Ikos Resorts expands its Mediterranean footprint, with Ikos Kassandra, the first Ikos Grand Resort Ikos Resorts, the leading owner-operator of luxury beach resorts in the Mediterranean, announces the acquisition of Athos Palace, Pallini Beach, and Theophano Imperial in Kassandra, Halkidiki, Greece. With a total strategic investment in excess of €400 million, Ikos Resorts will fully redevelop the three properties to transform the site into Ikos Kassandra, the first Ikos Grand Resort, setting another global benchmark for all-inclusive luxury tourism. Scheduled to open in April 2029, Ikos Kassandra will be the most expansive Ikos property to date, offering a stunning suite…

Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre, a thoughtfully designed lifestyle hotel with wellbeing at its core, is expected to be the brand’s first hotel to open outside of the United States. Hilton today announced the signing of Tempo by Hilton Belfast City Centre, as part of a franchise agreement with Loughview Leisure Group. This marks the brand’s international debut, following its successful launch in the United States. The hotel will join a global portfolio of 56 hotels trading and pipeline, with further openings planned for 2025 in San Diego, California, Nashville, Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The signing reinforces Hilton’s…

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announce expansion for Winter 25/26 from Belfast International Airport – More flights and holidays on sale to Winter Sun destinations from Belfast International Airport Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have responded to continued demand for flights and holidays for Winter 25/26, by announcing an expansion across their Winter Sun programme from Belfast International Airport. Today’s announcement means additional seats have gone on sale for Winter 25/26 from Belfast International Airport, giving customers and independent travel agents plenty of choice and flexibility when it comes to getting away next winter. The expansion has seen the leading leisure airline and UK’s…

Vietnam Airlines announces summer 2025 and winter 2025/26 schedules from Heathrow Flag carrier’s nonstop services from London Heathrow to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City will operate five times weekly this summer*, returning to daily flights from 26 October 2025 Vietnam Airlines has announced its summer 2025 and winter 2025-26 schedules from London Heathrow. The APEX five-star-rated airline will operate three nonstop flights per week to Hanoi and two per week to Ho Chi Minh City from 28 April, before returning to daily flight frequencies from 26 October 2025 – all on next-gen Boeing B787-9 Dreamliners. The national flag carrier will also…

Beyond Room Service: How Hotel Restaurants are becoming Culinary Destinations In 2025, luxury hospitality is witnessing a dynamic shift as hotel restaurants emerge as premier dining destinations in their own right. As travellers seek more than just accommodation, these culinary havens are setting new standards in gastronomy, blending innovation, authenticity, and a true sense of place. UK & Ireland* A Rhubarb Renaissance at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh Found within one of Edinburgh’s most magnificent historic estates, Prestonfield House’sRhubarb Restaurant is transforming Scotland’s luxury dining landscape. This opulent establishment, the centrepiece in James Thomson’s restaurant collection, is rapidly emerging as a must-visit…

National Paella Day Thursday 27th March 2025 Jet away to one of Spain’s many gems and sample its much-loved national dish The UK’s largest tour operator has a range of package holidays to Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Ibiza and Costa Blanca this summer This National Paella Day, Jet2holidays is serving up its ultimate guide to Spain, inspiring holidaymakers to jet away and sample the authentic dish for themselves. Known for its saffron-infused flavours, paella combines rice, vegetables, meats and seafood, with many choosing to put their own secret stamp on the hearty pan-cooked dish. Originally made by farmers in Spain using…

Discover Poreč: A Hidden Gem on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula Tucked away on Croatia’s dazzling Istrian Peninsula, the coastal town of Poreč remains one of the country’s most charming, yet lesser-known destinations. While its beauty and rich cultural heritage have long been admired by those in the know, Poreč is poised to emerge as a must-visit gem for travellers seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic Croatian experiences. With its origins dating back over 2,000 years, Poreč offers visitors a unique chance to step back in time. The town’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to…

E-Bike Vacations in Sustainable Hotels: An Eco-Friendly Way to Travel More and More People are using E-Bikes on Vacation According to this study by the Tourism Network Brandenburg, the e-bike has established itself as a means of transportation for vacation trips. About 29% of the respondents said that they had used an e-bike during their last vacation. More and more travelers are recognizing the advantages of the electric bike and see it as a comfortable way to explore unknown areas. Above all, they appreciate the flexibility and comfort that electric bikes offer. They make it possible for less experienced cyclists…

Ballygally Castle Hotel Celebrates 400 Years To celebrate 400 years of Ballygally Castle, the leading hotel has announced that it is due to complete a £400,000 investment programme later this month. This is ahead of a programme of events and festivities set to take place throughout 2025. Included in the most recent investment from Hastings Hotels, is the renovation of 18 Coastal Rooms and the Antrim Suite, including new carpets from Ulster Carpets and fabrics and furnishings throughout. The castle’s private dining space, the 1625 Room, has been renovated, and the lounge furniture has been upgraded. Ballygally Castle was built…

Boasting crowd free picture-perfect beaches, lush interior landscapes and fascinating Polynesian history and culture, the Cook Islands is a bucket list destination for many. Below are just some of the reasons to choose the Cook Islands as a holiday destination in 2025 and beyond. The Cook Islands will celebrate its 60th anniversary of self-government in 2025 The Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance will be celebrated during the Te Maeva Nui festival which takes place over the last week of July ending on the 4th August. Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown declared the theme for the country’s milestone…