Holidaying by myself

I decided late in the summer that it was time to give myself a holiday! I haven’t had one in a while, and while booking other peoples trip is all well and good, it’s not quite the same as going yourself

So I researched my favourite winter sun destinations, and I landed on Tenerife. I wanted to be in the south of the island, so I decided on the Sheraton La Caleta Hotel. I booked my flights, and accommodation and I was ready to go. I found myself at Gatwick airport at some ungodly hour of the morning, reminding myself that I had a treat in store. I pushed the boat out, and travelled in British Airways Club Europe. The lounge at Gatwick airport is very nice, and I had a coffee and celebratory muffin while waiting for my flight

For the first time in ages, I was travelling alone. I wanted some ME time after a particularly busy summer, and a busy winter to look forward to! Never once during the trip did I feel lonely…I think being in a new environment with lots to explore made those kind of thoughts disappear.

The four hour flight went like a shot, and after a nice meal and a glass of wine, I was ready for my holiday to start. I was picked up at the airport, and made a quick 20 minute journey to the hotel

The Sheraton is located right at the end of the huge stretch of hotels that makes up Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos and the costa Adeje. Its in a wonderfully relaxed environment with lovely Moorish architecture in a deep red colour. The staff could not have been kinder to me. I had an amazing room with a wonderful view of the hotel grounds. There are numerous swimming pools, areas to relax, bars restaurants and places to chill out.

Within a short walk, there are lots of places to eat out, explore and have adventures…or you can just sit on or walk along the promenade, which stretches for a good long way into Playa de las Americas.

The food is cheap or expensive (to whatever your budget will allow), and while the restaurants nearer to my hotel were more expensive, the closer you get to Playa de las Americas, the cheaper they become.

I Settled quickly into quite a nice little routine…get up, go to the gym, have a leisurely breakfast, and then relax by the pool. Lunchtime and into the afternoon saw a short walk to a café for lunch, or down to the sea for a dip (surprisingly warm considering it’s the Atlantic Ocean), and then back to the hotel for a siesta before dinner.

The hotel does an amazing Bloody Mary cocktail (amongst dozens of others), and the drinks are washed down with delicious complimentary nibbles. In the evening, the restaurants offer mainly a buffet service, or you can also go a la carte. I was on a B&B basis, but you can go for half or full board options if you prefer.

I took a couple of trips into the interior of the country, to see Mount Teide and Santa Cruz, but for the most part it was all about relaxation.

It was over far too quickly for my liking, but I came back refreshed, re invigorated and ready to hit the ground running

If you are travelling alone, go for it…have fun, go with the flow and let the holiday work for you!