Dublin airport, Shannon and north of the border bases too such as Belfast are seeing a steady increase in travellers year on year. Wether your journey is starting here in Ireland or you are using the island for connections to onward destinations, the cheaper air tax in comparison to other UK and European airports is making it financially beneficial for all travellers. There are multiple airlines now flying to world wide locations from all airports in Ireland North and South and the choice is ever increasing. A long term provider for reliability on North American connections and beyond is United Airlines. Travelling business class with United for business or pleasure is a luxuriously indulgent experience and the only way to start your holiday. Most people still think that first class air travel is out of their league but by simply planning in advance and being flexible with your dates and onward connections, you can grab a bargain or two along the way. ?

Click here for current business class offers with United Airlines 

  
United Airlines offers direct flights to North America daily from Belfast, Dublin and Shannon. Their direct connections from Ireland include cities such as New York, Washington, Boston, Chicago and Orlando. ✈️

The moment you step into the first class cabin with United your jacket is taken from you and stored, and followed swiftly by a glass of something fizzy before take off. The select crew introduce themselves to you whilst gifting you with your very own amenity pack to be able to freshen up before departing. By the time you have perused the delectable menu and wine choices on offer, you are airborne and on your way in the most relaxed atmosphere you could hope for. Why should air travel be so taxing? United make it a pleasure. We have sampled deliciously succulent steak, luxurious wild smoked salmon and even beautiful beef burgers are on offer sometimes! Not forgetting the mouth watering cheese and port selection followed by an ice cream sundae from the desert trolley. You get to choose your toppings, it is entirely up to you. After being fed and watered like a king, there is nothing nicer than stretching out and watching a newly released film from their on board entertainment system. Depending on the route travelled and aircraft used, you may also have the addition of wifi on board. This is currently being rolled out across Uniteds fleet. Personally I like to lie back and admire the fantastic scenery along the way. Below is the awe inspiring Colorado Mountains en-route to Las Vegas. 

   

United airlines also offer a generous reward scheme for frequent flyers. Mileage plus is a great way to accumulate your air miles and redeem them for upgrades, free flights and even meals in the airport. It is currently the worlds most rewarding loyalty programme. We recently used some of our points for wonderful sushi and wine in Newark international airport. A great touch! 

 
For further information on flights and prices click here

To sign up to their newsletter and loyalty scheme click here

Bangkok is a fascinating place. The city never seems to stop. The searing relentless heat and humidity, the terrifying traffic, the never ending network of overhead cables that adorn every street corner or roadside and not forgetting the pungent yet fragment aroma wafting from the street food venders and night markets.  It all combines to make this sprawling Asian metropolis a must see destination when heading East. 

  

The Banyan Tree group of hotels is a well established luxury brand in the East and we opted for one of the tallest hotels in the city. The Banyan Tree Bangkok is a welcoming, luxurious hotel located in the central business district but within easy walking distance of most attractions and markets. Try a tuk tuk for the experience but the taxis are always better value if your tired, worn out feet won’t carry you any further. Don’t forget to barter with everyone, taxis included! 

The hotel rooms are large with fantastic uninterrupted views across the city skyline. Our room had a large expansive bathroom with separate power shower and deep soak tub. We also had a large work area alongside the lounge though we thought it was a space that could be better utilised. Both rooms have floor to ceiling windows to allow you to soak up the vista outside.

   
 The welcoming roof top pool was needed most days after exploring the city streets. At anytime of the day or evening, the small private pool area was never busy or over crowded and had good attentive staff on hand when you needed your next Singapore Sling! Being twenty one floors up there was always a breeze, which was a welcome contrast to the still, hot air on the streets below. The beautiful spa area and hotel health club is also situated on the same floor though we never tried it. Next time for sure! 

   
 
The hotel has several bars and restaurants. A vast selection of exotic cuisine is on offer. For lunch on our first day we decided to plunge head first into the local cuisine and opted for Saffron, one of the hotels restraunts. After quite sometime deciding on what to try we opted for the dim sum. A mouth watering selection of traditional style small plates arrived. Too many to mention but the fermented egg will always be remembered for sure for a number of reasons. A surprisingly tasty treat! ?

  
Saving the best to last, on our final evening we just had to experience the hotels Moon Bar and Vertigo Lounge high up on the roof top. This is a place definitely not for the faint of heart. Perched high on the 61st floor, this open air restaurant needs to be seen to be believed. While waiting for our table to be prepared, we sat in awe of the glittering skyline line while imbibing in a master crafted apperatif. (Selected from a backlit menu, no less!)

  
  
Once our table was ready, we were ushered to our seat and with the help of our attentive waiter, we made our selections. The exotic choices on offer were enticing to say the least but we persevered and settled on foie gras and caviar appetisers and mouth watering, succulent blue filet mignon for main. The cheese board was really not needed but it is not everyday you dine in such places! 

If you want to experience Bangkok in all its glory without ever having to relinquish your five star securities then Banyan Tree Bangkok is the place for you.  

For more information click here to visit The Banyan Tree website.

Orlando Florida has long been a favourite for young and old. The sunshine state which it is often referred to, with its year round sunshine  and a plethora of world famous attractions and theme parks makes it a must visit with or without the family! Mum will love the shopping malls and discount outlets, dad will love outdoor world where you can leave him exploring all day and the kids will love Universal Studios and Disney world. There really is something for everyone! The perfect base to explore  Orlando and its attractions is the fabulous Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. When you enter the sprawling complex and lush gardens you feel immediately cocooned in your luxurious surroundings.

   
 
The hotel has an expansive pool complex featuring slides, numerous large pools and bridges and caves interlinking them all. Tucked away under one of the waterfalls is an impressive gym and even a laundry room and games room! If you still have energy left after a full day of parks and shopping then you could take a boat out on the large onsite  boating lake or even a round of golf at the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Not forgetting the Marilyn Monroe spa for some much needed pampering after a hard days shopping. 

When booking be sure to ask for a high floor. The views over to Disney world right next to the hotel, gives you a birds eye view of the nightly fireworks display. A sight you never tire of! You also get the privilege of witnessing some jaw dropping sunsets. We have visited now several times in July. With the high heat of summer, it can bring spectacular thunder storms but they normally clear quickly. This can disrupt the smooth running of the theme parks and its roller coasters however due to the risk of lighting strikes.  Be sure to do your research to see what time of year best suits your needs as the height of summer is super hot. The high humidity could be tough going for some over July and August. We love the heat though so high season is not a problem. It also helps that The Grand Cypress has brilliant air conditioning in all the rooms and public areas. 

   
The hotel rooms are well finished, with large modern bathrooms and good power showers and products. When lying by the pool be sure to head to the pool bar and get yourself a bucket of beers to cool down and try their Buffalo wings, Awesome stuff! 

  
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is located around twenty minutes drive from Orlando international airport. The Hyatt hotel chain also offers a rewarding loyalty scheme. We will be back to see you guys soon!  

For more info about the fabulous Regency Grand Cypress click here

Summers gone and although the sun still shows his face now and then, the colder shortened days and the dreary dark nights are enough to drive you to hibernation. If it wasn’t for the mortgage! Tenerife is a beautiful volcanic island of great contrast, and statistically the third highest volcanic island in the world from ocean floor to mountain top. It is also the highest land point of Spain and the most populated island of Spain too.

Tenerife has an envious climate of sunshine and warmth the year through. With a short flight time of around four to five hours from the UK, and multiple budget airlines offering daily flights year round it really couldn’t be any easier to get away between now and next spring.

We stayed at Sandos San Blas nature resort and Spa. A five star property situated only ten minutes from the airport. The hotel complex is extremely well designed and has numerous pools and bars, several of them adult only. Even though it is a large hotel, the design and layout of it makes it never feel crowded.  Making this the perfect getaway for just the two us. Set into a hillside which leads you gently down to the waters edge, you can wander over the cliff path to the local harbour only minutes away for some Spanish wine and tapas, or stay onsite with the all inclusive option and enjoy the delights that are being served in the San Blas onsite eateries. Both offering fresh fish and a wide selection of traditional and European dishes daily.

Click here for more information on Sandos San Blas Hotel 

The hotel resort has numerous sporting activities if the notion takes you. Try the onsite golf, canoeing in the boating lake next to the hotel itself, or tennis and basketball. On several afternoons we followed one of the walking trails through the nature reserve and discovered some of the hidden delights dotted throughout ?

The hotel offers large modern rooms with spacious balconies mostly offering sea views. Check out the funky glass wall through to the luxurious double bathroom and jacuzzi tub! The hotel offers nightly entertainment if after tea you still have energy left to get up and dance! We loved the option of just chilling out by the adult pool ( which was heated in the winter ) and enjoying a few G & T’s in the sunshine before heading for dinner and a bottle of wine. Sometimes it’s the simple things! Excellent staff, spotlessly clean and luxurious surroundings and not costing the earth, Sandos San Blas nature Resort is hard to beat ❤️

For more information about the resort click here 
For flights and prices to Tenerife from the UK & Ireland click here

  
Wether it be a pampering weekend away for two, or a Christmas gift for mum or grandma, a luxury spa weekend is a popular choice for a weekend break or birthday treat to each other. There is an increasing number of luxury spas in Ireland, secluded, professional and offering world class treatments and facilities. We are currently visiting a hand picked selection of Luxury spa hotels throuout Ireland and will be revealing our top ten must visit locations soon so stay tuned for the big reveal as well as special offers…

 Las Vegas, Nevada. It surly is on everyone’s bucket list right?! If you crave the quiet life, or a restful trip away to recharge the batteries then Vegas at new year is not for you – or anytime for that matter! Las Vegas, or sin city as it is often referred to, is Disney for grown ups. You want it, you got it! From flying a jet fighter and driving tanks, to shooting machine guns out of helicopters. There is something for everyone in this desert city.  

If like us, you are thinking about New Year in Vegas, book well in advance and be prepared for one crazy busy city! The complete strip is closed to traffic from early New Year’s Eve in preparation for the descending masses to have one hell of a celebration. Hundreds of thousands of party ready people converse on the strip from late morning and many are still there at breakfast time the next day! Practically every hotel has amazing firework shows shooting off the roof top when the midnight hour strikes.  A deafening crescendo and a spectacle that you would of course only expect in Las Vegas. 

   

We stayed in the MGM grand, a great location for exploring all of the hotels, with many of them linked by a free mono rail or underground shopping centres. In high season, the latter is a great way to avoid the blistering desert heat. The MGM also gives you a great vantage point to see the fireworks. Wether you are a gambler or just enjoy a flutter, you have to try your luck at one of the many casinos. Sit down, scope out your surroundings and within minutes you will have a complimentary drink or two in hand! We witnessed ladies well in their eighties at five in the morning drinking, smoking, gambling and generally having a bloody good time. Never mind New York, this city nor it’s temporary residents apparently never sleeps! 

For prices and more info on the MGM Grand hotel click here 

 Practically every hotel in Vegas is themed and on a massive scale. To name a few, New York New York hotel has a skyline that many city’s would be envious of. Not being enough of course, there’s a roller coaster that winds its way around the facade and in through the casino. Try it, it’s not for the faint hearted! But be prepared for lengthy queues around new year.  

Then there is Excalibur. A medieval themed castle inspired hotel. Standing In front of these massive hotels is incredible. The scale, the detail, the planning to build them! Cross the bridge and moat to enter this dream world.

Caesars palace is one of the most famous ones, and this too is on a colossal scale. All hotels offer buffets at breakfast lunch and dinner. Caesars is at the upper end of the buffet market, but worth the extra few bucks. An experience in itself, you have to try it at least once. Most buffets are around 25-50 dollars per person. Leave the diet at home though, you have been warned!
  
The Luxor hotel is another heavily themed hotel on the strip. It’s iconic Egyptian pyramid shape is hugely imposing as you approach it, especially with the grand matching Sphinx outside it. Every little detail is thought of when designing these hotels. The Venetian is another beautiful example of this, with its sculpted ceilings, ornate decorations, and gold leafed paintings. You can even hop on a gondola and be taken through its many canals that meander past Venetian style eateries and coffee shops. Seeing is believing! A total feast for your senses. You would swear you were outside what with the light and detailing of the ever changing painted sky above you. 

  
   

From household names in concert nightly, to Broadway shows and entertainment. There is something to keep everyone entertained twenty four hours each day. We opted to see Celine Dion in concert in the purpose built Colosseum in Ceasars Palace. A magical evening and given the scale of the place, a personal experience too. The MGM had KA by Cirque De Soleil. A jaw dropping performance of breath taking acrobatics and dancing on a unimaginable scale. The stage constantly twists, tilts and the dancers leap and jump hundreds of feet at times.  On paper it sounds different from most shows with not a spoken word, but to see it is to love it. An absolute  must when in Vegas! Seeing the spectacular theatre is worth the ticket price alone. 

Click here to learn more about current shows in Las Vegas 

   
   
A holiday to Las Vegas would not be complete without a helicopter trip into the Awe inspiring wonder which is the Grand Canyon. To put this place in scale, the Grand Canyon is roughly the length of the entire island of Ireland! We were collected super early on the morning of our helicopter trip to this wonderous place. The forty minute flight lowered us down into the canyon just as the sun was rising, magical!  We were then immediately placed into a boat for a leisurely sight seeing trip up the Colorado river.

   

  
 
 Hundreds if not thousands of clicks of the camera shutter later, we disembarked and flew on further to experience the knee trembling Sky bridge. Opened in 2007, this feat of engineering is a horse shoe shaped cantilever glass bridge positioned on the west edge of the main canyon. 

The locals are very protective of this unique and terrifying attraction. So much so in fact that you must take of all footwear and put on protective covers for your feet to ensure that the glass floor is not damaged or marked in anyway. It’s somewhat reassuring given the fact that you are suspended nearly eight hundred feet out over the spectacular Grand Canyon. I have no problem in admitting I was absolutely petrified but managed to make my way round it. Albeit without letting go of the handrail for more than a few seconds. If there was a bar nearby I would have headed straight for it upon leaving to steady the trembling nerves and white knuckles.  See the picture below to get an idea of the crazily scary Yet fantastic Sky Bridge.

Click here to learn more about the fantastic Sky Bridge 

Tip – not all helicopter rides to the canyon visit the west ridge so if you wish to experience the sheer terror of walking 800 ft out over the canyon on a glass floor, be sure to check with your tour company to avoid being dissaopointed. 

  
The sheer scale of this place is difficult to describe. Do not go to Las Vegas without seeing the Grand Canyon. You will not regret it for sure. A once in a lifetime experience and a day to remember which will not be forgotten in a hurry I promise you. 

For info and prices on Vegas day trips and helicopter flights click here 

If you look closely at the picture below, you will see the clear outline of an eagle in flight in the canyon wall.  The locals call this Eagles Point. Another fantastic spectacle in what is truly one of the worlds greatest wonders. So much to see, and so little time. We will see you soon Vegas! 
 
 
 

Berlin from the end of October every year transforms into a winter wonderland for everyone young and old to enjoy. A city which has a deep and in places dark history. A weekend break can very quickly go by as you wander around the many open air Christmas markets sipping gluevine and munching on bratwurst ( German hot dogs ) before visiting the must see places like the remaining parts of the Berlin wall and check point Charlie to name a few. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped at this famous historic crossing point.

 We stayed in the design hotel Das Stue. Originally an embassy and surrounded by many other beautiful traditional buildings which are still embassies today. This stunning hotel is finished to an exceptionaly high standard throughout. Modern stylish rooms with contemporary art everywhere.  Das Stue backs onto Berlin zoo, infact the cocktail bar has windows behind the bar which backs directly onto the ostrich enclosure. To sit having a cocktail whilst being watched by these huge birds is a strange yet fascinating experience.

   
  Berlin is a large spread out city with several centres so be prepared to walk if you wish to see the historical sites. The numerous Christmas markets are a feast for the senses. The sights, sounds, and smell of the food stalls and the mulled wine being served on every other stall helps to put you firmly in the Christmas spirit – if your not already! Grab a seat in a log cabin and sit and watch everything around you. They also have delights such as real snow rides and slides, even outdoor ice skating if you feel up to it.  Berlin is a fantastic city for a weekend break at anytime of the year but even more so in winter to experiment the festive delights of their markets. 

Click here for more information or to book Das Stue Hotel