Travel Notes...

WELL-CONNECTED

BRITISH Airways is opening new routes from Gatwick and Heathrow. From April 27, it will fly to Costa Rica and San Jose. On April 29, it begins flights to Menorca, followed by Palermo, Chania, Crete and Kalamata in Greece. From May, it will fly twice a week to Biarritz (pictured right). ba.com

TOURISM BOOST

MELIá Hotels will be the first international chain to open a five-star hotel in Iran. The Gran Meliá Ghoo — part of the Ghoo development in Salman Shahr — is set to be Iran’s largest residential, commercial and hotel complex by next year. The 319 deluxe rooms will occupy a 130 m-high tower. granmelia.com

MYSTERY TOUR

A WEBSITE that sends you to surprise destinations around Europe has launched. Book through Expedia’s surprisetrips.co.uk and you won’t know where you’re going until you arrive at the airport. Simply set a budget for your group and jet off to one of 77 cities to stay at a minimum three-star hotel. surprisetrips.co.uk

BESPOKE SERVICE

INSIGHT Guides has launched a travel marketplace that connects you directly to local experts. It helps plan tailor-made trips so you can get off the beaten track without a tour firm. The 20 initial destinations will be extended to 250 by the end of March. insightguides.com