38 people were in our group with flights arriving from multiple airports. 15 of us flew from Gatwick and were caught up in the French Air Traffic Control strikes which resulted in a 3 hour wait on the plane once boarded. The Captain apologised and invited people to come and see the cockpit and ask questions once we were parked up away from the main gate. I had a lovely time chatting to the Captain and the First Officer was happy to take photos of me, in fact he insisted I wear his hat! Our group was sat together on the plane on the whole so by the time we took off we knew each other quite well. Flight landed and we got through Immigration and baggage reclaim very quickly. Our local guide, Anna, was waiting at arrivals with a JY board and we were soon off to the coach. We had a short wait on the coach as according to Anna's paperwork we were one person missing but apparently they never boarded the plane. We had another wait when the coach drive couldn't get out of the carpark as the barrier wouldn't open! After that it was plain sailing and we reached the hotel at 10pm, 90mins later.
Paula Nightingale was our Tour Manager and she met us at the hotel and sent us straight into dinner before it closed. She gave us some useful paperwork about the hotel, the itinerary and also included her mobile number in case we needed to contact her at any time. Once dinner was finished she gave us our room keys and all inclusive wristbands. I took my own suitcase to my room which was on the 3rd floor. I'd paid extra to have a sea view and was not disappointed. Room was large with a huge king size bed and a balcony looking out over the pool with the sea in the background. The bathroom was very dated decor wise but had a very good shower over the bath. The sink & vanity area were outside of the main bathroom and there was a hairdryer on the wall there. There was no tea/coffee facilities but there was a fridge in the room. My room was lovely and quiet but I heard from others who were overlooking the sides of the hotel that they had quite a bit of noise to contend with at times.
Pool area was lovely with plenty of loungers. Pool towels can be rented for €10 refundable deposit. The hotel was very quiet in the week with mainly British SAGA guests but at the weekend it livened up a little when Spanish families arrived.
Food was buffet style and on the whole, a pretty good selection, but wasn't always as warm as it could be. Wine and water were help yourself on tap but soft drinks were in a locked fridge and I always struggled to find someone to get me one. Bar service was from 10am - 11pm and staff were friendly and helpful. Was never a problem for one person to go and get a whole round of drinks for everyone.
Trips were all included on this holiday (except for an extra bird watching excursion on the sunday). On Day 3 there was a full day trip to Seville which was very good. We had a short walking tour and were given free time for exploring and tapas. Day 4 was the Columbus Trail tour which was half a day and pleasant enough. Day 5 was Tavira a Portuguese fishing town, a few of us took the €3 little train ride around the town and enjoyed it. Again this was only a half day so we were back relaxing in the sun by 2pm. There was a trip to Huelva on day 7 but the lure of the sun proved too strong to me and I missed it but other people said it was good.
The Gatwick group were held up again at the airport on the way back for 2hrs this time. in fact people on the Bristol flight who were on the same bus transfer as us, texted to let us know they were home before we had even taken off!
On the whole this was a thoroughly enjoyable holiday with a nice mix of excursions and time by the pool. The hotel was good but it felt as though SAGA guest got a better deal than us (free access to spa in the mornings, tea/coffee facilities in room etc). Paula was a good TM, really friendly and helpful. It was a lovely group of people, in fact some of us are planning a reunion weekend later in the year 😉
Think I've covered everything but please let me know if I can help with any questions!
