After all the excitement, it was finally time to board JetBlue’s A321Neo. I was seated in 2A of the business class cabin, Mint, which was a new experience for me. The space was incredibly plush and luxurious without being overly fussy. There was ample room to stretch out, plenty of storage options (and perhaps the risk of losing things), numerous power outlets, and the controls and in-flight entertainment were user-friendly. And the free Wi-Fi for the entire flight? Definitely a bonus.

Mint condition

After all the excitement, it was time to board JetBlue’s A321Neo. I was seated in 2A of their business class cabin, Mint, which was a new experience for me. It was plush and luxurious (or should I say “pluxe”?) in a way that was both stylish and incredibly comfortable. There was ample space to spread out, plenty of storage options (and maybe a risk of losing things), numerous power outlets, and the controls and in-flight entertainment were intuitive. And the free Wi-Fi for the entire flight? Absolutely a plus.

I have to admit, Mint might have spoiled me for air travel (and I’ve been a dedicated Delta passenger until recently). Though I’m currently writing this from 12C on my return JetBlue flight—where the experience was as good as coach gets (with a bit of extra room)—I also lucked out with a row to myself.

Back in Mint, the aptly-named flight attendant Angel greeted me with a glass of champagne and, after takeoff, presented me with a bespoke “Mint Condition” cocktail. I opted for the quick dinner service since it was a red-eye flight and any sleep would be welcome. The meal was superb: a fresh salad, burrata, and spinach lasagna. No complaints here.

After finishing my meal, I reclined into the lie-flat position and fell asleep quickly. About two hours later, as requested, I was awakened with a cappuccino and a warm croissant. It’s a good flight when you’re a bit sad to land, and I was definitely feeling that way!

But this was just the beginning of the trip. Here’s a look at all the other fun and fantastic experiences I had in and around Dublin.

Thursday: Arrival at Anantara The Marker Hotel Dublin

JetBlue partnered with Anantara The Marker hotel in Docklands to offer a unique experience for the press.

Upon checking in, we enjoyed a delightful breakfast at the hotel’s main dining room. I started my day with smoked salmon, poached eggs, and toast—plus a strong coffee to kickstart the morning.

Later, we visited the hotel’s spa, which features an indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. A soothing massage helped alleviate the jet lag after just a few hours of sleep, making me feel remarkably refreshed.

My room (320) was far from the typical accommodations I’m used to: it featured floor-to-ceiling windows, a luxurious king bed, a sofa, a seating area, a desk, and, thankfully, a Nespresso machine that I put to good use.

That evening, I joined some Dublin-based Lonely Planet colleagues for dinner at Bar Pez, a few blocks from St Stephen’s Green. We enjoyed an array of small plates, including Irish seafood like anchovy, crab, prawns, mackerel, monkfish, and cuttlefish, all expertly prepared. These were complemented by ricotta toast, charred leeks, charred broccoli, and fresh bread from Bread 41. We also sampled several glasses (and a few bottles) from their well-curated selection of white wines.

Friday: Irish Dining with Chef Gareth Mullins

The group enjoyed a relaxed breakfast with our JetBlue and Anantara hosts—once again, absolutely delicious—before heading out to Howth by boat (a charming destination I’ve visited before). I opted to stay at the hotel and invited my colleagues to join me in the bright, lively lobby for a working session.

Later, I reunited with the team at Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, the restaurant at Anantara The Marker, for a culinary demonstration by the head chef himself. Mullins gave us a fascinating introduction to Irish seafood, including shucking fresh Galway oysters (which are delightfully briny) and preparing smoked salmon.

We then shifted to a whiskey tasting featuring selections from three Irish distilleries: Pearse, Spot, and Dunville. Chef Gareth also treated us to a delightful surprise—some caviar.

Finally, we experienced the tea service, a creation two years in the making, crafted with such thought, detail, and passion by Sebastian, the pastry chef. It was so extraordinary that words can hardly do it justice. Trust me, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Saturday: Day Trip to Kildare

Today was a highlight of the trip: a day in County Kildare filled with stunning landscapes, a bit of rain, horses, shopping, and delightful surprises. We journeyed about an hour from the hotel to the Curragh, the renowned racing grounds led by legendary Irish jockey Johnny Murtagh and his team, JP Murtagh Racing. Johnny’s wife and business partner, Orla, greeted us with freshly baked scones, coffee, tea, and some of the best sausages I’ve ever tasted.

After breakfast, we hopped into 4WDs to get up close with the thoroughbreds during their morning exercises. The rain-soaked conditions didn’t dampen our spirits; it’s all part of the Irish experience. Johnny’s deep knowledge of his horses, jockeys, and staff was impressive—he knows everyone by name, which is why he’s considered a legend in the racing world. (Anantara The Marker can arrange this exclusive experience for any guest.)

Next, we visited the Irish National Stud & Gardens to dive into the history and practices of Irish thoroughbred breeding. Our guide, David, walked us through the property and stables, explaining the details of breeding and foaling, from the special hay the horses eat to the attentive care they receive. We saw mares and fillies enjoying the grounds, including a one-day-old foal nestled next to its mother.

The afternoon was unexpectedly charming with tea at Kildare Village, an upscale outlet mall featuring Irish designers and artisans, followed by a visit to the Museum of Style Icons, home to Princess Diana’s famous “revenge dress.”

We wrapped up the day at The Ferryman pub, where we caught the end of the Six Nations rugby match between Ireland and Scotland. Ireland’s victory was met with roaring cheers and celebration. Guinness flowed, songs were sung, and it was the perfect conclusion to an exceptional weekend.