May: Blooming Wonders and Cultural Treasures

May invites you to the Balearic Islands, where the Mediterranean sun warms the crystal-clear waters. Avoiding the summer rush, you’ll find blooming landscapes and warm temperatures, ideal for exploring Ibiza’s opening parties, hiking Menorca’s Cami de Cavalls, and enjoying Formentera’s pristine beaches.

Hotel Pick : Son Bunyola

Richard Branson’s latest dreamscape, Son Bunyola, is worth the splurge. Three spacious, traditional Balearic villas (one has five bedrooms, the others four) lie sprawled across 680 acres on Mallorca’s northwest coast. Each has its own heated pool, sleek kitchen, and courtyard with dining area, although Son Balagueret – housing a bedroom in the original 13th-century turret – has its own magic. The lush estate includes vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards; you can walk to the beach, hike and bike on miles of mountain trails, or play some of the island’s almost two dozen golf courses.

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In May, Bolivia unfolds its cultural richness with unique festivals. Dive into the vibrant Gran Poder Festival in La Paz, explore Sucre’s colonial architecture in mild temperatures, and venture into the Amazon rainforest as it comes to life.

Hotel Pick : Explora Uyuni

On the northern edge of Bolivia’s vast salt flats, you’ll find Explora Uyuni, an ultra-exclusive 8-cabin retreat. As you might expect, nature takes center stage with outdoor adventures ranging from biking and wildlife sightings to hot spring soaks – you can even hike the dormant Tunupa Volcano up to 17,000 feet. Designed to generate minimum impact on its surroundings, the property is comprised of modular rooms, which makes it easy to be dismantled and reused in other breathtaking locations.

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May beckons wildlife enthusiasts to Botswana’s dry season. Embark on a safari in Moremi Game Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing, witness the flourishing ecosystem of the Okavango Delta, and marvel at the majestic Victoria Falls at its most spectacular.

Hotel Pick : Jack’s Camp

In the heart of Botswana’s rugged Kalahar, you’ll find Jack’s Camp – a luxury safari camp featuring ten Bedouin-style canvas tents with ensuite bathrooms, indoor and alfresco showers, private verandas and plunge pools, and unmatched views looking out over the Makgadikgadi salt pan. Your stay comes with elegant candlelit dinners paired with local wines, walking safaris with San Bushmen, and, as you might expect, endless opportunities to observe zebra, wildebeest, and meerkats in their natural habitat.

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Experience ideal weather for outdoor adventures in France. Cycle through Provence’s lavender fields, visit Normandy’s Mont Saint-Michel with mild temperatures, and explore the charming villages of Alsace before the summer crowds.

Hotel Pick : Lily of the Valley

The Côte d’Azur shows its wild side at the Philippe Starck-designed Lily of the Valley. Perched atop Gigaro Hill in a protected coastal area, this intimate, 53-room, suite & villa retreat embraces nature while helping guests reboot with an expert-led Shape Club offering everything from aerial yoga and Biologique Recherche therapies to tailored weight-loss or skin programs. Go hiking amidst pine-forested hills, swim in two spectacular pools, or grab a chilled rosé on the parasol-dotted beach below.

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Warm days, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds define May in Greece. Explore Crete’s Samaria Gorge, visit Santorini’s Oia Village before the tourist influx, and discover the ancient ruins of Delphi in perfect weather.

Hotel Pick : Sani Asterias at Sani Resort

Put Sani Asterias high atop Greece’s “it” list. This 57-suite boutique beauty, adjacent to the Sani Marina, oozes exclusivity. The resort’s 1,000-acre nature reserve is your playground; a comprehensive menu of activities features birdwatching, beekeeping tours, paddleboard yoga, and cycling on KTM bikes loaded with GoPros. Beach Buddies serve grilled haloumi and fresh-squeezed juice along a private stretch of sand, and don’t miss the Chelsea FCF Soccer Academy or the Rafael Nadal Tennis Centre. Dine on the terrace of your lavish, individually appointed suite, or choose from a host of Michelin-starred restaurants.

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Italy welcomes spring in full swing in May, perfect for cultural exploration. Wander through Rome’s Trastevere, bike through Tuscan vineyards surrounded by lush greenery, and sail along the rugged Amalfi Coast before the summer heat.

Hotel Pick : Fonteverde Lifestyle & Thermal Retreat

Step back in time to the 17th century at Fonteverde, a Tuscan resort and spa in the Siena hills. The villa was built by the Medici family on precious hot springs that are known for their therapeutic properties. In timeless Tuscany, take time to explore the surroundings and experience the exclusive Tuscan Route offers: winetasting in prestigious wineries; sampling olive oil, pecorino cheese, and truffles in farmhouses; and sightseeing in Perugia, Siena, or Montepulciano by vintage car. Spa lovers can enjoy the healing hot springs, which are the foundation of the resort’s innovative Equilibrium wellness philosophy and programs.

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May brings dry weather to Malaysia’s East Coast, making it perfect for exploration. Dive in Sipadan’s waters, visit Perhentian Islands for snorkeling, and experience Terengganu’s traditional culture.

Hotel Pick : Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Give in to wanderlust at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, located on miles of pristine beaches. Choose from among 108 airy rooms with wraparound balconies, stand-alone villas with private plunge pools, or expansive residences offering every conceivable amenity. Join a foodie tour in Johor Bahru’s Old Town or naturalist-led cruise through the mangroves of Belungkor Forest, then cool off in the infinity-edge pool before a traditional Malay spa treatment and romantic beachfront dinner by torchlight.

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Morocco offers mild temperatures for city and desert adventures in May. Wander through Marrakech’s Jardin Majorelle, trek the Atlas Mountains with blooming flora, and explore the ancient city of Fes with comfortable temperatures.

Hotel Pick : Royal Mansour Marrakech

The Royal Mansour Marrakech welcomes guests in exquisite fashion. The resort has 53 elegant riads (Moroccan-style homes) with interior gardens, ranging from 1,600 to 22,000 square feet in size and featuring countless bolts of silk and brocade, antique furnishings, handmade mosaic tiles, and intricate woodwork. Twisting alleyways lead to tranquil Andalusian courtyards and a serene 27,000-square-foot spa.

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Experience the serene post-spring ambiance of Monaco in May. Visit the Prince’s Palace in tranquil surroundings, try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo with fewer visitors, and enjoy a leisurely walk in Princess Antoinette Park as nature flourishes.

Hotel Pick : Hotel Royal Riviera

Just 15 minutes by car from Monaco and Nice, Hotel Royal Riviera occupies a plum spot on the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, overlooking Provençal gardens terraced down to the sparkling Mediterranean. Exuding the privacy of an exclusive villa, the hotel features contemporary guest rooms on the main building’s first two floors. Experience Villa Orangerie, with its 14 guest rooms and two suites, each with a terrace or balcony. La Table du Royal restaurant is as inspiring as its name suggests, offering tantalizing Provençal flavors and stunning views. Active types will enjoy waterskiing, the outdoor heated swimming pool, and the private sandy beach.

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May brings spring blooms and extended daylight to Norway. Hike Trolltunga with clear paths, cruise through Geirangerfjord surrounded by lush greenery, and explore Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum with extended daylight hours.

Hotel Picks : Britannia Hotel

With a rich history, recent renovation, and guest list that ranges from Arctic explorers to British royalty, the Britannia Hotel is the place to stay in Trondheim. Enjoy modern gastronomy at the Michelin-starred Speilsalen, invigorating scrubs and soothing treatments in the spa, and rooms and suites (there is 233 total) featuring luxurious beds by Hästens, stylish marble bathrooms, and fully stocked minibars. Some even come with a private wine cellar and vintage grand piano.

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May marks the dry season in Peru, offering diverse adventures. Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with clear skies, explore the Amazon rainforest as wildlife is active, and visit the ancient Nazca Lines in optimal conditions.

Hotel Pick : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

One of the hotels of the First Climate Positive HotelBrand in the world, this intimate Andean village with 83 casitas is tucked away in the Machu Picchu cloud forest, with stunning views of exquisite natural beauty. In-house à la carte excursions lead guests to explore the mega-biodiversity within hotel grounds, which includes 214 bird species, the world’s largest native orchid collection (372 species), a bear rescue center, and a tea plantation under the shade. The Unu Spa has a mystical Andean approach, and the first-class restaurants, which face the rumbling Vilcanota River, share the secrets of Peruvian cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Spain comes alive in May with festivals and pleasant temperatures. Attend Feria de Abril in Seville with vibrant celebrations, hike the Camino de Santiago with comfortable temperatures, and unwind on the beaches of Costa Brava before the summer crowds.

Hotel Pick : Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine

Located less than a 2-hour drive from Madrid, this restored abbey is majestically set on 500 acres of vineyards. The heart of the estate is its award-winning winery; its soul, the ancient 12th century Romanesque abbey, a Spanish cultural heritage site. The intimate resort with just 30 guestrooms offers full butler service. Refectorio, the abbey’s original dining hall, is now a Michelin-starred restaurant. Guests enjoy well-being at the Santuario Wellness & Spa, Spain’s first spa sommelier. An array of curated experiences around wine, gastronomy, nature, art and wellness immerse guests inmmerse in the spirit and style of LeDomaine.

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