Departure Lounge: Discover Guatemala, the gateway to Central America

Guatemala: rich in ancient history
Ready for your next adventure off the beaten path? How about Guatemala, the Central American country where you’ll find mesmerising new places to discover.
Rich in ancient history, splendid landscapes, and 24 indigenous cultures, it’s the ideal destination to explore Mayan ruins, active volcanoes (there are 37!) and lush rainforests.
Trekking, paddleboarding on Lake Atitlán, and exploring the Lost Mayan City of Tikal in the Petén jungle are just some of the reasons we’re dying to visit.

At Examiner Escapes, we love to hear of hotels offering creative breaks that stray from the norm.
Top of our list this week is the charming family-run Station House Hotel in Co Meath, with Midweek Departures, a new series of midweek escapes offering rest, creativity and good food.
Taking place on selected Wednesdays throughout the summer, there’s Swainstown Farm to Fork Experience (July 16), with a workshop and farm tour, Landscaping & Gardening Workshop with resident landscaper Martin Faga (August 6) and Wine Tasting: with winemaker Simon Tyrell, Matthew Tindal of Tindal Wines and Alessandro Orsi, sommelier at The Station House Hotel (August 13).
One night package from €190 including breakfast, a light lunch or cream tea on arrival, the afternoon workshop and dinner in the Signal Restaurant.
Extend with a Tuesday and Wednesday stay, from €290 per person sharing.

The new MS Riviera Radiance set sail on its maiden voyage on June 9, along the majestic Danube river.
At 135 metres long, it’s an impressive looking ship, with state-of-the-art facilities and Riviera Travel’s biggest suites.
Think rain showers, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, balconies, and refined furnishings.
The Riviera Radiance’s luxurious attractions include a sundeck with plunge pool, sun loungers, and shaded areas, a spa and wellness area and gym. Upcoming itineraries include Portuguese sailings.

Forgive me for mentioning Christmas in the middle of summer, but those looking for some festive fun might feel like snapping up this sunny December break in Lanzarote.
The 10-night break spans Christmas and New Year’s Eve on the Costa Teguise, staying in the THB Flora and includes return flights from Dublin on December 22, 10kg cabin bag, return transfers, and 10 nights in a three-star hotel, flying home on New Year’s Day.
From €1,699 per person, based on two sharing.

This week Emirates unveiled its new Premium Economy cabins on the Dublin-Dubai route, which flies twice daily.
Retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft offer an upgraded experience with connections via Dubai to over 140 destinations.
The only airline operating a choice of four seat classes from Dublin, Emirates’ new Premium Economy cabin looks super swanky.
With 24 spacious cream leather seats there’s a generous seat pitch of 40 inches and cushioned leg rest.
Other perks include a six-way adjustable headrest, complimentary amenity kit, meals served on china, a glass of sparkling Chandon, and spacious woodgrain tables.
Single fares from €875.78.