Departure Lounge: Make the best of those new Dublin-Marrakech flights

"...why not factor in a brunch to remember at the lavish five-star palace hotel, Selman Marrakech?"

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

Suave Selman

Planning a trip to Marrakech this winter (remember that Aer Lingus has launched direct flights from Dublin)?

Then why not factor in a brunch to remember at the lavish five-star palace hotel, Selman Marrakech.

Their famous Sunday brunch returns from now until spring, at Le Pavillion in the heart of the lush palace hotel gardens.

Guests are welcomed by a lady wearing a ‘champagne dress’ and served a glass of fizz before feasting on a buffet of Moroccan and international cuisine, with sensational desserts.

With sun-kissed views of the Atlas Mountains, you’ll enjoy live Cuban music and a mesmerising equestrian performance of Cheval de Soie (Silk Horse) by Sadek.

The indulgent Marrakech ritual costs 1900 MAD (approx €177) pp including a glass of champagne.

selman-marrakech.com

Danube dream

Sail into the Christmas season with a river cruise along the Danube.

Winding your way through Europe aboard the Riverside Mozart, you’ll stop off at Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna, taking in three fabulously atmospheric capitals.

Shop the Christmas markets, soak up the festive buzz, and enjoy local fare before slinking back on board your floating boutique hotel.

Festive Danube Capitals and Yuletide Traditions, December 16-20 from €2,832.

riverside-cruises.com

Deal of the Week

A budget break to Lisbon promises blue skies, great food, and buzzy cultural experiences in the depths of winter.

Staying at the centrally located, four-star Czar Lisbon Hotel, you’ll be well placed to reach the historic neighbourhoods of Alfama and Baixa and majestic Sao Jorge Castle with its sweeping views across Portugal’s hip capital.

In November, you’ll find several Christmas markets, including Wonderland Lisboa and Rossio Square Market, and be surrounded by great restaurants.

November 25-28, from €210pp including flights from Dublin

sunway.ie

Take a Chancery

Choose The Chancery for your next Dublin stay and discover a chic and central new hotel with much ambition.

Their Romantic Halloween Retreat package includes overnight B&B for two, a Halloween-themed cocktail on arrival, three-course dinner in the well regarded Fawn Restaurant, access to the Chancery’s Wellness Hub, and a custom scented candle for a touch of relaxation, €381 per couple.

Sounds like a romantic autumn retreat.

thechanceryhotel.ie

High Fives

The family-friendly Essence at the Fives Beach offers an all-inclusive holiday in Mexico at Cancun’s Playa del Carmen, perfectly located for enjoying 5th Avenue’s restaurants and shops, should you wish to wander.

On offer is a beach that stretches for miles, seven outdoor pools, live entertainment, and a wide selection of restaurants.

The kid’s club includes a fitness area, playground, pool, and group activities. Book by October 31 and receive savings of up to €800pp plus $555 resort credit when travelling between now and December 23, 2028.

Seven-night all-inclusive stay, departing March 10, 2026, from €1,679pp, based on two sharing a deluxe room, return flights from Dublin and transfers.