BAHAMA MAMA
WHY GO:
Spring Breakers and canoodling honeymooners have left the sandy shores, temps sit in the high eighties and there are more deals than you can handle.
WHERE SKYLARK STAYS:
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When you want something private: Kamalame Cay - A 15-minute seaplane out of Nassau will bring you to serenity. The private, family-run property is just off the Andros Great Barrier Reef. Trust us, you’ve never experienced Bahamian hospitality like this before—from the overwater spa, flower jungle, private snorkeling and sailing excursions to the romantic oceanfront BBQs, you're more than taken care of.
- When you want supreme pampering: The Cove Atlantis - The Cove made the move to distinctly separate itself from the Atlantis complex. Now revamped and thoroughly unattached to the megaresort parent, The Cove is one of our favorite spots to check-in for the ultimate pampering weekend. (Best part: all of Atlantis is open to Cove guests, but The Cove's amenities is only for guests staying there.)
SANTORINI SUNSETS
WHY GO:
The month of May is a sweet spot to visit the quintessential Greek Island—the crowds haven't consumed the island yet and the sun-filled days aren't scorching hot. It couldn’t be a better time to saunter the maze of whitewashed houses and village tavernas and follow the cobblestone paths for stunning views of the Aegean.
WHERE SKYLARK STAYS:
Now a collection of 4 properties all in the sunset capital of the world, Oia, Canaves is our go to for some of the best views of Santorini’s undulating beauty. It all started with Canaves Oia Hotel and Canaves Oia Suites, the whitewashed sugar cubes perched on the highest cliffs above Oia’s caldera and the Aegean Sea. While “Canaves” translates to “cave houses,” the 44 suites that make up dual-sided property are hardly cave-like—featuring domed ceilings, wooden accents and a minimalist and intimate aesthetic. The town of Oia is filled with tavernas, local artisans and whitewashed splendor—only if you can bid farewell to the view from your balcony.
LAKE COMO
WHY GO:
Como's lakeside beauties are all poised to re-open for the season! Go before the summer crowds and you'll be rewarded with the sweetest seasonal discounts and perks.
WHERE SKYLARK STAYS:
- When you're feeling fancy 24/7: Villa D'Este - Exclude the word "casual" when talking about Villa D'Este—the opulent and celebrity-frequented gem has 25 acres of private gardens, a floating swimming pool, rooms in draped in romantic Rennaisance-style decor and the famous Grill restaurant (yes, the same Grill that the Clooneys always dine at).
- When you want to skyrocket your romance: CastaDiva Resort & Spa - There are few hotels on Lake Como that match the romance and glamour of CastaDiva. The highlight, of course, is the spa—featuring an indoor pool, sauna and steam, Mediterranean bath and spacious treatment rooms offering a harmonious and tranquil atmosphere.
NEW ENGLAND
WHY GO:
Before summer vacation unleashes the family crowds, New England's the spot to have a beach to yourself, sweet Spring deals and weather warm enough to bring out those Bermuda shorts. Oh—and you won’t be waiting in line for those sumptuous lobsters at Chatham Pier Fish Market, so we suggest going in for seconds (or thirds!)
WHERE SKYLARK STAYS:
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CAPE COD: Ruling the Cape since 1914, Chatham Bars has long been the spot to get into New England’s laid-back luxuries: sailing, clam bakes, wearing pastels, playing tennis and indulging in the sweet small town life.
- RHODE ISLAND: Ocean House—High atop a bluff overlooking pish-posh Watch Hill, the Ocean House is a bright-yellow Victorian beacon of beachy hospitality. The hotel’s well-known Sunday Brunch features live jazz, blues, and soul performances along with a made-to-order crêpe station.
LISBON
WHY GO:
Why not? Get all the tapas and red wine you can before the city's lovely cobblestone paths are trampled by summer crowds. Without all the tourists, check out Jeronimos Monastery, Miradouro da Graca and Palácio Chiado at your own vacation-mode pace. Call ahead and you might even be able to snag a reservation at Belcanto, Portugal’s celebrated chef José Avillez’s two-Michelin star hotspot. Saude!
WHERE SKYLARK STAYS:
When in Lisbon, you'll find us at Olissippo Lapa Palace—a 19th-century manor house, perfectly manicured with Victorian-style fountains, tranquil gardens and pinch-me pretty rooms. Book with Skylark and you'll receive extra perks like daily breakfast for two, a $100 spa credit, complimentary one-way airport transfer, early check-in/late check-out and room upgrades when available.