As the saying goes, after the rain comes the sunshine. Spring is here, bringing with it the promise of flowers, warmth, and softness. More than just another season, it’s that moment when everything seems to come back to life—including our mood, which might have suffered during the winter gloom. Spring is nature’s annual gift to us. And to package this precious gift with an equally beautiful setting, I’ve selected four destinations for a perfect spring getaway.
Kyoto, where sakuras paint the season
Springtime in Kyoto is simply breathtaking. The famous cherry blossoms, or sakuras, turn parks and streets into a sea of pink and white petals. It feels like an explosion of poetry, a dreamlike transformation that gives the city an almost surreal charm. It’s a true wonderland, and the ultimate spring escape.
To fully embrace the magic and delight your taste buds, indulge in a kaiseki dinner, a traditional Japanese feast with an exquisitely refined presentation, at Kyoto Kitcho. This Michelin-starred temple of Japanese haute cuisine offers a delicate seasonal menu in honor of the blooming flowers. The meal, served in multiple courses, ends with a sakura mochi. It’s subtly sweet and floral– the perfect finishing touch.
Fès, spring under a golden glow
Fès in spring is pure serenity. An invitation to slow down, to breathe. The city gently shakes off the cold embrace of winter. The air is soft, almost whispered. The sun, neither too bold nor too shy, casts the perfect light—just enough to melt the chill without being overwhelming. . As the walls of the medina glow with golden reflections, it offers a beautiful springtime escape–and is close to home.
Olive and citrus trees begin to bloom, filling the air with delicate fragrance. The city unveils its most elegant side, with a discreet charm that feels like a well-kept secret. What better way to celebrate this season than by staying amidst lush greenery?
Le Jardin des Biehn, nestled within the former summer palace of Pasha El Mokri, is a favorite of mine. It’s secluded and refined Andalusian garden, right in the heart of the medina — a haven of calm and greenery. Every detail is carefully curated, and as delicate as spring itself.
Jardin des Biehn
Address: 13 Akbat Sbaa Douh, Fès
Phone: +212 6 64 64 76 79
Price: from 1930 DH
Amsterdam, a splash of color along the canals
Amsterdam often has a reputation for being wild, red-lit, and hazy… and not necessarily in the most flattering way. That’s what I thought too—until I actually visited and completely fell under its spell. Whether you’re already a fan or looking to challenge the clichés, spring is the perfect time to explore Amsterdam. And over there, springtime is nothing short of spectacular!
The city doesn’t just shake off winter; it bursts into life in a fireworks display of colors and good vibes. The iconic canals, lined with multicolored tulips, offer a breathtaking spectacle, as if someone had taken a giant paintbrush and splashed vibrant colors all over the city. To experience it like a true local, hop on a bike and weave through the cobbled streets. The air is crisp, the city is radiant.
And then, there’s Keukenhof—a garden that turns into a real-life rainbow of flowers. Millions of tulips in full bloom. It feels like stepping into an Impressionist painting. It’s so beautiful you start to wonder if you’re still on Earth or if you’ve somehow fallen into a Van Gogh masterpiece.
After this explosion of color, head to Beulings—a hidden gem where the open kitchen lets you watch culinary magic unfold. Each dish is a perfectly balanced mix of textures and flavors. It’s another kind of fireworks, but this time for the palate.
San Casciano dei Bagni, a Tuscan retreat for the soul
Roaming through Tuscany in spring is like stepping into a living poem. Rolling hills covered in wildflowers, vineyards beginning to turn green, and medieval villages where you can easily imagine retreating from the world—while indulging in divine cuisine.
In this region, at this time of year, every view looks like a painting, and every bite tastes like a masterpiece. And I’m not exaggerating. The landscapes, the food, the ambiance—everything is just perfect. This idyllic setting is the ultimate place to recharge.
My secret address for a true wellness escape? Fonteverde Spa. Nestled in the heart of Val d’Orcia, this charming hotel is a Renaissance palace built over a thermal spring—a true homage to the healing power of water. Sourced from the aquifer of Monte Amiata, an extinct volcano, the water emerges at a soothing 42°C.
The hotel is stunning, and the indoor pool boasts an incredible panoramic view. To top it all off, personalized holistic treatments are available for a fully customized wellness experience. It’s the perfect place to purify the body and flush out the winter toxins—a full-on spring detox. It’s exactly the kind of getaway we all need!
Fonteverde Spa
Address: Località Terme, 1, San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy
Phone: +39 057 85 72 41
Price: from 3500 DH
