Departure Lounge: Chart your own Odyssey through Troy and the Amalfi coast

Plus a Fijian paradise getaway on a private island

Explore some of this week's best getaway opportunities

Fijian paradise

Castaway Island is commemorating it's 60th anniversary.

In 2027, Fiji will celebrate the 40th anniversary of becoming a republic. One of the destination’s most iconic resorts is also celebrating a milestone, with Castaway Island commemorating its 60th anniversary this November, marking six decades of welcoming guests to its private island paradise in Oceania.

Offering glorious escapism in the Pacific, expect deserted white beaches, dreamy lagoons, and traditional Fijian bures amongst swaying palms, with plenty of anniversary celebrations. While there, snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, sunset kayak through crystal-clear waters, and feast on fresh seafood in paradise. Rooms from €352 per night.

• outrigger.com

Embark on your own exceptional Odyssey

Pelorus has created a travel package based on the travels of Odysseus

If you’ve been entranced by the cinematic spectacle of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, you can now trace the legendary journey of Odysseus across the Mediterranean in utter luxury.

Inspired by Homer’s epic poem and the magnificent new movie adaptation, Pelorus has created a sleek Odyssey itinerary that will see guests travel back in time by land, sea, and air across Turkey and Italy.

The ultra-exclusive Odyssey itinerary crosses from the ancient city of Troy to Sicily’s sacred temples and a private yacht voyage through the Aeolian Islands and Amalfi coast. Blending mythology, archaeology, luxury, and film set access, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure starts from £75,000pp (€87,600) based on four adults travelling for 14 nights. Pelorus plans bespoke itineraries according to each client’s requirements. Prices exclude international flights.

• pelorustravel.com

Sensational St Moritz

Badrutt's Palace in St Mortiz

Swiss hotels have long been revered for their exceptional hospitality. The iconic Badrutt’s Palace, sitting above Lake St Moritz since 1896, has just been named winner of the SeiBellissimi Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026. The award recognises a hotel’s outstanding service and attention to detail, from the reception desk to housekeeping, amenities, and food and beverage teams. A rare independent grand hotel with magnificent views, Badrutt’s Palace has welcomed royalty, artists, athletes, and global tastemakers for more than a century, through winter snows and summer glows.

• badruttspalace.com

South African adventures

Majestic mountains in Stellenbosch, near Cape Town, South Africa. An idyllic retreat for wine lovers.

Sunway’s Cape Town & Winelands package offers a blend of city, scenery and relaxation that showcases South Africa’s breathtaking diversity. Spend five nights in Cape Town, exploring its historical, cultural, and scenic offerings.

Afterwards, ’continue to picturesque Stellenbosch, the heart of South Africa’s wine country, for two nights amid the famous vineyards and dramatic mountain scenery. Enjoy wine tastings and wonderful food, boutiques, and leisurely walks through one of the country’s oldest and most picturesque towns.

Depart May 18, 2027: Five nights B&B at the three-star City Lodge V&A Waterfront Area, and two nights B&B at the three-star 107 Dorpstraat Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch, from €1,489 including flights, 23kg checked baggage, and transfers.

• sunway.ie

Deal of the Week

The Heritage Spa in Killenard, Co Laois

Savvy Electric Picnic-ers know that the Heritage Spa is just a short trip from Stradbally, Co Laois, where the summer music festival takes place. Bringing back their Post-Picnic Pamper, The Heritage in Killenard is the ideal place to recharge after a hectic festival weekend.

The Post-Picnic Pamper encourages you to swap muddy boots for fluffy robes and ease into the spa’s signature Mud Rasul ritual, designed for two. The traditional Arabian treatment draws out toxins and exfoliates the skin, while you relax in comfort. €100 for two people sharing midweek, with deals for overnight stays.

• theheritage.com