The suites were judged on their privacy, individuality, location and unique design. The final selection was made by Elite Traveller's editors and a roving team of celebrities including Roger Federer and Kim Cattrall. Ocean View, the only Irish entry, was praised for its traditional arts and antiques, and described as "a refuge of rare, lowkey luxury".

Call 065 9055600 or email reservations@doonbeggolfclub. com if you'd like to experience it for yourself.

Thai high

Southeast Asia continues to be one of the preferred destinations for Irish travellers and it doesn't take a lot to figure out why . . . glorious weather, cheap shopping, hectic nightlife, unspoilt beaches. You get the general idea.

Gohop. ie has a number of really good deals at the moment such as a package to the five-star Anantara Resort and Spa in Koh Samui. The price ( 1,553 per person, including tax) includes return nights ex Dublin and seven nights B&B in a deluxe garden-view room on a fantastically beautiful island, only an hour's flight from the capital Bangkok.

If partying is more your thing, try out the package to the five-star Zealova on Koh Phi-Phi. It includes flights and seven nights' B&B in a village suite.

Check out the excellent nightlife, and then take it handy and relax with some snorkelling in the stunning aquamarine waters. Price ,1878 pp, including tax. Visit www. gohop. ie for more information.

A glimpse of sunlight We love a bargain but at this point we'd pay through the nose just to feel a little bit of sun on our face, or even some hot sand between our toes. We're failing faint just thinking about it.

And actually, getting a blast of some necessary Vitamin D needn't be exorbitant because Panomora's winter sale has some extremely tempting offers. There's a week in Lanzarote for 319pps; a week in Fuerteventura at the Corralejo resort for 437pps; a week in the very popular Corona Blanca Apartments in Gran Canaria from 465pps and a week in an apartment in Fuchal, Madeira from 376 pps.

The prices include flights, transfers, accommodation and there's a five per cent discount when you book online at www. panoramaholidays. ie.

A true taste of Spain

It's a sad fact of life that the paella and glass of rioja you enjoyed on your holidays never, ever tastes the same when you try to recreate the experience at home, no matter how authentic your ingredients.

However, A Late Dinner: Discovering the Food of Spain by Paul Richardson will bring back the culinary experience of the country, in glorious technicolour, for its many Irish visitors.

From the molecular gastronomy of Ferran Adria of El Bulli to traditional dishes from the coast to the mountains, taking in the great cities of Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastian, this is both food and travel writing at its best. Out now from Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.