My Trip To Costa De Almeria – Ben Littlestone

We’re really excited about the latest addition to our mainland Spain portfolio – Costa De Almeria – which will be added to the ranks from summer 2013. It’s been dubbed ‘the sleepiest Costa’, and Product Assistant, Ben Littlestone, got a sneak peek of the place…

Not what I expected

Before I jetted off to check out Costa Almeria, I was expecting a lively, modern resort. But when I got there, I found a quiet town full of Spanish character, with a great beach and the best tapas I’ve ever eaten – but more on that later.

When the team and I arrived in Roquetas de Mar, Costa Almeria’s main resort, it was nearly lunchtime. We had a stop to make before we could eat, though, so we headed for the Protur Roquetas – a hotel right on the beach, which our customers will be staying in from next year.

The Protur Roquetas

At the moment, it’s having a huge refurbishment, and we were lucky enough to have a nose at what they’ve done so far. The waterfall in the lobby was a nice touch. But it was the rooms that I really loved. They’ve got smart wood panels on the walls and funky red bedspreads. They’re nice and big, too, and have that shiny, just-painted feel. I decided that if I ever stayed here, though, I’d have to splurge on one of the Junior Suites. These rooms have a massive balcony that comes with a Jacuzzi! The manager also took us to check out the spa – I’m coming back just to try out the scented showers! By the looks of things, outside is going to look good, too. The pool is surrounded by palms trees and sunbeds, and criss-crossed by little bridges. Plus, it comes with in-water loungers and Jacuzzi jets. I decided I’d feel right at home sunbathing here! We saw the à la carte restaurant last, which looks out over the beach. It’s got a nice big deck if you like eating outside.

Lunch at the marina

After the grand tour, we were starving, so the hotel manager told us to try one of the seafood restaurants at the marina. It was really swish, with huge yachts bobbing in the water, and ladies with shopping bags lunching at the open-air cafés. We grabbed a table outside, and enjoyed fresh-from-the-net squid and red mullet in the sunshine (Costa Almeria is apparently the sunniest place in Spain). Feeling very fat after dessert, we then decided to walk it all off on the beach. Roquetas de Mar’s beach is long and wide, and there was hardly anyone else on it! Once we’d walked a mile or so, we sat down on the sands for a rest. Things had gone a little quiet in the town – it was siesta time, after all.

Authentic tapas and sangria

After a wander around the town, it was time for dinner. And we found a tiny little tapas bar in one of the backstreets. We ordered a jug of sangria and told the waiter to bring us a selection of his favourites. Out came gigantic platters of Serrano ham, triangles of Manchego cheese, spicy tomato meatballs and garlicky prawns – the food was amazing. The waiters had Spanish football on in the background, so we watched the game with them before turning in for the night. My colleagues Kat and Laura teased me the whole way back to our hotel – I had to explain why I knew the words to an S Club 7 song which was playing from one of the little music bars…

We reckon Costa Almeria is going to be a big hit come summer 2013, but don’t just take our word for it. Pick up a copy of the new First Choice Summer Sun brochure to see for yourself…