Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. It eases in from March, with the weather getting warmer, the sun shining brighter and ushering in gorgeous blooms. This gives us all the more reason to get out of town and witness it in all its gloriousness. WTM brings you the best springtime getaways to fly off to this year.
Lisse
Lying south-west of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, this town is in full bloom with millions of hand-planted tulips, hyacinths and other spring blossoms at the famous Keukenhof. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, the 79-acre park showcases a landscape blanketed in a quilt-like rainbow of hues across its fields and windmill-dotted meadows. You can walk through the nine miles of exhibits and greenery or take a 45-minute ride aboard one of the electric-powered boats gliding along shallow canals, providing field-level flower views that are available only from the water. Later, visit the Kasteel Keukenhof, built in 1641, for its rich history and beauty, or the tulip museum for a detailed lesson in the history and effect of the flower on the economy and society.
Tokyo
Savour the transient beauty of the sakura or cherry blossoms, which swathe Japan’s roaring capital city in pastel pink from late March till April. The top spots to witness thousands of trees in full bloom are Ueno Park and the moats of the former Edo Castle around Kitanomaru Park. Picnics and flower spotting are favourite hobbies at this time. When done, head to HiSUi to channel your inner warrior, practising swordsmanship, or hide out at the cat temple of Gotokuji. Tokyo also offers a plethora of zany and amazing restaurants like the Lock Up, a prison-themed eatery, and the Zauo, where you sit on an immitation boat and catch your own food from the water before having it cooked.
Kauai
Also known as the Garden Isle, it is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian archipelago and boasts breathtaking landscapes. From the velvety green cliffs of Napali Coast to the multicoloured vistas of Hanalei Valley, spring is an especially beautiful time to visit. The island first became famous as the shooting spot of the Jurassic Park movies, and it’s popular with those who enjoy the sun and vast expanses of natural terrain. Adventurous hikers can opt for the arduous Kalalau Trail, while sunseekers can flock to one of the several pristine beaches. For high-octane adventures, the 3,500-foot-deep gorge of Waimea Canyon will make your adrenaline rush.
