Departure Lounge: Ashford Castle now offering 15% off pre-pay overnight stays
Greek-owned hotel brand, Giannoulis Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled 11 new guestrooms at its Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort on the sun-kissed beach of Kolymbari, Crete. The adults-only resort, just a two-minute drive from the charming village of Kolymbari and 23km west of Chania's lively centre, welcomes couples and solo travellers.
The pool overlooks the Blue Flag pebble beach of Kolymbari, and guests can enjoy fine dining and taverna style fare at the stylish property, as well as a sauna and a wellness area offering massage and beauty services. B&B from an affordable €116 per room.
On your bike
Brac island, Croatia
Now, this is our idea of fun! Island hopping in Croatia, while using bike and boat to navigate the magnificent South Dalmatia region. Boat Bike Tours' Split to Dubrovnik trip takes in the UNESCO-listed towns of Split and Dubrovnik, with visits to more sparsely populated islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Lastovo, Mljet, and Šipan.
The motor yacht Harmonia provides elegant accommodation, while e-bikes — if required — help with the hilly terrain. Roomy cabins with private bathrooms, a comfortable sundeck and salon await your visit, with the riding pace determined by the cyclists on e-bikes.
Guests taking part on gravel or road bikes should have the necessary physical condition to keep up with this pace while covering 60km a day. In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day (and it's possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental e-bikes on board.) €1,799 per person.
Deal of the Week
The lovely Lodge at Ashford Castle has a new pre-pay package with guests enjoying a 15% discount on an overnight stay in a room or suite at this characterful four-star hotel. Included is breakfast and a delicious three-course meal at Wilde's restaurant, when the booking is paid in advance.
The location is exceptional, cosseted the 350-acre Ashford Estate in Cong, Co Mayo. Along with excellent food you can avail of access to the estate's excellent leisure facilities at Éalú, complimentary bike hire, complimentary access to Ashford Estate's nine-hole golf course and tennis court and a host guided walks on select days.
Tempting offers
Cenote Ik Kil in the Yucatan of Mexico
TUI is tempting adventurous travellers with the offer of €200 off long-haul beach holidays to hot spots including Mexico, Florida, and Thailand, from luxury all-inclusive stays to family-friendly resorts and boutique hotels. Enjoy €200 off per booking, with a minimum spend of €2,000, using code LH200 on holidays departing between November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026.
Room with a View
The Fitzwilliam
Having nabbed one of the covetable balcony rooms earlier this year, on a gloriously sunny day, we know how wonderful this Room with a View at The Fitzwilliam experience will be.
Overlooking the canopy of trees of St Stephen's Green, you'll enjoy sweeping views across the city, on a one-night stay at the chic Fitzwilliam with breakfast, a bottle of bubbles, and a charcuterie board served on your private balcony. Best of all, your bedroom is a plush art deco cocoon at this five-star hideaway and The Lounge downstairs is a beautiful and buzzy spot for cocktails or dinner. The perfect summer treat. A Room with a View package, €649.
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