Getting away just after Christmas really is the best kind of therapy. After the hustle and bustle, the mayhem and mischief, the stress and the laughter, a break between Christmas and New Year feels like pressing reset. My husband and I, along with our two young children, decided to escape to the beautiful, sunny Canary Island of Fuerteventura on 27 December. Even before we packed the car for the airport, there was a different kind of excitement in the house: that feeling of sneaking in one last treat before the year ends. It felt extra special as we had not travelled for over 16 months due to the pandemic. Whatever your destination, this really is a magical time of year to travel.

Dublin Airport security was exceptionally busy, which we fully expected, but once we were through, the airport itself felt surprisingly calm. We had a lunchtime departure from Dublin for our 4 hour 20 minute flight to Fuerteventura, arriving in the early evening to a very welcome 15–16 degrees. We stayed at the 4-star Elba Carlota Beach Resort in a Junior Suite on an all-inclusive basis, and having just a 15 minute transfer from the airport felt like such a luxury with tired little ones in tow.

Arriving in the evening always makes it harder to get a true feel for a hotel, but first impressions were very positive. We received a warm welcome at check-in, everything was quick and efficient, and we were soon being shown to our room. Ours was one of only four junior suites with sea views and a large balcony. The décor is a little old-fashioned and you can see that some refurbishment would be welcome, but the generous space, the lovely views and that large balcony more than made up for it.

The following morning we were able to explore properly. The hotel has a spacious pool area with two large pools (one heated and one cold), a jacuzzi and a children’s pool. There are lots of sports facilities and family-friendly touches: kids’ clubs, a playground, tennis courts and daytime activities around the pool. On the all-inclusive board, the food is buffet style, exactly what you would expect from this type of resort, with the desserts proving a particular favourite with the children.

New Year’s Eve was the highlight of the week. The hotel put on a special show, and later we took the short 15 minute stroll along the promenade into town for the annual beach firework display to welcome in the New Year. The Elba Carlota is around a 15–20 minute walk into the town. Top tip: when you are walking towards the harbour, choose the beach route rather than the promenade, it is both prettier and quicker. The resort itself is small, with a selection of restaurants, shops, cafés and duty free perfume stores. I would especially recommend Restaurante la Bodeguita, located in the Centro Comercial El Castillo area. The Elba Carlota, along with the 5-star Sheraton Fuerteventura, sits beside the Atlántico shopping centre, which offers more designer stores, a supermarket, a bowling alley and additional restaurants.

We had a wonderful time on this trip, and on reflection, much of the magic came down to the time of year. There is something very special about trading dark, chilly post-Christmas days for gentle winter sunshine, relaxed family time and the excitement of seeing in the New Year somewhere new. We do plan to revisit Fuerteventura again, but we will certainly be travelling at this time of year. It really was the perfect tonic after Christmas.