Where to Wander – 5 Beautiful Excuses to Get Away in May
- May 4
- 5 min read
May is for those who know when to go.
These five destinations offer rare access to beauty in bloom, culture in full expression, and properties that transform a stay into memory. From centuries-old celebrations to oceanside sanctuaries, May reveals a quieter, richer side of places you thought you knew.
And while this month may be underway, the magic of May is worth planning for. Let this serve as inspiration for next year’s escape, or the kind of travel that feels both thoughtful and unforgettable.
Seville, Spain
The excuse: Because flamenco doesn’t hit the same on YouTube.
In early May, Seville’s Feria de Abril still fills the city with music, movement, and pageantry. Horse-drawn carriages parade through lantern-strung fairgrounds, while families gather in casetas to dance, eat, and celebrate into the early hours. It’s tradition in technicolor—and you’re invited.
Where to Stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII
Built in 1929 for visiting dignitaries of the Ibero-American Exposition, this grand hotel is a palatial masterpiece blending Moorish, Castilian, and Andalusian design. Its mosaic-tiled arches, antique furnishings, and manicured gardens feel like a portal into Seville’s regal past.
Amenities:
Outdoor pool and sun terrace
Andalusian-style patio restaurant and tapas bar
Luxury spa and fitness center
Walking distance to Alcázar and Cathedral
Original 1920s architecture and historic interiors
Perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not applicable towards Room Service or Minibar. Not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Lima, Peru
The excuse: Because sacred tradition and world-class flavor rarely share the same streets.
May brings both. As Lima transitions into its dry season, the city lights up with Fiesta de la Cruz Velacuy—a powerful Andean-Catholic ritual honoring ancestral protection. Expect music, altars, and street processions alongside market stalls and Michelin-worthy menus.
Where to Stay: Belmond Miraflores Park
Poised atop the cliffs of Miraflores with sweeping Pacific views, this contemporary classic features sleek marble, understated luxury, and Peruvian art woven into its coastal design. It’s known for delivering personalized service and refined taste.
Amenities:
Rooftop infinity pool and fitness center
Ocean-view suites with terraces
Fine dining at Tragaluz restaurant
Wellness spa and executive lounge
Steps from the Malecón and Larcomar
Perks:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
Complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Grand Baie, Mauritius
The excuse: Because May is when the island exhales—and hands you the best seat.
As the dry season begins, Mauritius trades humidity for clarity. On the island’s north coast, Grand Baie’s calm waters, warm breezes, and Indo-Afro-European energy make it a destination where doing nothing feels like an art form.
Where to Stay: LUX Grand Baie
Set along the sun-soaked northern shores of Mauritius, LUX* Grand Baie is a sleek, design-forward boutique resort that reimagines island luxury. With clean modern lines, rooftop glamour, and a playful spirit that mirrors the buzz of nearby Grand Baie, it offers a curated blend of relaxation and celebration. From world-class dining to immersive spa rituals and stunning ocean views, this is where modern elegance meets tropical soul.
Amenities
Stylish suites & villas with private pools, terraces, and smart features
Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic ocean views
Gourmet dining at Bisou (rooftop), Ai KISU (Asian), Beach Rouge (beach club), and Maison LUX* (French café)
LUX* Me Spa with hydrotherapy, wellness programs, yoga, and hammam
Technogym fitness center and floating yoga pavilion
Watersports including kayaking, snorkeling, and diving
Kids and teens clubs with creative programming
Eco-conscious operations using solar power and local sourcing
Perks:
Upgrade on arrival
Daily full breakfast
$100 food and beverage credit
Early check-in / late check-out
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The excuse: Because the green season isn’t just lush—it’s yours.
In May, the rains return softly enough to wake the jungle without washing out your plans. Wildlife sightings are better, crowds are thinner, and the beaches still stretch wide and quiet. The rhythm slows, and the country feels personal again.
Where to Stay: Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique
Perched between the lush Costa Rican rainforest and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique is a sanctuary of seclusion and sophistication. Designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, the resort’s modern architecture feels as if it’s carved into nature itself. Each suite offers privacy and panoramic views, while curated wellness, fine dining, and personalized service define the guest experience. This is barefoot luxury, elevated.
Amenities
Oceanview suites and private villas with plunge pools and indoor-outdoor living spaces
Two signature restaurants plus beachside dining and curated in-villa experiences
Spa with rainforest-inspired treatments, outdoor cabanas, and thermal circuit
Beachfront infinity pool with private cabanas and full service
Holistic wellness center with yoga, meditation, and fitness programming
Access to secluded beaches and guided eco-adventures
Family-friendly programming and activities for all ages
Sustainable design integrating solar energy and natural materials
Perks:
Upgrade on arrival
Daily breakfast
$100 resort credit (or $200 for stays of 5+ nights)
Early check-in / late check-out
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Capri, Italy
The excuse: Because May on Capri is what most people miss.
Before the yachts pull in and the terraces fill with flashbulbs, Capri is soft, fragrant, and deeply cinematic. Gardens are in bloom, the paths are still, and even the views feel a bit more generous. It's everything you love—without the lines.
Where to Stay: Orient Express La Minerva
Tucked into the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Orient Express La Minerva is a refined escape that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. Vaulted ceilings, handpicked art, and terraced views of the Mediterranean define its quietly dramatic atmosphere. Every corner of the property feels intimate and steeped in history, while service remains discreet yet impeccable. It’s a place where stillness becomes a luxury in itself.
Amenities
Seaside suites with private terraces, vaulted ceilings, and antique furnishings
Signature restaurant showcasing local flavors and Italian coastal cuisine
Lounge bar with panoramic cliffside views and classic aperitivo service
Exclusive spa offering personalized treatments and Roman-inspired rituals
Infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
Curated art collection throughout the property
Private access to nearby beaches and yacht excursions
Bespoke concierge services and tailored cultural experiences
Perks:
Upgrade on arrival
Daily breakfast (included)
$100 hotel credit
Additional $100 food and beverage credit for suite bookings
Early check-in / late check-out
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Final Thoughts
May is travel’s best-kept secret—long on light, rich in culture, and just ahead of the high-season rush. It’s when the world opens gently: festivals feel more local, landscapes more generous, and every experience lingers a little longer.
Whether it’s dancing in a lantern-lit plaza in Seville, walking cliffside in Lima with the scent of salt and bougainvillea, or tracing the coast of Capri before the yachts arrive, May invites you to connect more deeply with a place, and with yourself.
And when where you stay is just as thoughtful as where you go, even a quick escape can become a lifelong memory.
For more destination inspiration, insider tips, and hidden gems tailored for curated travel, be sure to explore the rest of our blog—you might just discover your next unforgettable escape.
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