Departure Lounge: Go dolphin-spotting in the Celtic Sea with Brittany Ferries

Plus, Brussels break, dreamy Sicilian villas, and a six-night yoga retreat in Portugal

Sat, 06 Apr, 2024 - 02:00

Jillian Bolger

Sea safari from Rosslare

Brittany Ferries Summer Sea Safari package is back on offer this summer for travellers using their Rosslare-Bilbao route. Offering a choice of four mini-cruise departures, passengers have the opportunity to watch whales and dolphins swimming in the Celtic Sea and Bay, one of the richest locations in the world for whale and dolphin spotting. Guests are accompanied by experts from whale and dolphin-watching charity, ORCA, with €60 from each ticket donated to the charity.

Brittany Ferries’ Sea Safari trips depart Rosslare Europort on July 12 and 26 and August 9 and 23. 3-night round trips depart on a Friday evening, from Rosslare to Bilboa return, from €279 per person.

brittany-ferries.ie

Break to Brussels

Last weekend saw Ryanair’s new summer route launch with direct flights from Cork to Brussels. Operating three times a week as part of Ryanair’s summer 2024 schedule, Brussels is just one of three new Ryanair routes from Cork Airport, bringing the airline’s number of Cork routes to 33. Cork flights to Rhodes in Greece and Zadar in Croatia begin operations this June.

ryanair.com

Deal of the Week

6-night yoga retreat in Portugal, October 1-7, 2024, €1,867

Spend four balmy days on the Algarve and join veteran yoga practitioners Matt and Saz on a wellness experience that focuses on the importance of connection with those around you. Staying at the serene Longevity Alvor, with its a rooftop infinity pool, wholesome cuisine, and state-of-the-art spa enjoy perfecting your yoga practice, embarking on boat excursions, and relaxing in the spa at this luxury retreat. Flights extra.

healthandfitnesstravel.com

Villa dream

Looking for a family villa on the Med this summer? The homely Sicilian Villa Lilly has been recently renovated, with private pool and terraces for lazy summer days. Sleeping six, it’s perfect for beach lovers and exploring the south west coast of Sicily, from wineries, olive oil mills and the Menfi’s archaeological sites to the livelier coastal resorts of Porto Palo, Lido Fiori and Selinunte. From €2,380 for a week’s stay arriving May 25.

sicily4u.co.uk

Time to party

Ibiza’s newest beach club, Yellow Fish Beach Club by W Ibiza opens at the end of the month on the Balearic party isle. 15 minutes from Ibiza’s old town, at the cool Santa Eulalia hotel, this beachfront club will be the hottest spot this summer with live DJs, a custom sangria menu, chic new restaurant and endless views of the Med. Pack your A-game.