New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Credit: Brant Images
It may not be hot enough to break out those flip-flops, but there’s no denying that warm weather is on its way. Whether you prefer to celebrate spring with a rejuvenating retreat, a food-focused festival or a stylish afternoon tea, these seven destinations deliver some great ways to unwind in April.
There’s always something to celebrate in the Big Easy, and its colorful cuisine is no exception.
From April 3 to 7, indulge in nearly a week of vino samplings, pig roasts and grand tastings during the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. In true Crescent City style, the festival features a costumed Royal Street Stroll (accompanied, of course, by live jazz and wine) and a Tabasco-themed farewell brunch.
Between bites, rest your head at newly refreshed Four-Star Windsor Court Hotel, where the recently debuted Waterman Poolside Bar provides a scenic spot for sundowners overlooking the historic skyline.
The Greens. Credit: The Inn & Club at Harbour Town
Couldn’t swing tickets to the Masters? Head instead to South Carolina’s lowcountry, where the PGA Tour’s 51st RBC Heritage tournament takes over the Harbour Town Golf Links from April 15 to 21.
Catch all the action from your posh perch at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, a sprawling Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star retreat next to the first tee. Book the family-friendly resort’s RBC Heritage Advance Purchase Special to enjoy a link-side room and two complimentary Clubhouse Badges so you can explore the greens in style.
After watching last year’s champ, Satoshi Kodaira, defend his plaid jacket, venture off to do bike rides, beach time and waterborne activities (from fishing to dolphin tours) across The Sea Pines Resort’s 5,000 oceanfront acres.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Spring for a rejuvenating getaway this month in the stunning surroundings of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.
From April 11 to 14, the Four-Star clifftop resort will host Wild Precious Life by the Firestone Sisters, a three-day holistic experience led by Santa Barbara-based wellness experts (and siblings) Mary and Lucy Firestone.
Kicking off with a welcome reception Thursday evening, the weekend includes insightful activities like an intention-setting walk on the beach, a dream analysis workshop, custom spa treatments and healthy meals to leave you feeling refreshed.
Shore Lodge. Credit: Shore Lodge
Head for the hills — or rather, the mountains of Central Idaho — for the sixth annual Shore Lodge Culinary Festival from April 5 through 7.
Hosted by Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Shore Lodge, the food-focused weekend offers a savory roster of wine tastings, farmer’s markets and lakeside brunches, culminating in the main event: the Culinary King of the Mountain Competition.
If you think you’ve got the chops, book the rustic-chic resort’s Chef’s Package to compete alongside the pros in this mouthwatering melee. You’ll also receive a two-night stay in a Lake View Suite to rest up pre-competition and admission to all of the festival’s flavorful events.
Jean-Georges Steakhouse. Credit: Jean-Georges Steakhouse
If you’re searching for a more refined way to indulge in Sin City, check into Four-Star ARIA Resort & Casino, for a duo of dynamic vino-focused events.
On April 26, savor a five-course, wine-paired feast at Four-Star Sage. Dine on tempting dishes like Rohan duck breast with leek puree, and wagyu filet with maitake mushrooms, all accompanied by exquisite pours.
The following day, enjoy a pinot noir tasting (including flights from Sonoma-based Walt Wines and Santa Lucia, California’s Clarice Wine Company) led by Wine Spectator senior editor Kim Marcus in the chic surrounds of Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Jean-Georges Steakhouse.
When you’ve had your fill, head for ARIA’s Five-Star spa for a much-needed detox — a session in the Himalayan salt room should do the trick.
The Fashion Afternoon Tea. Credit: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
Put your best foot forward during a new fashionable afternoon tea at Five-Star Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Inspired by actress Sarah Jessica Parker’s SJP line of shoes, the stylish service features lovely plates from executive pastry chef Cyril Dupuis that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Until May 5, nosh on nibbles like egg and cress brioche with piquillo pepper and sundried tomato, mango passion fruit chocolate cake, and a scone with traditional strawberry jam and clotted cream and a twist of hazelnut chocolate spread, all in the company of posh SJP pumps.
Monarch Beach Resort. Credit: Monarch Beach Resort
Just in time to welcome warm-weather revelers, Four-Star Monarch Beach Resort unveils a refreshing new way to soak up the SoCal sun. Debuting this month, Monarch Bay Beach Club boasts a new look and feel, with a beach-cottage-meets-midcentury-modern-design and sweeping ocean views.
The reimagined space provides a serene escape from the sometimes piercing rays with a spacious bar, an inviting patio and an airy restaurant — though gratis loungers, umbrellas, towels and signature chair-side service will continue to be a hallmark of this exclusive stretch of sand.
