Come Spring each year, the explosion of flowers and colour heralds the end of the winter. From cherry blossoms in Japan and China, magnolias in United Kingdom to wildflowers in South Africa, here are some of the best SLH hotels in which guests can immerse themselves in the sweet fragrance of spring blooms.

JAPAN

The parks, gardens and streets of Japan come alive in pink as the sakura flower (cherry blossom) go into full bloom. The much-anticipated event is celebrated with hanami gatherings with friends and family.

The Tokyo Station Hotel, Tokyo, Japan – www.slh.com/tokyostation

An air of golden-age glamour hangs over The Tokyo Station Hotel. This meticulously refurbished domed, red-hued building has been part of the city skyline for over 100 years. Today, the hotel blends Omotenashi – the time-honoured spirit of Japanese hospitality – with 21st-century luxury. From their room guests can enjoy wonderful views of Tokyo, or stroll through the Imperial Palace Gardens nearby, one of the best sakura viewing spots in Tokyo. From 1 March to 30 April, any stay at The Tokyo Station Hotel includes a sakura-themed cocktail at Bar Camellia . Rates start from JPY 46,632 nett (approx. USD$399) a night.

SLH Insider Tip: One of the best ways to view cherry blossoms would be at the Imperial Palace's Chidorigafuchi Moat – rent a boat and row down the moat which is surrounded by sakura trees. The trees are lit up in the evening and food stands can be found at nearby Yasukuni Shrine, where there are around one thousand cherry trees to be enjoyed.

L'Hotel du Lac, Nagahama City, Japan – www.slh.com/lhoteldulac 

Set on the banks of Japan's largest Lake Biwa, L'Hotel du Lac is a peaceful sanctuary in which to unwind and relax with its stunning lake and mountain views. The striking modern villa is also located near Ho-koen Park, most famous for its cherry blossoms and named as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom spots. Guests who are in for more sakura magic can go on to visit to Kaizu-Osaki where the cherry blossom tunnel extends for 4 km along the lakeside. Prices at L'Hotel du Lac during the Cherry Blossom period of 22 March to 24 April 2016 start from JPY 63,720 (approx. USD$546), and include breakfast and a private cruise on Lake Biwa with a glass of champagne and canapes.

SLH Insider Tip: Take in the beauty of seven kilometres of sakura blooms on both sides of the side when you drive from Maibara, the nearest Shinkansen  station to the hotel.

Noborioji Hotel, Nara, Japan – www.slh.com/noborioji 

Set in the ancient capital city of Nara, Noborioji Hotel is designed to reflect the beauty of nature. One of the hotel's most striking design elements is the use of wood and panelled walls that are skilfully crafted to create a sense of warmth and relaxation. The hotel is situated within walking distance to Kōfuku-Ji temple, a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.In conjunction with Sakura season, Noborioji Hotel is offering guests complimentary 90-minute use of a private taxi to visit famous cherry blossom sightseeing spots. Prices for the Cherry Blossom Special package start from JPY59,400 (approx. USD$509) and is valid for stays between 21 March to 21 April 2016.

SLH Insider Tip: While in Nara, be sure to visit the free-roaming deer, considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods, at Nara Park. The park is also home to many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum.

Unzen Kanko Hotel, Nagasaki, Japan – www.slh.com/unzenkankohotel

Renowned for its hot spring baths, Unzen Kanko Hotel is a Swiss chalet-styled hotel that is a popular destination for spa lovers and recognized as a building of high cultural importance. The hotel is also conveniently located near Japan's oldest national park, Unzen-Amakusa where guests will find Mount Unzen, an active volcanic group and more than 70 islands of Amakusa.To celebrate Sakura season, Unzen Kanko Hotel is including breakfast, a cherry blossom themed cocktail and private taxi to the Tachibana Shrine, a popular venue for cherry blossom sightseeing.The package starts at 66,000 JPY (approx. USD$565) and is available from 21 March to 30 April 2016.

SLH Insider Tip: Soaking in a sulphur hot spring bath with water from Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) would be heaven-sent after visiting the sakura blooms. For a more fulfilling visit, you can also visit the lava dome Heisei Shinyama at Fugendake, Obama Onsen, Shimahara Castle, Shimahara springs, and ruins of samurai houses along the Shimahara Peninsula.

UNITED KINGDOM

The Nare Hotel, Cornwall, United Kingdom - www.slh.com/nare

Much like the Japanese Cherry Blossom season, the flowering of the Magnolias in Cornwall signifies the true start of spring in England. Flanked by colourful gardens and overlooking the white sands and rolling surf of Gerrans Bay, The Nare Hotel and the head gardeners of seven of The Great Gardens of Cornwall officially celebrate the arrival of spring once all seven champion magnolia trees have 50 flowers in full bloom. This year spring arrived early in the UK and was declared on 10th February.

In honour of spring's arrival, The Nare Hotel has arranged for private garden tours with the head gardeners of The Great Gardens of Cornwall. Spring Garden Breaks at The Nare start at £315 per room, per night in March and £395 ion April. The break comprises of four nights accommodation, dinner, breakfast, early morning tea, afternoon cream tea, tickets to three gardens of your choice and selected meals and VAT @ 20% based upon a couple sharing.

SLH Insider Tip: Explore the beautiful Cornish countryside in a classic convertible Morgan! Set off with a Nare picnic hamper and take a nostalgic drive around the coast.

SOUTH AFRICA

Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl, South Africa – www.slh.com/granderoche 

Spring in South Africa may be during August rather than now, however, it doesn't mean the flowers in the Cape Region don't put on an equally good show. Guests staying at Grande Roche Hotel, an immaculately restored Dutch homestead with an award-winning restaurant, can enjoy the stunning jacaranda trees in the region which have become synonymous with the country and were mentioned by Nelson Mandela in his book “The Long Walk to Freedom”. Those on a mission to see the West Coast Wildflowers can opt for a self-drive route through the Postberg Nature Reserve, around 1.5 hours' drive from the hotel.  Local recommendations are to choose a sunny day (the flowers stay closed when it's cloudy) and to wait until the sun is high in the sky for optimum viewing. Prices start from ZAR2780 for a Studio Suite including buffet breakfast (approx. USD$183).

SLH Insider Tip: Paarl is an exceptional base from which to discover the region's very best Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec wines – start from the hotel's Michelin-starred Bosman Restaurant.

For more information about SLH's collection of hotels around the world or to make a reservation and take advantage of SLH Club member benefits visit www.slh.com.

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About Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 520 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Reservations for any SLH hotel can be made online at www.slh.com or via the iPhone app, by contacting a travel agent or calling a Small Luxury Hotels of the World reservations office; click here to view a listing by country.