In January we took Lucas on his first holiday abroad to Fuerteventura . We flew from Manchester with Monarch. We were a little worried that Lucas would get bored at the airport but the time went quickly, we had something to eat and did a bit of duty free shopping before playing in the children’s soft play area. The baby changing facilities were adequate and clean, my only bug bear was that there was only one at each set of toilets so we were waiting to use it and much to my annoyance a lady wandered out of it with no child.
As it was our first holiday flying with a baby and I wanted it to be as stress free as possible I prebooked our seats so I knew we would definitely be sat together and were on the plane we would be. I wouldn’t do this again, especially if we went at the same time of the year as there were lots of empty seats and we ended up having a row to ourselves. The staff on the plane were very polite and attentive. I prebooked our inflight meals which I would have highly recommended, I remember going on holiday with my parents when we were younger and the food was what I would call plasticy but these meals where beautiful and excellent value for money. Unfortunately since February 1st the meals are no longer available to pre-book. Buying on the plane, if the prices are the same as they were in January would mean spending more than double what we got for the pre-booked so I will be taking something with us next time.
We stayed at the Barcelo Castillo Beach Resort Hotel in Caleta De Fuste which was approximately 20 minutes from the airport. The resort is set out as a Canarian Village with beautiful bungalows, manicured lawns and colourful flowers. We stayed in a superior bungalow which consisted of a double bedroom, a bathroom and open plan kitchen, dining and living area. The sofa in the lounge could also be used as a double bed. We couldn’t fault the bungalow, it was immaculate and the furniture was great quality. The TV had various channels in different languages and even had CBeebies and ITV on it, we don’t go away to watch TV but it was nice to have the option of curling up on the sofa when Lucas went to bed early.
We had a porch area with sunbeds and a small hedge for privacy. Other than that we were on the pool side so it was great for sunbathing and us taking turns going to the pool or pool side bar that did snacks whilst the other stayed with Lucas during nap times. There was also a kids club on our part of the complex, the staff with the children sang and did a dance everyday which was lovely to see and amused Lucas.
There was a board that showed the various activities throughout the day for children and adults but the staff didn’t harass you to join anything which I liked, I hate it when I’m on holiday and feel the need to hide from the holiday reps. Some of the activities for adults included mini golf, pilates, beach volleyball and salsa. The resort also has free wifi but it didn’t work where we were staying, we had to go to the reception area to use it. I went a couple of times when we were passing but I must say that I did enjoy being cut off for 10 days and not checking my emails or seeing what was happening at home.
The complex was also on the beach front so we took Lucas to the beach most days, the beach was incredibly clean and the sea was perfectly clear. The fish came right up to the shore, it is definitely my favourite place I have ever been swimming. I loved looking at the fish whilst swimming without having to put my head underwater.
We were a short walk from the marina that is next to the theatre that holds the evening entertainment as well as a sports bar and cocktail bar. We went all inclusive and drinks were included in these bars as well as the pool bars and restaurants. The food was superb in the buffet restaurant that we went to, serving a variety of fresh food with pretty much anything you could want. The staff were also very accommodating and meal times were definitely Lucas’ favourite part of the holiday.
I turned 30 whilst we were there and on my birthday the hotel staff left a note in our bungalow along with a bottle of cava and birthday cake which I thought was a beautiful touch as this wasn’t something we had mentioned to them.
Caleta De Fuste itself is a beautiful and relaxed place but also has plenty to do for those that don’t want to lounge around. There are plenty of cafes, bars, sports and excursions as well as a shopping centre and thalassotherapy centre.
It is the first time we have been and we completely fell in love with the area. We can’t wait to book to revisit x
Dean of Little Steps says
Oh your photographs makes me wish to be in a warmer place right now 😉 Pre-booking tickets I guess is a must when travelling with little ones. I’m glad your travel was stress-free. Did a 14 hour-non stop flight with my 5-year-old. Made sure it was a night-flight, so she slept most of the way 🙂
Kara says
Looks like you had a wonderful time and happy birthday, what a great gesture. I love that airports have soft play these days
joanna says
Sounds and looks like such a fantastic holiday. Happy 30th!
We are taking Blake on his first holiday abroad in November.
Jenni says
How exciting, lovely having something to look forward to x
Alina Ghost says
Sooooo cute! Looks like loads of fun, really glad you enjoyed it. I would be worried about the flight with a young kid too, so it’s great that it went fast and that there were lots of things to do and not get bored or stressed.
Happy Days!
Alina from home decor blog UK – The Fairytale Pretty Picture
emma white says
oh I so want to pack and go the pictures look amazing so happy to hear you had a great time there’s nothing better than getting away as a family and having fun
Lynn @ Savingsadvice says
What a lovely holiday, I love a good beach and I am sure kids would love seeing the fish. Looking forward to some sun now x
Emma says
such a great place to go, I always think travelling with young kids is not as bad as you imagine. They often just sleep!
Grant R says
If only we had beaches and temperature like that in the UK! Your pics make me want to live somewhere a lot warmer 🙂
georgina prince (was Davies) says
ohh making me so jealous, we’re not going away any where this year 🙁 booh I love goigng abroad x
Ana De- Jesus says
I wish I was on holiday right now I need a break and a digital detox lol! Hope you had a good holiday?
Jenni says
It was fab thank you x
Rachel says
I am now wishing I was laying on a beach by the sea right now x
Hannah Budding Smiles says
What lovely photos, you obviously had an amazing time! Phil and I went to Fuerteventura for our honeymoon then Toby’s first holiday was to Tenerife and this September we’re taking both the children to Lanzarote. The Canaries are perfect for families!xx
Baby Isabella says
Sounds like a fab holiday! We’d love to visit Fuerteventura as we’ve heard they have some of the best beaches! 🙂
Jenni says
They are and helps that they have all year sunshine. Hope you have a great time in September x
Little Pickle's Mom says
Oh this looks like it was such a lovely holiday!!! You’ve got me WISHING for sunshine and sand now – although sadly, we’ve not got any holiday plans coming up any time soon. I think the Canaries are a great shout for family holiday – not too long on the plane, nice weather and family friendly. LOVE a resort that has mini golf too! And happy 30th birthday too – what a fantastic way to spend it. I hope I’ll be as lucky in a couple of years’ time!
Ickle Pickle says
This looks such a lovely place to go on holiday. I have never been to Fuerteventura but would love to go. Kaz x
Kizzy says
Looks like you had a great time we would so love to go abroad soon.
Louise Smith says
I’ve never been to Fuereventura before but it looks right up my street! I may have to see about booking a cheeky holiday later on in the year now 😉
LoveFamilyHolidays says
Looks like you had a great time in Fuerteventura! Great photos, Lucas is a very handsome boy!
Did you find the island windy? I’ve visited Tenerife and Lanzarote. Lanzarote just about blew me away both times! Maybe Fuerteventua is a little calmer?
Jenni says
It was windy, Lucas thought it was very funny being windswept. I think all the Canary Islands are windy x