Holiday Feedback!

Sounds like some of our happy customers have had a brilliant time relaxing in the sunshine recently. Here’s what they had to say about their Purely Creative holidays to various resorts in Portugal or Spain!

‘I expected that this was a timeshare offer. The experience was excellent. The resort was lovely. I now understand that it was not a timeshare offer. The best aspects of the holiday were the excellent standard of the apartments, the courtesy of the staff, particularly the maintenance men at the Vera Beach Club, the proximity of the beach (closer than expected). [Memorable moment was] the lovely flowers and plants around the villa complex. [Worst aspects were] the sight of all the building works of new apartment blocks of holiday homes in Spain – there can’t be enough people in the world to occupy them all and it’s ruining the scenery! [Service was] excellent.’ S Cleaver, London, Vera Beach Club, Almeira, Spain. April 2010.

‘[Participating in the promotion] was exciting and interesting. My views have not changed, it was well worth the effort.  [Best aspects were] the sight seeing, visiting Cliff Richard vineyards, visiting Our Lady of Fatima shrine and the barbecue on our arrival. [Memorable moment was] going around the other holiday complex and the welcome we received on arrival. There were no [worst aspects] except having to leave for the flight home. [Service was] fantastic. We have no complaints whatsoever.’ Name not specified.  Oura View Beach Club, Algarve, Portugal. November 2009.

‘I received the award of a holiday through the post and it appealed to us. [Participating in the promotion was] very enjoyable. [The holiday] was exactly as stated. The accommodation was good. [Best aspect was] going away in the depths of winter at home. [Worst aspects was] having the hubcaps from my hire care stolen. The weather was mixed. [Service was] very good. No need to change [the holiday award].’ J & V Bishton, Market Drayton, Golf del Sur, Tenerife, Canaries. January 2010.

‘[Participating in the promotion was] exciting. [Best aspects were the] market in Fuengirola. [Memorable moment was the] volcano. [Worst aspects were] returning home and the weather. [Service was] good. [Improvement would be] nearer shops or transport to shops. Less steps and hills to climb.’ L Brooks, Gainsborough, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. April 2010.

‘[Participating in the promotion was] very good. [Best aspect was the] excellent accommodation.’ B Barker, Norfolk, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. November 2009.

‘Everyone was very helpful in the hotel. The food was great. The staff were so helpful. The pools were great. The reps were very attentive, could not do enough to help. [Best aspect was] being on holiday with my bro whom I have not seen in fifteen years. [Worst aspect was being] too far out of town. [Service was] the best, 5 star. [Improvement would be a] free taxi or buses to get from A to B.’ A Cunningham, Newcastle, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. May 2009.

‘[Expected to receive] the holiday because there were thousands on offer and very few of the other prizes. [Participating in the promotion was] very easy. Good service, good advice (e.g. book your flights first) and flexible when our first airline went bust. Excellent excursion, very friendly staff, plenty to do in the area. I’m glad we weren’t there in mid-summer – in January it was lovely and quiet. And, thank heavens, the fireplace was ‘real’ – all that marble was quite chilly in the evenings. [Memorable moment was] walking into the apartment – very well appointed and our last holiday was cheek-by-jowl tents so it was a real “wow” moment. [Worst aspects were] having to share a bed with the friend I travelled with: we have very different sleep patterns. [Service was] excellent. [Improvement would be to] provide logs for the fire for winter bookings – the stuff you buy at local garages is very expensive and burns too fast.’ C Fleming, Forfar, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. January 2010.

‘Apartment was very nice and location perfect. I had my 50^th birthday while there. [Worst aspect was] having to come home. [Service was] top class. No [improvements needed].’ L Dempster, Crawley. Resort not specified. March 2010.

‘Initially I was apprehensive and wondered if it was genuine. On reflection, I am so glad I did as it was a wonderful experience. Initially I was very sceptical about any promotion. Have to say I was proved wrong. Everything about the holiday was genuine. [Best aspects were] lovely apartment overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Lovely pool to swim in. The availability of activities in the park if one chooses to use them. [Memorable moments were] a trip to Fatima, glorious sunshine and a clean and very organised cleaning to the apartment. [Worst aspects were] meeting a very grumpy waiter at the restaurant. We were at the restaurant at 6:25pm and told to come back at 6:30pm as they were not open!! [Service] on the whole excellent. [Improvement would be] the exact location of the apartment prior to the departure would be helpful.’ H Cronin, Harrow, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve. June 2010.

‘[Expected] nothing [from the promotion] because most of these type of scratch cards are a scam. [Best aspects were] the hotel. [Worst aspect was] it was not close enough to the beach and not enough to do. [Service was] very good.’ J R Bailey, Somerset, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. June 2010.

‘I was quite wary right up until I checked in at the hotel. [Participating in the promotion was] very good overall. Helpful when I contacted them with any enquiries and fantastic while at the resort. I still don’t know why we received [the holiday award] but glad we did. The hotel was very nice, we had a very nice apartment with stunning views. The whole holiday was unforgettable, the complete relaxation of a week enjoying my family, which was made possible by you. [Worst aspect was] on arrival at the resort, the room was only equipped with a double bed and a sofa bed, which was not suitable for our party. [Service was] very good. [Improvement would be] more consideration of allocating rooms to make sure bed wise they are appropriate.’ S Catterall, Sheffield, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. May 2010.

‘I honestly did not expect to receive anything, but I was pleasantly surprised. Overall an interesting experience as I have only recently started taking part in these promotions. My views have definitely changed, I did not believe I would win anything. The apartment complex and resort were quiet, the weather was good and food was excellent. The lovely warm swimming pool was a bonus too. We had an excellent holiday overall. [Memorable moment was] walking into the beautiful apartment. [Worst aspects] none. [Service was] excellent.’ Name not specified. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. January 2010.

‘Very excited. Very good promotions. The holiday was amazing. [Memorable moment was] the snake show. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] excellent. I think [the holiday award] was very lovely and we had a very good time.’ C Colman, London, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. June 2010.

‘When I sent the claim in I expected something fairly useless or trivial – but I like a surprise, so sent it in.  It turned out a good prize. [My views of the promotion have changed] I think now ‘it could be another holiday’ so I do it. The accommodation was good, comfortable, clean, convenient. The staff were pleasant and helpful. The weather was good and Tenerife was interesting. All of it was good, most memorable were walks along the beach to a really good local fish restaurant. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] good. Can’t think of any [ways in which the holiday could have been improved].’ J Croft, Louth, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. January 2010.

‘[Expected] the promotion was for accommodation only. Food and drink we had to pay for. The staff were very helpful and friendly, meals were very good and the accommodation was excellent. The evening entertainment was also very good. My wife and I had a very good time. We had access to all the Petchey hotels in the area and the use of all the amenities. [Memorable moment was] Christmas Day! [Worst aspect was the] bad weather (very wet). Overall excellent [service].’ J Forrester, Devon, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. December 2009.

‘[Participating was] very good. I now take all promotions different, due to the holiday. It was my 40^th birthday when we arrived in Tenerife. [Memorable moment was] all of it, the staff, resort, weather, apartment. No [worst aspects]. The service was second to none, helpful, friendly, 100%. No [improvements needed]. Just 100% out of this world.’ S Evans, Lincolnshire, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. November 2009.

‘[Participating] was very simple and the staff were helpful and gave us good advice. I would certainly recommend anybody to accept Avanti promotions. The resort was great, but the staff were all so friendly and understanding which made our holiday excellent. [Memorable moment was] relaxing around the pool. [Worst aspect was] leaving the resort and coming home. [Service was] excellent and would recommend it to anyone. Just stay as you are…’ Name not specified. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. May 2010.

‘Very enjoyable [participation experience]. [Best aspects were] sunshine, relaxation, hotel facilities, i.e. restaurant in Oura Praia, pool in Oura View Beach Club, playground in Clube Praia Oura. [Memorable moment was] our meal on the steak night/kids disco. [Worst aspect was] the weather during the first week. [Service was] excellent.’ N Coulter, Newtownabbey, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. May 2010.

‘We did expect to receive the holiday as the others were £25,000, car. [Participating was] very very good. The promotion was as expected. [Best aspects were] the room and the view. [Memorable moment was] seeing the view. [Service was] good! No [improvements to be made] it was great.’ R Ball, Rochester, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. November 2009.

‘[Participating] was interesting. I like what was going on. [Best aspects were] the complex and meeting people. [Memorable moment was] the complex. Not a lot outside the complex. [Service] was good.’ Name not specified. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. Date not specified.

‘[Expected] 1 week in apartment as promised. [Participating was] very enjoyable and informative. The apartment was very nice in a lovely resort. [Best aspects were] the weather, the excellent attentive staff, the restaurant, the pool. [Memorable moment was] winning another week. [Worst aspect was] leaving. [Service was] very good.’ P Anderson, Tyne & Wear, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. November 2009.

‘[Expected to receive] a basic holiday apartment with few amenities. The hotel was excellent, all the extra amenities were good. The food was excellent and if we had wanted to self cater there were all the modern appliances. It was very good. We have not changed our minds and we would go again to the same hotel if we had the chance. There was plenty of entertainment and lots for children to do. The prices of the meals in the restaurant were so low we ate there every evening. [Best aspects were the] friendly people, good weather, evening entertainment and low cost food. Everyone was very friendly. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] very good.’ M Colley, Leeds, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. February 2010. 

‘I was glad I won the holiday. I was very glad that I entered the promotion. Yes of course my views have changed, I won a holiday, it was a nice surprise to win something. I loved and enjoyed my holiday. The apartment was very good, the beaches brilliant also the shops and walks. [Memorable moments were] getting to Portugal and chilling out for a week, and meeting new people. [Worst aspects] were the double lanes taxis change to take me to my destination and apartment. Very good, no complaints at all. I can’t think of any [improvements] at the moment. Keep up the good work Avanti, in these sad and depressing times we need more like you.’ E Heneghan, London. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. November 2009. 

‘[Participating] was good. I would do it again. I have recommended it to friends and family. We all enjoyed the holiday. The apartment was spot on, just in the right place. We had no worst aspects. [Service was] great. Our holiday could not have been improved, everything about it was excellent.’ C A Farrell, Cumbria, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. June 2010.

‘[Decided to take part in the promotion because of] last year, 2009 – a holiday in Tenerife (Golf De Sur). It was excellent, the staff were helpful and friendly. The promotion was very well presented. [Best aspects were the] sun, sea, accommodation, food and entertainment very good. [Memorable moment was the] food, very good. Accommodation very clean and tidy. [Worst aspect was] the food was very expensive. [Service was] excellent in every way. [Improvements would be] more choice of food at less expensive prices.’ J A Beckie, Morecambe. Resort and date not specified.

[Participating was] very good. We enjoyed a lovely break, the apartment was very clean, excellent maid service, lovely terrace with sun beds with a sea view. [Best aspects were the] super pool area to relax during the day, close to the main area for bars and restaurants, trying the local food (piri piri), 2 mins walk to the great beach. [Memorable moments were] the super weather, nice accommodation, lovely restaurant, excellent food and good service. We have not a thing to complain about. [Service was] very good, your reps were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble.’ P Clegg, Lytham-St-Annes, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal. May 2010.

‘I thought the whole scratchcard thing was going to be a scam. I didn’t expect to receive anything of higher value than the premium rate call. I was pleasantly surprised when I realised the award was genuine. [Best aspect was the] complimentary excursion including wine and cheese tasting. [Memorable moment was an] early morning walk along a deserted beach. [Worst aspect was] cats were permitted into the restaurant. [Service was] truly excellent, we were very well looked after.’ R Carr, Northants, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. November 2009.

‘Staff were friendly. Accommodation was high standard. Lack of evening entertainment (it was February though). [Best aspects were] the comfort of our room and the chance to meet a relative who lives near Malaga. [Memorable moment was a] walk and bus around Malaga. [Worst aspects were the] weather and no seafront available. [Service was] very efficient.’ D Charles, Essex, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. February 2010.

‘We were pleasantly surprised when we got a free weeks holiday (delighted). Your apartments in Tenerife were really good. It was so nice to enjoy your promotion. [Participating] was fun and different. We thought there must be a catch, but no it was a great experience. We felt very happy to take part in the promotion. It was something different and fresh. [Best aspects were] the pool, restaurants and sun, we loved it. [Memorable moment was] when the waiters brought out the birthday cake for my sister-in-law, it was great fun and a good surprise. [Worst aspects were] our apartment was covered over by trees, we like to sit out and have a glass of wine. Also, the towels could have been changed more. The service was good, all the staff were very friendly. As I said, we loved it.’ J & R Fingland, Lanarkshire, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. May 2010.

‘I enjoy participating in promotions. [Participating was] very good. The accommodation was excellent. [Memorable moment was] just travelling around to various locations: Marbella, Fuengirola, Malaga. [Worst aspect was that] the resort was located quite a distance from the coast, a car was essential. [Service was] very good.’ J Gonnelio, Lanarkshire, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain, May 2010.

‘[Participating was] very enjoyable. [Best aspects were] nice hotel, good food, good entertainment. Everything was fine. No [worst aspects]. Excellent [service]. No [improvements needed].’ S Fereday, Oura View Beach Club, Algarve, Portugal, November 2009.

‘I was impressed by: 1. A phone call from your service rep before departure. 2. The fact that no attempt was made to sell us membership. 3. The quality of the apartment. [Best aspect was] the quality of the resort. [Memorable moment was] being taken ill. [Worst aspect was] having to pay cash for an ambulance when my wife was taken ill. It’s difficult to raise €300 in cash – it would have been helpful if you could have accepted credit cards. [Service was] excellent. [Improvements would be] better instructions on how to find the Oasis Club from the airport, accept credit cards for emergency treatment, instructions on how to use the coffee maker, washing machine and air conditioning in the apartment.’ C J B Campbell, Dartmouth, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. March 2010.

‘The expectation when entering such a promotion is usually to receive a lesser award such as an MP3 I would imagine because it is less expensive. However, the holiday promotion was an award which I hoped rather than expected to receive because my wife and I just love Tenerife. As an experience [participating] was a very simple straightforward procedure. Apart from booking flights we had nothing else to do. All other arrangements were expertly done for us. We will always remember our holiday in a wonderful complex (Parque Albatros) where the service, food, apartment and all facilities were excellent. [Best aspects were] the friendliness of the resort staff, the excellent apartment, the quality of the food in the resort restaurant and of course the weather. [Memorable moment was] a bus trip to Los Gigantes. [Worst aspect was] coming home. Superb [service]. Sorry, can’t think of any [improvements].’ J Logan, Lanarkshire, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. September 2009.

‘Really really great, lovely hotel. Lovely place. Very enjoyed it. Pool was great. Clean. People were friendly. The whole experience was fantastic. I went with my 15 year old daughter and she would love to go again. Couldn’t believe (the holiday award). Being one parent, it was amazing. Very professional. Very easy to organise. Helpful people on the phone. [Best aspects] were not having to pay, just having holiday abroad. Everything, the hotel, the facilities, the boat trips, shopping… God everything. [Memorable moments were] being away with my daughter. A holiday I couldn’t afford in a lifetime. Sea, sand and sun, being treated really well. No [worst aspects]. Very highly rated [service]. No [improvements needed].’ D Siebert Yon, Reading, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. Date not specified.

‘[Expected the] holiday – most awards available. [Participating was] extremely easy and pleasant. Very simple to obtain the award and to then arrange the holiday details. [My views changed as] I realised over the expectation. Facilities were first class – expected a studio apartment and were provided with a one-bedroom apartment. Staff were friendly and helpful. [Best aspects were] good clean facilities, furnished in a high standard, nice pool and facilities. Nice views from room. Lovely setting on the bay with excellent facilities on the gorgeous beach. The weather!!! [Memorable moment was] the barbecue evening was an unexpected surprise. [Worst aspect was] having to come home. [Service was] excellent. The representative was extremely friendly and helpful. No [improvements needed]. Everything went smoothly and the holiday was extremely enjoyable.’ R Tucknott, Wakefield, Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve. September 2009.

‘I was given the award which was won by a friend who could not use it because of ill health. [Participating was] enjoyable. [Best aspects were] a free, very comfortable apartment and very helpful reception staff. [Memorable moment was] climbing to the summit of El Teide. [Worst aspect was the] noise from the planes landing at the airport. [Service was] good.’ C Morris, Deal, Golf del Sur, Tenerife, Canaries. October 2009.

‘[Expected] the ‘smallest value’ award as there are most of them! A really worthwhile experience! Most/many promotions are for 2 people and this was for 4! [Best aspects were] 1. Lovely apartment with pleasant view. 2. Beautiful weather. 3. Indoor pool as outdoor one was very cold. 4. Very attractive surroundings: gardens, flowers, tasteful buildings. 5. Reasonable (in price) restaurant, eating early. [Memorable moment was] the views/scenery from some of the ‘mountain villages’ we visited. Very nice beach fairly near. [Worst aspects were] rather poor road, direction signs! Going wrong way in the dark on the outward journey. Rather long way, a drive, to supermarket. Plane was delayed, otherwise this would not have happened. We weren’t so keen being in a ‘built up area’. [Service was] excellent, no problems at all! [Improvements would be] a warmer outdoor pool! More/some areas to walk near Oasis Club – it’s all road, couldn’t even walk on very near golf club!’ G Bradbury, West Sussex, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. March 2010.

‘Holiday voucher was gratefully accepted. Very pleased [with participation experience] – especially with the service. I have every confidence in taking part in promotions in the future. Excellent accommodation in a good position. [Memorable moment was] the service received by your staff. Yvette Parker was very helpful and accommodating. [Worst aspect was] 7 days wasn’t long enough. [Service was] excellent. Adviser called 23^rd December saying there were cheap flights from Bristol, called back Christmas Eve to confirm flights and holiday booking. Make me more offers.’ D Hill, Lllandysul, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. January 2010.

‘[Expected] a week’s resort stay in Tenerife, as a promotional offer. We were offered the holiday and we took up the offer because Tenerife has such sunshine! We were not disappointed. We were pleased and happy to tale part in the promotion. Our views remain the same [since receiving the holiday award]. The holiday went without a hitch. Good flight from Bournemouth and excellent accommodation, marvellous sunshine! We do have many memories and we enjoyed them all. [Worst aspect was] the resort was full of steps! My wife found this very difficult as she has had a knee replacement. We were allocated a top-of-the-resort chalet! [Service was] good.’ P & S Cartlidge, Bournemouth, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. November 2009.

‘[Participating was] fun and rewarding! [Best aspects were] peace and quiet, weather, excellent bus services. [Memorable moment was] on arrival, apartment and site exceeded expectations. [Worst aspect was] hanging around in airport, especially as flight was delayed from Luton. [Service was] excellent. Not really [any improvements to be made].’ T Abra, Market Harborough, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. January 2010.

‘We received a holiday which was great. The promotion was great. [Best aspects were] the sun and entertainment. [Memorable moment was] visiting the island. [Worst aspect was] 2 days of rain. [Service was] excellent. No change needed all ok.’ S Forster, Leek. Resort and date not specified.

‘We assumed it would be a holiday because of the numbers available of this prize. We had no pre-conceived ideas about the return we might obtain through making 1 phone call and then following up the award by looking on the Internet and being completely surprised by what was actually available to us! The experience surpassed our thinking. We felt the cost of the phone call for the prizes on offer made the premium call worthwhile. Our views have not changed, however we do look closely at promotions we have received since. [Best aspects were] excellent complex, super apartment, staff most helpful, grounds and public areas well maintained and spotlessly clean. Well situated for variety of eating places. Good local public transport. Good weather, not far from airport and transfers were excellent. Eating in complex very reasonable prices, good quality food. No [worst aspects] to report. [Service was] excellent via telephone and email. They answered any questions and double-checked our flight arrangements. We also received our initial deposit on arrival at complex. Thank you for the service we received. The holiday was just perfect – we cannot think of any improvements needed.’ H Edwards, East Sussex, Golf del Sur, Tenerife, Canaries. March 2010.

‘Wasn’t expecting anything so was pleasantly surprised. [Participating was] very good. We went out of season, so it was nice and quiet but still nice and warm. Good clean accommodation and friendly people. [Memorable moment was] the beautiful beach and the fact that our room looked onto it. No [worst aspects]. [Service was] very good. No [improvements needed].’ J Frank, Reading, Oura View Beach Club, Algarve, Portugal. January 2010.

‘I fully expected a week for a family of 4 self-catering. The promotion gave options and I chose the above option. [Participating was] quite exciting really, who wouldn’t want a free week in the sun? The staff were outstanding and I cannot praise them enough. They were all friendly, helpful and very professional too. [Memorable moment was] the help and support we received due to being stranded due to the dust cloud, no fly zone. The manager and reps were brilliant. [Worst aspects were] the weather wasn’t great and with the dust cloud cancellations to our flights it could have become a nightmare. The resort is too removed from local facilities. [Service was] excellent, great staff, great facilities, great food and entertainment. [Improvements would be] more excursions as the resort is remote and it was expensive to get to the beach/shops etc.’ N J Goddard, Lincolnshire, Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain. April 2010.

‘The holiday resort was lovely. My father entered the promotion and passed it on to me, but I would consider entering. [Best aspects were the] monkey park, local restaurants, Siam park, resort hotels and hot tubs. [Memorable moment was the] monkey park – holding monkeys. [Service was] very good and very friendly. [Improvements would be] better views from our room as we were ground level facing road/rear of hotel.’ K Dooner, Bournemouth, Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands. May 2010.

‘I hoped I would receive a free holiday. It was very good. It does pay to take a chance on these promotions. [Best aspects were] the apartment, everything you needed was in there, the weather wasn’t as good as I would’ve liked it. [Memorable moment was] missing our flight home – we had to stay another night in the hotel up from the airport. [Worst aspect was] a long walk from our apartment to main area of hotel. [Service] was very good. No [improvements] I can think of.’ M Edgar, Tyne & Wear, Algarve, March 2010.

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