Travel Bag: A discount break at The Shelbourne

Pardon Package

From January 1st to April 5th, The Shelbourne Hotel on Dublin's St Stephens Green will be completing the final phase in a multimillion euro refurbishment project. As guests will be welcomed through an alternative entrance and The Horseshoe Bar and The Lord Mayors lounge will be closed during this time, the hotel is offering a special package to those who want to stay at the five-star amid the final works. The Pardon Our Appearance package includes an overnight stay with complimentary overnight parking, a bottle of house wine on arrival and full Irish breakfast served in The Saddle Room from €289 per room. Visit marriot.com for bookings.

Grand celebrations

This February 26th the Grand Canyon National Park celebrates its 100th anniversary and to celebrate American Sky is offering a selection of holidays and experiences of the spectacular natural phenomenon. Take their circular route from Las Vegas through several national parks to the Grand Canyon from €1,099 per person between January and March based on two sharing on a room-only basis with car hire and return flights from Dublin. Visit americansky.ie for more.

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Tastes of Tuscany

Tuscany's boutique residence Fontelunga Hotel and Villas is offering masterclasses to budding chefs this year. With private wine-tasting sessions and truffle-foraging excursions, fabulous guest dinner parties twice a week and classes on all the Italian classics, a stay here is a sure fire way to get your 2019 off to a delicious beginning. Cooking classes available from €170 per person and rooms start at €175 at fontelunga.com.

Malta Memories

Start your new year right with an island escape to the Corinthia Hotel St George's Bay, Malta. The hotel's Apollo Spa offers a variety of treatments from reinvigorating scrubs and wraps to Ayurvedic and reflexology massages and facial treatments, with a sauna, indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Their new spa break includes a 90-minute Elemis Exotic Body Glow spa treatment, a full body Lime & Ginger exfoliation, Exotic Cream Moisturising Face Mask and a soothing body massage, plus overnight accommodation, breakfast and late check out from €206 per night with a two-night minimum. For more visit corinthia.com.