St Julian’s, Malta

Processions and pastries transform Easter in St Julian’s from a beachside retreat into something far more atmospheric. In Malta, Holy Week is among the most significant moments of the year, shaped by centuries of Catholic tradition. From Palm Sunday onwards, churches bless olive and palm branches, while Good Friday processions move solemnly through historic streets with life-sized statues depicting the Passion of Christ. By Easter Sunday, the mood lifts noticeably: church bells ring, brass bands fill town squares, and celebrations spill into the open air.

Staying at the Hyatt Regency Malta places guests within easy reach of both St Julian’s coastal ease and Valletta’s grander ceremonies. The capital hosts some of the island’s most striking processions, while nearby towns each bring their own interpretation of the season. Across bakeries and café windows, figolli (almond-filled pastries shaped like rabbits, lambs and eggs) appear alongside spiced kwareżimal biscuits traditionally enjoyed during Lent, adding a seasonal sweetness to Easter on the island.

Beyond the celebrations, spring brings gentle warmth and clear skies. The island’s coastline feels particularly inviting before the height of summer, whether sailing along rocky inlets or lingering over long lunches by the sea. Malta’s culinary scene continues to flourish, too, with Michelin-starred dining such as Rosami adding a contemporary layer to a season steeped in tradition.

Cusco, Peru

The ancient city of Cusco is the beating heart of the Peruvian Andes. Here, Easter unfolds against a backdrop of layered history and is observed with particular depth and reverence. Incan foundations and Spanish colonial legacy shape traditions that have evolved over centuries. During Holy Week, handmade palm-leaf crosses adorn churches and doorways, while processions wind through cobbled streets. Much of the activity centres around the Plaza de Armas, where ceremony and music create a distinctly vibrant atmosphere.

From Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, guests can immerse themselves in the celebrations before retreating to the calm elegance of a former colonial mansion. With clearer skies returning to the Andes, it is also a rewarding moment to explore the Sacred Valley and its iconic ruins.

Cape Town, South Africa

Easter may herald spring across much of the Northern Hemisphere, but in Cape Town it signals the beginning of autumn. As shoulder season begins, the crowds thin, the skies remain clear and the landscape feels more intimate, making it an ideal time to experience the Mother City.

Private helicopter flights above Table Mountain reveal the dramatic meeting of ocean and city, while nearby beaches such as Clifton offer space to linger without the height-of-summer bustle. In nearby Stellenbosch, harvest lingers in the vineyards, and Easter weekend invites long lunches and private wine tastings.

Among the Winelands’ most distinctive estates, Cavalli stands out for its award-winning wines, bold contemporary architecture and indigenous fynbos gardens set across expansive grounds. Its manicured lawns provide a picturesque setting for Easter, when limited gourmet picnics invite families to gather overlooking vineyards and the Helderberg mountains - a relaxed expression of the Cape’s seasonal flavours enjoyed in the open air.

At the iconic Belmond Mount Nelson, the city’s rose-coloured grande dame, the season feels particularly fitting. Its blush façade, painted pink in 1918 to symbolise peace, subtly echoes Easter’s softer palette. Set within lush gardens at the foot of Table Mountain, the hotel retains its grand, old-world presence while delivering the polished comforts expected of a modern icon, whether in its acclaimed restaurants or its much-admired spa. No visit is complete without its legendary afternoon tea, where tiers of delicate pastries and live piano music lend a celebratory note to a long weekend in the sun.

Koh Samui, Thailand

For families ready to trade grey skies for sun-soaked shores this Easter, Koh Samui offers warmth in both climate and spirit. Ocean breezes, shared meals and barefoot moments by the water lend the season a sense of togetherness.

At Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Easter becomes an occasion designed with multi-generational travel in mind. The day begins with relaxed seaside brunches and interactive culinary moments, before younger guests set off on egg hunts and seasonal craft sessions. Later, an Easter-inspired afternoon tea at KOH Thai Kitchen and Bar offers a gentle pause, before the celebration continues with a seafood feast by the shore, accompanied by live music and a fire show beneath the night sky.

Beyond the Easter programme, the resort offers experiences designed to be enjoyed together. Hands-on cooking classes, private boat excursions to hidden coves and calm bays, and tennis sessions overlooking the ocean extend that feeling of connection well beyond the holiday itself.

Cheltenham, England

Few places embody the symbolism of Easter quite like the English countryside in spring. Around Cheltenham, fields begin to stir with lambing season, gardens reopen after winter and woodland paths are edged with the first bluebells of the year. At nearby Leckhampton Hill, spring walks are rewarded with sweeping views across the Cotswolds, while further afield, Highgrove Gardens near Tetbury open their gates for guided tours of the King’s celebrated private grounds.

Set on ninety acres overlooking Cheltenham Racecourse, Ellenborough Park offers a comfortingly classic base for a long weekend escape. The fifteenth-century manor house feels steeped in history, yet its 61 individually designed rooms and contemporary spa ensure modern ease. Interiors are rich with countryside charm, while dining leans into seasonal produce and evenings unfold beside crackling fireplaces.

In the lead-up to Easter, seasonal workshops invite guests to mark the occasion creatively, from chocolate-making masterclasses crafting Easter eggs to floral wreath sessions celebrating the arrival of spring. A long weekend here is shaped by simple pleasures: countryside air, thoughtful tradition and the joy of new beginnings.

These destinations - and many more - are available to book through ASMALLWORLD Collection, offering exclusive VIP rates and extraordinary benefits for a seamless Easter getaway.