Easter looks very different depending on where you are in the world. In some places, it’s deeply spiritual. In others, it’s all about food, family, and a little bit of spectacle. These destinations offer a mix of both—whether you want cultural immersion, a luxury brunch, or something a little more offbeat.
Antigua: Semana Santa at Its Most Spectacular
Antigua’s Semana Santa is one of the most visually striking Easter celebrations anywhere in the world. In the days leading up to Easter Sunday, the city transforms into a living canvas—cobblestone streets covered in intricate alfombras made from colored sawdust, flowers, and fruit.
Massive religious processions move through the city, carried by cucuruchos in traditional robes, accompanied by incense, brass bands, and candlelight. The experience is immersive, intense, and unforgettable.
For a more refined home base, Villa Bokéh offers a quieter retreat just outside the center. Set across six acres of gardens, the property pairs well with the energy of the city, and its Easter Sunday brunch has become a draw for both visitors and locals looking for something celebratory but not overdone.
Kauai, Hawaii: Aloha Meets Easter Traditions
On Kauai, Easter leans into the island’s relaxed rhythm. Sunrise services on the beach, community egg hunts, and family-style celebrations define the weekend.
At Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, the experience is built around ease—Easter brunch, keiki-friendly egg hunts, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere. There’s also a smaller-scale luau that keeps things intimate rather than overproduced.
For something more local, Kapa’a Beach Park hosts a free community egg hunt that draws families from across the island—exactly the kind of low-key, authentic moment Kauai does best.
Nassau, Bahamas: Classic Easter, Island Style
If your version of Easter includes sunshine and a cocktail by the water, Nassau delivers.
British Colonial Nassau—set right on the harbor—leans into a more traditional holiday format with its “Hoppy Days” package: brunch, beachfront egg hunts, and just enough structure to make it feel like an occasion without overcomplicating things.
It’s an easy, polished option in the Bahamas, especially for families who want a mix of relaxation and light programming.
Napa Valley, California: Easter in Wine Country
In Napa Valley, Easter blends faith, food, and spring weather in a way that feels distinctly Californian.
At The Meritage Resort & Spa, guests can attend Easter Sunday Mass on-site—something not many resorts offer—before transitioning into a more social atmosphere with brunch, a family egg hunt, and seasonal activities like a petting zoo.
It’s a good fit if you want a traditional Easter structure without giving up the comforts of wine country.
Iceland: Chocolate, Proverbs, and a Different Kind of Tradition
Easter in Iceland is less about pageantry and more about tradition—and a surprising amount of chocolate.
Páskaeggs (Easter eggs) are a national obsession, ranging from small treats to oversized chocolate shells filled with candy and slips of paper printed with Icelandic proverbs. Part fortune cookie, part cultural artifact.
At Hotel Rangá, guests are introduced to the tradition firsthand, with páskaeggs provided over Easter weekend. The experience is simple, a little quirky, and distinctly Icelandic—exactly what you’d hope for.
Plymouth, Michigan: A Reflective Easter Setting
For a quieter, more traditional experience, Saint John’s Resort offers something closer to a classic Easter atmosphere.
The property—set on the grounds of a former Catholic seminary—leans into its history. The glass-ceilinged atrium creates a garden-like setting for Easter brunch, while the on-site chapel offers space for reflection.
There’s still a family-friendly side—photos with the Easter Bunny, a full buffet—but the overall tone is more grounded than most resort celebrations.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: A Cozy Mountain Easter
If you’re leaning toward something more low-key, Jackson Hole offers a different pace.
At the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Easter centers around a well-executed brunch at Wild Sage, with seasonal dishes and a relaxed, alpine setting. It’s less about programming and more about atmosphere—mountain views, good food, and a slower start to the day.
A shoulder-season dining offer (buy one entrée, get one) makes it an easy add, whether you’re staying at the lodge or just passing through.
Bottom Line
Easter travel doesn’t have to mean one thing. You can go all-in on tradition in Antigua, keep it beachy in Hawaii or the Bahamas, lean into wine country in Napa, or do something completely different in Iceland.
The right choice comes down to how you want the holiday to feel—ceremonial, social, or just a good excuse to travel somewhere new.
About the Author
Jennifer Wilmington
Jennifer Wilmington is a distinctive voice in the world of family and luxury travel, offering unique perspectives derived from her diverse background and experiences.