushing accolades. There’s no beach or dramatic coastline here,  but the lush tropical forest, coffee farm, equine stables, organic gardens, and wellbeing center are the closest thing to heaven.  Run by one of the world’s leading holistic wellness providers, THE WELL by Auberge incorporates Talamancan healing traditions, fusing advanced therapies with local wellness therapies like the four-hour river bath that is akin to being reborn.

For BFFs

Destination: Palm Beach, Florida

Image Courtesy of Breakers

Florida, with its eternal sunshine, has long been one of the US’s most loved spring escapes. For the college set, certainly, but multigenerational and BFF meetups are also popular, especially in tony Palm Beach, the east coast’s alternative to Beverly Hills. Grab your best friends and head to Worth Avenue to shop the boutiques; then ogle the mansions by the water. 

Where to Stay: The Breakers

For a bestie get-together, a stay at the historic, classic Breakers is an experience to treasure. Opened by oil tycoon and businessman Henry Morrison Flagler in 1896, this oceanfront Italian Renaissance-style property, set across 140 acres, comes with seaside-themed rooms, its own private beach, and Insta-worthy cocktails. We love the modern twists on the classics served here for years like the “Railcar #91”– a  cool take on The Sidecar.

For Family Bonding 

Destination: Sea Island Georgia

Image Courtesy of The Cloister

Giant oaks dripping with Spanish moss and home to less than 1,000 residents, Sea Island Georgia is quintessentially southern. Days here are spent leisurely swimming, horseback riding, golfing, and taking long strolls in nature —making it the perfect family vacay. Hop a bike and ride along the coast, take a walk with an island naturalist or join a kayak tour of the marshes. 

Where to Stay: The Cloister

The crown jewel of Sea Island, the Spanish-revival The Cloister has been entertaining families since its opening in 1928. The vision of architect Addison Mizner, who also helped build Palm Beach, the hotel is known for its unique mix of  Mediterranean, Turkish rugs, southern hospitality, and endless activities from the onsite bowling alley to swimming (six pools) to the private beach. There is also the Camp Cloister club for young travelers. Families can either book rooms in the main building — many come with terraces and deep-soaking tubs — or opt for one of the separate residences to evoke a sense of alone, together.