April, at the world’s best hotels.

Spring on the lake: gardens in bloom before the summer set arrives.

Between ski and summer: snowmelt waterfalls and the mountains between seasons.

Spring on the Amalfi Coast: lemon blossom, warm days, none of the August crush.

Early spring: almond blossom and the year's gentlest rates.

The Argentario in late spring: sea swims begin, the summer crowd hasn't.

Spring on the Amalfi Coast: lemon blossom, warm days, none of the August crush.

Thermal spas are best before the summer heat arrives.

Spring in the Balearics: warm days, wildflowers, and the island before the season.

Early spring: almond blossom and the year's gentlest rates.

Menorca in spring: empty calas and countryside in bloom.

Early spring: almond blossom and the year's gentlest rates.

Off-season Rajasthan: hot afternoons, yes — and palace hotels at half their winter rates.

The monsoon on the Narmada: the river high, the ghats washed clean, the fort quiet.

The long rains: the Mara empty of vehicles, resident game everywhere, rates at their lowest.

Vermont's secret season: sugaring, spring rivers, and the woods waking up.

Between snow and summer in the San Juans: hot springs season, no crowds.

Autumn in Torres del Paine: red lenga forests and the year's stillest light.

After the Brazilian summer: warm seas, quiet Quadrado, casas at their calmest.