Check In: Rejuvenating escapes and an app for city hoppers

The latest travel news, deals, gadgets, apps and more


NEWS

Epicurean Voyage The revered Aqua Expeditions group, which offers luxury cruises in exotic locations, has launched its newest adventure. Hosted by renowned chefs David Thompson and Pedro Schiaffino, the voyage sails along the Mekong river (above) with the finest southeast Asian cuisine aboard the five-star ship. A three-night Discovery cruise starts from €3,283pp. For dates see aquaexpeditions.com

Boutique Buzz One of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings of the year finally has a date; on March 24th, Puglia will see boutique gem Masseria Trapana open its chic doors, offering guests a luxury escape just outside of Lecce. The renovated 16th-century property, set in 60 hectares of olive groves, offers nine individually designed suites with private courtyards and outdoor bathtubs. Garden rooms from €375 a night; trapana.com

Haute House Kevin Dundon, celebrated chef and proprietor of Dunbrody House (below) has reason to celebrate, as the Wexford country manor has been named the world's top luxury country house hotel by Luxury Travel Guide. This makes for the perfect excuse to visit and see what all the fuss is about; dunbrodyhouse.com

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REJUVENATING ESCAPES

Fraoch Retreats are the last word in restorative respite. Indulge in one of their yoga brunches in Dublin's Fumbally Stables or venture further afield to Coolattin Lodge or Ardtarmon House workshops and be transported to a zen-like state. Yoga brunch, Sundays, €46.50. Weekend retreats from €220. fraochretreats.com

West of Lisbon, Karma Surf Retreats offer luxury accommodation, Portuguese food and surf experiences for beginners and pros. Week-long retreats from €849. For a luxe backdrop, try their Balinese and Moroccan trips. karmasurfretreat.com

If you want to sweat (and see results) Kathryn Thomas's Pure Results bootcamps in Kerry combine exercise and diet, working with and against the wild Atlantic's elements. Week-long bootcamps from €449. pureresultsbootcamp.com

TRAVEL ‘APPY

City hoppers will love Musement, a local app guide that edits the best museums, exhibitions, restaurants and chic bars in your radius. Extra brownie points for its direct-booking facility and selected discounts. Free on iPhone, iPad and Android.

DEALS

LAS VEGAS Catch a Garth Brooks concert, departing June 23rd from London, four nights in Stratosphere Hotel in Las Vegas, concert on June 25th, return June 27th, €999pps from steintravel.ie;

LEGOLAND Enjoy live shows and 55 interactive rides on a two-night break to Legoland Windsor, from €639 for four, includes return Stena Line sailing with car, four- star hotel, park entry, stenaline.ie/legoland;

MALDIVES Luxurious Kuramathi Island resort in the Maldives. Travel from May 1st-June 30th for €1,945pps including flights from Dublin, seaplane transfer and full board, classicresorts.ie