Departure Lounge: Go stargazing in the Indian Ocean far away from the city lights

Plus the chance to explore Finland by rail

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Maldives after dark

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is leaning into the 'Nocturism' trend

Noctourism is a growing trend, with the Maldives one of the finest spots for star-gazing in the light-pollution-free skies above the Indian Ocean.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is leaning into the trend with a collection of after-dark experiences, designed to maximise your sense of place.

Renowned for turquoise lagoons and tropical temperatures, nights at Gili Lankanfushi reveal an entirely different side to island life. From blindfolded sensory dining on secluded sandbanks to jungle cinema beneath the stars, moonlit wellness rituals that promote restorative sleep, and serene stargazing, there’s a delightfully dark side to this luxurious resort. B&B from €1,477 based on two sharing a Villa Suite.

• gili-lankanfushi.com

Kinsale collaboration

For one night only, on June 14, Jess Murphy and Meeran Manzoor will create a unique seven-course tasting menu inspired by rustic South Indian cuisine

A night in Kinsale is on the cards if you fancy checking out the collaboration between Jess Murphy of Kai in Galway and Meeran Manzoor of Rare at Blue Haven in Kinsale. For one night only, on June 14, they will create a unique seven-course tasting menu inspired by their individual takes on rustic South Indian cuisine. €125 per person, with optional wine pairings available. Sittings are at 5pm and 8pm.

Bookings available at rare1784.ie.

Make a weekend of it with an accommodation package at The Blue Haven or Old Bank Townhouse, from €216 per person sharing and include the tasting menu, an overnight stay, and breakfast.

• Book at bluehavenkinsale.com and a

See Finland by rail

Finland national rail operator VR has launched a campaign that encourages people to explore the country by rail

VR, Finland’s national railway operator, has launched a clever campaign designed to encourage people to put away their screens this summer and explore by rail. Binge Finland invites people to replace streaming marathons with real-world experiences, offering a 30-day unlimited rail pass for the price of a streaming service: €9.90, an incredible discount from its normal €369.

Participants can access special tickets through the campaign website by answering questions about their binging habits. Studies show that, globally, we spend an average of around six hours and 40 minutes online each day. Capitalising on a growing interest in digital detoxing and slow travel, the 30-day unlimited rail pass allows travel across the entire country — from coastal cities on the Baltic Sea to lake regions and the remote northern landscapes of Lapland. Discount codes are available online on a first come, first served basis and participants need to register for a VR user ID online.

• vr.fi/en

Take to the road

Roadsurfer is Europe's leading campervan rental company

A family road trip in a camper van is the place to make new holiday memories this summer. Roadsurfer, Europe’s leading campervan rental company, offers a fun and flexible way to explore at your own pace.

Each van comes fully equipped with a kitchen, shower, and space to sleep four, alongside unlimited mileage and pet-friendly travel. With rental stations across Ireland, the UK, and Europe, you can tailor-make an itinerary that’s just right for you.

A family of four can stay in a Surfer Suite from €149 a night based on an August 2026 trip.

• roadsurfer.com

Algarve Summer Gala

Jessie J is headlining the 2026 Summer Gala at Pine Cliffs Resort in The Algarve on July 31

Jessie J is headlining the 2026 Summer Gala at Pine Cliffs Resort in The Algarve on July 31. Couples can stay in a Deluxe room with a Resort or Ocean View at Pine Cliffs Hotel from July 26-August 4 (minimum three nights) with breakfast and two Silver tickets for the Summer Gala. For families or those who want more space, the Pine Cliffs Suites & Pine Cliffs Gardens Gala and accommodation package is available July 29- August 3 (minimum three nights) with daily breakfast and a general Summer Gala ticket per person. From €810 per night/room with a minimum three-night stay from €2,340.

• pinecliffs.com