The original Twelve Pins hotel opened in the 1800s and this latest incarnation retains a certain sense of tradition with the necessary modern add-ons of a spa, and even an onsite bakery. The hotel is offering a special introductory rate of ¤112 per room per night from 28 February to 30 April and ¤172 for one of the suites. Check it out before it becomes prohibitively fashionable.

The gourmet getaway »KING OF THE CASTLE Glenapp Castle, a five-star hotel in Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, is now the eighth Scottish restaurant to win a Michelin star. Local, seasonal produce is key to chef Matt Weedon's success but, food aside, it's a magnificent establishment with 17 rooms and suites looking out over Ailsa Craig and the Irish Sea. The castle is open to non-resident diners from 27 March until December. Call 0044 1465-831212; email info@glenappcastle. com

The indie option » TRY SOMETHING NEW Travel broadens the mind but not necessarily if you choose the usual tourist destinations.

The new Slattery's Escorted Tours brochure covers far-flung destinations from the six continents. Take a 15-day Antarctic cruise, which starts in Buenos Aires and includes a helicopter trip over King George Island. Or a nine-day trip to Peru, combining historical sites with local culture and the option to add in a twonight jungle trip. For more visit www. slatterys. com; 1890 200 625.

The tropical break »ALOHA HAWAII!

To get over her recent break up with Justin Timberlake, Cameron Diaz hit Hawaii with hot surfer, Kelly Slater.

Slater isn't a likely hope for most of us but Hawaii certainly is with new deals from Aloha Holidays. For ¤1295, plus taxes, you get one week's B&B in Waikiki boutique hotel, including air fares from Dublin, Cork or Shannon. The offer is valid from 12 March to 7 June and again from 19 August to 27 November. The hotel is only a few minutes walk from Waikiki beach and is right beside the main shopping area, and all the rooms come with queen beds and private lanai.

Tel 01 210 8391 or visit www. aloha-holidays. ie

Cabin cream » VANITY CASE ESSENTIAL Recycled air in cabins is incredibly drying, which is why most of us look rubbish when we travel long haul. Prescriptives have updated their cult product, Flight Cream, to Super Flight Cream, with all the benefits of the original and new add-ons to ensure the plumpest, most glowing skin following a flight. Also good to pack if you're going skiing.