First sustainable hotel opens in Cambodia

NEWS

Eco first 

A Cambodian hotel is the first to be internationally recognised as sustainable. Located three hours from Phnom Penh, Knai Bang Chatt is committed to encouraging and enriching the local community and is soon to open Cambodia's first official Sailing Club as a means of nurturing home-grown talent. The area is relatively untouched by tourists, with the coastal region of Kep and Kampot nearby. Everything from the design to the food here offers an authentic taste of Cambodia, with 18 rooms and suites decorated with local natural materials and antiques. This hotel is one of a kind. See knaibangchatt.com for more.

Getting crafty

The Limerick Strand hotel celebrates the best of Irish distilleries with a series of tipple tastings over the next month. Glendalough Distillery kick-starts events with a masterclass led by one of their head distillers. Then, on June 8th, visit for a gin-themed evening with Whitley gins and finger food in the terrace. Pre-booking tickets now at strandlimerick.ie. 

Taste of the East 

Kilkenny has launched a new website, tastekilkenny.ie, showcasing the county's culinary offering. Already a foodie destination, the artisan producers and cookery schools, cafés, gastro pubs and restaurants (including two Michelin starred restaurants) are championed on the site, encouraging visitors at home and abroad to savour it all. See tastekilkenny.ie for more.

COFFEE CULTURE 

Dublin 

Our capital is one of the most revered destinations for coffee-snobs now. Check out Network on Aungier Street, Two Boys Brew on the North Circular Road, Brother Hubbard on Capel Street and of course the hallowed 3fe and their newest branch, Five Points in Harold's Cross.

Antwerp

Belgium’s second city oozes cool factor from its fashion to its design, and the coffee here doesn’t disappoint either. Visit for a weekend and make sure you grab a cup of Joe from Caffènation, Normo and Caffe Mundi, all located in the Schipperskwartier area.

Milan 

Italian coffee continues to reign supreme. Pop into Milanese favourites Pavé, Best Cafe and G.B. Bar.

Get Appy – SkyView

Perfect for camping trips or night-time strolls, simply point your phone at the sky using this app and it’ll locate the stars and constellations in your view. Available on iPhone and Android.

Blu BBQ 

The team at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin's city centre are taking dining to delicious new heights with their latest offering. Guests can choose to host a summer party or simply enjoy a BBQ, thanks to the hotel's new grill menus. Take over the 7th floor Sky Suite boasting panoramic views of the city and feast on summery salads and beefburgers while overlooking the capital, or get cosy in the Sure Bar, complete with a marquee, private bar, and water features, serving parties of up to 500 guests. Choose from two menus, starting from €24, while the sun is still shining. See radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin for more.

Travel Deals by Joan Scales

Contiki 18-30s – explore England, France and Spain on a whistlestop 8-day tour from London to Barcelona with Contiki.com calling to Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, and Zaragoza from €825pps, contiki.com, 1800989898.

Magical Madeira – take a trip to Madeira with Topflight and enjoy tours of the island and a folklore evening; flights and hotel B&B from €859pps, topflight.ie, (01) 2401700.

Phil Collins – see him live in London at the Albert Hall, June 4th, two nights in four-star hotel and tickets to the concert from €499pps, Keith Prowse Travel, (01) 878 3500.