Basking In Nature
It’s time for you to swing open the windows, shed your winter coats, and get ready to get out and explore once more. This spring, make the time to bask in nature. Smell the sweet-scented blooms, meet a few adorable baby animals, and get a fresh start – and a new perspective – in a few gorgeous destinations around the globe.
Holland
A trip to the Netherlands in spring means being treated to one of the best floral shows on Earth. The nation is famed for its tulips, which burst into life toward the end of March through to mid-May, with peak times in mid-April. Make your way to places like Noordoostpolder in the province of Flevoland to visit a number of farms and admire a rainbow of colors all in one go. Put yourself in the center of the bloom with a stay at Boutique Suites Lisse, an all-suite hotel located close to flower-filled spots like Annemieke’s Picking Garden.
Hancock, Massachussets
Springtime is the rebirth season for everyone, including animals. To see a few fuzzy, furry, and utterly adorable baby critters, make your way to rural Massachusetts. Specifically, to Hancock Shaker Village. The former Shaker commune invites visitors to come and experience a slower pace of life. It offers tours of its working farms, with plenty of adorable baby lambs to meet every spring. Stay at the nearby Berkshire Valley Inn, located a short 20-minute drive away. This simple but cozy property is ideal for families, as its suites come with full kitchens and living rooms.
Marrakech, Morocco
Sun-seekers can get a head start on summer by paying a visit to the North African nation of Morocco. While it’s a spot that is certainly warmer than most in spring, visitors can still get a breath of fresh mountain air by taking a hiking adventure through the Atlas Mountains. Get there via a half-day tour from nearby Marrakech, which offers the perfect city juxtaposition to your nature-filled day trip. Stay in the brand-new Nobu Hotel for an indulgent break filled with world-class food and just a short walk from the famed Medina for a bit of shopping too.
Hokkaido, Japan
Get one last taste of the spring cherry blossom season with a visit to Hokkaido, the northernmost prefecture in Japan’s main island chain. Here, the blossoms go into full bloom between late April and May, giving travelers the chance to enjoy the natural wonder several months after it occurs in places like Washington, D.C. Stay at Ibis Styles Sapporo, an attractive hotel that allows for easy day trips to Moerenuma Park — home to more than 1,900 cherry blossom trees.
Yosemite National Park, California
See the change of seasons in action at Yosemite National Park in California. Throughout April and May, visitors can come and watch the snow thaw, giving way to verdant valleys and lush flower blooms. The excess snow also fills the rivers and streams, making this the perfect time to admire the park’s famed waterfalls. There are several accommodation options to choose from near the park, but be warned; rooms book up fast, so click “reserve” ASAP.