Departure Lounge: Budapest is a winner for an autumn getaway
Kimpton Budapest
Elegant and imperial, Budapest is calmer than Prague, easier than Berlin, and cheaper than Vienna, making it a winning choice for an autumn escape.
Split in half by the majestic Danube, its cobbled streets, grand boulevards, art nouveau buildings, and classic bath houses blend with cool bars, chic boutiques, and edgy hotels.
Kimpton BEM Budapest, minutes from the Unesco-listed Castle District, opened in 2024. A hip hang-out for exploring the Buda side of the city, the 19th-century mansion-turned-127-room boutique hotel is a whimsical choice for a city break.
Doubles from €200 per night.
Opera in Paradise sounds hard to resist.
And having experienced Pangkor Laut first-hand, it’s hard to argue with the description.
Having just held its 2025 operatic event, next year’s is already lined up and bookable, from October 23 to 25 in the Malaysian private island resort.
Studded with a two-million-year-old primary rainforest and lapped by the tropical waters of the Malacca Strait, Opera in Paradise invites lovers of music and nature to experience the chic resort with Grammy-winning musical director Andrea Griminelli, mezzo-soprano Laura Wright, soprano Clarissa Spata, and tenor Gaetano Bonfante.
The weekend-long celebration includes dining, drinks, a gala dinner, and an evening of musical magic.
B&B from €188.
This Christmas, the Imperial Hotel in Cork is, for the first time in years, welcoming guests to wake up there on Christmas morning.
Tricked out in traditional festive style with nods to the classic film Miracle on 34th Street, the landmark Cork four-star is offering two- and three-night Christmas residential packages.
Included are welcome drinks, luxurious accommodation, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day drinks reception and a traditional Christmas lunch and relaxing evening buffet, with a festive gift waiting in each room.
Each morning, breakfast is served in the newly opened Helena’s Restaurant. From €625 per person.
Looking for an affordable way to see Rome?
Fly direct from Cork to the Eternal City with Ryanair and enjoy a three-night break in the popular three-star Hotel des Artistes.
It’s five minutes on foot to the city’s main railway station, and you’ll also find yourself a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions.
November 24-27, B&B from €289pp, departing from Cork.
December weather around Spain’ Costa del Sol averages around 16C, making it a balmy escape from Christmas shopping.
Fly from Shannon for a self-catering week at the four-star Sunset Beach Club Aparthotel and enjoy the beachside lifestyle with boat trips, a cable car ride, a visit to Bil Bil Castle, and great restaurants and nightlife.
From €405pp, including return flights from Shannon.
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