From Ibiza to Iceland, Santorini to St Emilion, I’ve got 20 luxury short breaks to mark that special occasion in style.

Bucket list holidays are one thing, but sometimes we don’t have the time to embark on a two or three-week trip to a far flung destination. I am often asked about luxury short breaks to celebrate a big birthday or special occasion. I have chosen 20 holiday ideas that are easily accessible, but are also luxury destinations that are ideal to mark that milestone in your life.

I have included luxury hotels, unique experiences, as well as some top class adventures that I think you will love! And, if you are looking to travel further afield or for a longer duration, this post might be of interest:

Read: 25 Bucket list holidays around the world

We are fortunate to have such a great choice of luxury short breaks that are easily accesible from Ireland, I hope you will find one here to suit you.
 

Luxury Short Breaks in Europe
 

1. Book a room with a view in Positano

Positano is an iconic place to celebrate a special occasion. Even if you have been fortunate to visit the Amalfi Coast, you probably stayed in one of the nearby towns of Sorrento or Amalfi. A stay in Positano, is a bucket list experience in its own right, but to have a room with a view of the Bay of Naples is the ultimate way to mark that special occasion. 
 

 
The five-star celebrity hangout Il San Pietro de Positano is regarded as the best hotel in Positano, but it will have a price tag to match. However, there are many alternatives to choose from – the location and views are arguably more important than the five-star rating.

Read: The ultimate guide to the Amalfi Coast, and where to stay 

Read: The 10 best movies to showcase Italy
 

How to get there:

Fly direct to Naples with Ryanair or Aer Lingus. Transfer time to Positano is one hour and twenty minutes, but the Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s best scenic drives, so you may decide to hire a car instead.

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2. Stay inside the city walls of Dubrovnik

The medieval city of Dubrovnik should be on everyone’s wish list. It is so well preserved and looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

There are many great hotel choices both inside and outside the walled city. If visiting for a short break it is good to stay inside or at least very close to the Old Town. 
 

 
The Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik is the closest luxury hotel to the Old Town, and is located just minutes from the beach. Set in a historic building, this hotel blends old world charm with contemporary style beautifully.
 

 
Alternatively the Rixos Premium Dubrovnik’s location – set into cliffs with panoramic sea views, is a great choice for spa and beach lovers, and a 15-minute walk will take you to the city walls of Dubrovnik’s Old Town. If visiting with friends, there are some gorgeous villas inside the walled city, see lots more in this post:

Read: The best places to stay in Croatia
 

How to get there?

Dubrovnik can be reached direct from Dublin airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and from Cork airport with Aer Lingus.

Read my top tips on discovering Dubrovnik

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3. Stay at the Splendido Hotel, Portofino

We had a pleasure of  staying at the Splendido Hotel for an overnight escape about 20 years ago, and it is still one of my top travel experiences. It is one of the world’s best hotels and it also happens to be located in one the most idyllic locations in Italy.
 

 
Set on a hillside overlooking the bay and colourful buildings of Portofino, the Splendido not only offers outstanding service and lavish furnishings, but it is less than 10 minutes walk from the pretty harbour and its multi-million Euro yachts.

Splendido Mare, is its little sister, which is more reasonably priced and is located in the harbour. Guests have also access to facilities of the Splendido hotel, and a complimentary shuttle connects the two properties.
 

How to get there?

Ryanair have announced direct flights to Genoa this winter, so there has never been a better time to visit. Transfer time from the airport to Portofino by car is approximately 40 minutes, which makes it an ideal destination for luxury short breaks.

 
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4. Book a villa holiday in the Algarve

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Sometimes special occasions are best celebrated with friends or family, and a villa holiday in the Algarve is a great way to do it. Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago are the most popular areas for villa holidays, however look to the resorts of Alvor and Lagos if you prefer a more low-key vibe. 
 

 
Villa Casa Aggi is a luxurious detached villa with a large outdoor pool and bright modern interiors. It is only 15 minutes walk to the superb Meia Praia beach, and a short drive from the historical town of Lagos, which has a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
 

How to get there?

Aer Lingus and Ryanair fly regularly from Dublin, Cork, Shannon and Ireland West airports. Transfer times vary depending on the resort you choose. 

You will find these and lots more in this post:

Read: 25 luxury villas in Portugal to inspire your next trip away
 

5. Stay at a Château in St Emilion, France

Combining wine tasting with a stay in a French Château is my idea of the perfect luxury short break. There are several wine tasting trails to choose from – the Alsace and Loire Valley trails are probably the most famous, but the picturesque villages and charming Châteaux on the Bordeaux trail took my breath away.
 

 
We stayed near the UNESCO World Heritage village of Saint-Emilion many years ago and loved it. The home of Pomerol, Margaux, as well as countless lesser known vineyards, this region is a little piece of heaven.

The Château Hôtel Grand Barrail is surprisingly good value, but for the ultimate bucket list experience check out the Hôtel de Pavie. Located in the heart of the village, this old stone building is steeped in history and boasts a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant. This hotel is on my Europe bucket list and I can’t wait to stay there one day.

Read: Europe bucket list – my top 20 travel experiences in Europe
 

How to get there:

Fly direct to Bordeaux with Aer Lingus or Ryanair, or if time allows take the ferry so you can bring some wine back with you! Brittany Ferries sail from Rosslare and Cork to Cherbourg and Roscoff respectively, while Irish Ferries sail from Dublin to Cherbourg.

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6. Combine culture and sophistication in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city that is on my own wish list. Where else can you visit Europe and Asia on one trip? As well as exploring the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, its diverse cuisine and bustling nightlife is sure to please. 
 

 
There is only one place to stay if you are looking for a luxury short break for a special occasion and that’s the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. As the name suggests, its idyllic location on the banks of the Bosphorus ensures epic views of Europe and Asia from morning till night.
 

 
What was once a 19th century Ottoman palace, this hotel combines historical architecture with lavish decor beautifully. With an indoor and outdoor heated pool, as well as a garden with spacious terrace, you may forget you are in a city hotel at all. If you can manage to tear yourself away from its beautiful surroundings, you can take the hotel shuttle bus or a water taxi to the old town.

How to get there?

Turkish Airlines fly regularly to Istanbul from Dublin airport. Transfer times by taxi to Four Seasons Hotel at the Bosphorus is 35 minutes.

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7. Celebrate in style in Ibiza 

Contrary to what you might think, Ibiza is not just for 18-30 year olds. If you are looking for luxury short breaks in top class hotels with celebrity-style hangouts, Ibiza is where it’s at. Party all night in the chic Ibiza Town or catch the best sunset in the original sunset bar, Café del Mar.
 

 
The adult-only Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel is the most popular for those looking for lively celebrations, while the Robert de Niro-owned Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay is ideal for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle, and also like to enjoy great food. The latter is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels in the World.

Read: My top picks for a girls weekend away
 

How to get there?

Ryanair fly regularly to Ibiza during the summer months and transfer times by taxi to Ushuaia and Nobu Hotel is only 6 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.

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8. Take the Orient Express from London to Venice

The legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the most famous train journey in the world. Step back in time to the 1920’s and enjoy top quality dining and superb service in a unique setting.
 

 
London to Venice is the most iconic journey, and what better way to complete this Europe bucket list holiday than a stay at the famous Cipriani Hotel Venice, with a Gondola ride thrown in for good measure.

Read: The top things to do in Venice and where to stay

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9. Book an Eiffel Tower room in Paris

You can never go wrong with a weekend in Paris. With numerous daily flights and inexpensive airfares, Paris is one of those cities that you can fly off to at a moment’s notice! Take a cruise on the Seine, stroll around the pretty streets of Montmartre, and shop till you drop at Galeries Lafayette.
 

 
However, a special occasion, deserves something a little more special. Why not book an Eiffel Tower room at Le Walt, or if money is no object, book a suite at the Shangri-La.

Read: My Paris travel guide, the top things to do in Paris and where to stay

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10. Book a luxury suite in Santorini

The popularity of Santorini was taken up a notch over the last few years with the introduction of direct flights from Dublin. There many different accommodation choices to choose from if planning luxury short breaks for a special occasion. 
 

 
Many hotels are built into the caves which lead out to a private jacuzzi, where you can enjoy the stunning sunsets and Caldera views. 
 

 
The Aliko Luxury Suites tick all these boxes and more. Aliko Suites have luxury written all over them, from the beautifully furnished domed area to the large private terrace with comfortable loungers. They also offer a pillow menu, bathrobe, slippers and a fully stocked mini bar.
 

 
Another alternative, if you can manage to get availability, is a favourite with Celebrities – Cavo Tagoo. All modern suites here include either a hot tub or a private pool, and the hotel can arrange boat trips and private cruises to explore the rest of the island.

However, if you prefer a self catering option, I have some gorgeous Airbnbs in this post:

Read 10 amazing Airbnbs in Santorini – caves, windmills and private pools

How to get there:

Fly directly to Santorini with Aer Lingus or Ryanair and take taxi or transfer to your hotel.

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Aliko Suites here 

Cavo Tagoo here 
 

11. Stay in a Glass Igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland

Not all special occasion holidays need to include sunshine or city breaks. A stay in the iconic glass igloos at Kakslauttanen Arctic is sure to tick more than one item off your Europe bucket list. Its location places you in a prime position for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
 

 
Although this natural phenomenon can never be guaranteed, the location of Kakslauttanen, 250km north of the Arctic Circle in Finland’s Lapland, means the odds are certainly in your favour.
 

 
The Glass Igloos offer a memorable opportunity to watch the magic come to life through the thermal glass. But if you’re staying for a few nights, I would recommend having a look at the Kelo-Glass Igloos which combine the cosy amenities of a log cabin, including private sauna and fireplace, with the spectacular glass roof above the bedroom.

The best time for viewing the northern lights is from September to March, and the winter months offer an array of exciting snow activities such as husky safari, cross country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling. A short stay in an igloo in Lapland is one of the best luxury short breaks for special occasion holidays.

Read: How to see the Northern Lights through your own glass igloo
 

How to get there:

Fly via Helsinki to Ivalo Airport. Kakslauttanen Resort is located 38km from the airport and can be reached either by taxi or car rental.

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12. Relax at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland is an ideal destination for luxury short breaks from Ireland, but if you want to make your trip even more memorable, book a stay at The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. This exclusive suite hotel is nestled into the stark volcanic landscape and encircled by the mineral rich waters of Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon.
 

 
During your stay you can gain unlimited access to the Retreat Spa, the Retreat Lagoon, the Blue Lagoon, and Blue Lagoon Ritual. Enjoy unique spa experiences such as an in-water massage, the steam cave, or beauty treatments using the Mineral-rich geothermal Blue Lagoon water.
 

 
The views through the large glass windows in each of the suites offers a dramatic scene of moss-covered lava fields, and the interior décor compliments the outside beautifully.

The time of year you visit will also determine the dramatically changing landscape, and who knows, if you’re lucky enough, you might even be treated to a display of the Northern Lights.

Read: Top things to do in Iceland
 

How to get there

Fly direct to Reykjavik airport with Icelandair or Play Airlines from Dublin airport. The Blue Lagoon Retreat is located 37km from the airport and can be reached either by taxi or car rental.

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13. Book a room with a view in Venice

The unique floating city of Venice is one of best destinations for luxury short breaks. There are so many iconic sights, that simply wandering around its streets and canals will captivate you. However, sipping a latte on St Mark’s Square and taking a gondola ride through the canals have to be done too! 

 
There are many luxury hotels to choose from – the St Regis is probably the best but expect a price tag to match. The legendary Danieli Hotel can often be reasonably priced despite its superb location and five-star rating. Its three buildings date back to the 14th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and are connected by covered bridges.

Read: Top things to do in Venice and where to stay
 

How to get there

Venice can be reached from Dublin airport with Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and from Cork airport with Ryanair.