Miami Living Top Places To Travel: May 2025

May is the perfect time to get a head start on summer travel before the crowds arrive. Whether embarking on a treasure hunt in Barcelona or enjoying music festivals in Napa Valley, we’ve rounded up the top destinations to kick off the season.

Almanac Barcelona

For Art Lovers: Barcelona, Spain

On May 18, the Spanish metropolis known for world-renowned museums, architectural masterpieces and a vibrant creative scene, celebrates International Museum Day, with free admission to many of the city's cultural institutions, including the Picasso Museum and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The celebrations continue with The Night of the Museums (now in its 18th year) during which museums and cultural centers across the city remain open free of charge until around 1 a.m. Last year, in addition to access to over 80 institutions, the city hosted temporary exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, poetry readings, guided and dramatized tours, and treasure hunts—amounting to more than 170 activities.

Staying in (Art) Style: Travelers looking to further immerse themselves in the art scene should look no further than Almanac Barcelona, an intimate retreat at the crossroads of the bustling Passeig de Gràcia and Gran Via. The hotel has partnered with cutting-edge Matiz Gallery to showcase works by five emerging artists, including interdisciplinary artist Alberto Ruiz Villar and painter Catherine Parra on view in its terrace suites on a dedicated art floor (the pieces are available for purchase; and the rotating collection is refreshed every three months). For an even more immersive experience, there’s the “Hidden Art” package, which includes a two-night stay, daily breakfast and a private visit to Catherine Parra’s atelier. Most exciting—and surprising: if guests find a hidden artwork by Parra in their room, they get to keep it! Additionally, everyone staying at the Almanac Barcelona has access to behind-the-scenes tours of some of Barcelona’s top private art spaces, including a visit to Alex Voinea’s atelier in Sitges, led by Matiz Gallery’s director, Juan Ramirez.

Nayara Gardens

For Adventurers: Costa Rica

May offers travelers the perfect window to experience Costa Rica's natural wonders, balancing idyllic weather conditions with notably thinner crowds just before the rainy season arrives. This year, visitors will benefit from a new daily direct flight route from San Francisco International Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, launching on May 22, 2025, via United Airlines.

Nayara Springs

Staying in (Natural) Style: Founded by a passionate environmentalist as a trio of luxury lodges in Costa Rica’s rainforest, Nayara Resorts innovated and elevated a focus on going beyond sustainability and towards regenerative travel by restoring nature and preserving it for generations to come. In Costa Rica, the iconic brand offers three distinct resort options: Family friendly Nayara Gardens, which was completely overhauled and reopened in 2024, features spacious casitas with private terraces and outdoor showers, as well as an incredible spa menu (think volcanic mud massages). Nayara Springs, meanwhile, is an adults-only sanctuary with luxury villas, private plunge pools fed by mineral hot springs, exquisite dining (the resort is part of Relais & Châteaux), and a yoga pavilion nestled in the treetops of the rainforest so yogis can watch toucans swopping by. And for anyone seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, Nayara Tented Camp provides a luxury glamping experience with safari-style canvas tents featuring such upscale amenities as private plunge pools and access to thermal hot springs. Thanks to a spacious set-up (two tents interconnected by ample outdoor space), the so-called Family Tents are fabulous for anyone bringing kids or small groups traveling together.

Visit Napa Valley

For Music-Loving Foodies: Napa Valley, California

When travelers think of Napa Valley, they think of wine—but the region also boasts a growing, vibrant music scene. This May, Napa will host the 12th annual BottleRock festival, one of the country's premier music events. The three-day festival, running from May 23-25, will feature over 75 acts spanning half a century of music. This year’s headliners were just announced, including major stars such as Justin Timberlake, Noah Kahan and Green Day. In addition to performances, visitors can enjoy culinary experiences from esteemed restaurants like PRESS and La Toque, along with wine tastings from renowned wineries such as Blackbird Vineyards and Silverado Vineyards—after all, this is wine country. For Latin music lovers, La Onda by BottleRock will return for its second edition from May 31-June 1, celebrating the diversity of Latin music with genres ranging from regional Mexican to Latin pop. Beyond music, the event offers a spa for relaxation, a dance club and silent disco, and a selection of local and regional Latin cuisine. Get around with ease via The Vine bus, which will offer free rides anywhere around Napa Valley for both festivals.

Staying in (Wine Country) Style: The region has an incredible range of hotels and resorts, from the luxurious Stanly Ranch, an Auberge Resort with cottages and a seriously relaxing spa, and the sleek, adults-only Alila Napa Valley (part of Hyatt and located in St. Helena) to the retro-chic Calistoga Motor Lodge with geothermal pools.

La Réserve Ramatuelle

For First-In Bragging Rights: French Riviera, France

Come May, the South of France is a riot of excitement as everyone from the smallest sandal maker to the world’s most glamorous hotels reopen for the season (and always in front of a backdrop of red poppies, those gorgeously named coquelicots that erupt into bloom across the region at this time). Traveling to the region this summer has become even easier with United Airlines’ introduction of four weekly flights between Washington, D.C. and Nice, beginning on May 24.

Staying in (à la française) Style: Plugged-in travelers await the reopening of clifftop La Réserve Ramatuelle, this year slated for May 5. Sitting high above the sparkling Mediterranean but also just six miles from the glitz and glamour of St. Tropez, the resort offers guests the best of both worlds. This season, the hotel’s Spa Nescens will unveil an expansion featuring a new fitness studio now offering Reformer Pilates, as well as a contrast therapy area complete with an infrared sauna and ice bath designed to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. New wellness retreats will focus on women’s health, with dedicated programs in May and October led by specialists in nutrition, breathwork/meditation, postural massage, and yoga. Participants will also have the option to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, including bloodwork and a consultation with a doctor specializing in women’s health, incorporating the medical expertise of Clinique Nescens.

The Fife Arms

For Aspiring Golfers (and Royalty): Scottish Highlands, Scotland

Discover the perfect way to celebrate summer in Scotland by embracing its rich traditions—playing golf in a kilt. The Kilted Open, an annual tournament hosted in partnership with The Fife Arms, returns from May 16-18, 2025, offering a unique blend of sport, heritage and breathtaking scenery. Participants are encouraged to don their finest kilts, with a prize awarded for the best team-name. The event kicks off at the historic Braemar Golf Club, founded in 1902 and nestled within the stunning Cairngorms National Park, where golfers may spot golden eagles, stags, and other rare wildlife. A highlight of this year's tournament is the exclusive opportunity to play on the private grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish residence since 1852. Sunday’s festivities feature nine holes at Balmoral’s Royal golf course, followed by a BBQ lunch prepared with estate-sourced ingredients by Balmoral’s expert culinary team.

Staying in (Castle) Style: The ultimate home base for this unforgettable weekend is The Fife Arms, the event’s official hotel partner. Located in the charming Aberdeenshire village of Braemar, a two-hour drive from Edinburgh, The Fife Arms is a gloriously reimagined 19th-century Victorian coaching inn with a museum-worthy art collection and interiors that celebrate exquisite local craftsmanship. For May’s festivities, a special celebratory package includes a two-night stay, a wine-pairing dinner, refreshments at the 9th hole, a 19th-hole BBQ and drinks, and lunch at the hotel’s sister restaurant Fish Shop in Ballater —ensuring an immersive Scottish experience for all attendees.

Almanac Palais Vienna

For Art Nouveau Aficionados: Vienna, Austria

While Vienna’s art scene can be enjoyed year-round, May marks the opening of The Bride, a much-anticipated exhibition at Upper Belvedere that explores the unfinished work of one of the city’s most famous native sons, the painter Gustav Klimt. Starting May 15, visitors can delve into the history of The Bride, an iconic painting that was left unfinished in his studio when Klimt died in 1918. In-depth technical analysis and X-rays were conducted of the painting in preparation for the exhibition, and the artist’s pencil drawings and final sketchbook will also be on display – a fabulous opportunity to see the making of a masterpiece frozen in time.

Staying in (Artistic) Style: Almanac Palais Vienna recently unveiled a show-stopping, all-Austrian art collection in collaboration with the city’s legendary Galerie bei der Albertina Zetter. The collection features 16 masterpieces by 11 Austrian artists, including Klimt, marking the first time a Klimt work has ever been displayed within a hotel. To complement the new collection, guests can enjoy a range of art-themed experiences, including an exclusive partnership with the Belvedere Museums and Palaces, offering complimentary guest access to the Belvedere 21 contemporary art museum. For the ultimate art experience, guests can book the Klimt-themed package in the lavish Palais Suite, which includes a close-up encounter with Klimt’s exquisite drawing Sitzende Dame von Vorne (Seated Lady Face-On, 1912–1914), along with exclusive access to the Upper and Lower Belvedere to view the new exhibition.

Ana Santl

For the Greek Isles’ Newest Star: Folegandros, Greece

In a word, authentic Greek island vibes. Still somewhat of a hidden gem in the Cyclades, Folegandros is one of those places passionate travelers loathe to share, for fear the authentic vibe will be infringed upon by the jet-set. This is a place known for dramatic cliffs and whitewashed villages, as opposed to parties and deejays. Days unfold leisurely at such unspoiled beaches as Agali and Katergo, or along scenic hikes offering 360-degree panoramas. As of last summer, the island also has an exquisite boutique hotel: Gundari, which will unveil the final phase of its grand debut when it reopens on May 16, 2025.

Staying in (Island) Style: Perched on a cliff with vertiginous Aegean Sea views, Gundari was designed by Athens-based studio Block722, incorporating natural materials to create a modern aesthetic that seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape. Gundari Spa features native herbs and tonics, while the dining menu has been curated by Lefteris Lazarou, the first Greek chef to receive a Michelin star. New for this season: the 27-room property is set to open a tiny wine bar (think three stools) inside an original farmhouse, as well as three stunning villas – clifftop, of course, surrounded by those uninterrupted blues that inspire daydreams and instant relaxation.

The Doyle Collection

For Urbanites: London, United Kingdom

The Chelsea Flower Show, held each May in London, is one of the world's most prestigious botanical events. Organized by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the show transforms the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea into a stunning display of innovative garden designs, floral exhibits, and cutting-edge landscaping trends. Visitors can explore vibrant show gardens, discover the latest gardening trends, and gain inspiration from leading horticultural experts.

Staying in (Exclusive) Style: Just a short stroll from Chelsea, The Kensington Hotel—part of The Doyle Collection—offers an idyllic retreat for visitors to London this May, bringing art and culture to life through its standout partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). This partnership grants guests access to major exhibitions, even when tickets are sold out. This spring, guests can enjoy exclusive access to the upcoming Cartier exhibition at the V&A, making the most of their time in London.

PONANT-Gilles Trillard

For Real Explorers: Greenland

Eastern Greenland offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the most remote and untouched Arctic landscapes (only a limited number of scientific and exploratory missions have reached this awe-inspiring part of the world, and it remains relatively uncharted compared to more frequented Arctic destinations). In May, it has just awakened from winter, and towering icebergs, vast frozen fjords and snow-covered peaks are made even more dramatic thanks to longer daylight hours and stunning sunrises and sunsets over the ice. As if that were not enough, wildlife sightings may include polar bears, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, and even narwhals.

Sailing in Style: PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Le Commandant Charcot allows travelers to explore Greenland's least-charted regions, typically inaccessible due to their remote location and challenging ice conditions. With its advanced technology, Le Commandant Charcot will bring passengers to the northeastern regions of Greenland, unveiling the icy landscapes of Ammassalik and Blosseville. But it’s the experiences offered to travelers that truly set this legendary brand apart. Highlights include meeting with the local Inuit community to learn about village customs and dogsledding across the Arctic wilderness. Travelers can also join the two-day, one-night Nordic skiing polar trek retraces a route used by the Inuit for centuries. Limited to 10 PONANT guests, this approximately 9.3-mile (15km) trek across Greenland features an elevation gain of 300 to 500 meters, with an overnight bivouac under tents in the snowy vastness, in keeping with Inuit traditions.