Venetian chic
Francesca Bortolotto Possati, owner of the iconic Bauer hotels, releases her ode to the sinking city next month in the form of Venetian Chic, a beautifully illustrated tome and guide. The book, with photography by Robyn Lea, is an intimate exploration of the Italian city, from gondola rides to secret gardens, discovering restaurants, markets, and artisan shops along the way. For inspiration, or the optimum insider's guide to Venice, look no further. Venetian Chic by Francesca Bortolotto Possati (Assouline, €63) is released in February.
Finnair expands service
Finnair has announced a new schedule which vastly extends its Dublin service this year. Additional weekly frequencies include a fifth weekly flight to Reykjavik on Wednesdays between May 31st and August 11th, an additional daily flight on weekdays to Copenhagen, a daily frequency to Warsaw for the peak summer season, and the extension of the Saturday flight to Alanya-Gazipasa, Turkey, until the middle of December. See finnair.com.
Park life in Canada
In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday this year, all of Canada’s diverse national parks will open their gates for free to visitors. The Discovery Passes will give tourists and locals alike access to 171 national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites. To get your free pass and find out more see pc.gc.ca.
Check In: Liveable lighthouses
Galley Head
Perched on the dramatic cliffs overlooking St George’s Channel, the lighthouse and cottages here offer unparalleled views in a relaxed and homely stay. See irishlandmark.com for bookings.
Stoer Head
Just north of Lochinver in north west Scotland, Stoer Lighthouse and its apartments are as romantic and cosy a stay you'll find. The light still shines here at night, but it only adds to the atmosphere. See visitscotland.com.
Harlingen
Overlooking the Wadden Sea in the Netherlands, the lighthouse of Harlingen is now an exclusive hotel with single suites, on three levels. The bedrooms offer panoramic views but the real excitement is at the top floor, where a small table for two serves breakfast each morning. havenkraan.nl.
Get Appy: Cool Cousin
This app connects you with like-minded locals across 12 cities who will help you design your perfect holiday and even guide you themselves if you’re so inclined. Available at The App Store. See coolcousin.com.
Burren Break
Gregans Castle Hotel in Co Clare is offering guests an escape to the Burren with their latest package. Cosy up in the family-run luxury retreat, an 18th century manor house set in its own established and lovingly-attended gardens, for two nights with two full Irish breakfasts, and a gourmet dinner cooked by chef David Hurley on one evening, from €259 per night from February 17th-March 24th. The cosy fireplaces here are the best welcome home after exploring the stunning natural settings right at your doorstep. For bookings, see irelands-blue-book.ie.
