Departure lounge: Fly to Majorca direct from Cork

Plus the new possibilities for Italian ski resorts this winter

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

New ski resorts for winter

The Italian Dolomites in winter

Topflight has expanded its Italian ski programme, adding four resorts in the spectacular Italian Dolomites. The addition of Madonna di Campiglio, Val di Fassa, Val Gardena and Pinzolo gives Irish skiers access to the renowned Dolomiti Superski area, with more than 1,200km of interconnected pistes.

The expansion reflects Topflight’s long-term focus on high-altitude destinations which offer reliable snow conditions throughout the winter season. Madonna di Campiglio sits at 1,550m, while Val Gardena reaches 1,563m and Val di Fassa offers lift-served skiing approaching 3,000m. Snow or sun, the Dolomites are one Europe’s most popular destinations right now, thanks to the magnificent scenery, nature, culture and cuisine.

• topflight.ie

New route from Cork to Majorca

Balearic Islands in Majorca

TUI has announced a new route from Cork Airport to Palma next summer, opening up easier access to Majorca for Munster holidaymakers.

Operating every Tuesday from May 18 until August 31 2027, the early launch affords you extra time to secure your summer 2027 holiday to Majorca. The route also opens up the possibility of sailing with Marella Cruises from Palma, where a range of Mediterranean sailings will depart to destinations across Spain, France and Italy, before returning to Palma. Marella’s Cruise and Stay option allows you combine a Majorca beach holiday for 7 nights, with a Marella Cruise itinerary of your choice.

In addition, a range of 7- and 14-night beach holiday packages to Majorca will be available as part of the new Cork to Palma service.

• tuiholidays.ie

Screen-free serenity

Elephant Rock Hotel in Portrush, Co Antrim

Love this idea from Elephant Rock, the boutique hotel in Portrush, Co Antrim. FOMO usually denotes Fear Of Missing Out, but this summer, the stylish coastal hideaway is introducing a different kind of FOMO - Forget Online. Meet Ocean. Encouraging guests to put their phones down and look up, anyone who opts in will hand over their phone at check-in and, subject to availability, receive a digital camera with an SD card to capture their stay the old-school way.

And even when cameras are unavailable, you can still take part in FOMO by handing over your phone to be kept safely by the hotel, giving you the chance to properly switch off and enjoy the pretty seaside town of Portrush without distraction. The Atlantic Ocean is visible from most of Elephant Rock’s rooms, as well as its bar and restaurant, so you won’t be short on dazzling views. Whether it is a solo reset, a weekend with friends, a romantic break or simply a chance to trade screen time for sea time, Elephant Rock’s FOMO experience is designed to help guests slow down, lift their heads and experience Portrush in the moment. Single rooms from £140.

• elephantrockhotel.co.uk

Tuscan thermal spa stay

Bagni di Pisa Palace and Thermal Spa in Tuscany

Tuscany is calling, with this appealing offer at a beautiful heritage property, Bagni di Pisa Palace & Thermal Spa.

Unwind in the healing thermal waters, explore Pisa’s historic landmarks and combine spa indulgence with the 3-night Dolce Vita Summer Living in Tuscany, Stay 3 nights with breakfast and enjoy unlimited access to the thermal spa and wellness facilities, one 50-minute bergamot and orange blossom aroma massage, Italian aperitif with cocktails and appetisers and entry to Pisa’s ancient city walls.

€645 per person (based on two sharing), children up to 12 years stay free when sharing with parents, from July to September 2026.

• bagnidipisa.com

Fab food on new Cork ferry route

Rachel Allen provides some of her expertise to Hibernia Line's dining experiences

Hibernia Line, Ireland’s newest ferry service, is partnering with Rachel Allen, to ensure passengers can enjoy delicious dining experiences on its daily sailings between Ireland and France.

As brand ambassador, the prolific Ballymaloe chef will design and oversee the development of menus on the St Patrick and MV Akka, focusing on great Irish ingredients like roast beef and tender lamb with rosemary, garlic, and mint jelly. Hibernia Line sails six days a week between Ringaskiddy in Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer in northern France.

• hibernia-line.com