From the team of Boutique Travel Blog, three very different suggestions for a great holiday this spring – hunt the Northern Lights, explore Catalunya or unwind on the Mayan Riviera. Which would be your perfect spring break?
Iceland and the Northern Lights
By Amanda, The Boutique Adventurer
Iceland may not be the first place to come to mind for your spring break. It does, of course, lack the classic warm weather of spring. However, it offers something that few other destinations can – the Northern Lights!
Many people think the best time to see the Aurora Borealis is in the dead of winter but this is not the case. The ability to see them is driven by cloud cover, not temperature. Spring is often a far better time and it is not as cold outside whilst you are trying to take photos.
Where to stay for a spring break in Iceland
One of the best places in Iceland to see the Northern Lights is Hotel Ranga. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Keflavik International Airport, near the town of Hella. And it’s this location that makes it such a great spot, far away from any light pollution. It also offers an Aurora wake up service – they literally call your room if the lights appear. And they have warm and cosy suits to wear when you go outside.
Add to this a brilliant restaurant, fantastic bar and hot tubs, it has pretty much everything you need for a fantastic spring escape.
For more hotel choices check out Amanda’s post, Best Hotels in Iceland for Northern Lights or discover which is the number one Iceland hotel on Trip Advisor.
Catalunya, Spain
by Heather, Heather on her travels
The Costa Brava region of Catalunya in Spain is perfect for a springtime holiday when you can enjoy the warm sunshine and have the countryside to yourself before the crowds of summer descend. Drive past fresh green fields of wheat and yellow rapeseed edged with poppies with views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance.
Girona is the regional capital and easily managed in a day, with walks high up on the old city walls, views of the coloured houses along the river and plenty of pavement cafes for an al fresco lunch as well as bars selling tasty pintxos bites.
The giant of 20th Century art, Salvador Dali was born in Figures, where the old theatre was converted into a museum by Dali himself, to house his life’s collection of work. This is a must-see, but there’s more in the so-called “Dali Triangle” of the gorgeous seaside house at Port Lligat where Dali worked and entertained, as well as the manor house he bought for his wife Gala at Pubol, where the couple are both buried.
Cadaques is a pretty fishing village with excellent bars and cafes situated in the rocky Cap de Creus national park and you can leave your car here, have a leisurely lunch and then walk over the headland to Port Lligat to see the Dali house, although you should book in advance to get a timed entry ticket.
Where to stay for a spring break in Catalunya
Hiring a villa in one of the old converted farmhouses with Charming Villa Catalonia makes for a relaxing and authentic stay and hiring a car is the best way to get around to make the most of your spring break in Costa Brava.
Discover more in Heather’s post, A driving tour of Costa Brava.
Hotel Xcaret México, Mayan Riviera, Mexico
By Johanna Read, TravelEater.net
Mexico is the ideal place to relax and recharge in the springtime. The Caribbean coast near Cancun along the Mayan Riviera offers hot sun, soft sand and plenty to do near, on and below the waves. Luxury all-inclusive resort Hotel Xcaret México offers something unique to guests — the All-Fun Inclusive experience — perfect for families or couples alike, seeking a bit of adventure.
Included in hotel rates is admission and transportation (and some meals) at five eco-archaeological parks in the area, a Chichén Itzá tour and a jungle cenote tour (swimming in giant sinkholes).
At flagship, Xcaret Park, float through a semi-underground river, learn about Mayan history and culture, go snorkelling, see giant turtles and exotic birds, and even swim with stingrays. At Xplor Park go underground or soar through the air on zip lines, or be mystified at Xenses Park where nothing is as it seems.
Beyond the parks, Hotel Xcaret México’s property includes a rooftop pool with a glassed-in swim tunnel, a secluded cenote-river for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, ocean beaches and freshwater lagoon beaches, a selection of swimming pools, an immense spa, a kids area, and several bars and restaurants, including one by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytan.
For more information visit the hotel’s website or check out what people are saying about Hotel Xcaret México on Trip Advisor.
Not found your perfect spring break yet?
Check out these articles for further inspiration.
Our top 10 Boutique Hotels
Our favourite hotels in 2017
Top 10 historic hotels in the British Isles
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I love the sound of all of these! I’ve seen the Northern Lights once but it was a very small display and I’d love to see them again.
Great ideas for trips! I love Iceland especially and avoiding it in the summer season when it’s super crowded plus too light to see northern lights is perfect.