Are you looking for a short break, or retreat to recharge this spring? A holiday in May means you can make use of the bank holidays!

May bank holidays always fall on the first and the last Monday in May, in 2016 that’s Monday 2 May and Monday 30 May (Spring bank holiday).

Here’s our selection of where to go on holiday in May. Places where you can go alone without being alone, from yoga retreats to creative breaks.

May is an attractive month of the year to go on holiday – you’ll find blossoms abound with nature and climate at its best in many countries, and flights are cheaper.

Most Mediterranean countries are just starting to welcome visitors. The days are longer but not yet too hot, allowing for exploration of countryside, villages and markets without the summer crowds.

France is a train ride away, or fly to Toulouse in South West France for La Roane – a peaceful and secluded setting in a 20-acre of meadows and woodland. It’s only 3 miles from the medieval market town of St Antonin, location for the film Charlotte Gray with lead actor Cate Blanchett, and also The Hundred Foot Journey with Helen Mirren. In May the meadows display a wide variety of wild flowers including rare orchids; and nightingales enchant with their song!

In romantic Italy, just an hour outside Rome you can stay at Sunflower Retreats in the Sabine Hills overlooking an incredible panorama of olive groves and fruit trees. Stay for 4 or 6 nights and chose from different yoga styles depending on the week. Other optional activities include meditation, holistic treatments, Italian cooking classes, Italian lessons, horse riding, creative writing classes, water colour painting. Make sure you visit the hot sulphur springs.

The above are just some of the options, you find more ideas for a holiday in May under holidays by date.

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Looking for a break close to home? – Here are a few of our favourite spots for UK holidays and retreats, just a train ride away.

If you’ve only got a few days to spare, there’s no need to waste precious time on tackling airport queues and foreign currencies. We have a wide selection of UK holidays, in beautiful retreats all around the country, where you can get away from your daily routine, unwind and relax.

In Dorset you can enjoy a long weekend of daily yoga, meditation and Kundalini sound healing at Mellulah Holistic Retreats.  A variety of activities are on offer at this tranquil farm in Milton Abbas, a stunning area of rural Dorset.

Scooting back to the beautiful north, treat yourself to a healthy weekend break (or longer) at Split Farthing Hall in Thirsk, a short distance from York and Harrogate. Life coaching, Kundalini yoga for all levels, meditation and guided walks are on offer, all designed to help you relax and revitalise.

If you really want to get away from it all, you’ll find a hidden gem surrounded by acres of private land and ancient forest in South Wales. Nature walks beckon and a selection of stunning beaches are just a short drive away. A combination of Kundalini Yoga and Ayurveda allows you to unwind and relax. An optional detox with juice-fasting can also be offered.

These are just a few ideas for UK holidays. We hope you find something you like. You can find more UK holidays and retreats on our website. Mention Neal’s Yard Holidays to receive exclusive discounts or treats on some of the above retreats.

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