Travel tips: Luxury apartments in Rome
If you like the luxury of a hotel but prefer the space of self-catering, take a look at Onefinestay’s new Rome portfolio.
Already renting out private homes with hotel linen in Paris, New York, LA and London, the company has opened bookings in a dozen or so properties for stays from June onwards (onefinestay.com). For instance, the one-bedroom Via di San Martino ai Monti has its own Juliet balcony, is five minutes from the Colosseum and costs from £175 a night.
Easter travel delays
Making Easter flight delays more bearable, the insurance company Columbus Direct (columbusdirect.com) has cut the time limit to use a complimentary airport lounge in the event of an announced delay from two hours to one hour. The limit applies to those with the company’s insurance travelling from March 24 to April 2 in more than 100 countries, but you must register flight details with Columbus.
Battle of the mega-yachts
The top end of the cruising market is battling it out to see which new ship can carry the most “toys’. After the luxury river-cruise company Scenic revealed plans earlier this year for an ocean cruiser with two helicopters and on-board submarine, Crystal (crystalcruises.co.uk) has announced plans for a ship with two helicopters and two seven-person submarines. The 200-berth Crystal Endeavor also comes with boats, jet skis, and a decompression chamber. Both ships are equipped to explore the polar regions, and both launch in 2018. Crystal entered the yacht market last year with the 62-guest Crystal Esprit — with one on-board submarine for two passengers.
New flights to Croatia’s Kvarner region
For a long weekend with a difference, head to Croatia’s island of Krk. In June, Ryanair is starting flights to Rijeka airport on Krk that leave Stansted at 11.50am on Saturday, returning on Tuesday at 5.55pm, leaving plenty of time to explore the Kvarner hinterland on foot or bicycle. Flights cost from £75 return. More information on kvarner.hr.