Trading turkey for tapas and Brussels sprouts for sangria, a British couple is preparing to celebrate Christmas Day in Benidorm – the Spanish coastal resort they’ve visited over 100 times.

Roger, 75, and Sue Topp, 74, from Leicester, have been making the journey to Benidorm for more than 35 years, describing how they virtually brought up their children there, as it evolved into their “second home.” Roger said: “We used to do UK holidays, but it was always a gamble with the weather, then we came to Benidorm once, and that was it.

“It’s friendly, clean, safe, and the value is unbelievable. You can get a glass of wine for one to two euros and a full meal for less than you’d spend on a takeaway back home.” For the pair, nowhere else can quite match Benidorm’s sunshine, entertainment and sense of community, reports the Mirror.

They’re so enamoured with the seaside destination that they make the trip around three times annually from East Midlands Airport, spending extended periods there during Britain’s chilly winter season. The pair stay at the well-known Hotel Rio Park, situated merely a 10-minute stroll from Benidorm’s bustling main strip, and this year will mark their Christmas location.

The couple, who have been married for 55 years, will jet off to Benidorm on December 23, remarkably marking their eighth trip this year. Their beloved buffet restaurant is already pencilled in, with Brussels sprouts firmly off the menu, and they’re planning to video call their relatives back home before revelling in the winter sunshine.

“The first time we tried Christmas over there, we were blown away. The Rio Park Hotel puts on a feast for us, its breakfast, a huge traditional Christmas lunch, entertainment all day, and you can have as much wine and beer as you like. It’s brilliant and takes away so much stress, that’s why we’ve always loved TUI holidays,” they shared.

They added: “We just love the Hotel Rio Park, it has everything you need and it is so close to the beach, plus the staff are just amazing and have become lifelong friends”. When they’re not enjoying the hotel’s amenities, Roger and Sue bask in the sun on one of the expansive golden sand beaches or explore the Old Town.

However, a Chinese buffet called Puente De Oro, where they can “eat like kings”, ranks among their personal favourites. “We love the Chinese buffet out there, you can get plates piled high and unlimited drinks for 19 euros. The food is fresh, delicious and amazing value. We go there all the time, sometimes there are big groups of 20 of us who are Benidorm regulars,” they disclosed.

Not to mention the vast array of Tapas they get to indulge in. “There is a Tapas bar called Zodiac right near the Rio Park Hotel, and it does the most delicious 6 plates of tapas and a bottle of wine for 9 euros. You really can’t beat that. We go back time and time again because the quality is amazing and it’s a great price.”

The devoted holidaymakers have turned to TUI numerous times to book their Benidorm getaways, becoming familiar faces at their neighbourhood branch and praising the staff for their outstanding service. “We pop in for a chat or a cuppa. They always look after everything for us, and they’ve become like family,” said Roger.

Cameron Morton, a TUI Travel Agent at the Hinckley branch, has been organising the pair’s Spanish escapes for over ten years. “They’ve been booking with us in-store for around 10 years and usually plan three trips at a time for the year ahead. They love the Rio Park and won’t go anywhere else, they always say it feels like a home from home and that they meet friends there every time,” Cameron shared.

“Benidorm is such a great value destination, with affordable hotels, food and entertainment, which is why it works so well as a destination with TUI.”

Even after more than 100 visits to the Mediterranean hotspot, Roger and Sue show no signs of slowing down their annual pilgrimages, singing the praises of their beloved resort. “Ignore the stereotypes. It’s one of the friendliest, best-value places you can visit, with something for every age and budget. If you don’t enjoy Benidorm, you’ve only yourself to blame,” they shared.

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