Leading figures from the world of gastronomy will converge at Ballymaloe House, County Cork, Ireland for the inaugural Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine, hosted by celebrated cook and author Darina Allen on May 3rd to 6th 2013. Participants include Madhur Jaffrey, Claudia Roden, Alice Waters, David Thompson, Stephanie Alexander, Jancis Robinson MW, David Tanis, Claus Meyer, Rachel Allen and many more. Tickets can be booked on www.litfest.ie or by calling 00353 21 4645777. Visit www.ballymaloe.ie. Media contact: Róisín Allen-Berner, 00353 21 4652531.

Castle Hotel & Spa broke ground last year for the seven-month construction of the luxury $9,000,000 THANN™ Sanctuary Spa at the Castle Hotel, a sprawling 100-year old estate overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY. The Castle is a Medieval-style structure reminiscent of the revered Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland. Originally built in 1897 as a private residence, the Castle Hotel & Spa has been designated a historic landmark, and meticulously transformed into a luxury hotel offering royal service, lush and lavish accommodations, celebrated cuisine, and spectacular scenery. The Castle reopens on May 1st. Visit www.castleonthehudson.com. Media contact: Gilbert Baeriswil, 914-631-1980.

Have you dreamed of starring in your own period drama? With the backdrop of Ballyfin (long admired as one of the most lavish regency mansions in Ireland), a stunning collection of period costumes and a traditional horse and carriage to explore the grounds, now you can. Packages fully inclusive of costumes, carriage ride, all meals and many activities from €1,195. Visit www.ballyfin.com. Media contact: Victoria King.

THE GATHERING IRELAND 2013 will be a spectacular, year-long celebration of all things Irish. Throughout 2013, Ireland will open its arms to thousands of friends and family from all over the world, calling them home to Ireland and to the uniquely Irish sense of fun. Our Gathering Package: 3 nights B&B with dinner & a Genealogy Butler service that includes a study tracing your Irish family roots. From €400 per person. Visit www.castleleslie.com. Media contact: Olivia Cannon, +353 4788100 / +353 87 2024965.

Beginning June 12, 2013, American Airlines will offer daily nonstop service from New York JFK to Dublin, Ireland. This is in addition to our up to 18 daily flights from JFK to the UK and Europe. Our oneworld partners also offer service from Dublin to London Heathrow via British Airways, and Dublin to Madrid via Iberia. For information, go to www.aa.com/newyorktodublin. Visit aa.com. Media contact: Elizabeth Gaerlan, 212-863-3842.

The Culinary Getaway includes 2 nights for 2 people in a deluxe room; and a full Irish breakfast on both mornings; a 3-Course Table d' Hote dinner. You'll experience our unique "smoke the fish" activity with our executive chef; a wine or beer sampling event; traditional afternoon tea; and Chefs VIP turndown foodie delight each evening. Starting at €695 per couple midweek. Visit www.solishotels.com/lougheskecastle. Media contact: Lanisha Nicole Butterfield, 01865 237992.

Spoil yourself at Castlemartyr Resort. Enjoy two nights' bed and breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening in the Bell Tower Restaurant. Escape to The Spa on one day of your choice for a day of pampering. Choose from two tailored spa treatments: the ESPA Aromatherapy Massage or the ESPA Facial. From €240 per night. Visit www.castlemartyrresort.ie. Media contact: Breffne Costello, 353214219000.

The Skelligs, remote rocks off the coast of Kerry, Ireland, and a World Heritage Site, needs to be experienced to be understood. Kerrygold has named its new sweet Cheddar, Skellig, in tribute--its nuanced layers of flavor need to be tasted to be appreciated. Made with milk from grass-fed cows, Skellig is available in the U.S. in 7-ounce packages. Visit www.kerrygoldusa.com. Media contact: Megan Huber, 847-492-8432.

2013 sees James Turrell celebrate his 70th birthday -- he created Ireland's Sky Garden located within the Liss Ard Estate. Enjoy a 2 night stay with breakfast, a special James Turrell book, an exclusive night time visit to the Sky Garden and a wonderful picnic to enjoy while within the Crater. Rates from €105 per person sharing for this 2 night package. Valid throughout 2013. Visit lissardestate.com. Media contact: Olive Roberts, +353877783000.

A favorite Flagstaff outdoor attraction is preparing to re-open for the 2013 season. Open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays in May through October, The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a research and environmental education center located on 200 acres within the Coconino National Forest. Plan a visit to explore the beauty of Arizona's high country at http://www.thearb.org. Visit www.flagstaffarizona.org. Media contact: Joanne Hudson, 928-213-2922.

The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls, an upscale Hudson Valley boutique hotel, restaurant, cocktail lounge, patio and unique event space, will be opening its outdoor patio in May. The Patio offers al fresco dining at its finest. Guests enjoy stunning waterfall views while dining on small plates. The Patio also offers a distinctive menu of artisanal cocktails and craft beer. Visit http://www.roundhousebeacon.com. Media contact: Meghan McAlpine, 845-440-3327 x305.

In celebration of the hotel's 125th Anniversary a Canadian artist will live and paint in the hotel for one week. Each will work in designated locations throughout the hotel providing onlookers the opportunity to watch art come to life. Artists will be in house the third weekend of every month. Guests can experience the "Artist in Residence" package with rates starting $249CAD. Visit http://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs. Media contact: Lori Cote, 403-762-6885.

The Waldorf Astoria Spa at the Boulders Resort introduces a new transformative spa experience--"Dance of the Sacred Circle"--rooted on ancient spiritual grounds and inspired by Native American rituals that harness the energy of the Medicine Wheel for total mind-body-soul healing. Summer "grown up getaway" packages include value-added solstice spa services, golf, and romance that include exclusive amenities and programs designed for a peaceful adult vacation. Visit www.theboulders.com; Media contact: Debi Bridges, 480-306-4242.

Looking for a summer getaway that doesn't break the bank? Visit Scottsdale for savings of up to 60 percent off at top hotels and resorts like Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch or The Boulders. Soak up rays at the pool and enjoy resort credits good on food and beverage, spa treatments and golf. Plus, beat the heat during an early morning hot air balloon ride or late night tomcar tour. For additional ideas, visit experiencescottsdale.com. Media contact: Laura McMurchie, 480-429-2253.

As part of The Gathering, Hayfield Manor in County Cork are helping guests trace their roots with genealogist, Paul MacCotter. When visiting guests can visit Cobh the last port of call for the Titanic or perhaps tour the Middleton Distillery where Jameson is produced. Email reservations@hayfieldmanor.ie or visit www.hayfieldmanor.ie. Media contact: Lisa Leahy, +353214845900

This summer, why not customize a getaway to Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale with rates beginning at $139 per night from June 1 to August 31, 2013. Experience the complimentary children's program, weekly dive-in movies, ice cream sundae socials in Proof, complimentary cabanas and passed poolside amenities, and temperatures up to 10 degrees cooler than the Valley below. Visit www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale; Media contact: Kim Cole, 480-513-5049.

Combine a stay at the luxurious Ritz Carlton - Penha Longa in Cultural Lisbon for 3 nights then travel to the Luxury Family Resort - Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel for a relaxing 4 nights in one of the accommodation options (hotel or villa). Perfect fun for a 5 star holiday in Portugal. Package rates from €1190per adult. Visit www.martinhal.com. Media contact: Olive Roberts, +353877783000.

The Forbes Five-Star Canyon Suites at The Phoenician has expanded its dog-friendly program with new complimentary features including plush dog bedding, signature bowls and elegant bone-shaped mats. A new canine room service menu, prepared in-house by The Phoenician's award-winning culinary team, has also been introduced. Ten percent of first-year room service sales will be donated to the Arizona Humane Society. Visit www.phoenician.com. Media contact: Denise Seomin, 480-423-2657.

A key benefit of a cruise line wedding is the option to have your wedding en route to, or at, a beautiful destination. After all, some of the most gorgeous wedding locales in the world are typically part of cruise line itineraries. Weddings are a big business for the cruise lines, and they have spent years developing programs that allow the betrothed to enjoy a gorgeous on-board or destination wedding without all the headache of planning every detail themselves. See CruiseCompete Wedding Events for more info. Visit www.cruisecompete.com; Media contact: Heidi Allison, 248-651-4491.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain will host Mother's Day brunch on May 12 at elements from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at a cost of $75 per person ($85 with sparkling wine) and $25 for children under 12. Price includes the starter and dessert buffet and an entree. Price does not include tax, gratuity or beverages. For reservations please call 480-607-2300. Visit www.sanctuaryaz.com. Media contact: Shara Seigel, 212-980-9060.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Italy's standard bearer of old world elegance and style, continues providing timely value for its clientele opens April 12, 2013 with rates starting at €412 for two, including breakfast, and access to indoor & outdoor pools, sauna, steam bath and Fitness Center. Luxury, refinement and relaxation await you at the best Value pricing in this century. Visit www.villaserbelloni.com. Media contact: Noel Carroll, 914-961-0334.

Spring is the best time to enjoy sunshine and culinary outdoors, so don't miss the "Check, Please! Arizona Festival" at CityScape in downtown Phoenix--where visitors can discover the best restaurants and sample food from Arizona's top chefs who are featured on the show. Visitors experience fine cuisine from independently owned local restaurants along with wine and beer pairings. The event is April 28th from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.visitphoenix.com. Media contact: Trish Hendrickson, 602-452-6249.

The Brecon Beacons National Park has become only the fifth destination in the world to be granted prestigious International Dark Sky Reserve status making it Wales' first International Dark Sky Reserve. These reserves offer an exceptional quality of starry nights and nocturnal environment specifically protected for scientific, natural, educational, cultural, heritage or public enjoyment. www.breconbeacons.org/darkskies. Visit www.visitwales.com; Media contact: Robert Titley, tel: 917-690-8418.

Preserving one of the Valley's oldest and most magnificent ranches, the 17-acre Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area features 13 original buildings, a rose garden, barnyard and historic orchards. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places and known as the "Showplace of the Valley," the Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area offers activities, exhibits and guided tours--keeping the history of early settlement in the Valley alive. Check out http://www.glendaleaz.com/SRPHA. Visit www.visitglendale. Media contact: Jennifer Stein, 623-930-2958.

Give Mom the royal treatment this Mother's Day with a getaway fit for a Queen! This fabulous package includes luxurious overnight accommodations, a champagne toast and fresh flowers upon arrival, and a gourmet four course dinner for two at The Tavern. Rate does not include beverages, tax or gratuity. Available May 8 through May 13 only. For details, go to http://www.diamondmillshotel.com/special-offer. Visit diamondmillshotel.com. Media contact: Emily Glass, 845-246-8833 x22.