Luxury Spring Break Destination Ideas for 2026

Quick Take

Spring Break isn’t about following the crowd. It’s about traveling smart while the kids are out of school. In 2026, many of these destinations land in a shoulder-season sweet spot, which can mean fewer crowds, better hotel availability, and stronger value for a luxury family vacation. And it’s not just “five days off.” It’s the perfect window to use the full week and turn it into a nine-day Europe trip that can be far more affordable than peak summer. From Hawaiian beach days to Morocco’s desert escapes and Africa's wildlife paired with five-star hospitality, these ideas are built to help families knock out bucket-list destinations and make the most of their Spring Break.

Hawaii: Big Island Volcanic Adventure Meets Five-Star Ease

Best For: Multi-generational families seeking culture + adventure + luxury, and empty nesters wanting wellness and pristine beaches
Travel Window: Mid-March through early April (Spring Break 2026—peak season, book well in advance)

Hawaii delivers bucket-list natural wonders without international complications. The Big Island anchors this perfectly: active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and resort luxury all within easy reach. Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection just completed renovations with Hawaii's first Goop store and an adults-only infinity pool. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai wrapped its renovations with redesigned villas and pristine beachfront. For Maui lovers, Grand Wailea unveiled Kilolani Spa (Hawaii's largest at 50,000 square feet) and Maui's first Nobu. Between resort time, explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, snorkel with manta rays, or book private cultural experiences with native Hawaiian practitioners.

The Strategic Advantage: Daytime temperatures hover in the high 70s to low 80s°F with warm ocean temps, plus it's the final month to catch humpback whales migrating through Hawaiian waters. We know which resort areas offer the best multi-gen programming, when to visit lesser-known beaches without crowds, and how to secure private experiences.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Adventure Meets Five-Star Refinement

Best For: Active families who want adventure without compromising luxury
Travel Window: December through April (dry season—peak tourist period, premium pricing, book well in advance)

The Guanacaste region shines during Costa Rica's dry season from December through April, when the country sees peak tourism, hot, sunny weather ideal for active itineraries. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve opened in February 2025, joining the longstanding Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Just up the coast, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique opened April 22, 2025 on Playa Penca, adding more luxury resorts in the Guanacaste region. Spring 2026 represents the ideal window after both properties' inaugural seasons.

This is the Papagayo standard: mornings spent zip-lining, hiking, and getting out on the water, then an easy pivot into wellness and dining. Nekajui's Nimbu Spa spans 27,000 square feet with Latin America's largest hydrotherapy pool. Waldorf Astoria adds cliffside sophistication with six dining concepts.

The Strategic Advantage: Costa Rica's dry season from December through April is perfect for active families who want guaranteed conditions. Waldorf Astoria sits just 17 miles from Liberia International Airport (LIR), while Four Seasons and Nekajui are roughly 40 minutes away. We know which properties offer the best value for families, when to book for optimal rates, and how to secure adventure excursions during high season.

Marbella, Spain: Sunshine, minus the crowds

Best For: Families seeking easy beach days and real infrastructure (kids clubs, sports) or couples wanting great dining, wellness, and polished people-watching
Travel Window: Mid-March through early April (Spring Break 2026-shoulder season, pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer)

Marbella, Spain, is a smart Spring Break escape: sunny days, light-jacket evenings, and none of August’s peak-season intensity,perfect for families planning luxury stays in Marbella. Mild temperatures and refreshing Mediterranean water suit travelers who want beach proximity without peak-summer heat. Marbella’s seafront Paseo Marítimo sets the rhythm luxury travelers love: morning coffee, coastal bike rides, long lunches, then back to the hotel before dinner, while linking the Old Town to Puerto Banús and its marina scene. For a classic family-friendly luxury hotel base, Marbella Club Hotel delivers garden-filled glamour, one of Europe’s best kids clubs, and standout thalasso wellness. For livelier resort energy (especially for teens + dining), Puente Romano Beach Resort brings La Casita Kids Club, 20+ restaurants, and the Six Senses Spa.

The Strategic Advantage: A quick hop via Málaga (easy 40-minute transfers, minimal jet lag from U.S. East Coast), and genuine shoulder-season value. Spring brings pleasant weather with far fewer crowds than peak summer. We know which hotels offer the best kids programming for your family's ages, when to visit for optimal bloom-to-crowd ratio, and how to experience Marbella's sophistication without summer's intensity.

Rome + Tuscany, Italy: Big Highlights, Villa-Style Ease

Best For: families who want iconic sights without a frantic pace and who want food, wine, and beautiful hotels with a sense of place.
Travel Window: March–April (shoulder season, Rome is reliably open; Tuscany countryside requires careful property selection as many don't open until mid-March)

Rome + Tuscany is the Italy Spring Break pairing that works for almost everyone because it gives you two complementary experiences without complicated logistics, if you plan strategically (here is where your KJT advisor can make all things run smoothly). Start in Rome for the "wow" factor moments: private, skip-the-line touring that keeps kids engaged and parents sane, plus time built in for long lunches and gelato breaks (in our opinion the best kind of break). Then shift to Tuscany for the reset: countryside drives, winery lunches, and villa-style resorts where families can spread out and adults can lean into spa time and quiet. The key? We know exactly which Tuscan towns come alive in March and which properties open mid-month, because much of the countryside operates on seasonal closures and won't hit peak season until summer. 

The Strategic Advantage: Two destinations that balance each other perfectly. Rome delivers the bucket-list history moments, Tuscany delivers the downtime, but only when you've vetted timing and availability. Let's not forget you'll now be able to fly directly to Italy from Houston.

Paris & London: European Classics

Best For: Multi-generational families seeking iconic culture + world-class museums, Michelin-starred dining and luxury shopping
Travel Window: Mid-March through early April (Shoulder season, pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer)

Paris and London deliver Europe's iconic duo, just a two-hour Eurostar connecting two capitals at their springtime best. Start with three nights in Paris when the city blooms: cherry blossoms peak late March to mid-April in Jardin des Tuileries and Parc de Sceaux and Notre-Dame Cathedral welcomes visitors after its 2024 reopening with enhanced accessibility. Four Seasons Hotel George V anchors luxury travelers with five Michelin stars across three restaurants (the most of any European hotel), while Hôtel Ritz Paris delivers Belle Époque grandeur with its exclusive Chanel Spa. Then shift to London for three nights of royal heritage: Buckingham Palace, world-class theater in the West End, and spring blooms in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Claridge's remains Mayfair's Art Deco icon, The Chancery Rosewood made its debut last year in the former U.S. embassy, while The Connaught delivers impeccable butler service and two-Michelin-starred dining.

The Strategic Advantage: March and April represent shoulder season in both cities: pleasant weather with far fewer crowds than peak summer and very good value this time of year. The Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras takes just 2 hours 15 minutes, making this Europe's easiest luxury two-city pairing. We know which museums to visit, which private tours are a must and which authentic experiences will allow you to make the most of your time in these two iconic cities.

Morocco: Marrakech Glamour, With Desert Charm

Best For: Families who want a Spring Break that feels elevated (culture + pools + kids programs) and travelers who want design, dining, and wellness with a sense of place
Travel Window: March–April (peak tourist season—ideal weather, high demand, book well in advance)

Morocco is one of the smartest Spring Break plays when you want something that feels different. Start in Marrakech for high-style hotels, vibrant souks, manicured gardens, and private guided experiences that keep the day moving (and keep everyone happy, from grandparents to kids). Royal Mansour delivers 53 private riads that feel like your own hidden home in the city, each with rooftop terraces, plunge pools, and ultra-personal service via discreet underground tunnels. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is the go-to for families who want space, multiple pools (including a dedicated family pool), and the complimentary Kids For All Seasons club for ages 4-12, complete with its own "kasbah," theater, and shallow pool. 

The Strategic Advantage: It's a multi-gen win with two easy stops in one country. Marrakech delivers culture, shopping, and bucket-list moments. But here's what requires planning: March and April represent peak tourist season when temperatures are ideal and landscapes are in bloom. Hotels command premium rates, popular riads book months ahead, and advance reservations are essential. We know which properties deliver luxury without sacrificing authenticity, which Marrakech experiences avoid tourist traps, and how to time your movements for the best weather-to-crowd ratio, transforming a beautiful trip into an effortlessly luxurious experience.

South Africa: Safari & Cape Town, The Ultimate Luxury Pairing

Best For: Multi-generational families seeking Big Five safaris + cosmopolitan luxury, wildlife, and world-class dining
Travel Window: Mid-March through early April (Shoulder season for safari, summer peak for Cape Town)

South Africa delivers the continent's most accessible luxury safari experience paired with one of the world's most captivating cities. Start with three to four nights in Sabi Sands, the private reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park renowned for the planet's best leopard sightings and Big Five encounters. New luxury lodges opening in 2026 include Sabi Sabi's N'weti Camp (adults-only with private plunge pools) and Shisaka Camp on the rewilded Sandringham Reserve, joining established icons like Singita, Londolozi, and Lion Sands. March and April represent shoulder season for safari, vegetation is still lush and green from summer rains, temperatures are pleasant, and you'll experience excellent game viewing as wildlife becomes more visible with thinning bush.

Then shift to Cape Town for four nights of urban sophistication: Table Mountain, Cape Winelands day trips, world-class dining, and oceanfront luxury. Belmond Mount Nelson remains the city's grand dame with iconic afternoon tea and sprawling gardens, while One&Only Cape Town delivers modern waterfront elegance at the V&A Waterfront.

The Strategic Advantage: Spring Break timing works beautifully for this pairing. March-April is Cape Town's summer peak season, while it's shoulder season for safari (fewer crowds, lower rates than peak winter months May-September, still excellent game viewing). Direct flights from Houston to Johannesburg launched recently, making access easier than ever. We know which Sabi Sands lodges offer the best family programming versus romantic seclusion, and how to seamlessly coordinate private transfers between safari and city.

Contact a KJT advisor today to start planning your family's Spring Break 2026 itinerary while there's still availability for these top luxury destinations.

Cotswolds to Mayfair: A Journey Through England in the fall

QUICK TAKE

KJ Travel Founder Kate joined CSB Travel and fellow Top Producers for a luxury England itinerary across the Cotswolds, Bath and London. This trip included stays and site visits at properties like The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Cliveden House, and The Chancery Rosewood, plus a festive journey aboard the Belmond British Pullman. The result: a curated, advisor-tested England itinerary, a refined mix of English countryside charm and London sophistication.

Why This Trip Matters For Our Clients

Top Producer status is not just a line in a bio. It reflects years of collaboration with hotel partners, careful itinerary design, and a consistent standard of service. Trips like this are our chance to:

  • Walk the hotels we book for you

  • Test transfers, guides, and experiences firsthand

  • Deepen relationships with on-property teams

  • Come home with real, lived-in knowledge that informs every recommendation we make

And that knowledge compounds year after year. Our advisors combine firsthand exploration, deep supplier relationships, and insider intelligence from our network to match you with the exact right property, timing, guides and itinerary structure. It's the difference between reading about a destination and truly understanding how to experience it.

The Cotswolds: Storybook Villages

The English countryside leg began on a crisp November morning in the Cotswolds, where everything looks like it was designed for a period drama.

Stone cottages, smoky chimneys, winding country lanes, and antique shops that seem to have been there forever. With expert local guides, Kate moved through some of the region’s most charming villages: Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Painswick and Castle Combe. Each had its own personality, but all shared that honey-stone, postcard-perfect Cotswolds look.

Kate spent time inside some of the area’s most compelling luxury hotels and countryside estates for our clients:

  • The Painswick – Design-forward interiors layered into a traditional village setting, ideal for travelers who want style without losing sense of place.

  • Whatley Manor – A refined country house with Michelin-starred dining, perfect for food-focused getaways and celebratory weekends.

  • Lucknam Park – A grand estate with a strong equestrian program, where you can spend the morning on horseback and the afternoon in the spa.

    The  group also  made a quick stop in Tetbury, a market town, and paid visits to a few popular movie film destinations.

Bath: Georgian Facades and Roman Stories

From the Cotswolds, the journey took Kate into Bath.

Bath has a particular kind of elegance. Georgian facades, graceful crescents, Roman history beneath the surface. Checking into The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa was exactly the right way to arrive. Set within Bath's iconic Royal Crescent, this property balances heritage with modern ease:

  • 45 rooms and suites overlooking either the historic crescent lawn or private gardens

  • A spa that feels like a modern retreat within a very historic setting

  • Afternoon tea with Taittinger Champagne that becomes its own reason to linger

While in Bath, Kate also visited No.15 GuestHouse - playful, creative design layered into a period property, perfect for travelers who love personality and color.

A walking tour stitched it all together: the Roman Baths, Georgian streets, and a few Bridgerton filming locations that make this city instantly recognizable for many of our clients.

Bath works as a two-night destination with different ways to experience it: stay as a day trip from London via train (about 90 minutes each way), extend it as part of a Belmond train experience, or build it into a multi-day countryside itinerary. You can take the train, hire a private driver, or combine it with a Belmond journey. The point is this: there's more than one way to experience Bath, and we can help you choose the best way to experience it according to your needs.

Cliveden House: Countryside Grandeur Within Easy Reach of London

The drive from Bath to Cliveden House included a stop at Stonehenge, where we can arrange private access, guided day trips, or small-group tours tailored to your interests. Moments like standing among these ancient stones show that luxury travel is as much about meaningful experiences as it is about five-star stays.

After this quick stop, Kate arrived at Cliveden House. This legendary 350-year-old estate (just 40 minutes from London and only 20 minutes from Heathrow) is something special:

  • With only 48 bedrooms and suites (including a three-bedroom cottage) spread across the main house and East and West Wings

  • Set within 300+ acres of protected National Trust formal gardens and woodland overlooking the River Thames, Cliveden feels more like stepping back in time than checking into a hotel.

  • Activities you can enjoy: boat rides, afternoon tea, duck herding, and clay shooting.

  • Dining is refined modern British cuisine served in an elegant setting. Every corner whispers stories of another era, and every detail has been preserved with intention.

For KJT clients seeking a night or two of true English countryside elegance (without the logistical challenge of being too far from London) Cliveden is unbeatable, it is also an ideal “bookend” stay: one or two nights at the start or end of a trip, where you recover from or prepare for a long-haul flight without spending your final day in an airport hotel.

London: A New Mayfair Address at The Chancery Rosewood

From the stillness of the countryside, the group moved into London’s energy, checking into one of the city’s most talked-about new opening: The Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair, set in the former US Embassy.

The hotel has a very clear point of view. It is built for travelers who want space, privacy, and a contemporary take on luxury:

  • 144 all-suite accommodations, with no standard rooms.

  • Marble bathrooms with generous dressing areas that feel like private apartments.

  • Two penthouses for those seeking the most elevated stay.

  • A 25-meter pool and Asaya Spa for serious wellness time.

  • Eight restaurants and bars, including Carbone’s first European outpost.

  • The rooftop Eagle Bar, overlooking Grosvenor Square.

From Kate’s Mayfair Junior Suite base, a half-day private tour of London rounded out the experience, giving the same mix of context and practicality she had in the countryside.

As Preferred Partners with Rosewood, KJ Travel can secure additional perks at The Chancery for our clients: daily breakfast, hotel credits, priority for upgrades when available, and flexible check-in/check-out. In a city where the choices can feel endless, this is exactly the kind of property we love recommending for design-focused, experience-driven travelers.

The Belmond British Pullman

The crescendo of the trip arrived on rails. For the Top Producer celebration, Belmond hosted the group on the inaugural festive journey of the Belmond British Pullman, and it was every bit as special as it sounds.

The day began at The Belmond Cadogan with breakfast and a site visit. From there, the group transferred to Victoria Station for champagne in the Belmond lounge, a calm pocket in the middle of London’s bustle.

Then, five indulgent hours aboard one of the most beautifully decorated trains you can imagine:

  • Vintage carriages dressed for the holidays

  • A five-course menu

  • Champagne, and all the festive details

  • The English countryside rolling past the windows

When we talk about bucket-list experiences for our clients who love trains, food, and a sense of occasion, a Belmond journey is very high on the list. Here's what you should know:

There are two types of Belmond trains departing from London: the Belmond British Pullman and the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (arriving/departing from multiple European cities). Each offers both day-trip experiences and multi-day journeys.

Popular themed journeys include:

  • Murder Mystery – A theatrical experience where you're part of the plot

  • High Tea – Elegant afternoon tea with all the trimmings

  • Festive Season Journeys – Holiday-themed departures perfect for celebration trips

These experiences work beautifully for couples' trips, girls' trips, family celebrations, or milestone anniversaries. We've had clients do all of these, and each tells a different story about what makes their trip special. Whether it's a day journey or a multi-day experience, a Belmond train becomes the centerpiece of your itinerary.

English Countryside: Best Times to Visit

The English countryside and London have always been classic destinations. But timing matters. Kate loved visiting the Cotswolds and Bath in the fall, when the landscape shifts to warm golds and russets, and there's a coziness to countryside walks and afternoon fires.

Fall foliage season (mid-October to early November) transforms the English countryside into something truly magical. If autumn appeals to you, we can craft itineraries specifically designed around fall trips and seasonal experiences.

The Cotswolds and English countryside shine year-round, but many of our clients love:

  • Late spring and early summer for green landscapes, gardens in bloom, and longer daylight

  • Early autumn for fall foliage, cozy fires, and countryside walks

  • Festive season for decorated country houses, holiday teas, winter festivals, and experiences like the Belmond British Pullman festive journeys

Whether England is on your list for a countryside retreat, a celebration trip, a city-and-country itinerary, or a family holiday getaway, our advisors are ready to help you design the perfect visit.

If this inspired you, reach out, and let's start planning your own winter escape!

FAQs The Cotswolds & London

What is the ideal way to combine the Cotswolds and London in one luxury itinerary?A popular structure for KJ Travel clients is to arrive in London, transfer to the English countryside first, then end in the city. For example: a few nights in the Cotswolds at properties like Whatley Manor or Lucknam Park, then on to Bath and The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, followed by one or two nights at Cliveden House before finishing with several nights in London at The Chancery Rosewood. This flow lets you recover from jet lag in peaceful surroundings, then build toward a high-energy city finale.

Which luxury hotels in this itinerary are best for first-time visitors to England?
For first-time visitors, we often recommend:

  • The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath for a classic Georgian experience.

  • Cliveden House for a taste of stately-home countryside life close to Heathrow.

  • The Chancery Rosewood in London for modern, suite-only luxury in Mayfair.

In the Cotswolds, choices like The Painswick, Whatley Manor, or Lucknam Park depend on whether you prioritize design, dining, or equestrian experiences.

Why should I use a luxury travel advisor to plan an England itinerary?
A luxury travel advisor like KJ Travel does more than book hotels. We:

  • Match you with the right property in the right village or neighborhood

  • Coordinate transfers, guides, and experiences that fit your style

  • Leverage preferred-partner relationships for added amenities and VIP treatment

  • Troubleshoot and advocate for you before and during travel

What special perks can KJ Travel offer at hotels like The Chancery Rosewood?
As a Rosewood Preferred Partner, KJ Travel can often secure value-added perks at The Chancery Rosewood, such as daily breakfast, hotel credits, priority for upgrades when available, and flexible check-in/check-out. Similar relationships with other luxury brands mean that in many cases, booking through KJ Travel adds benefits without increasing your nightly rate.

When is the best time of year to visit the Cotswolds and the English countryside?
The Cotswolds and English countryside are beautiful year-round, but many of our clients love:

  • Late spring and early summer for green landscapes, gardens in bloom, and longer daylight.

  • Early autumn for fall foliage, cozy fires, and countryside walks.

  • Festive season for decorated country houses, holiday teas, winter festivals and experiences like the Belmond British Pullman festive journeys.

Your ideal timing depends on whether you prefer gardens, cooler walking weather, or a full festive atmosphere.

Is a Belmond British Pullman journey worth including in my UK itinerary?
For travelers who appreciate fine dining, vintage design, and a strong sense of occasion, a journey on the Belmond British Pullman is absolutely worth considering. It transforms a day trip into an unforgettable experience. It works especially well as a centerpiece experience for a celebration trip or holiday itinerary.

The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Thanksgiving Travel

Looking to trade kitchen chaos for curated bliss? This is your insider playbook to spend this upcoming Thanksgiving somewhere extraordinary (beachfront, snow-dusted, or wrapped in city sparkle) but that still feels like a home away from home.

First things first: timing & strategy

Expect record crowds. Last year set all-time highs for Thanksgiving travel, and patterns hold: the busiest days are the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. Consider flying Mon/Tue early, on Thanksgiving Day itself, or returning Friday or Saturday to dodge the worst. 

Festive Europe advantage. Major cities ignite holiday lights and Christmas markets from late November, creating a magical backdrop without December’s crush. (Berlin markets open around Nov 24, for example.) 

Early-season ski bet. Many Rockies resorts target mid–late November openings; snow is variable, but town vibe + holiday programming still make it a win. 

Parade views in NYC. If a bucket-list parade morning is the dream, reserve parade-route rooms, like New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Ave. These book far in advance.

Where to go (and our favorite places to stay)

Sun & Sea 

  • St. Barts — Cheval Blanc; Eden Rock; Rosewood Le Guanahani. Why now: glam scene without peak pricing before late-Dec high season.

  • Turks & Caicos — Amanyara; COMO Parrot Cay; Grace Bay Club.

  • Anguilla — Cap Juluca (Belmond); Four Seasons Anguilla; Aurora Anguilla.

  • Bahamas (Nassau/Paradise Island) — The Ocean Club (Four Seasons); Rosewood Baha Mar; The Cove at Atlantis.

  • Los Cabos — Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol,  Waldorf Astoria Pedregal; One&Only Palmilla; Chileno Bay (Auberge).

  • Riviera Nayarit — St. Regis Punta Mita, Four Seasons Punta Mita, Four Seasons Naviva, and Susurros del Corazón. In the Mandarina area: O&O Mandarina and Rosewood Mandarina.

  • Riviera Maya/Mayakoba — Rosewood Mayakoba; Belmond Maroma, Hotel Esencia, Grand Velas

  • Hawai‘i (Maui / Hawai‘i Island / O‘ahu) — Four Seasons Hualālai; FS Maui at Wailea; Halekulani; Mauna Lani (Auberge). November brings warm weather and lively but manageable visitor numbers versus December peaks.

City Spectacle & Festive Energy

  • New York City — Aman New York; The Plaza; The Mark; The Carlyle. For parade-week magic and world-class dining. (Book parade-view rooms found at Mandarin Oriental and The 1 Hotel Central Park a year in advance)

  • London — Claridge’s; The Connaught; Browns, Raffles OWO. Lights, shopping, theatre.

  • Paris — Ritz Paris; Cheval Blanc; Le Bristol. Festive windows + museums before December’s surge.

  • Munich (Markets begin late Nov) — Rosewood, The Charles, Mandarin Oriental

Mountains,  Possible Snow-Early & Cozy-Luxe

  • Aspen — The Little Nell; St. Regis Aspen; Hotel Jerome (Auberge).

  • Vail/Beaver Creek — Four Seasons Vail; The Arrabelle; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.

  • Deer Valley — Montage Deer Valley; St. Regis Deer Valley; Stein Eriksen Lodge.

  • Big sky - Montage and Newly opened One and Only Moonlight Basin (excited to get feedback from some lucky clients headed there this Thanksgiving). Ask us about pre opening promos

How we elevate your Thanksgiving

  • VIP inclusions via our preferred-partner status (upgrades, breakfast, resort credits, varies by property).

  • Reservation wrangling for holiday dining, spas, and kids’ clubs.

  • The right rooms (connecting, view, private pools), verified with the property, not just “requested.”

Ready to trade turkey for true R&R?

Tell us what kind of vibe you're going for this turkey season: island, alpine, or city-chic and we’ll hold the right rooms and tables before they disappear. Click here today to start making your reservations.