Soaking up the sun in Portugal: TV host Alex Jones shares the highlights of her family holiday on the Algarve
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TV's Alex Jones and her husband Charlie love nothing more than a travel adventure with their children, Teddy, aged seven, Kit, five, and three-year-old Annie.
Whether it's setting off to explore Europe or staying closer to home and holidaying in Wales, they tend to go self-catering.
But it was when they were in search of some half-term sunshine that they found the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure on the Algarve with Jet2holidays.
Alex Jones, her husband Charlie, and their children Teddy, Kit and Annie jetted to Portugal
'It was sunny every single day': Alex loved relaxing in the beautiful pool at Pine Cliffs Resort
'This year, we'd had such a bad summer,' says Alex. 'It felt like we hadn't had enough heat. When this opportunity came up in October to go to Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal with Jet2holidays, we jumped at the chance and it was brilliant. And sunny every single day.'
It wasn't just the destination that appealed, but the idea of wrapping everything up in one easy package, so the family could start the holiday right from the airport. Jet2holidays offer all-inclusive family holidays with deals such as Free Child Places*, which means that when two full-paying passengers book a room, one child can holiday for no extra cost - even their flights are free!
Plus you can spread the cost of your holiday: pay just a £60pp^ deposit to book, then you can pay the rest in a minimum of three monthly payments, with zero payment fees.
Alex and Charlie also loved being able to choose the half-board option, a change from their usual self-catering holidays, and one which meant they could enjoy the best of both worlds.
And with 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage included, as well as return flights and transfers~, with Jet2holidays, everything's included, every time.
'I couldn't believe how much easier it was!' explains Alex. 'With previous holidays, it's been, let's pack the car up, we're driving to France, and so on. But this was properly relaxing. My gosh, complete convert!'
Alex said her break with Jet2holidays had 'opened her eyes to a whole new way of travelling'
From the food to the range of activities on offer for the kids, they all fell in love with the hotel.
'We were really blown away by the quality,' says Alex.
While she and Charlie were impressed by the fresh pastas and catch of the day served at the Italian and fish restaurants they tried – two of 11 eateries at the hotel – the children had their own culinary favourites.
'It really felt like a holiday!' Alex enthused
'Breakfast for the kids was a massive highlight,' says Alex. 'There was the odd treat for them. They thought the pancake machine was the second coming. I would say to them, this is a holiday breakfast.'
The family found plenty of time to enjoy themselves in the sunshine.
'The boys would swim in any weather and Charlie is the same, so off they went while Annie and I played on the beach. The beach itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flanked by really bright red sandstone cliffs. As the sun goes down, the light hits them. It's stunning.'
Mini 4x4s were another hit with the children, as was mini-golf and the trampolines in the play area. They even took a boat trip up the coast to explore caves and swim.
'Charlie and I had time to relax too,' says Alex. 'It was an absolute revelation; we were saying, what have we been doing?
'There was so much to entertain the children, and it felt really safe. And while we were in the playground, we could have a coffee and a chat while they played.'
The daily sunshine at the Algarve resort made a change from the uncertain UK weather
With the ease of travel and so many destinations on their doorstep, Alex and Charlie are package holiday converts.
'It's opened our eyes to a new way of holidaying and I've recommended it to lots of people. I tell them, you will honestly have the best time,' she says.
Even the baggage allowance was a revelation. 'We've been caught out by that before,' explains Alex. 'But with Jet2holidays, you all get 22kg baggage packaged up which is an absolute dream. It's easy, it's done, it's included.'
The food was a hit with the entire family, who were impressed at the high-quality offerings at the 11 different eateries on offer at the hotel
The family are now looking at other destinations for future holidays. 'My husband came back the other day with the Sun & Beach Holidays brochure!' laughs Alex.
'There are loads of places I'd go with Jet2holidays. We were looking at some resorts in Turkey, which looked fantastic. And in Europe, you can't go wrong. There were a few in Cyprus that looked really nice. And Majorca is definitely on the list.'
Alex and family loved their trip with Jet2holidays - and are already dreaming of the next one!
Four fabulous family getaways for your summer break
Nothing beats a Jet2holiday and now is the perfect time to book your family getaway. Take advantage of ABTA and ATOL-protected packages with return flights, return transfers~ and your 22kg baggage included.
There are destinations for everyone, resorts ranging from two-star to five-star and you can choose between from self-catering all the way through to all-inclusive plus. Add Free Child Places*, even available in school holidays, and you know you're getting great value.
Eftalia Marin, Turkey
With a whimsical nautical theme, this hotel has both spacious family rooms and swim-up rooms.
Paradise for swimmers: Eftalia Island Beach complex in Turkey
As well as access to the sparkling ocean, the hotel features a large outdoor pool, and unlimited access to the Eftalia Island Beach Complex.
Enjoy huge waterslides and splash pools along with beach volleyball and other sports activities, a relaxing spa, and evening entertainment at the amphitheatre.
History buffs and budding young archaeologists will enjoy the old forts in the nearby town of Alanya.
Harmony Bay Hotel, Cyprus
With a stunning location on the seafront, Harmony Bay is in the ideal setting to enjoy both peace and activity.
Peaceful place to relax - or enjoy local nightlife: Harmony Bay Hotel in Cyprus
The relaxing pool with its sunbathing area offers a tranquil haven with fantastic views in the middle of Limassol, with bars and restaurants on your doorstep for an active nightlife.
Get lost in the charming old quarter of the city, or splurge in one of the many designer boutiques. Gym and sauna facilities are also available for the sports-inclined, or just relax on the Blue Flag golden sand beaches.
Villa Eden, Fuerteventura
A dreamy private villa right on the beach at Corralejo, this luxury house sleeps six with two bathrooms. With a Jet2Villas package, you'll also get car hire included, giving you the freedom to explore!
Luxury villa with direct beach access: Villa Eden in Fuerteventura
Villa Eden enjoys direct beach access from the terrace, with a unique sloped private pool and sea views of Lobos Island from the sunbeds.
Cook for yourself and eat outdoors in the al fresco dining area, or discover the bustling life of the town on your doorstep.
Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort and Spa, Rhodes
Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays is a collection of five-star hotels with superior service, and attention to every last detail. Your resort comes with a host of VIP extras, such as 25kg baggage, airport priority lane passes and two complimentary in-flight drinks+ all included.
Perfect for families wanting something a little special: Atrium Platinum in Rhodes
With sea views at every turn, this retreat offers an excellent all-inclusive plus package. With an outdoor lagoon pool, it's a sublime destination for families wanting something a little bit more special.
Luxury is married with contemporary modern design and all the amenities you could desire, including a children's club, team sports, and five international à la carte restaurants. Multiple rooms also have their own private pool attached.
Find out more and book your summer holiday at Jet2holidays.com
*One free child place per two paying passengers. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply, please see www.jet2holidays.com/promotions#fcp for further details. ^On bookings made ten weeks or more before departure. Full payment required by balance due date. ~Unless otherwise stated. +Excludes champagne which is payable. One drink per person, per flight.
