🌿 1. The Cotswolds, England

For timeless romance, countryside calm, and exceptional cuisine.

The Cotswolds are a masterclass in effortless English charm. In May, everything is in bloom — from garden roses and wild meadows to village greens and private estates. It’s the kind of place where you slow down naturally, trading city rush for gourmet picnics, golden hour walks, and open-air lunches under blossom-covered trees.

Do this:
• Learn the secrets of seasonal, farm-to-table cooking with a hands-on class at Daylesford Organic — the perfect blend of food, wellness, and lifestyle.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Bourton-on-the-Water or Chipping Norton, where you’ll find design-led boutiques, antiques, artisan cheese shops and plenty of spots for a riverside G&T.

Where to stay:
🛏 Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel – Fora Preferred
One of Britain’s most iconic countryside hotels, Le Manoir is a sanctuary of refined elegance and world-class dining. Created by the legendary Chef Raymond Blanc, the hotel is nestled in manicured gardens and offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience, along with impeccable service and understated luxury.

✨ Book with The Wanderlust Edit and receive exclusive VIP perks:
• Complimentary upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
• VIP welcome treats with local flavours
• A personalised welcome letter from the General Manager
• À la carte breakfast for two daily
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access

A true Cotswolds icon — perfect for special occasions, indulgent escapes, or simply treating yourself to a weekend you’ll never forget.

🏞 2. The Lake District, England

For indulgent solitude, lakeside luxury, and spa-side serenity.

The Lake District is pure poetry — a place where the light dances across the water and silence feels like a luxury in itself. May is a glorious time to visit, with blooming gardens, gentle temperatures, and long evenings perfect for fireside wine or outdoor soaks under the stars.

This isn’t just a retreat — it’s an invitation to press pause and completely unwind.

Do this:
• Hike the scenic Catbells trail, one of the Lake District’s most beloved walks, with panoramic views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells.
• Treat yourself to a private spa experience or afternoon tea in the gardens — perfect after a morning exploring Windermere’s lakeside villages.

Where to stay:
🛏 Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – Fora Preferred | Relais & Châteaux
This five-star country house hotel is a sanctuary of tranquillity and style, just moments from Lake Windermere. With Michelin-starred dining, private spa lodges, and personalised service, Gilpin is tailor-made for guests who want understated luxury with a deeply personal touch.

✨ Book with The Wanderlust Edit and enjoy exclusive VIP perks through Relais & Châteaux:
• Complimentary Continental or Buffet Breakfast per person, per night
• VIP welcome amenity (once per room, per stay)

Terms & Conditions:
• Minimum stay of 1 night / Maximum stay of 7 nights
• Reservations must be made at least 72 hours before arrival and are subject to availability
• Offers are based on Public or Best Available Rates (BAR) and subject to each property’s booking and cancellation policy

Gilpin isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a full-sensory experience in one of the UK’s most breathtaking regions.

☀️ 3. Lisbon & Comporta, Portugal

For effortless city style, barefoot luxury and a sun-drenched reset.

Lisbon is a city that knows how to flirt — with its mosaic-tiled facades, golden light, and soul-stirring sounds of fado echoing through the Alfama. But for those in the know, the real luxury lies just 90 minutes away in Comporta, Portugal’s chic coastal hideaway, where pine forests meet wild beaches and the pace of life melts into pure serenity.

This combo escape is perfect for the May bank holidays — start with a splash of culture in Lisbon, then escape to Comporta to soak it all in.

Do this:
• Discover Lisbon’s hidden corners with a ride on the vintage Tram 28, sip cocktails at Topo Chiado, and end your evening with seafood and sunset at Time Out Market.
• Head to Comporta for a laid-back beach day — shop for handmade ceramics and linen kaftans, then dine barefoot at a beach shack as the Atlantic breeze rolls in.

Where to stay:
🛏 Sublime Comporta – Fora Reserve
Tucked into a sprawling pine forest near Portugal’s most exclusive coastline, Sublime Comporta is the definition of effortless luxury. With its Scandi-boho interiors, private pool villas, farm-to-table gastronomy, and tranquil spa, this is a destination for the design-conscious traveller looking to completely unplug.

✨ Book with The Wanderlust Edit and receive these exclusive VIP perks:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast for two guests, served in the restaurant
• $100 USD equivalent hotel credit to use during your stay (valid for spa or F&B, excluding the beach club and Food Circle)
• Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property

From city sparkle to coastal calm — this is how you do Portugal properly.

🌸 4. Seville, Spain

For Andalusian elegance, cultural immersion, and springtime magic.

Seville in May is simply spellbinding. Orange blossom scents the air, flamenco dancers bring the streets to life, and the city glows in that golden-hour light that lingers just a little longer. This is Spain at its most romantic — equal parts grand and soulful, where every stroll feels cinematic and every meal is a celebration.

Do this:
• Arrive early to the Real Alcázar, a royal palace with intricate Moorish architecture and magical gardens. Wander through centuries of history before the crowds descend.
• In the evening, indulge in a private flamenco and tapas tour led by a local guide — complete with tucked-away taverns, authentic performances, and a deep dive into Seville’s living traditions.

Where to stay:
🛏 Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Fora Preferred (STARS)
An icon of Spanish splendour and timeless grandeur, Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of Europe’s most celebrated hotels. From its hand-painted tiles to its regal courtyards and impeccable service, every detail whispers indulgence. Located just moments from the city’s most iconic sights, this is Seville at its most refined.

✨ Book with The Wanderlust Edit and receive VIP treatment through STARS, including:
• Personalised welcome amenity tailored to your preferences
• Complimentary breakfast daily for two guests per room
• $100 USD hotel credit (once per stay, valid towards dining or spa services)
• Complimentary basic Wi-Fi
• Early check-in and late check-out (based on availability)
• Complimentary upgrade on arrival (if available)
• In-person warm welcome from hotel management, plus a personalised note from the General Manager acknowledging your VIP status and The Wanderlust Edit as your trusted travel advisor

This is more than a stay — it’s a statement. Perfect for a romantic long weekend or a cultural escape with luxury woven through every moment.

✨ Let May Be the Month You Travel Well

This May, don’t just “get away” — go somewhere that makes you feel alive. Somewhere that stirs your senses, tells a new story, or simply gives you the space to breathe a little deeper.

The destinations we’ve shared aren’t just beautiful backdrops — they’re layered, soul-stirring places that offer more than just a change of scene. And when you book through The Wanderlust Edit, you’re not just booking a hotel. You’re unlocking a world of curated travel, where your preferences are heard, your stay is elevated, and your moments are made to feel more meaningful.

🌿 A warm welcome when you arrive. A room upgrade waiting just for you.
☀️ Breakfast served under the trees, or on a rooftop with city views.
🌸 A handwritten note from the General Manager, because you’re not just another guest — you’re a VIP.

This is travel with heart and intention — for those who value not just where they stay, but how they experience it.

Let’s plan your perfect May escape, together.

Whether you’re dreaming of a spontaneous weekend in the Cotswolds, a sun-drenched city break, or something a little more indulgent, I’m here to help you book it beautifully, with every detail thoughtfully considered.

📍 Explore and get inspired:
🌐 lovinglifeloving.com – my lifestyle and travel journal, where inspiration meets intention
🌐 thewanderlustedit.co.uk – a boutique travel curator and independent affiliate of Fora Travel, a Virtuoso agency

📱 Prefer to chat? WhatsApp me directly: +44 7459 804055

Let’s make your May weekends unforgettable — with insider access, personalised service, and elegant stays that turn good trips into truly great ones. I can’t wait to create something special for you.