Report by Leanne Bracey

The Wylde team are a jet-setting bunch, so here's a round up of that we're most looking forward to in May...

RELAX IN THE UK

When the weather starts to turn into a full-on sunbathing heat, let’s face it; there’s nowhere better than the UK... so how about a weekend in Harrogate? The draw is the UK’s very first Rooftop Spa Garden, opening alongside its very swish and expensive spa at Rudding Park Hotel. Gardeners will love the woodland feel that’s been designed by horticulturist Matthew Wilson. It has a heavenly hydrotherapy infinity pool overlooking some incredible seasonal planting, a panoramic sauna with floral infusions that change with the seasons not to mention a herbal bath steam room, ice fountain and a whole manner of glorious treatments. I could go on but instead I’m just reaching for my robe. Try the Sleeping Beauty Spa break from £177 per person including dinner, bed and breakfast (Yorkshire style of course), a 50 minute bespoke treatment and access to the spa throughout your stay. For bookings head to the website or call 01423 844840

WALK AND EAT IN FLORENCE

If you find yourself in Florence for a weekend break and you're the kind of person who likes to walk and eat at the same time, then we have the perfect suggestion for you. How about a tour of the city in the evening whilst stuffing your face with glorious Italian produce? Eating Italy Food Tours offer a 3 hour stomp around Florence on a Tuesday right through to a Saturday priced at 95 euros. Take in the architecture of this special city walking through the cobblestones of Santo Spirito, stopping for food and drinks along seven different stopping points. See how cocktails are made, follow a live cooking demo and munch on truffle cheese and wild boar salami whilst quaffing down on salami. Perfecto!
Eating Italy Food Tours

UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES IN PUGLIA

Over in Puglia, one thing I would recommend is a stay at the area's finest hotel: Borgo Egnazia. This is a truly magnificent place that will calm a stressed out soul in 5 minutes flat, thanks to its natural, chill-inducing interior and super service. There’s a brilliant spa offering a whole range of relaxing programmes and treatments but Borgo is special because it’s able to offer guests the chance to try out some local experiences too. I quite fancy whizzing around its flat land on a Vespa for a wine and food tasting. I would even sign up to a painting masterclass amongst its old olive groves and, what the heck, I’d even take to the skies in a plane for epic views over the Puglian landscape. All of this, and more, can be organised when you book. They are offering one complimentary experience, so don’t hesitate!

THE TRIP

Make your one big trip a Safari. Our choice is theRuckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe. Following a rebuild last year, this place has a real old-school feel with 10 tented suites in Ruckomechi and a further three new additions in Little Ruckomechi. Thanks to its close vicinity to the Zambezi River and its wilderness location in the park, there’s plenty to do, including boat cruises, canoeing, walking and game drives. We love Wilderness Safari because of their eco-friendly and sustainable credentials, not to mention being experts in organising the best tours of Africa, spanning access to almost three million hectares of wildlife reserves.
Mahlatini Luxury Travel offers a seven night luxury Wilderness Safaris holiday with 4 nights at Little Makalolo and 3 nights at Ruckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe from £5,725 per person, sharing on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes international flights from London, light aircraft and road transfers and all safari activities offered by each camp.

mahlatini.com – Tel: 028 90736 050). wilderness-safaris.com

HOT SPA OPENING!

One of the hottest openings last year was Six Senses Zil Pasyon on the stunning private island of Félicité, the fifth largest in the Seychelles. Now, with its spa doors open, there's even more reason to visit. Float above the ocean or on top of a rock whilst having a back massage, swim in the elevated open-air saltwater pool and experience one of the five Ocean inspired journeys on offer. Six Senses Zil Pasyonstart from €1,147 (approx. £968) per night in a Hideaway Pool Villa, on a B&B basis based on two sharing.

HOT HOTEL OPENING!

Design enthusiasts will love the opening of the new Barcelo Torre de Madrid, a new 5 star opening from the Spanish Hotel group. Set in the theatre district, we love the funky play on design from well known interior designer, Jamie Hayon. It's fun, whimsical, bright and bold, and for a truly wonderful experience, be sure to book one of the suites overlooking the city centre. Equally, the deluxe rooms, start from 360 euros per night, are just as luxurious. On the 8th floor, there's a well-equipped wellness centre but who needs that when you've got the whole of Madrid to explore!
Double rooms at Barceló Torre de Madrid start from €360 per night
Rates are based on two sharing a Deluxe Room with views of the Royal Palace and Gran Via Street. Room only basis.
barcelo.com

OUR FOODIE SUGGESTION FOR MAY

We are hoping the heat is going to soar in London this year, so in anticipation of rooftop bars being full and maxi dresses coming out of the closets, how about a dinner of ice cream-inspired dishes overlooking leafy Green Park? Head over to Mercante in Mayfair and take a seat on the outdoor terrace, where the Italian restaurant has teamed up with infamous ice cream maker, Le Gelatiera to produce a quirky pairing menu, developed by head chef, Davide D'Ignazio. I've got my eye on the Panzenella Salad with olive oil ice cream and the Sicilian Pistachio sorbet.
Available from 1st May 6.30am – 10pm (Monday to Friday) 7am – 10pm (weekends) Website

Wylde World: Where to Go in May