Lanzarote Trip - Frequently Asked Questions
We've tried to answer frequently asked questions here. If you have any really important questions, please email one of the team at lanzarote@serpentine.org.uk. For more informal queries please find one of us online (on the Serpies Facebook group) or at a training session - we are all active members of the club, so you shouldn't have any problems finding one of us.
Q: Is the Lanzarote trip a training camp or a holiday?
It can be both and it is down to the individual to take part in as many or few activities as they would like. All running/swimming/cycling activities have groups that cater for all abilities, from beginners to experienced athletes. And it is not essential to do every Serpie organised activity on every day: you are able to go on day trips to other parts of the island, take part in some of the other activities on offer at Club La Santa (for example windsurfing, kayaking, tennis etc.) or just relax by the pool.
Q: Why are there two different end dates?
The regular Serpentine trip runs from 10th - 17th March (Thursday to Thursday), but you have the option to stay on for an extra 3 days until 20th March (Sunday) (at an additional cost). So for one more day of annual leave, you'll get 3 more days out in Lanzarote. The 10-day trip is allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Q: What will I miss out on if I only stay 7 days?
All the usual Serpie activities like the Mini-Tri, BBQ and the last night dinner will be held at their usual times over the first 7 days. The additional days will be much less structured with fewer pre-organised activities and less coaching. People will organise their own bike rides, runs, etc. Some morning swim lanes have been booked during this time for your use.
Q: Can I share a room if I don't know anyone?
If you want to share a room but don't know any other Serpies going on the trip, note that on your booking form and we will allocate you to a room with other Serpies. Feel free to provide further information eg. female only room, older room-mates etc. It's a great way to get to know people!
Q: How can I get to know other people going on the trip?
There will be a ‘pre-trip' social which will allow people to meet others going on the trip, meet potential room-mates and to get you in the mood for the trip!
Q: What is the full cost of the trip?
The cost of the trip depends on the size of room you book. Staying in a single room costs significantly more than a room shared with six people. The booking form lists the price per person for each room size (the price includes all the other costs: airfare, transfers and first/last night dinners). If you wish to bring your own bike, there is an additional charge.
Q: I can't make the flights or stay for the full trip, can I still come?
There will be an option of accommodation only bookings, which will include everything (coaching, accommodation, etc.) except for the flights. Please note this will be only available for a very limited number of slots, and will be granted on a first-come first-served basis.
Q: What happens if all the places fill up?
In the event that all places fill up, we will have a wait list at the ready in case of any last minute drop outs.
Q: What's the best way to get a big room/bike spot?
Send your booking form in now!! The big rooms and bike spots go quickly. If you don't get your form in soon, you will probably not be able to bring your own bike and will get placed in a 3-person room. We will prioritise your booking only once we have your booking form AND your deposit. Unless you state otherwise, we will attempt to give you your bike preference first, and then your trip duration. Room preference will not be affected by the other variables.
Q: Can I still go on the bike rides even if I don't have my own bike?
Yes - Club La Santa has a number of road bikes that can be hired free in half-day blocks, subject to availability. The half-day blocks are usually adequate for beginner rides but not the intermediate or advanced rides.
Although the Club La Santa bikes are generally very good, they only tend to have sizes 51cm and above. If you are small, or if you want to ride regularly, we suggest bringing your own bike or renting one out there. (We advise booking in advance, especially for small bikes).
Q: Where can I rent a bike from in Lanzarote?
Bikes can be rented for a longer period either from Club La Santa directly or from Pro Bike (a bike shop in La Santa village)
To pre-book a bike from Club La Santa, please call Club La Santa directly on 0161 790 9890 or email on reservations@clublasanta.co.uk to make a reservation.
If you prefer to hire a bike from Pro Bike, please contact them through their website at probikelanzarote.com.
Q: Why are the single and double rooms so expensive?
Club La Santa does not have single or double rooms. You are actually paying for a room that could accommodate three people.
Q: Why are the 4-person rooms so expensive?
Similar to above, Club La Santa does not have a 4-person room. Each person in a 4-person room is paying for the empty space in a 5-person room.
Q: Could I get placed in a single/double/4-person room without requesting it?
Not normally. You will only get placed in these more-expensive rooms if you specifically request it. For instance, some couples prefer paying extra to stay on their own in a double or share with another couple in a 4-person room. If you get put in a double room without requesting it (usually because the numbers don't work or there's a late cancellation), you will only pay the 3-person price. If the people you wish to share with are in one of these rooms then you'll need to decide between staying with them or being in a cheaper room.
Q: What are the room layouts?
The three-person rooms (and single/double rooms - see above) have a bedroom with two single beds, a single sofa bed in the lounge and one bathroom.
The five-person rooms (and four-person rooms - see above) have two bedrooms with two single beds each, a single sofa bed in the lounge and one bathroom.
The six-person rooms have two bedrooms with two single beds each, two single sofa beds in the lounge and two bathrooms.
All rooms have basic kitchens for self-catering and an outdoor patio.
Q: What are the food options at Club La Santa?
There is a supermarket at Club La Santa and fairly basic cooking facilities. There are four restaurants of varying prices on site, and several good restaurants in the village of La Santa which is 1k away.
Q: What internet/WIFI access is there?
Only a few rooms have good WIFI access but the central area with a nearby bar and seating has good access.