Still fairly cool in Europe and North America, April is a wonderful month for a sun-drenched holiday in warmer climes. Popular with families around the school holidays, April can also be a great time to travel as a couple or group of friends if you fly before the end of term, or after school has begun again. 

If you're dreaming of an idyllic seaside break, our Gurus have highlighted some of their top spots along the gorgeous white sand beaches of the Seychelles and the Caribbean. Sri Lanka's verdant hills will delight nature enthusiasts, whilst culture aficionados can discover the best of Guatemala during Holy Week, or hide away in restorative lakeside retreats. For the ultimate wildlife experience, look no further than our favourite luxury lodge in Namibia.  

The Seychelles

The Seychelles are a superb island destination throughout the year. April, however, falls between two monsoons, and is known for being both warm and calm: ideal for sun seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Although the country is made up of 115 islands, most of the top hotels and resorts are set on Mahé, Praslin or La Digue, all of which boast lush vegetation, gorgeous white sands studded with big boulders and marvellous underwater worlds.

• Constance Ephelia, with its impressive 313 rooms and villas on Mahé, is particularly well-suited to families. There's a buzzy kids club, a plethora of water sports, and multiple eateries tucked amidst lagoons and swaying palm trees. A Mauritian group, Constance Hotels has an excellent reputation, making this a fantastic choice for discerning holidaymakers. 
• Carana Beach Hotel has a much more intimate feel, with 40 contemporary chalets bedecked in light blue and cream tones, with pale wooden furnishings. Private plunge pools are very indulgent, and the award-winning Lorizon Restaurant's farm-to-table fare will delight keen foodies. Activities include diving, sunset horse rides and tours of Mahé. 
• Le Domaine de l’Orangerie, on picturesque La Digue, has 128 stylish suites and villas, designed to blend organically with the verdant surrounding landscape. The manicured gardens and private stretch of beach are brilliant, as is the serene spa. A romantic resort for couples and a honeymoon favourite. 
• L'Archipel, on the tranquil north-east coast of Praslin, has a relaxed, friendly feel. Some of the 32 blue-and-white rooms and suites have space for families. There are two lovely Creole restaurants, and wildlife excursions abound on both land and water. Don't miss snorkelling, diving and discovering the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. 

Sri Lanka

April is Sri Lanka's hottest month, and its most festive. Sinhala and Tamil New Year fall in mid-April. People criss-cross the country to visit family, temples are bedecked with lights, and the mood is spectacularly celebratory. Expect plenty of warmth and sunshine — we'd suggest putting a swimming pool near the top of your list of must-haves! If you're considering a seaside holiday, choose big stretches of golden sands for long walks and refreshing dips far from the crowds.

It's worth exploring multiple places whilst in Sri Lanka: venturing from the Indian Ocean to the hills, and to a cultural hotspot such as Colombo or Galle Fort, for example. Galle has a lively buzz around New Year, whilst the Hill Country is magical and far cooler than the coast — ideal for scenic hikes and paddleboarding adventures.  

• Rukgala Retreat, an eight-bedroom escape facing Victoria Lake, has chic, contemporary interiors and spectacular views. Think modern four-posters, crisp white linens and private terraces, plus polished concrete bathrooms with rain showers. Wellness is at the heart of the hotel, with a spa, yoga shala and swimming pool, along with chances to go paddleboarding and kayaking on the lake, or hiking in the stunning Knuckles Mountains. Fabulous food is largely Lankan-inspired and vegetarian. Kandy is within reach for a day trip, and the Victoria Golf Club is on your doorstep. 
• Halcyon Mawella sits on beautiful Mawella Beach, perfect for beating the heat on Sri Lanka's southern coast in April. The hotel's 10 lovely guest rooms sit under iluk-thatched roofs, with handmade tiles, curated antiques, and block-printed textiles in indigo and dusky pink tones. Savour zingy pan-Asian fare and cracking craft cocktails. Relaxed and romantic beachfront bliss. 
• Anilana Pasikuda promises an appealingly affordable stay on vast Pasikudah Beach. The island's east coast isn't officially in season until May, so April visitors can expect a quieter experience — outside the New Year weekend. Big bedrooms and bathrooms are great for guests of all ages, there's a generous central swimming pool, and the team are famously friendly. 
• Fort Bazaar, in charming Galle Fort, has long been one of our Gurus' favourite Galle Fort hotels, regardless of the time of year. Originally a 17th-century merchant's home, this boutique pad now showcases the Teardrop group's signature style, with pretty patterned fabrics, tiled floors and 18 comfortable bedrooms and suites. Church Street Social — the street-facing restaurant — is fantastic. A candlelit courtyard, refreshing swimming pool and spa complete the picture. 

Guatemala

Holy Week, leading up to Easter, is amongst the most popular times to visit Guatemala. Processions and parades fill brightly decorated streets, and communities come together to celebrate. Just a week later, though, you'll find lodges and hotels much quieter — ideal for soaking up the sunshine without the crowds. Travel in late April, or combine a bustling first week with a more laid-back eco-escape if you're curious to experience two sides of this fascinating Central American country. 

• El Convento Boutique Hotel, in Antigua Guatemala, is a characterful 26-bedroom spot tucked within walled gardens. Think beamed ceilings, antique wooden furnishings and big windows revealing mature gardens and a refreshing swimming pool. The atmosphere is appealingly tranquil, but the wonders of the UNESCO-listed old town are right on your doorstep. Perfect for culture buffs and keen foodies.
• Laguna Lodge, on the other hand, will thrill adventurers and eco-conscious travellers. The six rustic-chic bedrooms overlook beautiful Atitlán Lake, and activities range from boat trips to paragliding. Savour superb organic cuisine at the restaurant, or kick back at the spa. The treehouse-inspired thatched building is brilliant. 
• Posada del Angel boasts seven individually decorated rooms with draped four-posters, handwoven Mayan textiles and carefully chosen antiques. There's a small courtyard pool for cooling dips, and the rooftop terrace is perfect for sundowners after days of exploring Antigua on foot. A charming heritage experience. 
• Las Lagunas has 19 guest rooms on the banks of Laguna Quexil, close to Peten. Polished wooden interiors, cosy beds and views of sparkling waters make this a top spot for romantics as well as nature lovers. Almost 700 species of birds can be spotted in the area, and guided excursions to the jungle and Mayan ruins come highly recommended.  

Namibia

Namibia's rainy season draws to a close at the beginning of April, when visitors can expect warm days and cooler nights. Safari-goers will be thrilled to witness animals gathering around water sources; perfect for seeing wildlife with expert guides. The April light is soft yet clear, too, and ideal for keen photographers. 

• Omaanda is our Gurus' favourite luxury lodge in Namibia. Set amidst the stunning savannah of the Zannier Reserve, this off-the-beaten-track escape offers thatched one- and two-bedroom huts with big beds, terraces and marvellous views. Expect spectacular safaris with expert guides, a refreshing infinity pool and spa, plus delicious dinners under the stars. Exceptional. 

The Caribbean

April is widely regarded as one of the best times of the year for a Caribbean holiday. The climate is warm yet mild, and the flowers are in bloom, so islands like St Lucia or Jamaica look particularly lush and lovely. The tourist season hasn't yet begun in earnest, so you can expect more reasonable hotel rates and fewer crowds at beaches or cultural sites, too. Beautiful places to stay abound across the Caribbean, so our Gurus have gathered a selection of seven favourite hotels to kickstart your planning!

• Cap Maison, set above secluded Smuggler's Cove in St Lucia, has fabulous suites and villas for families or groups. Expect classic interiors with carved wooden furnishings, blue-and-white textiles, and glorious views of glittering waters. Wellness offerings include a soothing spa, yoga and pilates classes, plus a hiking and running club. Water sports are on offer at the beach, the Cliff at Cap is wonderful, and Rock Maison particularly romantic. 
• Strawberry Hill has a wonderfully intimate hideaway feel. Previously a coffee estate, the hotel now offers 13 wooden cottages tucked in Jamaica's magical Blue Mountains. Expect art and antiques on whitewashed walls, mesmerising views towards Kingston, and delicious 'new Jamaican' cuisine at the restaurant and bar. Very special. 
• Rabot Hotel, another St Lucia favourite, is run by Hotel Chocolat. There's no better choice for fans of terrific chocolate: the estate grows raw cacao, which features on both the restaurant and cocktail menus. The 14 luxurious eco-lodges are built using sustainable materials, plus there's a restorative spa, stunning infinity pool, hiking trails and expansive vistas of the Pitons. One for adventurers and foodies. 
• Curtain Bluff is an all-inclusive haven in Antigua. Set on a lush peninsula with two beaches, the resort boasts everything from water sports to tennis and squash courts, as well as a kids club and restorative spa. Five-course dinners are divine, and the setting is perfect for memorable family holidays. 
• Sailrock has just 17 spacious suites and villas, many with dazzling views towards blue seas and white sands. Set on South Caicos, this idyllic honeymoon escape promises absolute indulgence, with a superb spa and fantastic food. Families or groups are welcome in multi-bedroom villas. 
• Le Tropical fuses the glamour of the French Riviera with lashings of Caribbean cool. Think retro-chic design, with bold textures and patterns in the four rooms and suites, as well as at the hip bar and restaurants. There's a sleek pool and stylish spa, too. A top spot on St. Jean Beach in St Barts. 
• Montpelier Plantation Inn has been transformed from an 18th-century sugar plantation to an elegant small hotel with 19 rooms and suites, as well as one villa. There are three gourmet eateries, and you can zip across to the hotel's private beach in 15 minutes. A romantic, family-owned hotel with lots of history on charming Nevis. 

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include Where's Hot in January.
• Alternatively, check out our list of 20 Top Resorts in Sri Lanka.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.