TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THESE EASTER

HOLIDAY AND SHORT BREAK IDEAS…

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UK

Easter needle felting in Sussex – from £214.50 pp at Ashdown Park Hotel
On 25, 26 and 27 March, the National's Trust's Nymans – a medieval manor house with fascinating gardens, in West Sussex - will host half-day Needle Felting Workshops (£50 pp; suitable for those aged 16 and over). Everything you need to create your own Easter Bunny sculpture will be provided, plus tea, coffee, cake, and biscuits. A relaxed atmosphere and a log-burner awaits in the Potting Shed. Stay nearby at stately Ashdown Park Hotel, with its 18-hole golf course winding through the forest, excellent spa, and acclaimed 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Enjoy a delicious Easter Afternoon Tea from £34.50 pp. An overnight stay now costs from £214.50 pp (based on two sharing a Junior Suite), including breakfast and use of the stunning indoor swimming pool. Book online or call Ashdown Park on 01342 824988 (www.ashdownpark.com). 

EUROPE

Spring wildlife tour in the Cyclades – Greece from £1,999 pp with Sunvil
Kythnos is one of the least-known islands of the Cyclades, unspoilt by mass tourism despite boasting wild countryside, beautiful sandy beaches, and fascinating historic sites. This springtime, join a small group for gentle hiking - guided by a specialist naturalist - through a joyful land of migrating birds and exotic flowers. By boat, you'll be taken to secluded bays where rare monk seals bask. Departing 25 March, the seven-night walking holiday costs from £1,999 pp (two sharing), including return flights (Gatwick), 23kg pp hold luggage allowance, half board accommodation, ferries, transfers, and a boat trip. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8568 4499 (www.sunvil.co.uk). 

Unexpected family-friendly gem in the North Atlantic – from £247 per night in spring, with Visit Faroe Islands
Take a fun, relaxing, family-friendly adventure this Easter with a trip to The Faroe Islands. The slower pace of life, coupled with the great outdoors, offers easy hikes, island-hopping by ferry, and a chance to observe puffins in their natural habitat. Faroese Easter traditions include egg painting and egg rolling in many of the charming villages, where families can enjoy unique sights, smells, and sounds during a spring getaway. The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands, Listasavn Føroya, is open every day during the Easter holidays, inviting families to enjoy crafting Easter decorations and painting eggs. When touring around the Faroe Islands with children, a must-see attraction is the undersea tunnels. One tunnel features the world's first underwater roundabout, boasting an amazing, illuminated art installation resembling an enormous jellyfish, by the artist, Tróndor Patursson. Stay at the family-friendly Hotel Brandan, an eco-conscious four-star superior property, with a distinctive Viking-style grass roof, located in the heart of Gundadalur, only a few minutes' walk from Tórshavn's town square. Children under the age of twelve stay for free. Rooms start from DKK 2,150 pp / approx. £247 pp per night (four sharing), including breakfast. Return flights from Edinburgh cost from £200 pp with Atlantic Airways. (Direct flights from London Gatwick launch in June). See AITO* member Visit Faroe Islands www.visitfaroeislands.com.

Inhale a city steeped in incense and orange blossom – Seville from £726 pp with Kirker
To be in Seville over Easter is an affecting experience, particularly for those unfamiliar with Spanish traditions. It is a seduction of the senses: the intoxicating aroma permeating the city air - a mixture of incense, caramel, and orange blossom; the silence of the crowds as deafening as the heartfelt singing and bands playing during candlelit processions; and the eerie sight of swarms of bowed heads, topped with pointed hoods. See and feel it all for yourself with a stay at Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza, a very appealing and highly individual hotel in the centre of Seville. Spanish colonial in style - with open corridors, and galleries surrounding courtyards – it has a small rooftop swimming pool, a very good restaurant, a library, and a beautifully furnished card room. A three-night stay costs from £726 pp (two sharing), including return flights (London), breakfast, private transfers, entrance tickets to the cathedral and the Alcazar Palace, and the services of the Kirker Concierge. Call AITO* member Kirker on 020 7593 2288; www.kirkerholidays.com.  

Let us pray: Easter warm-up in the Algarve - Portugal from £1,391 pp with Sunvil
The Algarve is well known as one of the sunniest areas of Europe. The Moorish draw of golden sands, whitewashed villages and a mild climate is particularly strong as springtime approaches. The Pousada de Tavira, a former 16th century convent, is a glorious Easter short break getaway. Situated in Tavira - a maze of cobbled streets, sleepy squares, traditional restaurants, markets, and decorative churches - many of the pousada's original architectural features have been retained and beautifully blended with the minimalist interiors. Departing 28 March, a four-night stay costs from £1,391 pp (two sharing a Superior Room), including return flights (Gatwick), 23kg pp hold luggage allowance, breakfast, and private transfers. Call AITO* member Sunvil on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

WORLDWIDE

Easter adventure for teens - Botswana from £8,460 pp with Expert Africa
The Central Kalahari may be better known as a dry region but, in fact, during and just after Botswana's rainy season (between February and May), is the best time of year for wildlife viewing here. Everywhere is green, often attracting graze-driven animals in their thousands. Enjoy this lesser known side of this region on a tailor-made safari, or look at Expert Africa's 11-night Porcupine Safari as an example of what your trip could be like. This includes a stay at Tau Pan – an ideal option for older children, with its family chalet and its family safaris, led by an experienced guide and tracker. This comprehensive trip encompasses a vast spectrum of ecosystems and wildlife, also travelling to the Savute, Khwai and Okavango regions. From wild plains to plunge pools, and luxury lodges to local culture, it will set teens up to start their summer term with renewed energy. The trip costs from £8,460 pp (two sharing), including full-board accommodation, all wildlife activities, transfers, park fees, laundry, and most drinks. International flights can be arranged at additional cost (typically from £1,880 pp). Call AITO* member Expert Africa on 020 3405 6666 (www.expertafrica.com). 

Cherry blossom celebrations in Osaka – Japan from £305 per night with Hoshino Resorts
For a family holiday with a difference this Easter, head to Japan and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Osaka. Adjacent to the Shinsekai area in Naniwa, OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts is the perfect spot for exploring the city, as well as offering a fun, modular design, and Osakan-inspired cuisine (think okonomiyaki savoury pancakes and kushikatsu deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers). During the day, explore Osaka with a tour from one of the hotel's knowledgeable guides, known as 'OMO Rangers', who provide fascinating insight into the local area for guests of all ages. From 1 March – 30 April, the hotel will offer a spring-exclusive event where visitors can enjoy Kamigata Rakugo, a traditional Osakan performing art, while viewing a cherry blossom-themed light display in the communal garden area. Cherry blossom sweets and 'Cherry Blossom Highballs' will also be on offer, free of charge. Stay overnight at OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts from 58,000 JPY / approx. £305 per room, including dinner, breakfast, and tax. https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/omo7osaka/

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