Best Luxury Travel Destinations in the Month of May

Where will May take you? Where should it? There are glamorous luxury events all month long: the Cannes Film Festival, the Met Costume Gala, bellwether art auctions in New York, the Chelsea Flower Show, the Kentucky Derby, and the Monaco Grand Prix. Plus Mother’s Day and Memorial Day – both excellent excuses for a splurge vacation with your family and friends. Here are 10 sensational luxury destinations for the month of May 2018. Bon voyage!

Malta. As the temperatures rise in Europe, venture to Malta for golden beaches, exquisite cuisine, culture and historic sites like Mdina. Malta’s 16th-century citadel capital, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta, has been named one of the European Capitals of Culture for 2018. Preparation for this special year in the life of the city has included extensive restoration, leaving the entire town aglow. A melting pot of European influences since it was built by the Knights of St. John following the Great Siege of 1565, Valletta offers both history and art – this year, in particular, will see theater, dance, opera and music concerts all long year long. Further afield, Gozo provides a serene retreat on the coastline, with must-see spots such as the Azure Window, the Cittadella and the Ggantija temples, which date back as far as 3600 BC.

The Azores. Located off the coast of Portugal, these nine pristine islands boast stunning natural beauty, charming villages, sandy beaches, and excellent cuisine. New Yorkers can take advantage of Delta’s new direct flights from JFK, departing five days per week for the spring and summer vacation season. São Miguel is the most developed of the islands, and is home to the capital of Ponta Delgada. You’ll find waterfalls, black sand beaches, dolphins, and hot springs fed by the volcanoes by which the archipelago was originally formed.

The Scottish Highlands. For peace and quiet, stunning scenery and ample leisure activities, the Scottish Highlands are absolutely ideal – especially at this time of year. See Edinburgh and Stirling, then drive through the countryside, filled with sparkling lochs and romantic castles.

The South of France. The Côte D’Azur is alive with action and glitter in May. In Monaco, in addition to the 76^th annual edition of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, you can wager at the world-famous and glamorous Casino in Monte Carlo, dine at the world’s only all-organic restaurant to have a Michelin star, and visit the spectacular Oceanographic Museum (we think you should go crazy and rent a luxury convertible, ‘cause why not?) We love the Hotel de Paris – it’s just steps away from chic shops, the Casino and the yacht harbor. Cannes will see its iconic 11-day film festival this month – hanging out at the grande dame Carlton Hotel on La Croisette is guaranteed to be a star-studded experience. While you’re there, don’t miss Eze, Mougin, and Grasse. Just be sure to make way for The Run to Monaco from May 22-28,2018 – 40 couples will careen through the Alps from Switzerland to St. Jean Cap Ferrat in Ferrari 458s.

Paris. April is an iconic time to visit the City of Light (as the song says), but there’s beauty and sparkle aplenty in May, as well. If you visit the weekend of May 19, 2018, you can join in the annual Nuit des Musées, when over 1,000 institutions will be open until after midnight, for free. The French Open begins May 21, 2018 at Roland Garros. And the long-awaited reopening of the century-old Hotel Lutetia on the Left Bank – right across the street from the Bon Marche – is finally here. Located in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés, some of the greatest artists of the 20th century, including Ernest Hemingway, Joséphine Baker and Pablo Picasso, frequented this elegant establishment. After four years, the hotel re-opens its doors on May 15th, 2018.

Shanghai. Shanghai’s subtropical monsoon climate means that mid-May is the sweet spot for mild, pleasant weather – it’s right in between the rainy season and the oppressively hot summer. And this year, the city is more stylish and sophisticated than ever. There are several new 5-star properties already open or opening soon: Amanyangyun; the Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li; the Bellagio Shanghai; The Middle House; the Bulgari Shanghai; and the Shanghai EDITION. Meanwhile, the Power Station of Art (mainland China’s first state-run museum dedicated to contemporary art) and the striking new kinetic Fosun Foundation (designed by Foster + Partners in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio) are drawing design lovers from around the world. The Fosun is notable for its three overlapping moving layers of vertical stainless steel pipes. The layers, inspired by theater curtains, slowly rotate around the building.

Bali. Bali already has spectacular beaches, temples and marketplaces, as well as several world-class resorts. The island is set to debut a spate of new and updated resorts this year. Already in March, Uluwatu—the village famous for its temple perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea—saw the opening of a new resort by wellness-focused brand Six Senses. The opening of the Cliff, an addition to Alila Villas Ulutawu, is also on deck. Later this year, Capella Ubud will debut with a series of luxury tents designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley. The island will soon be even easier to reach, thanks to an expansion of the international airport in Denpasar.

Memphis, Tennessee. Louisville, Kentucky gets all of the attention in May because of the Kentucky Derby. But if you want to experience another special Southern city, head to the “Memphis in May” international festival, which is spread throughout the month and includes the three-day Beale Street Music Festival (May 4-6, 2018); a Salute to the Czech Republic (May 7-13, 2018) and the 41^st annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 16-19, 2018). It’s particularly fitting to visit the National Civil Rights Museum and pay your respects during the 50^th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s death. Stay at the iconic Peabody Hotel – and don’t miss the adorable daily duck parade in its ornate lobby.

Scottsdale, Arizona. What could be lovelier in springtime than a desert rose? In the Valley of the Sun, there are more than 330 days of sunshine per year. May is the start of the “dry” summer in Scottsdale, with warm temperatures (highs in low 90’s), low humidity, and no precipitation. There will be flowering cacti to view in the Sonoran Desert, and you can explore on foot, bike, jeep, horseback and even hot-air balloon – just be sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. We love to make the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess our home base when we visit, because it’s low-key, relaxed luxury. Our excellent travel agent Judi is an expert on the area, and she votes for the Phoenician as the most luxurious of all. She also recommends the Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North (which is a bit removed from the center of things) and the landmark Arizona Biltmore (which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright). If you want something hipper, she says the Andaz is definitely the place to go.

Toronto, Canada. May continues Toronto’s mild spring season, making it the ideal time to explore the city’s outdoor offerings, including dining al fresco and going on a walking tour of the many lovely gardens and parks. Toronto’s Museum of Contemporary Art will open May 26, 2018 in a new location in Sterling Road’s Automotive Tower, making it a perfect time to visit if you love art and design. Toward the end of the month is Victoria Day, which will see fireworks and celebrations in honor of Queen Victoria. You can’t go wrong staying at the Four Seasons.

There you have it: 10 ideas for a luxurious May escape. Have fun, and make it a brilliant month.

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