Departure Lounge: Caribbean delight and Calais cuisine await

Aer Lingus is operating a temporary scheduled service between Dublin and Barbados for two months this spring.

Sat, 21 Feb, 2026 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

Caribbean delight

Aer Lingus is operating a temporary scheduled service between Dublin and Barbados for two months this spring. The seasonal route will run from March 31 to May 31 2026, providing a direct connection to the Caribbean for a limited time.

Running three times weekly, fares starts at €458 return. Fabled for its sweeping beaches, historic towns, wildlife, culture and food, Barbados promises a thrilling escape that’s never been easier to experience.

Ooh la la

We love the look of Maison Akène, a newly opened restaurant in Ardres, in the Pas-de-Calais region. Led by couple Ismaïl and Inès Guerre-Genton, the refined cuisine focuses on balance and restraint, with close attention to local terroir and artisans.

Promising a ‘contemporary and sensitive vision of gastronomy’, you can stay in Calais, just 20 minutes away, or book into one of several beautiful hotels and guesthouses in this Northern French region.

maison-akene.fr

Maison Akène, a newly opened restaurant in Ardres, in the Pas-de-Calais region

Luxe Liverpool

Set within Liverpool’s iconic former Municipal Buildings, The Municipal Hotel & Spa — MGallery Liverpool, is the city’s only five-star hotel. Following a £70m restoration, the
Merseyside masterpiece makes a chic and luxurious spot for a weekend break in this lively city.

From afternoon tea in their Botanic Tearoom to the award-winning spa, rooms are from €150 a night.

municipalhotelliverpool.com

Dip and explore in Estonia

Estonia is one of Europe’s fastest growing tourist spots with its mesmerising mix of forests, lakes, historic cities, and coastline.

White Nights Open Water Swimming Guided Holiday offers a week-long trip suitable for swimmers of all abilities, with “dip and explore” swims along Estonia’s long White Nights forest lakes, rivers and Baltic coastline. The small group trip includes accommodation, a full itinerary with guided swims and local host support, swim coaching, breakfasts and lunches, transport to swim sites and airport transfers. June 22-28, £1,769 (approx. €2,028) for a twin/double share, with non-swimmers eligible for a 10% discount).

Spring retreats

Lisnavagh Estate in Co Carlow is inviting guests to experience a spring retreat in the surrounds of this charming country estate.

Set within 600 acres of rolling parkland, Lisnavagh’s Step into Spring programme offers wellbeing retreats rooted in nature and tranquility.

Upcoming events include Spring Equinox Yoga & Sleep Retreat, March 6-8, Witchcraft Retreat — Forest Magick, April 16-19 2026, Seasonal Feast and Walled Garden Tour, April 30 and The Gift of Silence with Laura Lochab, May 8-10.