Our holiday was heaven even with the addition of a hellish dose!

WE took full advantage of the fact that the restaurant was closed for the first 10 days of January. We were all going to Fuerteventura and we were really looking forward to the break.

We finished working in the wee hours on New Year’s Eve and got some sleep before we headed off to the airport — which was buzzing. We should have been super excited, but most of us had that terrible dose that was doing the rounds over the festive period. Derry got it over the Christmas break and I had it in full swing by the time New Year’s Eve came around.

Everyone on the plane was in a similar situation — coughing and spluttering. I did my best to keep my scarf around my mouth, as planes are the worst places to pick up bugs because of the recycled air.

Anyhow, by the time we touched down at the airport in Port del Rosario we could feel the heat. Sick or not, it was holiday time! My sister, her husband and two boys were travelling with Derry, myself, Sarah May and her boyfriend and my 86-year-old Mum.

We booked the Barcelo Sands Hotel in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. This beautifully-appointed hotel was completed last year and we could see the pirate ship in the children’s pool from the road.

IHAD checked out their facilities before we booked as my nephews are 11 and 14 and needed to be entertained. We needn’t have worried — the animation team headed by the very colourful Jay was amazing.

Not only were the kids kept happy, but us adults also joined in the fun with some lessons on how to make mojitos, which we got to sip around the pool. Jay was partial to dressing like Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean and was great craic.

The rest of us were trying to catch as many rays as possible. I, for one, needed some sun on my old bones. The hotel is amazing, and all the staff are so lovely and helpful. They really helped us out when my mum took ill. We were looking for a doctor and the Brisamar Clinic next door was recommended to us.

Caroline the guest relations manager was wonderful as was Maria on reception. They got us a wheelchair and telephoned the clinic to say we were on our way. My mum was seen by a doctor immediately, had X-Rays taken and was in a bed on a drip with antibiotics and a nebuliser all within an hour.

She had a bad chest infection and the doctor did not want it to develop into pneumonia. My poor little sister was in the day after with the same complaint. Again, she saw a doctor, and got the same amazing treatment. The facility was immaculate and so efficient. Thank heavens for travel insurance, as it covered all the medical costs.

It just goes to show you how important it is to make sure you are insured when you travel. There was a young couple at the hotel who were the victims of a mugging and again the hotel staff were so good to them — much more helpful apparently than the local police, who told them to make a complaint online.

We even got a very late checkout free of charge so my mum was able to nap and didn’t have to wait in the foyer for hours. And of course, food and drink is a big part of a holiday, and I’m pleased to report that the gorgeous A Poniente Gastro Bar was among the best food we had this trip.

Due to everyone being so poorly, we tended to get dressed and have dinner and drinks in this restaurant which can be accessed from the hotel. They were so pleasant and accommodating when it came to everyone’s likes and dislikes.

We will be returning to this sunny island as soon as we get our next week off — and hopefully we won’t be so sick next time around!