Spring Into Seasonal Getaways for Floral, Wildlife Enthusiasts

It’s not necessarily April showers that bring only May flowers. From Japan to Amsterdam, and a few places in between, spring is one of the best seasons for a luxury getaway. Here’s where and how:

Keukenhof, called the “Garden of Europe,” features more than 7 million tulips and vibrant flora from around the world all in the small town of Lisse in South Holland (easily accessible by train from Amsterdam). It’s open two months through mid-May, but most of the most beautiful blossoms are ready for enjoyment in April. Anyone with more than a couple of days in the area — and a passion for all things green — should also check out Bloemencorso, the Netherlands’ version of The Rose Bowl, a flower float parade that wends a 25-mile path past Keukenhof, from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Each float has its own theme, and even boats get in on the act in Amsterdam, with floating flower parades and decorations. Try staying at Hotel Pulitzer in the fun Nine Streets area, a series of 25 historic canal houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Shiroishi Castle. Photo: Miyagi Prefecture, JNTO

Mid-April is prime pink time for Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms. A great place to beat the crowds is the Tohoku region, with six prefectures in the north of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, renowned for its countryside, hot springs, mountains and lakes. The Shiroishi River festival has 1,000 cherry trees lining the banks of the river, and at the Ogawara Festival, visitors can buy tickets to board a boat and admire the views. At Hirosaki Castle in Tohoku, the peak season is a bit later than elsewhere (late April to early May), and the castle boasts one of the largest cherry blossom parks in the country. Visitors can explore the moat around the castle by renting a paddle boat, and picnic under trees (an exclusive tebura de kanokai picnic package is limited to just 20 people a day). At night, the trees are illuminated. Also from late April to early May, more than 260 cherry blossoms are in bloom at the Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park in Miyagi Prefecture. In springtime, there are local seafood feasts served hot off the grill adjacent to the bay, and the cruises of the islands tour through the lush coast and islands, so guests can see the cherry blossoms from every perspective. Families with younger kids will want to check out Thomson Family Adventures’ Japan spring break itinerary, which starts in Tokyo and takes the whole gang to Buddhist temples, some of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, then on to Osaka to learn taiko drumming, and enjoy a cultural exchange program that connects local students on the Kii Peninsula to partake in fun and games. The itinerary ends with two days in Kyoto, seemingly standing still in time centuries ago.

Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki City. Photo: JNTO

In April, it’s baby animals galore in Tanzania, and all things furry and fluffy enchant your little ones. With 10 different safaris throughout the country, Thomson Safaris offers the chance to get up close to the wildlife of the Serengeti (check out their 10-day family-friendly itinerary), easier during calving season. The tour company has its own 10,000-acre private nature refuge, where, after three years, wildlife population sightings more than doubled. These include wildebeest, giraffe, ostrich, eland, aardvark, bat-eared fox and zebra, all spotted regularly; the Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge is part of the family itinerary.

Lion cubs being affectionate in the Masai Mara, Kenya

April is the end of Costa Rica’s dry season, with central and western regions having perfect weather for family adventures. Besides La Paz Waterfall Gardens, perfect beaches, rainforests, whitewater rafting and surfing, there’s a slew of family-friendly luxury accommodations, including The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal Volcano. The hotel features stunning volcano views, a Club Rio Outdoor Center and activities like river tubing, all without leaving the grounds. There’s also an on-site animal sanctuary (including sloths!). Parents can enjoy upscale dining in the evenings, and the whole family can relax with enough elbow room at the Villas, with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchens, heated plunge pools, hammocks and more.