Avani Spring Flings

Couple’s escape on the horizon? Or maybe you’re keen for a family staycation? The peaceful Sepang Gold Coast just a 2.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, has the makings of a fun spring fling. There are golden sands to play on, calm waters to wade in, and lots of more active pastimes (like banana boating and mangrove kayaking) if you’re up for some thrills and spills.

Where to stay: If you love an overwater bungalow experience, look no further than Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort. It’s the giant palm-tree shaped resort fanned out over the seas. Indulge in an AvaniSpa treatment. Help yourself to tasty Malaysian and Chinese cuisine. Sit back on your private balcony and just take in the views. Book a staycation offer and get a special rate on your choice of overwater bungalow or family-sized villa, plus a decadent buffet breakfast daily at Bila-Bila Restaurant.

The fashion capital of Italy is chock-full of cultural things to see and do, but in springtime you’ll probably want to spend time outdoors. Milan’s in-between weather is perfect for enjoying its lush parks. There’s Parco Sempione in the historic centre of town, where you can picnic as you people watch. There’s the 18th-century Indro Montanelli Gardens, where you’ll find the natural history museum and planetarium. Or head into nature with a jaunt to Parco Nord, Milan’s urban forest, great for cycling, skating and picnicking.

Where to stay: Stay in the city centre at Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan Hotel, located in the fashionable Porta Nuova area. Hop on the metro to get around the city, or see Milan with a local on a guided vintage Fiat tour. Make the most of the mild spring weather with a cycle sightseeing tour through the heart of Milan, complete with insider insights.

Spring is the best season to visit Cancun for two reasons: 1) cooler, dry weather, and 2) it’s the city’s anniversary on 20 April. (See: lots of special events and celebrations.) This time of year is also ideal for water sports, like snorkelling and swimming with dolphins. Have you ever swum in a cenote AKA a natural sinkhole? No? You can do that in Cancun, too. Spring brings warm water and high visibility for spotting marine life. For culture and history, tour the sites of Yucatan Peninsula and explore Mayan archaeology, like the famous Chichen Itza pyramid.

Where to stay: Be close to some of Cancun’s biggest theme parks, at Avani Cancun Airport Hotel, just a five-minute drive down the road. You’re also close to a selection of courses if golf’s what you need, and an easy 20-minute drive from Cancun’s famous beaches. Peaceful Playa Delfines is our top pick, with tiki umbrellas and loungers waiting just for you.

Come to Thailand in spring and you might find yourself in the middle of the country’s biggest water fight: Songkran festival, from April 13 – 15. It’s the country’s biggest annual celebration, marking Buddhist New Year with national holidays, cultural events and at least a day dedicated to len nam, or ‘playing water’. Don’t worry, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chatuchak markets and all the malls will still be open, so you can do all the regular Bangkok sights too.

Where to stay: A hotel near the riverside is always a good idea in Bangkok. At Avani+ Bangkok on the riverside, you’ve got unbeatable Chao Phraya River vistas and an easy shuttle commute to the city’s main pier. There’s pampering wellness onsite and SEEN bar and restaurant on the rooftop, where you can party (or relax and enjoy the views) all night long. Or, for a taste of Bangkok’s world-class drag scene, catch Diva Night Brunch at Lost & Found, hosted by some of the city’s top drag performers. While you’re by the river, take a longtail-boat canal tour for a historic and colourful look at Bangkok from the water.

April brings fewer tourist crowds to Dubai, with mainly dry days and a mean temp of around 28C. It also brings the Dubai Comedy Festival (12 – 21 April), Boyz II Men (28 April) and the Elrow Dubai XXL music festival. April’s also a great time for early-morning dune bashing and camel trekking. And in the evenings, nothing beats a balmy stroll along Marina Walk or taking in the sights on a dhow boat cruise. Craving beach time? Head to JBR beach for swimming and sunning, with sunbeds and towels for hire.

Where to stay: Stay central to everything AND get jaw-dropping room views at Avani+ Palm View Dubai. From here you’re a five-minute drive from JBR beach and all the fun and games of The Palm Jumeirah. Go out for a family day at one of the many adventure and water parks in Dubai. Enjoy a cruise up and down the coast – or just take in magical skyscraper views with a walk around Dubai Marina.