Tatler’s picks: Suggested international holiday travel destinations for the April 30 break

Choosing where to stay in Kyoto is an art form. Renowned ryokan (traditional inns) such as Hiiragiya or Tawaraya are not just places to rest; they offer a complete living experience, where serenity, tradition, and Japanese hospitality are honoured in every detail.

Each room opens onto a private garden, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the water flowing over rocks and leaves rustling in the wind. The kaiseki cuisine is seasonally prepared, presented like a meditative ritual—refined, peaceful, and full of meaning.

In April, Chengdu comes alive with cherry blossoms dotting riverside streets, schoolyards, and the narrow paths near temples. Though not a typical spring destination, its understated charm makes it ideal for those seeking a quieter, more personal way to enjoy the flowers.

Beyond the well-known attractions in the city centre, Qingcheng Mountain offers a peaceful blend of sightseeing and relaxation. The path up the mountain is not too steep, with flowers scattered along the roadside and around the grounds of small hermitages. On clear days, the peach blossoms contrast with the green of the pine forests and the ancient tiled roofs, creating a serene landscape.

For accommodation, The Temple House, located in the heart of Chengdu, offers modern comforts while retaining traditional materials. For those seeking a retreat from the city, Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain, near Qingcheng Mountain, provides an ideal escape—an isolated sanctuary with a service focus on privacy and energy restoration.

Holiday travellers can also experience the country’s “national treasure” at the Chengdu Panda Research Centre, around a 40-minute drive from the city centre. With expansive green space and a carefully simulated semi-wild environment, it’s possible to observe the daily activities of these iconic creatures in just half a day.

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Chengdu doesn’t host a grand flower festival or transform into a major tourist spectacle. Everything here remains understated. It’s this simplicity that makes the experience feel more authentic—like an unanticipated encounter, unprepared for, but one that lingers in the memory.

Nestled between the Alps and charming villages, Lake Como has long been a haven for those seeking tranquillity, privacy, and sophistication. In April, the lake enters its spring season—the perfect time to enjoy its natural beauty and avoid the summer crowds.

A standout place to stay is Passalacqua, an 18th-century villa once owned by Milanese aristocrats, now restored as a personal boutique hotel that has welcomed figures from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill. Every detail of the interior, from Murano chandeliers to vintage fireplaces, has been thoughtfully curated, paired with refined service, all designed to provide absolute relaxation.

Art lovers can take time to explore the Museo del Paesaggio del Lago di Como, a small museum housing unique works that explore the local cultural history.

Lake Como is neither too loud nor too cold. It maintains a quintessential Italian serenity—where time passes slowly, the scenery remains unpretentious, and every detail reflects a deep and preserved aesthetic.

April is when Provence awakens from its winter slumber. Less crowded than in summer, the South of France at this time offers a quiet, yet equally brilliant, charm.

The Luberon region, nestled between two low mountain ranges, is home to many ancient stone villages, such as Roussillon and Lourmarin—once listed in “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (the most beautiful villages in France). Stone-paved paths, moss-covered houses, and small squares with ancient fountains all contribute to a slow pace of life, far removed from the noisy world outside. In the morning, you can wander through the local market, sampling olives, wildflower honey, handmade goat cheese, and bread from old brick kilns.

Ideal accommodation options for holiday travellers include boutique hotels or maison d'hôtes tucked behind almond or grape groves. La Maison de Lourmarin has a rustic charm, with light wood furniture, raw linen, and carefully selected antiques. It’s also the perfect time to indulge in seasonal cuisine—from white asparagus and artichokes to simple Provençal river fish dishes.

Provence in April is neither loud nor bustling. It retains only the most delicate qualities: gentle sunlight, early-season winds, the scent of herbs, and the distant tolling of church bells. The South of France for those who wish to live slowly, and live meaningfully.

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