With schools opening back up next week you may feel envious of families who booked last minute August sun ahead of heading back to the hustle and bustle.
If you are wishing you had jetted off a few days ago to elongate the summer-fear not, there are mid-term break deals available with both Sunway and TUI, so your next family escape could be just around the corner.
If you have little ones or teens starting back, don’t underestimate how much you, and they might appreciate a break come October. With warm temperatures still settling in around the Algarve, Spain, the Balearics and Lanzarote, you have plenty of options.
TUI tailors package holidays across the Canary Islands, all of which boast pleasant temperatures with a breeze in the evening, making the islands a popular choice for Irish holiday makers. Lanzarote remains a firm family favourite out of the eight islands and TUI is currently offering a package deal for the Cinco Plaza Apartments in Puerto Del Carmen.
Situated in a bustling location, these apartments cover everything you need. I stayed there with my family in 2019 and found it to be so charming and pleasant, but the standout with TUI is how easy the company make life for families with younger children.
The clean and attractive complex boasts two main pools and a kids’ pool featuring a splash park. TUI is a stellar company when it comes to kids’ entertainment and the kids’ club ensures the younger ones are well entertained. The smaller splash pool is perfect for little ones to play in without causing parents stress and a mere 10-minute leisurely stroll lands you on the shores of the Blue Flag beach.
There is restaurant with an à la carte menu onsite, however the convenience of Puerto del Carmen’s shops, bars, and restaurants is so close making it easy to go out in the evening. A local supermarket is in on your door front if preparing your own meals is appealing on some occasions, which it often can be with very small children.
If you fancy a shorter flight, TUI has a lovely family package in Olhos de Agua, a peaceful fishing town resting in the heart of the Algarve. Not much has changed in Olhos de Agua over the last few decades, and the locals are very proud of their history. The stylish PortoBay Falesia Hotel is perched on a clifftop, giving some amazing sea views. And there are steps leading to an 8-kilometre sandy beach. Meanwhile, it’s a 5-minute walk to Olhos d’Agua’s shops and restaurants.
This place has two pools – a peaceful lake-style number, and an indoor pool by the spa. For meals, there’s a buffet restaurant and an upscale Italian, as well as a pool bar serving lunches. As with all TUI packages, transfers to and from the airport are included, as is a Hotel rep and 24/7 Online service. This means that an English-speaking TUI rep will visit your hotel during your stay, and info and support are available 24/7 via the TUI app.
Another company beloved by Irish holidaymakers, Sunway has some cracking deals for that pre-winter sun too. Looking towards the easily accessible and beautiful Balearic Islands with their shallow sandy beaches and majestic mountains, Sunway has a lovely, all-inclusive or half-board package with Fegus Club Vell Mari.
This apartment hotel is in the resort of Ca’n Picafort, Mallorca, in the quiet district of Son Baulo, approximately 700 metres from the beach. The tourist centre with its variety of shopping and entertainment venues lies about 100 metres from the hotel. There is a stop for public transport just in front of the hotel.
Transfer to Palma Airport takes about 75 minutes (65 km away). There are indoor and outdoor pools and a children’s swimming area. Guests can treat themselves to drinks at the poolside snack bar and a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
The wellness offerings at the apartment hotel include a spa, a sauna and massage treatments. Leisure facilities include an entertainment programme, a kids’ club, a dance club and a nightclub.
Dining facilities include a restaurant, a café and a bar. At breakfast and dinner, guests serve themselves at the generous buffet.
As with TUI, the Sunway mid-term breaks are filling up fast so booking soon is advisable!