A textile paradise filled with woven rugs, butter-soft leathers
and artisanal products, Fez is a laid-back alternative to frenetic
Marrakech.
In spring, temperatures sit around the low twenties – ideal for
trawling the souks. In the heart of the medina is Riad Fes Maya Suite and Spa, a
prized homestay bedecked with wood-carved ceilings, king-size
canopy beds and intricate zellige (mosaics). Guests are invited to
join the owner’s mother, Fatima, for some local Fassi cuisine on
the impressive roof terrace. Arrive hungry as a plates of smokey
tagine and delicate almond pastries continue to appear in front of
you.

Contrary to popular preconception,
Lanzarote‘s wild north offers volcanoes, wineries and bucket
loads of adventure. Away from the all-inclusive resorts and tower
blocks, it’s a destination that caters to intrepid travellers.
Visit the wild and rugged Famara beach, a world-class surfing and
kite-surfing destination, or the botanical Jardín de Cactus, an oasis that took
root in a former quarry. Stay at the effortlessly chic 17th-century
farmhouse, El Jallo before paying a visit
to the neighbouring bodegas where vines grow in volcanic
craters.

Let Seville
seduce you with its heady mix of baroque architecture, Moorish
traditions and cutting-edge dining. Follow the intoxicating scent
of orange blossom around the grand gardens of Alcázar before
indulging in a lengthy lunch at Ovejas Negras – burrata salad and local delicacy
“boquerones” (anchovies seasoned in garlic and parsley) are among
the freshest tapas in town. After lunch, retreat to Las Casas de la Judería, an
elegant Andalusian hotel. Here, 27 white-washed townhouses are
interlinked through courtyards and underground passageways, making
for an intimate and relaxing stay.

Few European cities rival Prague for architectural heritage.
With more than 100 spires stretching to the sky, a host of emerging
art galleries and a sprinkle of fairytale charm, this cobbled
capital was practically built for mini-breaks. Head away from the
touristy old town square and dine in the Argentinian steakhouse
Gran
Fierro – local cuisine is worth a try but not our favourite
thing in the world. Step behind the black velvet curtain at
Hemmingway’s to reveal one of the world’s best
cocktail bars and be the first to lay your head at the new Mama Shelter residence in
vibrant Vltava.

With its blonde sand, white-washed houses and blue-domed
churches, Paros is the little-known Adonis of the Cyclades.
Best enjoyed in spring when the landscape is still tinged with
green and the sea has warmed up to an acceptable swimming
temperature, Paros is much more than a transport hub for island
hoppers. Head to Kolymbithres in the bay of Naoussa, where obscure
granite formations and pocketed coves make for one of the best
beaches to take a dip in. Stay in the family-run Hotel Argonauta, where each of
its 16 spacious bedrooms are structured around a lemon-filled inner
courtyard with balconies overlooking the narrow streets below.