15 Best May Getaways    

Offering 44 rooms and 8 suites on the Bay of Cascais in Portugal, the Albatroz Seafront Hotel (formerly Hotel Albatroz Cascais) is a luxury European vacation getaway. Located 30 minutes from Lisbon city center, the hotel has romantic rooms with spectacular ocean views. The stylish getaway has a swimming pool, terrace and a gourmet restaurant which specializes in fish and seafood dishes. In the summer, jump in the water at Conceicao beach. During the colder season, come to this beautiful spot to quiet the mind, surrounded by the ocean and sounds of seagulls. Choose from rooms and suites located in several buildings around the property. Ask for a view of the water and a private terrace where you can have breakfast looking out to sea. Room rates at the hotel start at 170 Euro per night.

Honeymoon is a great time to explore a new city and Amesterdam is a a fun place to visit, offering romantic walks along the river, rooms with scenic views and many cultural attractions. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history by booking a room at Hotel Pulitzer, comprised of several restored 17th and 18th century canal houses. No two rooms are the same at the hotel, so you can look forward to a completely individualized experience on your trip. The hotel is located in the old part of Amsterdam center, a great starting point for exploring the city. Ask the Luxury Collection Concierge to help you choose the best itinerary based on your preferences. Take the Hotel Boat to tour of the canals and book the Pulitzer Concierge walking tour of the city. Dine at Keizersgracht 238 and enjoy wine tasting at The Apotheek. The hotel has its own gardens, a romantic spot for relaxing just steps from your room or suite. Rates at the hotel start from Euro 225.

Located in the heart of Brussels, Hotel Amigo is a stylish getaway that offers a great base for exploring the city. You will be right next to the famous Grand Place square, close to Brussels' financial district and within walking distance of the antiques district of Le Sablon. Ask for a room or suite facing Grand Place square for great views of this beautiful landmark. Other rooms and suites have romantic views of the rooftops of Brussels. All guest accommodations are equipped with the latest technology. For additional space, ask for one of the Executive Rooms which have a separate sitting area.

In addition to offering extra space, luxury suites offer all of these luxury amenities: Complimentary Continental Buffet Breakfast, unpacking and packing service, pressing of garments for the evening of arrival , Internet access, in-house movies and In-room check-in. Ristorante Bocconi serves Italian dishes using local Belgian and Italian ingredients. Room rates at the hotel start at 660 Euro per night.

Hotel Josef is located in the city of Prague, five minutes walking distance from the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, Powder Tower, and the State Opera. The hotel is comprised of two different buildings, Pink House and Orange House, and is a unique European honeymoon trip idea. If you want to work out on your honeymoon, work out at the gym on the 6th floor of Orange House, surrounded by a terrace. Choose from 110 rooms (8 single, 25 twin-bed and 77 double rooms). The rooms are equipped with 7" diameter rainfall showerheads, telephone and analogue data port with complimentary high-speed internet connection, satellite-TV, DVD and CD Player, mini-bar, bathrobe and slippers, and air-conditioning.

The restaurant is open for breakfast and has views of the hotel courtyard. The bar is open for drinks all day. If you are coming from the airport or train station, the easiest way to reach the hotel is by taxi. Room rates at Hotel Joseph start at €149 for a Standard Single and €198 for a Superior Double. Room rates include breakfast and there are non-smoking rooms available (+420 221 700 111, website).

Bairro Alto in Lisbon is one of Portugal's stylish romantic getaways located near designer shops and Lisbon Theatre in the heart of historic downtown. The hotel offers 24-hour room service, a 24-hour concierge and a fitness center. The hotel has 55 romantic rooms and suites on five floors. All accommodations feature double-glazed windows, providing guests with a quiet, restful ambiance. The hotel restaurant serves contemporary Portuguese cuisine with outdoor seating in the summer months, perfect for a romantic getaway. Nightly rates start at 250 Euro (+351-21-340-8288, website).

If you are looking for unique vacation ideas in Germany, check into the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden. The hotel is located in a charming European valley and offers a great spa, golf, programs for kids and many other activities. Choose from 100 hotel rooms, junior suites and suites, including the Royal Penthouse Suite. Ask for a room with a balcony, especially if you are planning a summer vacation to Germany so that you can enjoy the clear outdoor air. Honeymooners can request the Honeymoon Suite, a beautiful split-level suite on the fifth floor of the hotel. The suite has a private terrace overlooking the rooftops of the city and the Black Forest.

The resort offers a great spa where you can receive a variety of treatments. There is plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts, including Balck Forest hikes, jogging, climbing and a high-rope course. The hotel offers a choice of restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Brenners Park-Restaurant with a menu that changes weekly and a view of Brenners Private Park. Wintergarten serves light cuisine with Mediterranean touches. Other restaurants and bars include Rive Gauche, Salon Lichtental, Kaminhalle, Oleander-Bar and the Cigar Lounge. Room rates at the hotel start at 375 Euro per night for two.

Grand Hyatt Fukuoka is a 370-room and suite hotel in Fukuoka, Japan. If you want a traditional Japanese experience during your stay, book one of the rooms decorated in Japanese Tatami Style. The hotel has a beautiful roof garden, shopping complex, fitness center and a luxurious spa with an indoor pool. Local attractions include Canal City Hakata, Kushida Shrine, Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, and Sumiyoshi Shrine. Rooms at the hotel start at 22,000 JPY per night (+81 92 282 1234, website). Fly to Tokyo and spend a few days getting to know this unique city.

Visit this country estate in the village of Great Milton near Oxford, England, for a weekend of exceptional food and beautiful surroundings. Take a cooking class at Le Manoir Ecole de Cuisine, which gets our vote as one of the best cooking vacations, and learn many healthy cooking techniques that you can use at home. Food will be the highlight of your stay - contemporary French cuisine prepared with organic ingredients, many from the hotel's own garden. which grows over 150 different types of vegetable and herbs.

The hotel was created by Raymond Blanc, known as one of the top chefs in the world and a supporter of organic food. The hotel and its restaurant, created following Raymond Blanc's personal vision, have received numerous awards, including two Michelin Stars and the Relais and Chateaux Purple Shield. Le Manoir has 32 rooms and suites, individually decorated to reflect different themes, such as Oriental, contemporary and classical. The hotel is situated on 27 landscaped acres with a beautiful Japanese tea garden, water gardens and a fragrant herb garden which supplies organic herbs to the restaurant. L' Ecole de Cuisine, established in 1991, offers a series of one, two and four day courses. Whether you are a complete novice or an expert cook, the cooking school offers an informal environment that will inspire the chef inside you. If you are planning a family vacation, the hotel offers cooking classes for kids during certain times of the year - an excellent opportunity to introduce your family to healthy cooking. The cooking vacation package starts from £2,460.00 per room, for the two night package (+44-(0)1844-278-881, website).

The Delta Queen is a historic steamboat converted into a hotel docked in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A National Historic Landmark, the steamboat used to cruise on the Mississippi River from 1947 to 2009. The staterooms feature wood-paneling, air-conditioning, wall-to-wall carpeting, private bath and classical furnishings. The lounges come complete with rich woodwork, crystal chandeliers and antique furnishings. Vacationers used to be able to take fall foliage cruises on the Mississippi River from mid-September through the end of October, when the banks of the river present a magnificent display of colors. Each ship had a naturalist on hand to guide travelers in identifying various plants and trees along the way. Bird watchers could observe migratory birds heading south for the winter. Apple cider and pumpkin pie made from ingredients harvested in Heartland America were served on the boat. These cruises may become available again in the future.

If you are planning a family trip, there are games to choose from onboard. Visit the authentic steam-powered Engine Room, take a tour of the boat and participate in morning talks. Nearby things to do include museums, boutiques and restaurants in Chattanooga. The most unique rooms to book at the hotel are the two Captain's Quarters cabins featuring a King-sized bed and brass bathroom fixtures. Rates range from $109 for a bunk cabin to $259 for Captain's Quarters (deltaqueenhotel.net).

Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis (previously Chambers Hotel) lets you experience a weekend getaway filled with art, design and elegant accommodations. Original contemporary art from the hotel's owner is exhibited in the Minneapolis Burnet Art Gallery and throughout the hotel. If something catched your eye while you tour the hotel, you can purchase it from the gallery. In addition to the permanent collection, the gallery hosts temporary exhibits featuring modern artists. Admission to the gallery, open from 11am to 9pm, is free.

Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis has 60 guest rooms and suites with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. All guest accommodations have flat screen TVs and spacious closets. During your weekend vacation at the Chambers, you'll get a chance to admire contemporary art, including 200 pieces found in the guest rooms and public areas. Burnet Gallery offers world class art exhibits for art enthusiasts. Hotel rooms at Chambers start at $265 per night.

Nam Hai Hoi An - Vietnam is located on the pristine sandy Hoi An Beach in Vietnam. The resort has a top rated spa, gourmet restaurants and a diverse choice of activities, including an 18-hole golf course. Spend your days relaxing next to three tropical pools, get a massage at the spa and sample delicious cuisine. There are 60 one-bedroom retreats and 40 privately owned residences. Guest accommodations offer spectacular views of the ocean. Each of the two- to five-bedroom residences features a private infinity pool. Interiors are inspired by the ancient feng shui philosophy.

For families, the the Kids Activity are is open seven days a week. Activities are divided into two age groups: 4 - 6 and 7 - 12 and include sports, board games and Vietnamese cultural entertainment. Children can learn how to make conical hats and traditional paper lanterns. They can pick local herbs and organic vegetables in the gardens. If you are looking for a unique spa setting, take a look at this unique facility which is set on a lutus pond in Vietnam. Eight spacious treatment pavilions are surrounded by a koi- and lotus-filled lagoon. Each treatment pavilion has its own open air relaxation deck with a deep soak bathtub and a cushioned daybed built for two. You can plan a romantic trip or enjoy this luxurious space by yourself.

Get fit at the modern health club, complete with basketball and tennis courts, jogging paths and complimentary morning meditation and yoga sessions. Swim laps in the Olympic size swimming pool by the ocean. Choose from a variety of massages, facials, body wraps, bathing rituals and other treatments. For couples, there are several Romantic Bathing Ceremonies. Whether you want to enjoy the action of an open kitchen or have a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean, there is plenty to choose. Taste award-winning Vietnamese dishes at the Beach Restaurant. Rates at the resort start at $488 per night.