Departure Lounge: Sun-drenched scenery in the award-winning Algarve
The World Travel Awards has announced the Algarve as World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024.
The World Travel Awards has announced the Algarve as World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024.
This will come as no surprise to Irish fans who flock here every year to enjoy the sun-drenched scenery.
With over 100 beaches, 86 of which have Blue Flag status, spread across 200km, Albufeira’s stunning Praia da Falésia (pictured) has been hailed as best beach in the world in the 2024 edition of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.
With Turkish Airlines now offering its longest-ever flight, from Istanbul to Sydney, this is another quality option for a trip to Australia from Ireland.
The airline’s new Airbus A350-900s will make the 9,300-mile journey four times a week via Kuala Lumpur, with flights taking 19 hours.
The new route follows their recent launch of Istanbul to Melbourne this year and sets the stage for the planned introduction of direct, non-stop services from Sydney to Istanbul.
Launch fares of €851 one-way can be booked until December 31 with travel up to June 20 2025.
Thailand always impresses and the pretty island of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand offers dazzling beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife alongside adventure pursuits and vibrant culture.
Equally appealing to couples, families, and solo travellers, it’s a haven for snorkelling, yoga, and delicious food.
Visit four-star Amari Samui for seven nights B&B on June 10 from €1,469pp including flights and baggage.
Love to run? Especially in the sun? And somewhere extra beautiful?
The Fila Lake Garda 42 looks like my dream marathon, and there are still spots open for it on April 6, 2025.
The race offers an ideal time to enjoy Lake Garda along a route entirely closed to traffic and which, for the most part, runs alongside the water’s edge, passing through the three regions that border Lake Garda — Lombardy, Trentino, and Veneto. Entry fee is €78.
A favourite of The Hotel Examiner, The Leinster brings fresh, modern hospitality to a corner of Merrion Square, with its glamorous Collins Club for cocktails, cool art, gorgeously styled rooms, and delicious dining in the rooftop restaurant, Jean-Georges.
With 55 chic bedrooms over four floors and really great staff, this 2024 opening is a cool place to slip away to this December for a swanky seasonal soirée or a little overnight treat with pals or your partner. Rooms from €230.
