Room with a Kelly’s eye view
The last phase of the multimillion-euro refurbishment at The Shelbourne hotel by renowned London design agency Oliver Laws is complete, rounding off with the announcement of the newly refurbished Presidential Suite, The Princess Grace. The suite is the best room available in the hotel, a two-bedroom palace complete with antique dining table, over-mantle mirrors, elegant French chairs and exquisite Waterford Crystal chandeliers. To celebrate, the hotel has announced an exclusive overnight stay in the suite with champagne on arrival, unpacking and packing of luggage, butler service, breakfast for all guests, complimentary return Dublin Airport transfers, and complimentary newspapers, valet parking, internet access and daily amenities, from €7,500 per night for up to four guests. See theshelbourne.ie.
A spin in the Wild
The first Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif is underway from now until September 29th, featuring 17 stages spanning over 2,000km of Irish coastline. This is the first of its kind to take place in Ireland, visiting nine counties from Cork to Donegal. Although the Sportif began in Kinsale on September 13th, cyclists can register at any stage up to the day before. Spin your way through Valentia and Achill Island, past eight lighthouses, and five classic climbs including Sheep's Head and the Beara Peninsula. To sign up, see wildatlanticwaycyclesportif.ie.
Online shopping pal
For those who love their American sweaters or Korean beauty products, An Post has created a new service to allow customers ship their favourite items straight to Ireland. AddressPal creates a proxy address for the delivery of online shopping from the UK, US and beyond, enabling purchases from websites that don't typically deliver to Ireland. For more see addresspal.ie.
Escape to an exhibition
Paris Celebrate 70 years of Dior at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, then stay at the Peninsula for five-star Parisian hospitality. Room rates start from €950; paris.peninsula.com.
Milan
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of opera singer extraordinaire Maria Callas' s death, the La Scala Theatre Museum hosts a series of events and exhibitions, from now until January 31st. Stay at Baglioni Hotel Carlton from €300 per night B&B; baglionihotels.com.
Cork
The Quay Co-op on Sullivan's Quay plays host to a photographic exhibition of Cork and London-based photographer Síomha Callanan until the end of September. Base yourself at the Imperial Hotel for two nights B&B, dinner on one evening and lunch on one day, plus an Aveda Spa gift for €385 per person sharing; flynnhotels.com.
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Venice
Venice is one of the most tourist-heavy destinations in the world, so finding an intimate stay in the city is just the trick. Try the Cima Rosa Venezia, a boutique bed & breakfast on the canal, that looks and feels like a wealthy merchant's home. Choose from one of five rooms, three which offer views of the Grand Canal, and use it as a base to taste some of the most beloved local cuisines at Zucca, Muro Pizza, and Da Fiore. The Natural History, Prada Foundation and Mocenigo museums are on its doorstep and the decadent, old-world decor makes this an escape from the bustle of the city. Hosts Brittany and Valentina will go above and beyond to ensure your stay is a perfect one. Stay in an Elegant suite from €325, or a Grand Canal double room from €255; cimarosavenezia.com.
Beijing and Xi'an
Explore the wonders of China on an eight-day trip at the end of March, staying in Beijing and visiting all the sights, then taking the bullet train to Xi'an, to see the Terracotta warriors, prices from €1,599pps, slatterys.com, 066-4011150.
Murder on the Orient Express
Have dinner in one of the original carriages which is now at Glenlo Abbey, Galway. An overnight stay with dinner, B&B and the movie screening will cost from €289 per room, glenloabbeyhotel.ie 091-519600.
Vilamoura Villas
Nice range of villas to rent in October in the Algarve, sleeping four to eight from €600-€950 per week; holidayshomesdirect.ie.
