Departure Lounge: Watch silverback gorillas from conservation-focused mountain lodge

Plus boutique lifestyle aparthotels in Amsterdam and Porto

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Gorilla watch

Silverback Lodge at Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

World Gorilla Day takes place on September 24, with Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one of the best locations to witness these extraordinary creatures. Perched on a forested ridge, Silverback Lodge offers rare, front-row access to endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Following its relaunch in 2025, the design-forward conservation-focused lodge makes a luxe base for gorilla trekking. Just moments from the Buhoma trailhead it’s within one of the world’s most important conservation areas, home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, guests venture through dense rainforest to observe one of the park’s habituated gorilla families. Explore Bwindi’s remarkable biodiversity through guided forest walks, birdwatching, butterfly and primate spotting, before a treatment at the lodge’s ‘Wellnest Spa’ and sundowners enfolded in nature. All-inclusive stays from $2,100 per room per night (approx €1,819). *Excludes gorilla permits, park fees, activities and spa.

• silverbacklodge.com

Wilde launches in Amsterdam and Porto

Boutique lifestyle aparthotel brand, Wilde, has launched in both Amsterdam and Porto

Boutique lifestyle aparthotel brand, Wilde, has launched in both Amsterdam and Porto, following openings earlier this year in Vienna and Lisbon.

Guests will find stylish urban retreats in creative neighbourhoods, blending the service and design of a boutique hotel with the freedom and flexibility of home apartments. Laundry facilities, co-working spaces, and a cool local food offering complement fully equipped kitchens, with cots etc available upon request.

Wilde Porto sits between Rue De la Galeria de Paris and Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes, in a hip district close to the city’s iconic tile-fronted baroque church, Igreja do Carmo. With 78 contemporary studios and apartments, for two, three or four guests, it’s 7 minutes walk from São Bento Railway Station, and surrounded by cafés, and cocktail bars, buzzy squares, galleries and boutiques.

• wilde.com

Drama in Newfoundland

St. John's Harbor in Newfoundland, Canada

I simply love the Canadian maritimes and Newfoundland, and urge anyone drawn to pure scenery, coastal views, wildlife and serenity to consider holidaying there.

Canadian Sky has an escorted tour that showcases the dramatic landscapes and history, beginning in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before crossing to the island of Newfoundland. Here, Gros Morne National Park is breathtaking and the UNESCO-listed heritage site, L’Anse aux Meadows Viking settlement fascinating. You will enjoy plenty of opportunities to spot whales, puffins, eagles and even early-summer icebergs. Available as a Classic group tour (35–45 guests) or a Small Group tour (maximum 24 guests), the 12-night Circle Newfoundland & Labrador trip combines scenic adventures, cultural discoveries and local connections, from €4,969 pp, including international flights, coach transportation, tour director, most meals, ferries and excursions.

• canadiansky.ie

Deal of The Week

The award-winning Lawlor's of Naas

Lawlor’s of Naas is a chic little option for an autumn break. Welcoming guests to Naas town for over 100 years, the award-winning hotel is well placed to explore the county’s attractions, including Kildare Village, The National Stud, Shackelton Experience, Grand Canal Greenway and Newbridge Silverware. Guests of, Lawlor’s enjoy additional savings at both Kildare Village and Newbridge Silverware, along with an exclusive 10% discount at selected local partner boutiques.

Perfect for active retirees and couples looking to make the most of the season, Twice As Nice invite guests to enjoy a two-night stay with breakfast each morning, a two-course dinner in The Bistro one night, and a warm welcome of fresh scones with tea or coffee on arrival. From €402 for two people.

• lawlors.ie

Cruise into Halloween

MSC cruises is offering a Halloween themed getaway offers

MSC Cruises is leaning into Halloween this year with a full schedule of spooky fun across its fleet this October. The programme of themed entertainment offers fun for the whole family, through dedicated activities for children, teens and grown-ups. Mid-term Halloween cruises are still available to book, including a seven-night sailing on October 25 on MSC World Europa, departing from Genoa, from €1,299 per person.

• msccruises.ie