Where's hot in
BEyond the beach
MAY
PRIVATE POOLS
WHERE TO STAY IN FLORIDA
TRAVEL HACKS
BEST HOTELS WITH
Floating off the coast of Africa, Mauritius has one of those enviable, hot-all-year-round climates. May’s technically the island’s winter, but you’d never know it. The temperatures can still creep into the 30s, and the sea is a bath-warm 26°C. Put the isle’s talc-white beaches and turquoise lagoons at the top of your to-do list and take full advantage of it. Take a look at our holidays to Mauritius.
MAURITIUS
Cyprus gets a head start on summer, thanks to its southerly position near the Middle East. This is an island that boasts 326 days of sun a year. And things really start to heat up in May, with an average temperature of 25°C, so it’s the perfect time to hit one of the isle’s many Blue Flag beaches. Take a look at our holidays to Cyprus.
cyprus
The Canary Islands have been basking in the sun all winter long, so Lanzarote’s a sure bet for some spring sunshine. Temperatures here rarely fall into single figures, and May’s no exception, with temperatures hovering in the mid-to-high 20s. Take a look at our holidays to Lanzarote.
LANZAROTE
Things are just starting to heat up here in May, but there’s no need to bank on the British weather for a pre-summer Vitamin D fix. Take a look at where you should head on holiday...
Where's hot in MAY?
This African gem gives you a taste of the exotic, with a flight time of just under four hours. Spring’s one of the best times to visit, before the summer sees the mercury rocket to a sweltering 37°C. So, you can explore Marrakech’s souks, squares and palaces in sightseeing-friendly temperatures. Take a look at our holidays to Morocco.
MOROCCO
27°C
8 hours
127mm
11 hours
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25°C
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26°C
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STANDOUT SANDS
Hidden gems are something of a speciality on these islands. In Lanzarote, you can explore underground salt lakes in the Jameos del Agua lava caves. Tenerife weighs in with an emerald-green valley called Anaga, and the sheer Los Gigantes cliffs, which are like a rocky version of The Wall from Game of Thrones. In Fuerteventura, a small west coast path leads to the Ajuy Caves – once a secret hideout for pirates.
CAVES, CLIFFS AND COUNTRYSIDE
Hitting the beach might be the first port of call on most Canarian breaks, but there are certain sands that stand out from the crowd. In Gran Canaria, you can visit the desert-like Maspalomas Dunes, which are like a mini version of the Sahara. The Corralejo sand dunes, in Fuerteventura, are built in a similar mould. Tenerife’s got its own African link, at a beach called Playa de Las Teresitas. This honeycomb-coloured sweep’s one of the best sunbathing spots in the Canaries, thanks to cushion-soft sand that’s been shipped in from North Africa.
For more getaway inspiration, take a look at our Canary Island holidays.
Jameos del Agua lava caves, Lanzarote
The Canary Islands have long been a popular pick for sun-seekers. But away from the beachfront hotels and watersports, there’s a natural side begging to be explored. Here are a few bits to look out for…
BEYOND THE BEACH – EXPLORING THE CANARIES
Maspalomas Dunes, Gran Canaria
From the Bandama Caldera in Gran Canaria to Spain’s highest point, Mount Teide, these islands are overflowing with volcanic scenery. You can stroll across the peaks of the Cumbre Vieja Ridge in La Palma, or explore the cavernous Caldera de Taburiente National Park – a deep, misty crater. In Lanzarote, meanwhile, you can ascend the sloping sides of Monte Corona.
VOLCANOES AND VALLEYS
Mount Teide, Tenerife
The Sunshine State’s got everything from first-rate beaches to rollercoasters in its repertoire, but where’s the best place to stay to suit your tastes? Here’s everything you need to know…
If you’re after sandy shorelines, there are lots of options thanks to Florida’s two coastlines. Clearwater regularly ranks among the best beaches in the USA, with a shoreline that looks like crumbled shortbread. Daytona Beach, meanwhile, is great if you’re looking for something lively. It delivers hotels within splashing distance of the sand, plus a buzzing bar and shopping scene.
FOR BEACH DAYS
The easiest option for theme park fans is to stay in one of the unique hotels at Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort. Pick a hotel in either one’s line-up, and you’ll enjoy a bunch of perks. The theming ranges from the African savannah to the Italian Riviera, free shuttles and water taxis get you to the parks, and the evening entertainment’s first rate. For Disney, sleepy towns like Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee are 15 minutes’ drive away, if you fancy quieter digs on the outskirts of the action.
FOR FAMILY THRILLS
FOR RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL THERAPY
International Drive’s the beating heart of Orlando, with super-sized shopping malls, amusement arcades and quirky museums to its name. The restaurants range from quick-and-easy diners and breakfast buffets to swanky steak joints and craft beer taphouses. Hotels fill in the gaps along the way, and you can check out the lot from I-Drive’s version of the London Eye, the Orlando Eye.
Orlando Eye
Check out our full range of Florida holidays.
For golf courses and lazy days, head for the towns south of Orlando. This neck of the woods is more about villas than hotels, and lots come with their own private pools. The likes of Clermont, Davenport and Haines are only half an hour’s drive from the centre of Orlando, and Winter Haven lands you 10 minutes’ drive from Legoland Florida Resort.
FOR PEACEFUL DAYS
Looking to level up the luxury on your holiday? Treat yourself to a hotel room that comes with a pool reserved just for you. Here’s our pick of the best hotels with private pools…
Book yourself a one-bedroom villa here, and you’ll be treated to a private terrace dotted with sunbeds and – of course – your own swimming pool. Inside, you’ll find lots of luxurious touches like a rainfall shower and king-sized bed. The hotel’s set on tropical Truong Beach, so the sea views will have you reaching for your camera, too.
NOVOTEL PHU QUOC RESORT – VIETNAM
TUI SENSATORI ATLANTICA DREAMS RESORT AND SPA – GREECE
This luxury resort, on the Greek island of Rhodes, is the newest in our TUI SENSATORI portfolio. And for the bottom line in luxury you can book a suite with its own private pool facing the beach. Elsewhere, you can make the most of six restaurants, a high-end spa and an evening entertainment bill with a West End feel.
Book a Junior Suite with a private pool at this adults-only place in Halkidiki, and you’ll be in for a treat. Your pool will be a few footsteps away on a just-for-you terrace. What’s more, it’s heated, so you can make the most of it even if it’s breezy. The hotel’s hit the jackpot when it comes to location, too – it’s set on a long, white-sand beach.
TUI SENSIMAR BLUE LAGOON PALACE – GREECE
privatE pools
Head to tui.co.uk for a look at our full line-up of hotels.
HOTEL SUITE VILLA MARIA – TENERIFE
This place is great for families. Book a three-bedroom villa, and your private pool will be right outside. These villas sleep up to six people, so they’re ideal if you’ve got a bigger brood. The hotel’s in a peaceful spot on a hillside, overlooking a golf course. And its flower-lined gardens are picture-perfect.
