Hi folks! It has been a tough working week since we returned from our family holiday in Spain at half-term, and I really wish that I could go back and do it all again.

We enjoyed an all-inclusive package holiday at a family hotel resort in Benidorm with my in-laws (thanks to the bank of Mum and Dad for helping cash-strapped Millennials), we sampled the crazy nightlife (Star Wars will never be the same again!), and we relaxed on the beach.

Read my blog post for a detailed account of our first family holiday abroad in Benidorm, Spain.

My Family Holiday in Review: A Fabulous Stay in Spain

This was our first family holiday abroad, and it was extra special that our daughters had the opportunity to fly in a brand-new Jet2 plane. We visited the flight deck when we arrived at Alicante airport, and the pilots told us that the plane was only two weeks’ old, and they were having fun flying it. They encouraged our younger daughter to pursue her interest in planes and consider training to be a pilot, they showed her the control panel on the plane, and they were very friendly and supportive.

It was such a wonderful experience to see the joy on my daughter’s face when she approached the plane at Manchester Airport. She has waited all her life to fly, and we have spent many Sunday afternoons watching planes landing and taking off from a viewing spot in a Cheshire park near the airport. So, this day was a long time coming. And it was exciting for me, having not flown for fifteen years. I realised that I do enjoy travelling, and despite my worries about getting through airport security with my eye medication, the whole process was smooth and efficient.

Magic Rock Gardens

We stayed in an African themed hotel called Magic Rock Gardens, a huge twelve storey complex with pool facilities and easy access to the beach. Although the hotel sits on a hill, the walk to the beach is literally five minutes, and we could see the sea from our hotel room. It was a great location for convenience, having a pharmacy and grocery shop just across the road, McDonald’s and Burger King round the corner, and lots of seafront bars, cafes and entertainment venues.

The hotel was clean, spacious and welcoming, and it ran a smooth operation. While we did queue to get into the main restaurant most evenings, it was never for longer than ten minutes and we didn’t feel rushed when we ate. There was a good selection of food available, although I will say that it caters more for general meat eaters. Being vegetarian, I struggled a little bit, but there was a separate section for cooked vegetables and dishes that I was able to eat from. I did enjoy wine on tap with my meals!

Cool Pool Area

The hotel pool is in the shade for most of the day and is not heated, so we did find the water temperature hard to handle. However, I went in the pool on a warm day and had some fun with my daughters, so they were happy. I preferred to spend my time reading a book on the sun loungers next to the pool, sipping Tia Maria and Coke from the all-inclusive hotel bar. Ah, bliss!

We enjoyed lots of time on the beach and paddled in the sea, which was just the right temperature for me. Being a natural redhead, I don’t manage well during summer heat, which is why we booked our holiday for October. This was a much better climate for me, and I even indulged in a little sunbathing, although I was slathered in Factor 50 sun cream every day! My husband and I even found time alone to sit on a beach and reconnect with each other, which went a long way towards healing our marriage.

Exploring Old Benidorm

We had a nice time exploring Old Benidorm, wandering around the streets and browsing in the shops. My elder daughter finally found some clothes that she liked, having not been impressed with anything I showed her back home in the UK. She came home with a whole new wardrobe! We marvelled at the extensive views across the coastline, we saw the ruins of an old castle that were uncovered in 2019, we took in all the quirky buildings and ornate architecture, and we had lots of laughs together.

I want to Retire to Spain

I now understand why so many people from the UK decide to retire to Spain, and I even suggested it to my husband, which is something that has never crossed my mind before. We have agreed that we will return when we can save up the money for another holiday. It is important for our family’s emotional wellbeing, and now I am determined to plan so that we have adventures to look forward to when normal life becomes overwhelming.

Did you enjoy some time away from home during the school holiday? Share your adventures in the comments.

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