NEWS
Bedtime Tales: This month, The Kensington Hotel (above) in London celebrates all things Beatrix Potter, in honour of the beloved children's author's 150th anniversary. The elegant 4-star has partnered with the V&A Museum, home of the world's largest collection of Potter's drawings, to offer families a fairytale weekend away. The Family Package is made especially with little ones in mind, with a cuddly Peter Rabbit, a special teepee bed and milk and cookies before bedtime for every child who stays. From €400 per night, see doylecollection.com for details.
Boom Business: China has now surpassed the US as the largest business travel market in the world, ringing up $291 billion last year, according to a report by Global Business Travel Assn. The surge has been credited to China's investment in travel infrastructure. More international services are expected to expand in China, including Hertz Car Group and Hilton Resorts and Hotels.
Fee Flyers: Ryanair has announced a new fee for children from September 1st. Adults travelling with children under the age of 12 will have to purchase a reserved seat, which costs €8 per flight. The change is to ensure families with small children are seated together.
LAST OF THE SUNSHINE
Rustic charm in Puglia: The region's newest boutique hideaway, Masseria Trapana (below), is the perfect place to catch the last of summertime's rays. Relax in the epitome of rustic, Italian hospitality on the 100-year-old grounds. Stay from €420 during September; Trapana.com
Sweeping views in Zurich: Overlooking the Limmat River, Lake Zurich and the Alps, Baur Au Lac hotel offers guests a truly restorative escape with an injection of sunshine and Swiss air. Stay from €1,593; bauraulac.ch
Ocean-side chic in Dubrovnik: Straddling the Adriatic and the Old Town, the five-star Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik is as luxurious a getaway as you'll experience. Stay for a week from €2,277 for two; adriaticluxuryhotels.com
WINNING WEEKEND: The award-winning Glenlo Abbey, just outside Galway city, takes the gold for us this month. The exceptional 5-star is a cut above when it comes to service, delicious, local produce and one-off experiences, and this month the hotel offers guests an activity-themed package. Choose from an archery and falconry with renowned expert Jergan Hick in the walled garden, take to The Corrib on a boating day out or play golf on the estate's 9-hole course. You'll even receive a medal and certificate for your efforts. Stay for two nights, with breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening in the Pullman Restaurant, plus an activity from €349 per person sharing; glenloabbeyhotel.ie
GET 'APPY
LuckyTrip: Finds the cheapest flights and best rates on places to stay in over 300 destinations worldwide, and picks fun things to do when you get there. Available on the app store. luckytrip.co.uk
DEALS
West Cork: Improve your photography at Toe Head with photographer Celia Bartlett. Four days from €590pp with meals, tuition, whale watching; westcorkphotographybreaks.com
Iceland: Use the code WOWKIDS for a 25% discount on flights to Iceland for children if booked by August 15th. Valid for travel up to January 31, over the Northern Lights season; wowair.com
Sunny September: Grab a week in the sun incl. flights – Algarve from €256pp, Costa del Sol from €299pp, Tenerife from €305pp, Lanzarote from €335pp; 01-9010175; bluesseaholidays.ie
