Well, what a privilege. Chris and Steve have asked us to give a guest blog.  Not sure if it is a good idea but hey ho let’s give it a try.

Up front disclaimer:  We have been renting from VPV since 2015 and have kept coming back, so they must be getting something right!

This year, as world events unfolded, it looked like our trip to Vera Playa wasn’t going to happen and I have to say, we were bitterly disappointed.

As travel restrictions began to ease, we kept in contact with Chris and Steve to understand what conditions were like in Vera post-lockdown.  My wife and I had been maintaining a strict isolation in the UK and were only leaving the house once a week for essential groceries.  As lockdown relaxed, we maintained our isolation as we were genuinely concerned about the behaviour of the public at home.

Then, Brittany Ferries announced that they were resuming ferries to Spain on a much-reduced passenger loading. We now had a dilemma; would it be safe in Vera Playa?  Would the ferry trip be safe?  What about an overnight stop driving through Spain?  You might have noticed I didn’t mention would it be safe at Chris and Steve’s apartment; well we have no worries there as we found in our first visit that everything is spotlessly clean and they have maintained their extremely high standards every year. 

Brittany ferries seemed to be running a very tight ship (sorry) and masks were mandatory apart from when eating, drinking or in your cabin.  All fears allayed.

Holiday Inn Express have a hotel just south of Madrid and they were enforcing high standards, so things were all looking good.

We spoke at length with Chris and Steve and yes, the holiday was on.  Ferry booked together with the hotel, so we were now getting excited and at the same time a little concerned.  We talked over all the different scenarios many times and packed loads of hand gel, disinfectant sprays and wipes for every eventuality on the drive down.  

The ferry trip was reassuring, everyone wore their masks correctly, social distancing was imposed with every other table and chair, blocked off, and staff and passengers were always respectful of each other.  Once off the ferry it was obvious that Spain was totally behind the wearing of face masks and our fears were easing as we drove out of Santander onto the motorway.  It is a 4.5hr drive to the hotel and we only stopped once, again everyone was masked up with hand gel dispensers at the entrance to the café and there were markings on the floor.  Again, at the hotel you sanitised your hands on entering and stood back from the receptionist who was behind her plexiglass barrier.  A buffet breakfast is the norm but now you are given a tick box list so you can collect a picnic bag in the morning together with your preferred drink which was freshly made.  We were again extremely impressed with the hotel, all literature, kettle and associated items you find in the rooms were removed so it was like sleeping in a cell (no, I have not)!  The TV remote was in a plastic heat-sealed bag and was renewed when we left.

Chris and Steve had explained that on arrival we would all be required to wear our masks and there were no hugs and kisses and social distancing must be adhered to inside.  So it was a strange check-in but again it reinforced how well they are dealing with all the new rules.  Steve had hand gel for us all and a sanitized pen for signing the Police forms.

I should have said we were staying in Almodóvar with its swimming pool all of 20 paces from the apartment door. Within the swimming pool area, there is hand gel attached to the shower, strict distancing rules and you are only allowed to locate yourselves in the marked areas on the grass.  If they are full, come back later.  We were staying in the main holiday time, but it was never an issue.

The day after we arrived, mandatory mask wearing was imposed throughout Almería so you must wear one at all times.  We spent a relaxing 12 days in Almodóvar and felt totally safe at all times. and the short walk to the beach wearing a mask was fine.  In ‘normal’ times, the beach is patrolled by the police and lifeguards but now there are beach security staff also patrolling.  It is their job to ensure there is correct spacing between sunbathing groups and that face masks are worn if you walk the water’s edge.  When it is busy on weekends, they position themselves on the boardwalk and direct you to any available spaces.

One day my wife and I went to the water’s edge for a swim but were not sure as the waves began to rise.  A short time later as we were pondering a young beach security girl told us off for not wearing a mask.  I explained we were deciding whether to go in, but she told us we had been stood too long and must go in or back and sit down. (Editor’s note: I wonder if this was “Poison Pill?” of our previous blog fame). 

We spent the first part of our stay at Almodóvar, and the final part in the other apartment - Mediterráneo.  We felt so much safer at VP than in the UK. 

As we have been visiting Vera for fourteen years, we have visited most locations and we were not planning on travelling much this year but the bio security really impressed us so we drove out to Nijar and visited again the amazing Cactus Nijar garden centre.  It is also the home to a music society and in normal times have events in the cool evenings with food and drink available.  It is well worth the 35min drive down the motorway.  We have also returned to the Cabo De Gata natural park with its beautiful villages all along the coast and enjoyed a cool soft drink in many of the bars. We always visit San Juan De Los Terreros but have never stopped at any of the small coves on the way.  This year we found some absolute gems, a number run down but still with a certain Spanish charm. 

Every bar and restaurant we have visited all have reduced tables for social distancing and staff all wear masks.  They all have hand sanitizer at the entrances.   I have heard they will be closed down instantly if the rules are not complied with. 

So, are you worried about coming to Vera Playa?  We had concerns but Chris and Steve soon put our minds to rest and the way the Spanish are dealing with the regulations is reassuring. Sorry if this sounds like a fan letter but I can assure you they had no input and if it’s on the blog they must be happy. 

Editor's note: Thanks so much Nick & Viv for taking the time to write this for us, it is much appreciated.  We understand that everyone's circumstances are different and the current quarantine rules on returning home are making a trip out here impractical for some, but if this is not an issue for you, we have the details of a reputable insurance company who specialise in travel under unusual circumstances and have policies that cover Covid. Please ask.