Departure Lounge: Gear up for a Christmas trip to the Svalbard Archipelago
Svalbard
Snow. Huskies, Glaciers. Polar bears. In the line for an Arctic adventure? Head to Spitsbergen in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago where Basecamp Explorer’s three intimate lodges offer a slice of cosy trapper chic.
The wooden cabin-style interiors, furnishings, and trapper memorabilia are extra special at Christmas time.
Basecamp Hotel in Longyearbyen transforms into a festive haven, with seasonal decor, mulled wine and Christmas baking.
Day trips into the frozen wilderness include dog sledding and snowmobiling with Northern Lights hunting on offer too, and there’s musical performances and classic Christmas films like Polar Express.
Travelling with kids? Be sure to visit the dog kennel by the hotel, where hot chocolate and warm buns are served before meeting Santa.
B&B from €256 per person (operates year round).
Ireland’s Blue Book, a high-profile collection of luxurious country house hotels, manor houses, and restaurants, has revealed three new members for 2026.
This year it’s three five-star properties join the fold — The Cliff House in Ardmore, Co Waterford, The Dylan in leafy Dublin 4, and Dunluce Lodge in Portrush, Co Antrim, which is open less than a year.
Our Hotel Examiner gave two of these hotels glowing reviews, while a recent stay at The Cliff House left us feeling it hasn’t quite reached its potential.
All Blue Book member properties are privately-owned and tend to showcase the best of Irish hospitality.
All eyes are on Cairo this week, with the opening of the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, the multi-billon euro attraction 2km from the pyramids of Giza.
Capitalising on this, Boat Bike Tours have launched a first-of-its-kind tour of Egypt and the Nile, taking guests off the main thoroughfares to explore the country by e-bike on quieter roads.
The 13-day tour takes a calmer route through a Red Sea resort among the Nile’s fertile farmlands, small villages, and ancient monuments as well as the great pyramids.
Accommodation in deluxe hotels and an all-suite ship perfectly balance the itinerary. €5,299 per person sharing with discounts for a limited time on the first two departures, on February 5 and 19, 2026.
Glengarriff’s boutique adults-only accommodation and spa offers a slice of tranquility wrapped in woodland.
The family-run Jewel Lodge & Spa consists of three apartments with cosy fires that can be booked individually or together for larger gatherings, should you fancy a restorative break with pals or family.
With an infrared sauna pod, outdoor rustic sauna, and a natural outdoor plunge pool right into Glengarriff river, you’ll return revived and refreshed.
Two-night stay for four guests plus two-hour spa session from €480 in total (€120pp).
Upgrades to packages are available upon request, including dine-in catering and a range of additional spa treatments.
Irish Ferries’ 2026 schedule is now open, offering bookings aboard the Ulysses and James Joyce from Dublin-Holyhead and aboard the Isle of Innisfree from Rosslare to Pembroke.
There are no baggage limits, passengers can upgrade to Club Class, and pets always travel free in the special Pet Den or on-board kennels.
Book by November 10 and you’ll enjoy a free upgrade to Flexi Fare, with all the flexibility at economy prices, from €142 for a car and one passenger (T&Cs apply, subject to availability). Valid for travel January 1 to November 2, 2026.
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