Where To Go In April 2024

The Big Apple comes into its own in April. Cafes and bars spill onto sidewalks, rooftops are revived and it feels like a time for lovers. Stay in Manhattan at Hotel Chelsea, the most fabled hotel in New York, its corridors humming with history and the spirit of past guests including Andy Warhol and Patti Smith. Its Victorian doors reopened last year after a sensitive refurb by the team behind The Ludlow and The Bowery, and now it’s perhaps the coolest hotel in town again. We also love its restaurant, Cafe Chelsea — grab a seat at the bar and order the steak frites.

Read our Guide to the Best Restaurants in New York.

In the summer months, it’s tempting to overlook Athens as merely a gateway to her glittering multitude of islands. But the dynamic Greek capital, humming with creating energy and new openings, is fast becoming a destination in its own right — and early spring is just the time to visit. Stay at the recently opened Mona, which is so much more than a gorgeous boutique hotel in a transformed 1950s factory: it doubles as a cafe, speakeasy bar, rooftop members’ club, and art gallery. Set in the Psirri neighborhood, you’ll have views over the Acropolis and are moments from the Agora and Monastiraki, where you’ll find Athens’ sprawling antique market. Spend your days getting a handle on the new, modern Athens, making time for the National Museum of Contemporary Art and dinner at the Greek-Asian fusion joint, Nolan. If you do want to tack on an island getaway, Syros is one of the best all-year-round destinations. The capital of the Cyclades, it’s home to a seriously handsome Venetian chora and the super chi, art hotel, Aristide.

South of Lisbon towards the Spanish border and stretching out towards the Atlantic, the Alentejo region remains the unsung hero of Portugal. Undeveloped and dotted with cork forests, wildflower meadows, and white-washed villages, it is a rough and ready rural idyll where time seems to stand almost still. The place to stay is São Lourenço do Barrocal, a quietly luxurious farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, which sits under the ancient hilltop town of Monsarez. Barns and workers’ rooms on the eighth-generation family estate have been transformed into rustic chic rooms that are designed to be symbiotic with the local vernacular, while guests can make the most of the foodie landscape with foraging, cooking workshops, olive oil, and wine tastings.

First-class museums, imposing Baroque architecture, a buzzing gastronomic scene, and countless vermouth bars, the Spanish capital is one to keep in mind for a spring city break. Stay at the iconic Bless Madrid, which is located on the ‘Golden Mile’ in the desirable Salamanca neighborhood and inspired by the latter’s elegant, 19th-century houses with interior design by Lázaro Rosa Violán.

Start your day with a little shopping: El Rastro flea market for vintage and antique finds; Tado for unique pieces by Spanish artists and makers; Casa Hernanz for handmade espadrilles; and Maleza for bespoke hats. Then make time for the Prado Museum, a walk through Retiro Park, the royal family’s former retreat, and flamenco at Corral de la Moreria. And, of course, then it’s all about the food: O’pazo is a much-loved, old-school seafood restaurant; and Bodega de la Ardosa has been deep-frying croquettes since 1892. For more of a contemporary vibe — with a side of sustainability and economic justice, try Mo de Movimiento.

An authentic slice of rural Italy, we love Puglia more and more as each year passes — and April is a wonderful time to visit as the landscape starts to bloom. Make one of the Masseria Moroseta villas, Casa Maiora or Casa Guaceto, your stylish base for a spring break. Both are located near Carovigno and Ostuni, one of the Citta Bianca and our favorite spots for coffee, aperitivo, and dinner. Spring in Puglia is all about making the most of nature’s larder and your villa kitchens, bike rides across vineyards and olive groves, ceramics shopping, and, if you are brave, bracing swims in the sea in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve.

Read our Guide to Puglia here.

April in Italy's northern state South Tyrol has a special charm. While the top of the mountains are still covered with snow-white caps, in the valley nature awakens to new life. Warm air from the Mediterranean region melts the snow and the alpine meadows shine in bright green. Our pick for this month is The Gasthof Zum Hirschen in the remote Val di Non-Valley. A historical retreat, a refuge to switch off, and recharge your batteries in nature, to consciously enjoy. The uniqueness of the house lies in the harmonious combination of ancient spiritual wisdom and a contemporary comfort culture. A special experience for the guests is the family hospitality and the unique gastronomy at the knot of two cultures. The best gastronomic traditions of Austria and Italy are served in their elegant CERVO Restaurant. Their sumptuous and diet-conscious menu combines traditional cuisine with an innovative flair. And for total relaxation, individual wellness treatments are offered. Whether it's a wrap with hay flowers, an alkaline foot bath for detoxification, or various peelings during a sauna session.

84 Rooms recommends: : Most Stylish Hotels In New York City, and The Best Hotels & Casas In Puglia.