Marbella Belles – How hens are bucking the credit crunch
Despite the credit crunch and predictions of a hot summer at home, the hens are still off in the hundreds to the Costa del Sol for their share of sun, sangria and silliness! Marbella has always been popular with hen parties and, while many groups are opting to stay in the UK for their last weekend of freedom, Brilliant Trips are finding the pull of this Spanish town is as strong as ever.“And it’s not just the year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and tapas that keep the crowds coming”, says Helen Gillies, Marketing Director of online operator, Brilliant Trips.
“UK hen weekend enquiries have increased dramatically over recent months as people feel the pinch of both a weak pound and the global recession but Marbella is a long standing favourite, especially for the ladies, and so far we’ve seen no decline in interest.” Brilliant Trips believes the combination of authenticity and party potential is the key to Marbella’s continued popularity, with the traditional cobbled old town just a short ride away from the glitz and glamour of Puerto Banus.
Brilliant Trips, ‘Brilliant Ideas for Girls’ have always been about offering something a little bit different, and Marbella is no exception –from horse riding through quaint villages and traditional Andalucian countryside to enjoying VIP entrance to a luxurious nightclub. And there’s a wide range of accommodation options, from self-catering apartments to luxury hotels and private villas, so there really is something for everyone’s budget.
For groups of 6 or more people staying two nights in a 4* hotel, just ten minutes walk from Puerto Banus, the price is £245 per person (excluding flights), including:
• Twin room and breakfast in 4* hotel just 10 minutes walk from Puerto Banus
• Saturday trip to Monda for ½-day horse riding session with tapas lunch and drinks; private transfer included
• VIP 3-course dinner and entrance to nightclub in Puerto Banus
• Private airport transfers
The hotel has 74 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms. Spacious and comfortable and all with mini-bar, safe, air-conditioning, hair dryer, direct dial telephone, satellite TV and high speed internet access. The hotel has just had a fantastic makeover and Michelin star chef John Christophe Novelli has opened a new restaurant onsite. The rooftop cocktail bar is a perfect place to watch the sun go down and get ready for a fabulous night out.
Brilliant Trips offer a range of activities in and around the Marbella area including catamaran cruises, dolphin safaris, champagne breakfasts, go karting, horse riding and wakeboarding, as well as a number of restaurant and nightclub options. Any of these activities can easily be incorporated into a tailor-made Brilliant Trips short – or long - break.
Brilliant trips (brillianttrips.co.uk) is an exciting new online tour operator offering active day trips, one night, weekend and short breaks both in the UK and overseas.
They specialise in tailor-made group travel, with an innovative ‘Brilliant Ideas for Girls, Boys and Friends’ series of trips including ideas suitable for the hen, stag and corporate market. The emphasis is on fun and good value for money. Brilliant Trips caters for the young professional market, and to the overseas traveller looking for an inexpensive way to see the UK.