Pat and her husband Alan were one of my lucky clients who managed to complete their holiday just before Covid hit, enjoying a trip to New York and a Caribbean cruise in February 2020. With their next cruise not departing until 2023, they were looking for a relaxing post-Covid break in the sun closer to home...
Alan and I were keen to embark on a long-awaited first trip abroad since the pandemic began and asked Susan to investigate four and five-star hotel options on a half-board basis in the Canary Islands.
The H10 White Suites in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote is an adult-only boutique hotel that Susan felt would provide what we were looking for. It had been that long since we had last visited this lovely island, we couldn’t recall where we had previously stayed.
Having settled on an 11-day holiday flying with British Airways from Gatwick and with both of us fully vaccinated, my biggest concern was the testing and paperwork required prior to the holiday and having everything required.
Susan helped ensure we were on top of everything but just before we were due to leave, there was an unexpected bombshell when BA suddenly cancelled our return flight, meaning we were unable to get back home.
She proceeded to work tirelessly with her contacts and found several options including travelling with a different airline, but the flight times were horrendous. Although we could have cancelled and accepted a full refund, we chose to reduce the length of the holiday to eight days, which turned out very well.
We travelled to the airport by taxi and were quite concerned about what would greet us with the previous evening’s news reporting lengthy queues, delays and cancelled flights.
In the event, we went through check-in and security in record time. The flight was on time and the plane was half full. Our biggest disappointment was the lack of onboard entertainment and catering consisting of a packet of crisps and a bottle of water but at least we made it there.
We had expected a thorough inspection of documents upon arrival at Arrecife but no one was around to check our vaccination status or even our passports!
Susan had helpfully arranged a private transfer which was ready and waiting, and soon enough we arrived at the H10 hotel.
Our first impression was brilliant, giving us great confidence that we were going to have a fabulous time. We had arrived late in the evening, a little hungry, and wondered if there would be an opportunity to get a meal.
After being greeted at reception with a lovely glass of Cava and without having to ask, we were informed the restaurant would be open until 10pm.
The hotel was fabulous; our suite was spacious, airy, quiet, cool, and overlooked the beautiful gardens. The staff were friendly and helpful, the restaurant was excellent with an amazing choice of food and included a romantic evening complete with live entertainment.
A point to note is to keep aware of the cost of drinks and additional snacks. Prices were not obvious and although entirely our fault as we could have asked, the bill at the end of our stay came as a bit of a surprise. That minor issue aside, we would highly recommend this hotel.
We didn’t feel a need to venture away from the splendid resort of Playa Blanca, enjoying the very good range of tapas restaurants in the vicinity. The beach was lovely, never crowded but beware that the Atlantic remains cool whatever the weather!
We also enjoyed the weekly market at the Marina Rubicón, predominantly as it was a pleasant surprise not to find it full of tourist tat but some excellent crafts and authentic stalls.
As always, it was over all too quickly but we did feel that eight days had been just right for us and provided a thoroughly relaxing break.
Our return transfer was seamless and our flight, not at all full, left on time and even arrived back in the UK early.
We enjoyed an amazing holiday at a lovely resort, and potential last-minute issues were smoothed out professionally and effectively.
Susan really did go the extra mile.
She is so knowledgeable and works hard to ensure you choose a holiday to suit rather than just accepting your money and 'walking away'.
Thank you, Susan.
Pat
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