Bucket list spring break destinations to explore abroad
Craving personal plunge pools, Michelin-starred dining, and carefully curated boutique hotels? Here are our top picks for spring break bucket list destinations.
By Alina Dizik | February 20, 2025
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.

From pristine beaches to fresh seafood and plenty of scenic sun downs, finding the ultimate spring break destination is about much more than where to rest your head. The ideal spots can turn a quick international jaunt into something far more memorable. With hotel concierges focused on even the tiniest details, exquisite dining throughout, and plenty of poolside lounging, consider these hot spots to recharge in style.
Pacific Harbour, Fiji
It’s no secret that Fiji has some of the best beaches in the world, so tick it off your bucket list, and make Nanuku Resort, an SLH Hotel, your home base. The boutique hotel, set in a tropical paradise, evokes a sense of South Pacific charm and wows guests with beachfront suites that include private plunge pools. Don’t miss the on-site local performances, including meke, a warrior dance ceremony that brings Fijian culture to life. Another guest favorite: Nanuku’s lavish outdoor movie night with a private chef dinner. Looking to impress? Book a private cliffside dinner overlooking the waves or take a boat to a nearby private island for the day. Then add some self-care to your trip with a spa treatment inspired by Fijian healing practices.
London
Between the world-famous British Museum, views of the River Thames, and rides on a classic double-decker bus, exploring London is always a thrill. After a day of sightseeing, NoMad London, a boutique hotel inside a restored 19th-century magistrate’s court, serves as a chic bucket list escape. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, the hotel overlooks the Royal Opera House and leaves a lasting impression with its expertly curated on-site art collection. The concierge can help score hard-to-find dinner reservations (key in a city that’s brimming with Michelin-starred restaurants) but be sure to experience NoMad Restaurant, where you’ll have an eclectic meal highlighting regional ingredients and an extensive wine list. Another can't-miss experience? Grabbing a nightcap at Side Hustle, the hotel’s art-filled speakeasy set inside a former police station.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or your significant other, Los Cabos’ pristine location at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is the idyllic backdrop for any wish list vacation. Settle in at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, which offers direct access to one of the area’s rare swimmable beaches at the chic Enclave Beach Club. Be sure to check out the resort’s four pools with a dedicated pool concierge or linger at the eforea Spa, where you’ll find a variety of customizable treatments, including oceanfront massages. For an indulgent dining experience, head to La Biblioteca, featuring more than 200 tequilas, mezcals and other agave spirits to complement your private five-course meal. Nearby, hit the green at top golf courses with the help of the resort’s golf concierge or spend an afternoon exploring the San Jose del Cabo Art District.
Miches, Dominican Republic
Just 90 minutes north of Punta Cana’s main airport, Zemi Miches All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton makes it easy to get away from it all. Set on an exclusive stretch of Playa Esmeralda beach, the resort includes four stunning pools, 10 restaurants and bars, plus 24-hour room service. Unplug and unwind with the resort’s can’t-miss wellness programs, including a daily rotation of yoga and fitness classes, as well as spa treatments based on ancient local traditions. Vacationing with kids in tow? Younger travelers are sure to appreciate the on-site water park and programming at the Coki Cove Kids Club, while older kids can hang out in the Palmchat Teen Club for a game-room atmosphere. In search of a getaway that’s more intimate? Book one of the resort’s secluded beachfront bungalows, which includes private check-in and exclusive rooftop pool access.
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