Mark and Karen Gregory think they have spent £30,000 on their trips there over the years
Meet the Benidorm enthusiasts who have holidayed there 25 times in just seven years – and splash out £6k annually on their getaways. Mark and Karen Gregory, both 50, previously explored different Spanish islands for their breaks until they discovered Benidorm for the first time in 2018.
The pair fell head over heels for the notoriously popular tourist hotspot and estimate they have splashed out £30k on visits. While they “aren’t big drinkers”, the duo appreciate the bargain booze – including “pints for 80 cents” and “€2 for a bottle of cava” when they fancy a tipple.
The couple frequently return to identical spots during each visit – savouring a pint at the Western Saloon, tucking into dinner at Country Ribs or Katmandu Curry House, sipping cocktails at the Hotel California Bar. They are even fond of watching the same Meat Loaf tribute performer, commonly known as “Meatloaf Benidorm”, at Jokers.
The pair have zero intentions of seeking alternative holiday destinations – and have even contemplated relocating there permanently. Mark, from Swansea, said: “We used to go to Majorca and The Canaries until we spotted a deal for a trip to Benidorm one day.
“We thought we’d try it for a week and we were so pleasantly surprised that my wife started looking for accommodation to go again as soon as we got home!
“The TV show is about typical Brits in the sun – what everyone thinks of – but that’s only about 10 per cent of it. You do get your typical beer-bellied Brits but there is a much nicer, quieter side too.
“We mainly go outside of summer as it’s much cheaper – but there’s entertainment there all year round. People do have their own opinions of Benidorm and it is a bit of a ‘Marmite’ resort – but lots fall in love with it and we can see why.”
The pair relish the year-round nightlife – particularly the live music, tribute acts and drag shows. They have visited 25 times since late 2018 – excluding the travel-free pandemic period – having splashed around £30k. Mark said: “We mainly stick to the winter but we’ve been in May a couple of times.
“In winter it’s 30-40 per cent cheaper – not just to get there, but at the bars and restaurants. And even in winter there is so much to do – you never get bored.”
READ MORE: ‘I swapped student life in the UK for Caribbean island – and saved myself £88k in tuition fees’READ MORE: ‘I earn £100K but I’m not rich’ – Life as a HENRY in London
The duo say they tend to steer clear of the spots packed with large stag dos and hen parties. Mark said: “You know the spots to avoid but occasionally we do see the groups staggering home at 6am. You do see some incredible things – people passed out on benches!”
However, they discover plenty of more peaceful locations to enjoy their evenings. Some of their favourite nights out have included seeing a Pink Floyd tribute act, a Tom Jones tribute, a Meatloaf tribute and a comedian called Tony Scott.
Mark said they largely remain in a self-catered apartment which they visit several times a year, discounted because of their loyalty, to keep costs low so they can afford more visits.
But they do not mind as Karen is coeliac. He said: “We do sometimes go for meals but Karen is coeliac so it’s not that easy. But the supermarkets are better – there are so many gluten-free options for us.”
The pair reveal that since falling head over heels for Benidorm, they have only ventured elsewhere once – taking a trip to Tenerife. However, they insist it simply did not measure up – and they have returned to Benidorm ever since.
Mark explained: “There are times you think you might be ‘Benidormed out’ but you compare anywhere else to there and it’s always better.”
He revealed they have no intentions of exploring other destinations and live modestly throughout the year to fund their £6k annual getaways. Mark said: “Whenever we go back there are new places that have opened, but we like the familiarity of it.
“Whenever you go to a new place it takes a few days to find your feet – whereas going here, it’s like coming home. People do have their own opinions but I don’t like it when people share derogatory views about it when they’ve never been.
“If you’ve never tried it, and you’ve just watched the TV show or read about it, don’t just jump on the bandwagon. If people want to tar us with a certain brush because of where we holiday, that’s fine – but we love it.”
Mark and Karen’s favourite:
– Bar – Western Saloon.
– Restaurant – Country Ribs.
– Meal – Curry from Katmandu Curry House.
– Drinks – Cocktails at the Hotel California Bar.
– Entertainment – Meatloaf tribute act.