Departure Lounge: Italian Alpine Adventures with spa luxury

Plus a nine-night tour of India's Golden Triangle

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 - 01:00

Jillian Bolger

Deal of the week

Alpine escapes with forest air and dazzling views are having a moment. So, our head is turned by Casa Cook Madonna in Italy’s Unesco-listed Brenta Dolomites and Adamello Brenta Geopark.

It serves up spectacular scenery and alpine experiences, from hiking, horse trekking, trail running, and walking to white-water rafting and mountain biking.

The chic spa features a sauna and menu of restorative treatments designed to soothe guests after a day of activities.

Altitude, the hotel’s restaurant, offers a menu curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Jacob Jan Boerma, while the wider region offers plenty of spots serving local wines and authentic Dolomite cuisine.

To mark its reopening, a special Alpine Escape Offer has savings of up 45% on stays up to September 20 when booked before June 30.

Solo travellers can also enjoy a 50% discount on stays booked throughout the summer season.

B&B is from €320.

casacook.com

Luxury in Rwanda

Luxury hospitality group The Lux Collective is launching in Rwanda with two exciting new resorts.

LUX* Lake Kivu is a boutique hideaway on the shores of scenic Lake Kivu in Rwanda’s western region, it sits within reach of Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park, and the western tourism corridor.

SALT of Akager overlooks Lake Ihema within Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve and Africa’s celebrated conservation success story. The 60-key lodge is surrounded by wildlife and rich ecosystems of lakes, wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs. New bookings from June 15 to September 15, 2026, for stays between June 15, 2026, to June 15, 2027, will enjoy many perks, including a signature welcome ritual, a relaxing afternoon tea or coffee experience per stay, and room upgrade (subject to availability).

theluxcollective.com

Tour India’s Golden Triangle

Hawa Mahal palace (Palace of the Winds) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. India

If India enthrals, but the idea of going independently seems intimidating, why not look at a guided tour that takes in all the landmark locations. A nine-night Golden Triangle tour showcasing the colours, culture, and history of India visits Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, taking in the magnificent Taj Mahal, a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, Rajasthan’s incredible Chand Baori stepwell and the magnificent Pink City of Jaipur. From €2,069 per person, departing March 12, including return flights from Dublin, accommodation, transfers, guided sightseeing, selected meals, and professional English-speaking local guides throughout.

travalue.ie

Cruise the coast of Croatia

Cavtat, south Dalmatia, Croatia, popular tourist destination

Below Deck Mediterranean is back on our screens, with Captain Sandy and her crew exploring Croatia’s dazzling Dalmatian coast and surrounding islands.

While chartering a superyacht like Akira One is out of reach for most of us, Sail Croatia’s ‘Explorer’ cruises make an affordable alternative.

Perfect for families with older children, groups of friends or couples, with a maximum of 40 guests onboard, these small, intimate ships offer personal service and the opportunity to explore the beautiful islands of the Adriatic.

A seven-night cruise on the recently refurbished Queen Jelena costs from £1,389pp (€1,613) on August 9, cruising from Split to Split, including accommodation, daily breakfast and lunch, plus a Captain’s dinner evening. Based on two sharing.

sail-croatia.com

Fun suite for families at Powerscourt

Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa has unveiled a cute new two-bedroom Little Explorers Suite that’s perfect for families looking for space, luxury and fun. The new suite enhances the hotel’s reputation as a luxurious, family-friendly escape less than an hour from Dublin.

With two bedrooms including a luxurious master bedroom, sleek bathroom and living area for relaxing, a little library and special Little Explorers Nature Discovery Kit to delight younger guests, there’s also a private balcony with views over Powerscourt Estate. Suitable for two adults and two children under 12, summer rates from €639 per night.