Departure Lounge: Sanctuary in the Moroccan sun

Plus: a deal on self-catering accommodation on Achill Island, and international destinations

Riad Botanica, Marrakech Medina, Morocco. Pic: Alan Keohane

Sass and style

We love the look of this new Moroccan hide-out. Riad Botanica is a five-suite sanctuary with all the sass and style we could wish for in a heritage property deep within Marrakech’s medina. 

Owned by an Australian and Moroccan couple, the 10th-century building blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and Australian style. 

With a rooftop terrace, courtyard, and pool it can be hired exclusively for up to 12 guests, or suites can be booked individually for a stylish city break.

• B&B €200 for two sharing.
• riadbotanica.com

Achill Island: can't be bleat

Deal of the week

Three nights self-catering on Achill Island, April, €350

Achill Seal Caves Caravan & Camping Park reopens on March 22. Overlooking the Atlantic swell by Dugort Beach on Achill Island, check in and snuggle up for a cosy stay in one of their fully-serviced mobile homes available to rent.

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining and living area each accommodates six guests. There’s central heating for chilly days and an electric fire in the living room too!

• achillsealcaves.com

Get your steps in along the Salt Path

Along the coast

The Salt Path movie — starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Issacs — hits cinemas in May 2024 and is expected to boost interest in England’s south west coast path. 

Book a trip during the English Riviera Walking Festival (May 4-19) and sample the 25 guided walks ranging from a 1.5-mile sunset stroll to a 15-mile coastal challenge. 

Rest your weary legs in at The Salt Loft in Brixham, a cool private rental with harbour views. 

• Seven nights from £599 (€702, sleeps two).
• luxurycoastal.co.uk

Take a trip to Thailand

Thai dreams

Explore Thailand by sea aboard a private yacht and enjoy crystal waters and wonderful scenery. 

Dream Yacht offers sailors and non-sailors nautical adventures from self-sail charters to their popular fully crewed by-the-cabin experiences. 

New this year, Dream Yacht’s 11-day, 10-night Andaman Dream Premium 2024 adventure offers a sailing by-the-cabin itinerary through the Andaman sea. 

You’ll stop off at beauty spots like Kho Phanak, the Kho Phi Phi Islands and Kho Lanta.

• From €1,444 per person. Flights extra.
• dreamyachtcharter.com

Elements Spa Café, Galgorm

Spa heaven

Destination spa, Galgorm in Antrim, beckons with its gorgeous grounds this spring. 

Come for a relaxing overnight stay in a Deluxe guestroom and enjoy unlimited access to their award-winning Thermal Spa Village, as well as being treated to a choice of private spa experience. 

Breakfast and complimentary mini bar are included.

• Private Spa Experience from €350 for two guests.
• galgorm.com/deluxe-bed-and-breakfast