If I may, let me tell you what it's like to spend Christmas Day basking in the warmth of the glorious Canarian sun..
Convinced we were in need of more food, we would inevitably head back down to the beach to enjoy more salad....and chips.
In need of cleaning up we would trek back to our room through the grounds of the huge resort. Past the ducks..
Finally ready, we would delightfully pop up to the cocktail bar and order a festive tipple. Note to self; measures of gin in Spain are not on par with Northern Irish measures. I don't drink a lot as it is anyway but just...beware!
Legs stretched, eyes semi open and my sunglasses suitably perched on the tip of my noise - I had arrived, on my sun lounger.
We've been spending holidays together as a family at the Bahia Del Duque (here) for ten years now; an entire decade of treasured memories and in some ways, it's a cherished 'home away from home'.
As we arrived we pondered around the hotel grounds familiarising ourselves with the space we knew and loved all too well. Laughing, pointing and hysterically jesting at the times and memories shared doing ridiculous things we shouldn't have done at kids aged 14 and 12 ie. squishing that ornamental penguin's head in the lift (sorry), moving the hotels decorations (yolo), pretending to solely speak German in order to escape the confinement of the hotel kids club (errr), power bombing into the rock swimming pool off a restricted bridge much to the anguish of those peacefully sunbathing beside us etc (no regrets).
There's something so special about arriving somewhere so familiar; you know the staff and value them, they know you and you've built a level of camaraderie with them which you'll never forget.
There's something so special about arriving somewhere so familiar; you know the staff and value them, they know you and you've built a level of camaraderie with them which you'll never forget.
Back to 2015. Ahem. The sun shone brightly and strongly despite it being nearly 4pm allowing us a jaunt to our beloved beachside cafe.
From the moment we sat down, we bonded instantly as newfound amigos with our waiter. Ordering in broken Spanish, we opted for ensalada con patatas fritas because ordering such a counterproductive meal is something that just has to be done in Spain.
Failing that, a healthy plate of paella fits as a worthy substitute.
Failing that, a healthy plate of paella fits as a worthy substitute.
Most days flowed like this: bleary eyed and in need of coffee we stumbled down to El Bernegal in need of coffee and eggs - ok, or fruit in my case. Whilst I do like to treat myself on holidays, I try to curb overeating or I have to whack out my old faithful friend; gaviscon.
We would continue to drink our body weight in coffee whilst gleefully talking nonsense about life/traveling/place ridiculous bets on who could swim to one side of the pool etc. Mum and Dad would then leave and claim the sunbeds in our favourite spot (beside the juice bar with a sea view) and then after much discussion, laughing, reading and instagramming we would eventually join them.
I spent most afternoons in the sunshine enjoying my books, one on positivity (here) which is awesome and I've spoken a lot about on Snapchat (sarahlouiseboyd). The other, is an eye opening yet seriously addictive read about the luxury goods industry (here).
Convinced we were in need of more food, we would inevitably head back down to the beach to enjoy more salad....and chips.
The blissfulness of the late afternoon rays will forever be my favourite time of the day on holidays. You're in limbo with this feeling of one day ending and another starting as the sun begins its descent into the horizon.
In need of cleaning up we would trek back to our room through the grounds of the huge resort. Past the ducks..
As we said goodbye to the sun..
..and hello to a hot, soapy shower. There's something so therapeutic about washing the salt and sand off your feet, slipping into a shower and then out only to spend literally a leisurely hour doing your makeup. Bliss!
Finally ready, we would delightfully pop up to the cocktail bar and order a festive tipple. Note to self; measures of gin in Spain are not on par with Northern Irish measures. I don't drink a lot as it is anyway but just...beware!
We would come together as a foursome and navigate our way down four floors, past at least six swimming pools, over the bridge of the river and down the slope to one of the many restaurants. Yes, very much a hike. FYI serious kudos to the Russian lady I noticed attempting this hike in 120mm Louboutins. K-u-d-o-s.
Most nights consisted of seafood, a small amount of wine and nothing short of lots of laughter and Christmas Day itself was no exception. As we sat in the sunshine enjoying each others company we Skyped my older brother and his family in Australia, wishing each other a very Merry Christmas even though their day was effectively over. For some the lack of busyness is bizarre, but to us that's the essence of Christmas; just sitting together and 'being' in each others company.
After a rather indulgent brunch, the day itself involved nothing but relaxing. No fuss, no fretting and no prepping.
As relaxed as humanly possible, we sauntered up to admire the festive decorations.
And naturally, I had to stop for a picture. When in Tenerife, eh?!
But perhaps my favourite view and memory of Christmas is one that goes beyond the sandy beaches and sun kissed skin..
Family. I wish I had one of all of us together, but I hate being 'that' person that asks someone else to take a picture and keeps saying 'errr can you go again because half of your index finger is in front of the camera' etc etc. Apparently this is a reoccurring trend!
We enjoyed our last evening sampling the tastiest Spanish cuisine the Bahia Del Duque had to offer and as always, it didn't disappoint. Now, despite being Northern Irish I am not a potato person. I repeat, I am not a potato person. Shock. Horror. BUT, no one does potatoes like the Del Duque.
Whilst Christmas for many is perfect at home, for us it is perfect in the beauty of Tenerife. I know many gasp saying you're very fortunate to do so and yes, I am blessed to but equally the holiday is all I want for Christmas; to spend it with my family, being happy and thankful whilst making memories....together. I'll see you in next year, Tenerife '16!
After a rather indulgent brunch, the day itself involved nothing but relaxing. No fuss, no fretting and no prepping.
And naturally, I had to stop for a picture. When in Tenerife, eh?!
But perhaps my favourite view and memory of Christmas is one that goes beyond the sandy beaches and sun kissed skin..
Family. I wish I had one of all of us together, but I hate being 'that' person that asks someone else to take a picture and keeps saying 'errr can you go again because half of your index finger is in front of the camera' etc etc. Apparently this is a reoccurring trend!
Whilst Christmas for many is perfect at home, for us it is perfect in the beauty of Tenerife. I know many gasp saying you're very fortunate to do so and yes, I am blessed to but equally the holiday is all I want for Christmas; to spend it with my family, being happy and thankful whilst making memories....together. I'll see you in next year, Tenerife '16!
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