The hottest holiday offers in May

Oman, UAE

The glittering Gulf of Oman and majestic Al Hajar Mountains set the scene for this five-star beachfront resort, which blends authentic Arabian architecture – a lobby resembling a Bedouin tent, arched doorways and sprawling courtyards – with hints of Asia, including its 21-acre Japanese Zen-style gardens. There are six foodie possibilities, the most memorable being The Restaurant, serving Middle Eastern, West Asian and Indian dishes such as tiger prawns grilled to perfection alongside the tinkle of live piano and the sparkle of crystal chandeliers. But perhaps most impressive is the 1,500sqm spa, bringing balancing treatments such as the Chedi massage (it combines techniques from Japan, Bali, Thailand and Hawaii) amid natural light, serene dark wood panelling and striking Islamic design elements – the girih geometric patterns are particularly beautiful. 

British Airways Holidays offers 30 per cent off hotel stays from 1 May–30 September 2025. Book by 31 May 2025. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

Athens, Greece

This luxury pad started life as a private mansion for businessman Antonis Dimitriou in 1842, before transforming into a luxury hotel more than three decades later. Then, during World War II, it served as the headquarters for the Greek and British armies (yes, Winston Churchill was a guest). The 1896 Olympics mark a turning point. The revival of the ancient Olympic Games places Athens and the hotel on the world map. The Grand Gala hosted by the International Olympic Committee and attended by athletes, dignitaries and Crown Prince Constantine still remains the pinnacle of its glory. Fast forward to today, and this sophisticated stay in bustling Syntagma Square continues to attract everyone from royalty to dignitaries and celebs. It’s not hard to see why, either – just take a peek at the hotel’s Neoclassical façade, its wrought-iron balconies looking over the Acropolis, a lobby made of Ionic columns, and high-ceilinged cream and taupe-coloured rooms featuring 18th-century antiques. Toast the splendour at Alexander Bar, hailed by Forbes as the world’s best hotel bar, before indulging in Mediterranean masterpieces at GB Roof Garden. 

British Airways Holidays offers the fourth night free for stays from 1 November 2025–30 April 2026. Book by 31 May 2025. Offer only valid on selected room types. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

USA

What could add to the thrills of Universal Orlando Resort’s four theme parks? The perks of being a guest at any Universal Orlando hotel, including experiencing the excitement up to one hour before everyone else with Early Park Admission,* and complimentary shuttle buses to and from the parks. Stay at Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which offers more rooms and more fun for less and has a charming retro theme that recalls the iconic beach resorts of the 1950s and 1960s. Families will love it here – there are two thrillingly vast pools with a waterslide and a lazy river and a ten-lane bowling alley with its own restaurant. Talking of food, family suites come with their own kitchenettes and there are plenty of other options for dining in or grabbing to go, from juicy burgers to build-your-own salads. The best part? Universal Cabana Bay is within walking or shuttle distance of the Universal CityWalk dining and entertainment complex and Universal Orlando theme parks, including Universal Volcano Bay and the brand-new Universal Epic Universe, opening on 22 May, which has five immersive worlds. Brave the spins and rush of Dark Universe’s Curse of the Werewolf coaster and Celestial Park’s Stardust Racers, a dual-launched coaster soaring to speeds of 62mph.  

Book a flight and hotel package to Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort with British Airways Holidays for a minimum of seven nights and receive a $200 food and beverage credit per room per stay. Valid for completed stays 2 November–24 December 2025 and 4 January–5 March 2026. Valid on all room types except two-bedroom suites. Book by 31 May. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. Go here for full T&Cs.

*Valid theme park admission required. Selected attractions

Crete, Greece

There’s good reason why this adults-only, palm-lined playground on Crete’s northwest coast ranks among the best hotels in Greece. Not only is its blissful backyard the secluded Pirgos Psilonerou beach (if you’re lucky, you might even spot a loggerhead sea turtle on its silvery sands), but it also has one of the chicest hotel pools, which overlooks the shimmering Aegean Sea and Saint Theodore Island Nature Reserve, home to protected Kri-Kri goats. Grab a sunbed – or a bean bag – for languid poolside lounging with a cocktail and book yourself into a Galaxy One-Bedroom Suite, which comes with its own private pool, so you can swim whenever you feel like it. The hotel’s local surroundings are celebrated at Orion Spa, with seaside gazebos and treatments using classic Cretan ingredients such as olive oil. Continue the nature nirvana at award-winning 35° restaurant, which puts a modern spin on traditional Cretan cuisine with organic, locally sourced ingredients – don’t miss the most tender slow-cooked lamb you might ever try. 

British Airways Holidays offers ten per cent off hotel stays from 2 May–31 August 2025. Book by 31 May 2025. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

Thailand

The mythical utopian monastery of Shangri-La from James Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon is the inspiration for this five-star retreat. On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, its two towers are equally tempting – the larger Shangri-La Wing is all about East meets West extravagance (imagine red and gold accents, plus exclusive services for Horizon Club guests), while the more exclusive Krungthep Wing offers traditional Thai grandeur in the form of sumptuous suites with silk wallcoverings, a private pool (Krungthep guests only, please) and daily afternoon tea in the lounge. Of the seven dining options, don’t miss the traditional teak pavilions and Thai delicacies at riverside Salathip, before regaining sightseeing momentum at the spa, inspired by the traditional Chinese concept of chi.

British Airways Holidays offers 15 per cent off a hotel stay of two or more consecutive nights. Travel from 1 June–30 October 2025. Book by 31 May 2025. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.

USA

Soaring 67 storeys above the Strip, the tallest building in Nevada has it all and then some: a roaring casino, 35 high-end shops and even a museum with sports memorabilia from football quarterback Tom Brady and sportscaster Jim Gray. The vibe is Vegas meets Miami Beach glam – you can hit up live DJ sets at LIV Nightclub, see a show at BleauLive Theater (where rapper Post Malone performed) and chill out at one of seven stunning pools all in the same day. The 36 bars and restaurants include Papi Steak, an upscale steakhouse from Miami, and a tequila tasting room at Cantina Contramar. Keen to have some spoiling solo time? The spa, spanning 55,000sqft, offers a Celestial Waters Passport, where you can work your way up through contrast therapy (moving between heat and cold). 

Book a flight and hotel package with British Airways Holidays for a minimum of five nights and receive a $200 food and beverage credit per room per stay. For stays up until 28 February 2026. Book by 30 June 2025. The specified offer will appear in red text during the booking process, should it be applicable. Price shown on ba.com includes any applicable discount. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.