Off-the-Beaten-Path Spring Break Destinations for a Memorable Vacation

A luxe, tucked-away alternative to Capri, Ischia is a volcanic island off the coast of Naples. As of now, it attracts mainly European visitors and is lesser known to North American travelers. Home to thermal parks and hot springs, Ischia travelers can venture to the Poseidon and Negombo hot springs, explore the lush Mortella Gardens, and see Aragon Castle on their spring break. Stay at 128-room Hotel Regina Isabella, on a private beach overlooking the Bay of Naples. From the region-signature decorative tile floors, to the mid-century accents, the hotel is equal parts classic and Riviera-chic. Hotel Regina Isabella is also home to Termedella Regina Isabella Spa, a spring whose healing waters were first tapped by the Romans. Guests can soak and indulge in the resort’s unique thermal mud spa treatments.

Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island, Koh Kood, is just an hour by private plane from Bangkok. Award-winning luxury resort Soneva Kiri encompasses parts of Koh Kood’s tropical rainforest and some of the best beaches in Thailand. Soneva Kiri features 34 one- to six-bedroom villas (with complimentary butler service) perfect for a remote spring break getaway. For a romantic dining experience, book Soneva Kiri’s Treepod Dining, where guests are seated in a bamboo pod and then hoisted up into the tropical foliage of Koh Kood’s rainforest for dinner.

Safari in Botswana at Savuti Camp, which sits on the Linyanti Concession and Savute Channel, one of the optimal game-sighting locations in Chobe National Park. Wildlife is drawn to the Savute Channel as a water source, attracting predators and plains game. Savuti Camp is comprised of seven en-suite raised tents, though guests can try the property’s luxury Star Bed experience to spend a night under the African sky.

On the Sea of Cortéz, Costa Palmas is a thousand-acre private beachfront resort community only a 45-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport. For spring break this year, take in all the East Cape has to offer, from excellent food sourced from the community's 18 acres of organic farm, to Robert Trent Jones II 18-hole golf course and Costa Palmas Beach & Yacht Club. Stay within Costa Palmas at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos, which opened in October 2019, and spend your days  scuba diving, surfing, fishing, and hiking with equipment from Costa Palmas' Aventura Station. 

Welcome to the “world’s only carbon-negative country”: Bhutan, a fascinating, spiritual hub above Bangladesh. Six Senses Bhutan is comprised of five out-of-this-world lodges spread throughout the country, each showcasing a different element of Bhutan’s beauty. Six Senses Thimpu is a “palace in the sky” overlooking the Thimphu Valley, while Six Senses Punaka is a pool-and-yoga retreat with exquisite villas and meditation areas.

With a ski season that extends well into spring, Whistler is a destination for the A-list powder chasers. Tourism Whistler says March and April is “deep snow, bright sun” season—it’s warm enough to break up your day with a drink on the mid-mountain terrace, but the snow is soft and usually still plentiful. Stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, a ski-in/ski-out property and American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property that’s home to Vida Spa, where you can après-ski (or après-no-ski) in style.

Japan's southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, is a chain of islands favored among travelers looking for a restorative escape. Come to Okinawa for the whale watching, beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. Stay for the new luxury hotels popping up, like the Hyatt Regency on Seragaki Island, a private island off the west coast of Okinawa that opened in August 2018. The latest it-property is Okinawa Halekulani, which opened in mid-2019 and overlooks the East China Sea.