Heathrow has just become the first city in El Al’s network to permit passengers to check in and print an airport authority-compatible final boarding pass at home. A fast drop-off desk means passengers with luggage can arrive two hours 15 minutes before departure, and those without bags just 90 minutes (www.elal.co.uk; 020 7121 1400).
Good news for fish-eaters going south. Celebrity chef Aldo Zilli is opening two restaurants in Brighton. His latest deli-style Zilli’s Café at the city’s new myhotel opened last week, and in May a 120-seat Zilli’s restaurant, serving modern Italian food, will open in the hotel, with outdoor dining in summer (www.zillialdo.com; 01273 900 300).
Jerusalem’s Inbal Hotel, with its charming courtyard for al fresco breakfasts, has opened a new executive floor as part of its near-complete five-year multi-million refurbishment programme. The range of special services for guests staying in executive rooms includes VIP check-in, complimentary mini bar and use of the executive lounge with breakfast, drinks and snacks and free wi-fi (www.inbalhotel.com; 00972 2 675 6666).
Sybarites can enjoy a weekend break at the chic Malmaison properties around the UK from £79 room-only (or £129 for dinner, bed and breakfast; £50 supplement for London properties). The offer is valid until April 30 (0845 365 4247; www.malmaison.com).
Paris city-break specialist Allo France are offering cheese and wine tastings. Tasting lunches, at £49, take place at a sommelier’s home and include a wine appreciation class followed by a lunch of cheeses, French bread and tomatoes (and charcuterie, but you can ignore that). The firm is also offering a one-hour introduction to wine at £15 and a Champagne-tasting Seine cruise, £31 (www.allo-france.com; 01256 843832).
If you are looking for something more energetic for the kids, Soccercamp Marbella is offering a series of daily camps for girls and boys aged five to 16. Based at a top football training venue close to Puerto Banus, all courses are led by FA/UEFA coaches. There is also a new multi-sports programme. Day courses cost 60€ (£47) per single day, up to 298€ (£233) for seven days. A new residential camp, running from July 19 to August 17 for kids aged 12 to 16, costs 895€ (£699) per week, including all tuition, accommodation, meals and lots more (www.soccercampmarbella.com).
The elegant, historic city of Bath has its first Relais & Chateaux hotel. The Regency Royal Crescent is the only city-centre hotel in the country to be a member of the prestigious hotel marketing organisation. It joins just 29 others across the UK (www.visitbath.co.uk).