TRAVEL
Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network & Travel Editor for River Newspapers Ireland & Lifestyle Northern Ireland Online - www.robertwalshe.com
Home & Away with Robert Walshe The US is to lift a ban on airline passengers using laptops during take-off and landing. The Federal Aviation Authority in the US is to rule that travellers can keep laptops, iPads and electronic readers on during taxi, takeoff and landing because they are safer than had been thought. Research found such gadgets do not interfere with navigation systems and that data used to draw up the ban was from the 1960s when such devices were very different. But mobile phones will still have to be kept switched off as they were not part of the research. A CAA spokesman said many electronic devices, such as electronic readers, do not emit the same electromagnetic interference as mobile phones but added that they need to be sure a plane full of people using such devices doesn’t have a cumulative effect.
Weekend Hotspot– Abadia Reteurta L’Domaine www.ledomaine.es There’s a hideaway for travelers in Spain’s vast countryside that I can only describe as one in a million. Abadia Retuerta L’Domaine ninety minutes from Madrid by car or nearer by fast train is an oasis of tranquillity & style situated in the dramatic landscapes of Castilla y León’s premiere wine producing valley. A converted Premonstratensian abbey surrounded by vineyards, the property is now a luxurious five-star wine estate & boutique hotel. Ancient and of aristocratic origin, the land on which L’Domain now stands was previously owned by the Lord of Valladolid. In the year 1145 his daughter, Doña Mayor, donated the estate and surrounding vineyards to the church, which in turn built the Abbey of Santa Maria de Retuerta. Baroque-Romanesque in
style, it has a classic Benedictine layout of church, cloister, refectory, hospital & chapterhouse. The abbey renovation captures the integrity of 1000 years of history perfectly with the architecture conserved now for future generations to marvel. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Duero Valley, the hotel is the result of an incredible renovation project led by Italian architect Marco Serra. There are 20 bedrooms and two suites overlooking the vines that produce Spain’s leading Abadia Retuerta collection. The interiors include wooden floors, exquisite stone work with bespoke furniture complimenting the origins of the property. Expect totally modern facilities , contemporary fixtures, subtle in-room lighting, sumptuous linens, satellite television, free wireless internet access & large bathrooms cleverly hidden. Le Domain’s lounge is a comfortable retreat for guests to relax by the fireplace while its gym, Buddhist yoga centre and spa treatment room relax the mind and body. The staff anticipate your every need, from offering a refreshing towel and cocktail upon arrival to bottles of mineral water on departure. L’Domaine, is also the only hotel in Spain offering a private butler service. All skilled professionals they cleverly “google” search guest profiles learning as much as possible about preferences, needs and expectations. They also plan and co-ordinate the guest’s entire stay including spa treatments, restaurant bookings, activities on the estate, such as horse riding or visiting the winery and nearby villages. The former refectory now the “ Refectorio” restaurant offers the finest regional flavours paired with estate-produced wines all in the shadow of vaulted ceilings and frescoes. Head
Pet’s Corner...
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L’Domaine.
chef, Pablo Montero, under the expert eye of master chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, has created an irresistible culinary experience with a creative twist. This classic Spanish cuisine is Michelin star in substance & service with an emphasis on local produce and herbs found on the property. My foodie experience consisted of bonemarrow rye toast with onion, white asparagus from Tudelo de Duero seasoned with yolk and chrisantemus followed by sautéed peas with duck tongue and horseradish. The crispy baby lamb with quinoa in its own juice the highlight of the evening. For dessert, grilled strawberries, fresh smoked cream & black tea captured my attention combined with aramelized old style “ torrija “ in mascarpone ice cream. This degustation menu paired alongside the very best wines of the estate was sublime. The Capitular Lounge and Bar offers guests a secluded spot to sip wine or a hibiscus infused gin & tonic reflecting on a day spent admiring one of the finest hotels in the world.
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The La Vinoteca tapas bar is perfect for traditional bites and estate wines and lunchtimes could never of come fast enough! For those looking to experience authentic winemaking, a visit to the Abadia Retuerta winery can be organised by your butler. Guests learn about the Abadia Retuerta vinification process which includes a vineyard tour & tasting. The effect is calming and life-affirming and you appreciate that every aspect of terrain & climate ensures the grapes are perfect for the finished result. A spa will open in mid 2014 and a golf course is in the offing too. Abadia Reteurta L’Domaine summer packages include “ Be
Romantic “ from 437Euros* (GBP377.50) including overnight accommodation in a double room, full butler service, a bottle of champagne, massage treatment for two, romantic dinner in the Refectorio restaurant, rose petal turn down, in-room breakfast and guided tour through the ancient Abbey, There is also “Gourmet Getaway” from j437Euros* (GBP377.50) including double room accommodation, transfer from Valladolid Campo Grande train station , butler service, breakfast at Refectorio, gourmet and special dinner, tapas lunch at Vinoteca or Mediterranean lunch at the Cloister Garden restaurant. For more information and best rates visit www.ledomaine.es. A reminder Aer Lingus fly ten times a week between Dublin and Madrid with early morning & late afternoon departures. Fares
Air travel is showing signs of recovery but fewer companies are splashing out for their employees to fly business class, according to the latest data released by business travel agency Hogg Robinson Group. It claimed air travel bookings were up 3.2% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period of 2012 and the number
with Kathleen Murray
exercise so that the cat is not the target for his energy release or frustration. If you have just gotten a new adult dog and it is showing a tendency towards being aggressive with the family cat then the cat needs to be put into a cage for its own safety and the dog should be put on a lead. The dog needs to learn to ignore the cat. This is very important but will take a little time to achieve. You can practice each day a few times by bring the dog into the room when the cat is in the cage. If the dog ignores the cat then reward it but if it shows “interest” then chastise the dog for that until it stops. There are many ways to chastise a dog… none of them should contain shouting or hitting as part of it. This only slows down the process and may even excite the dog into being even
fine wines.
start from €59.99 one-way including taxes and charges. Visit www.aerlingus.com for more information on fares and schedules.
Home & Away Deal of the Week
If you want to avoid very high temperatures on your holiday this year, and get the most bang for your buck then Crystal Alfresco have just the thing for you. Pack up the family this September and take your pick of a host of destinations such as Spain, Italy and the South of France Depart on 7th September and stay 7 nights, in Languedoc La Brasilia in a 2 bed Rossini mobile, from €238 or stay 7 nights in Altomincio, Lake Garda, in a 2 bed Puccini Riveria mobile, from €359pp (based on a family of 4). Return direct flights and transfers included. www. crystalalfresco.ie
Home and Away Extra
Do cats and dogs really get along together? Cats and dogs can get along really well together if they are brought up properly together. If you have had a cat for a while and then get a young pup there will be some settling in to do. The cat will not like the intrusion and may go away for a while or may be a bit rough with the pup, but if you keep the cat indoors in a cage and let the pup get over its curiosity, by allowing it to sniff the cat without getting injured, then the novelty will wear off very soon and they will be able to co-exist quite peacefully. The pup must always be corrected for getting too “enthusiastic” if it tries to get the cat to run so he can chase it, or is too excitable during any play with the cat. The cat will soon get used to it and then not pay too much attention to the pup after a few days. Make sure that the pup has enough
Living
more aggressive toward the cat. If you have a dog already and then get a new kitten, the kitten has all the rights. It has the right to wander about without being licked, nosed, pawed or whatever else that the dog has in store for it. The dog is the one that needs to be controlled. When the kitten has more confidence and starts to approach the dog itself then things will need to be supervised in case the dog is unsure about how to react. It is very important that the animals are never let alone together until you are certain that they get along. No matter how well your dog and cat get along in their lifetime a strange cat passing by outside will still always be an intruder and something to be chased by your dog… and most likely your cat too.
of UK domestic bookings rose 4.3%. However, business class transactions dropped 14.8%, with the decline particularly acute in Europe. At the same time, economy and low-cost carrier transactions on short-haul destinations rose by 1% and 4% respectively, suggesting a widespread shift in travel policy on these routes.