Qatar Airways has long impressed us as a fantastic choice for our customers flying to Asia thanks to its excellent in-flight service. In 2022 alone, Qatar Airways was voted Skytrax Airline of the Year (based on traveller feedback) for a record seventh time, as well as receiving the awards for Best Business Class, Best Airline in the Middle East and Best Business Class Airline Lounge Dining.
Qatar Airways Economy seats are some of the industry’s widest and come with soft blankets for a comfortable sleep. The award-winning cabin crew serve food devised by world-class chefs and exclusive wines from an à la carte menu, and you can pick from 4,000+ entertainment options on Oryx One, including the latest blockbuster movies, TV shows, games and music, accompanied by movie snacks. Families also get in-flight activity packs, and personalised kids’ lunch boxes can be ordered in advance. WiFi is available to those who want to stay connected.
Business Class on Qatar Airways means a roomier cabin, reclining seats with direct aisle access, exclusive Diptyque amenity kits and The White Company loungewear. Each seat has a spacious dining area for enjoying your in-flight fare, which includes a sumptuous afternoon tea. There’s also advanced LED lighting to help you adjust to changing time zones and arrive more refreshed. Some routes also feature Qsuites with lie-flat beds and the option for groups of four to transform their space into private ‘quad’ for dining or socialising.
All First Class seats convert into an ultra-comfortable fully lie-flat bed and in addition to Business Class offerings add exclusive treats such as an Osciettra caviar service on handcrafted Italian crystal.
Qatar Airways lounges at Hamad International rival five-star hotels for facilities and amenities. The Al Mourjan Business Lounge offers à la carte and buffet dining in an elegant Arabian ambience: choose from Continental and Eastern brasseries, a global deli and a patisserie. There are also showers, quiet rooms for napping, family rooms, business services and a games room featuring a Formula 1 simulator and a play area for very young kids.
Or inspired by Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art (it features works loaned by the venue), the Al Safwa First Lounge offers global and Arabic-infused cuisines and premium drinks, a sleek spa with a Jacuzzi, a full business centre, a cinematic media room and a family area.
Now trending after the easing of restrictions, this tropical island is always a delight, whether you come for the culture, the landscapes, the wellbeing resorts or water sports including surfing, snorkelling, sailing and windsurfing – or a mixture of some or all of these. Jimberan Bay is famed for its blissful sunsets while the creative hub of Ubud beckons with its museums, galleries and creative community of painters, dancers, musicians and weavers. Don’t miss a traditional Balinese dance performance or shadow puppet play.
This province of the country’s Central Visayas region has a unique cultural mix that sets it apart in the country, as seen in its traditional dances, its art, its highly spirited Sinulog Festival and its religious observances. Head to Cebu City and you’ll see 16th-century Spanish colonial landmarks, while the province as a whole (made up of Cebu Island and more than 150 surrounding islands and islets) also offers up tropical beaches and stunning coral reefs to investigate.
The country’s atmospheric capital blends southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. It's French Quarter is a particularly compelling spot to explore, with a mix of colonial buildings, temples, markets, art galleries and boutiques. Another must-see is the frenetic Old Quarter with its temples and Đồng Xuân Market. Hanoi is also a good base for visiting Hạ Long Bay, where rainforest-clad limestone islands tower above emerald waters popular for junk boat tours and sea kayaking.
The country’s largest island is well loved for its luxury resorts, lively nightlife and beach clubs, and fascinating culture and cuisine as evidenced everywhere from its temples to its street markets. When you can tear yourself away from the gorgeous beaches, head for magnificent local dive sites, check out a wildlife sanctuary or wander around Phuket Town with its museums, shrines, Sino-Portuguese mansions and shophouses, and moreish Peranakan cuisine.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Discover a slice of paradise that’s perfect for everyone at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort. Nestled on Portugal's serene Algarve coast, this resort offers the ultimate combination of luxury and entertainment, ensuring both kids and adults have an unforgettable stay. With spacious accommodation overlooking picturesque scenes and separate zones catering to privacy, relaxation, and family fun, Anantara Vilamoura is the epitome of a luxury haven.
Explore the USA with Aer Lingus with seasonal flights from Dublin. Experience the hustle and bustle of New York, the sandy beaches of Miami, or the art and culture of San Francisco. Whether you are looking for a fun-filled family holiday or a romantic getaway, the USA has something for everyone.