Purely Creative Scratchcard Holidays – The Real Truth!

We’re constantly told ‘you don’t get something for nothing in this world’ so it’s hardly surprising that many of the people who play Purely Creative scratchcards for the first time are a little bit sceptical when they discover they’re entitled to ‘a holiday’.  And yet every year thousands of people take their families or friends away on a Scratchcard Getaway in the Mediterranean sun.  So what’s the verdict on the actual Purely Creative holiday experience?  We caught up with a few people who had recently returned from their scratchcard breaks…

‘To be honest, my expectations [of the scratchcard award] were not extremely high – but I was astonished by the helpful team at the resort and friendly locals.  I truly felt that this was going to be a holiday with some hidden catches, but it was the opposite. Honesty and clarity were top notch. [The holiday was] very relaxing and peaceful and the sights were breathtaking. [Best aspects were] the scenery, pleasant staff and the amount of free hospitality and generosity. Excellent. [Worst aspect was] not being able to stay forever, haha. I felt that I had left the stress of English life behind and was holidaying in style.  I would definitely re-visit, as initially I thought this was too good to be true until I experienced this opportunity – I want more and more of it.’ I Patel, Orpington. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘[Favourite Purely Creative award was] a holiday apartment at one of Avanti complexes from a choice on the brochure. Very positive [experience], I was able to speak directly to staff to arrange dates which I needed to change. [My opinion of Purely Creative] hasn’t changed, I was expecting good service and I got that – thank you.’ T Rogers, Monmouth. Purely Creative Holiday Award.

‘Receiving a holiday made my day. Our experience of taking part in the promotion was excellent, all staff were fantastic and helpful. The accommodation was excellent, the furnishings were superb as were the surroundings. Our son enjoyed taking part in the activities that were provided for free, i.e. archery, shooting. The restaurant was great for meals at a reasonable price. I would certainly like to win another [Purely Creative] scratchcard holiday – I will certainly be encouraging my friends to take them up. I never realised that apartment holidays were so good.’ Cannot fault them in any way, the service was 100%.’ L Wood, Peterhead. Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain.

‘I expected to get a holiday that I would have to pay money towards, but I got a holiday to remember. When I took part in the [Purely Creative] promotion I expected to be let down like most offers but I was not. My views [of the promotions] have changed completely, we had a very relaxing holiday, resort was great, apartment very good and all that we wanted from a holiday. We are going again in March.’ R Beake, Faversham. Purely Creative Holiday Award.

‘The [Purely Creative] holiday award is great as I could not afford to go otherwise. All first class, the apartment and all the friendly staff – it was the best holiday.’ M Clarke, Enniskillen. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

‘I never expected to hear back from [Purely Creative] after I sent the scratchcard back with the game number on it.  These things happen to other people. Now I am one of them. I thought it was just fantastic to win a holiday in the sun just by taking part in a promotions offer. Still was not very sure of what was going to happen until we left the hotel, we were waiting for a bill of some sort! But accommodation was very good and all for nothing except flight and food which was of course expected before we left. It gave us the chance to spend time with our four year old grandson which we could not have afforded to do otherwise. It was wonderful. The holiday was very memorable, we were made to feel very welcome by the staff at the resort from the minute we arrived until we left. [My views of these promotions] have changed very much, I never thought it would be possible to win a holiday with a scratchcard. Would definitely do it again.’ W Bryce, Newtownabbey. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

‘Sceptical, unsure if I would be awarded [Purely Creative Tenerife holiday] prize. Professional, reliable and honest staff throughout from initial organisation to departure. Good hotel, nice friendly pool area with restaurant, good entertainment en site, excellent service with friendly professional staff.’ R Barbour, Oban. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

‘Didn’t expect to receive award. Very exciting. [Best aspects of holiday were] everything. The peace and quiet and the weather. The apartment was excellent. [Service was] excellent.’ D McDonnell, London. Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga.

‘[Participating in the promotion was] OK, I expected nothing to come out of it. I expected a week’s holiday with a catch, so I was really surprised when I got the [Purely Creative holiday award] offer. [Best part was] just being in Tenerife enjoying the sunshine and getting to know new people. It was a great complex, the rooms were clean and comfy, the pool was great as was the food and everyone was nice and helpful. If I was to receive any other promotion I would definitely have a go.’ L Laird, Failsworth. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

‘We were all very pleased with the accommodation and our hotel was very pleasant. The staff were very helpful and polite. [Best aspects were] arriving to find a beautiful apartment, much better than we expected, and the nice swimming pool and the sunshine. Very good, enjoyed it very much. I am now awaiting my next [Purely Creative] holiday. Hope this will be as good as the last.’ A Fielder, Worthing. Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

‘The week’s holiday was excellent – lovely hotel, fantastic staff and a bargain as only paid for flights. All aspects excellent – room, service and cleanliness, very friendly staff, very impressed. Very very good, excellent.’ C Davies, Coventry. Royal Park Albatros, Golf Del Sur, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

‘Holiday voucher was my [Purely Creative] award. Good [experience]. Best parts were the weather, people we met, free trips, the trip to the diamond factory. Facilities and service were good.’ S Mark, Falkirk. Grangefield Oasis Club, Malaga, Spain.

‘Was not sure [about taking part]… guessed [award would be] something which would cost me money. [Participation experience was] excellent. Representative at Avanti very helpful and friendly and contacted me when she said she would.  Hotel was wonderful and everyone so friendly. [Best aspect was] going to nearby beach and collecting mussels to eat for lunch. [Worst aspect was] coming home! [Overall] excellent. I still cannot believe my luck at winning this fabulous prize.’ C West, Swindon. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘I didn’t know what to expect [from the Purely Creative award] but me and my partner had a very pleasurable holiday at the Oasis Park in Spain. The staff were lovely, the place was beautiful. Overall a very memorable holiday. I expected at least some pressure to buy time-share but there was none, we had a great time. Fantastic, not unhappy with anything.’ A Folan, Huddersfield. Grangefield Oasis Club, Andalucía, Spain.

‘At the time of entering the competition I had recently had a stroke so I was sitting resting doing competitions, word searches, anything to keep my mind active. [Participating] was excellent. [Best aspects of the Purely Creative holiday were] accommodation, service, the weather and area.’ M Houghton, Chelmsford. Grangefield Oasis Club, Andalucía, Spain.

‘Taking part was quite easy. At first I must admit I was a little dubious about [the Purely Creative Avanti holiday award]. I expected a free holiday, this is what was said and they kept to their word and I got one. The hotel and all the staff were brilliant. They could not do enough for us. [Best aspects were] peace and quiet, the sun shining and the birds singing. One day a bird flew into the patio doors (it could not see for the sun shining on them). I helped it recover, then watched it fly back to the other birds in the trees. A most enjoyable week, I am ready to receive my next holiday.’ W Guthrie, Barnsley. Grangefield Oasis Club, Andalucía, Spain.

‘[Expected to receive] a small gift, so surprised when a holiday arrived. [Experience] very good, very clean complex.  [Best aspects were] the swimming pool area and going out of an evening at the local pub. [Worst aspect was] wind on the beach. [Service] very good, five star.’ L Rowlands, Liverpool. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.

‘I was enrolled in the promotion by a friend without my knowledge. I had no preconceived ideas as to what the award would be like. Prizes I have been awarded by dubious companies have not been worth claiming but the [Purely Creative] holiday award we enjoyed very much. Good accommodation and service, good weather, no ‘timeshare’ pressure, very good. Most things were better than we were expecting.’ D Lowndes, Shepshed. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘We were delighted to receive the [Purely Creative] award but we did not know what to expect.  Accommodation in a beautiful part of the part of the world as described on the voucher – most enjoyable. [Best things were] the situation of the apartment and the helpful staff of the resort and the first walk along the beach at the resort. Excellent, would have been good to have spent longer there.’ D Smith, Tain. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘The resort in Albufeira was close to the town and very convenient for relaxing for a few days before staying with our friends. Very good and friendly. The coach trip to Lisbon was interesting and informative and the railway journey to Villa Real de San Antonio very enjoyable.’ D Burke, Port Navas. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘We won a [Purely Creative] holiday and spent a fantastic week in Portugal. The resort was well groomed and very clean and friendly. Very good, thank you. Would love to do it again.’ D Phipps, Croydon. Purely Creative Holiday Award.

‘I’ll always claim my [scratchcard] prizes as this holiday was much better than I thought!  [Best aspect was] the surprise of finding such a pleasant apartment/hotel of much better quality than we expected. Excellent staff – most helpful and friendly. [Best aspect was] my husband getting a ‘hole in one’ on the local golf course. [Worst aspect was] none. Excellent, perfect. Thank you!’ Mrs McColl Fulmer Village. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘Didn’t expect an award, we just replied. [Participation experience] very enjoyable, hassle free. [Best aspects were] friendliness of staff, homely hotel and quiet area, weather – lovely!! [Memorable moment was] losing my goggles at Siam Park (very good attraction!) [Service was] very good. Pleasurable.’ C Evans, Pwllheli. Royal Park Albatros, Tenerife.

‘Was trying to win money or a holiday, I heard my friend did the same and won money and a holiday. Great, it was an experience I will never forget. A great resort with a lot of facilities and a great group of staff.  I still think I was very lucky to have had the opportunity to have been in Portugal and for that I am very grateful. [Best aspects were] visiting a new country, a great resort with very nice and helpful staff. Having a rest from work in a beautiful resort. [Service] very good!’ Purely Creative Participant. Club Praia Da Oura, Algarve, Portugal.

‘We were just glad to have the chance of participating. We were very grateful to have received such a wonderful prize, which we were very pleased to accept. [Opinion of scratchcards changed] for the better having received such a wonderful holiday. [Best aspects were] the wonderful accommodation and very friendly staff at the complex. The food and service were first class. [Memorable moment was] our trip to Loro Parque to see all the animals which was absolutely fabulous. [Worst aspects] none at all. [Service] first class. [Improvement would be] to have had two weeks instead of one.’ R Kelly, Bangor. Royal Park Albatros, Tenerife.

‘[Participating] was a low-risk high reward gamble. There was consequently no major expectation. [Experience was] good. [Best aspects were] the two pools for the children and the safety of the ‘gated environment’. [Memorable moment was] playing in the pool with the children. [Worst aspects] none really. Good service.’ G Walker, Crieff. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.

‘Expecting a rip-off. However everything worked perfectly, hotel excellent. Sunny. Good food. Brill accommodation. We could have made more use of the two bedrooms by taking extra family. Very lucky. Recommended [Purely Creative] highly to friends and family.  Hope to use you again shortly.’ H Elden, Ashbourne. Purely Creative Holiday Award.

‘Mystery prize holiday, seemed too good to be true. Rang the phone number for details, very helpful staff explained all about the holiday. Cautious about such a good offer but no need to worry, an excellent experience.  Excellent apartment, well equipped and comfortable with a good view. [Best aspects were] meals in the restaurant and the swimming pool. [Service] very good and helpful.’ G Lyon, Manchester. Royal Park Albatros, Tenerife.

‘We weren’t really sure what to expect to be honest.  First thoughts were that it was a scam. [Participation experience] excellent, very good communication.  [Best aspects of holiday were] the weather, accommodation and restaurant and entertainment in the restaurant at night.’ T Manden, Stoke-on-Trent.

‘The resort was very clean and well run, the food was good, it was very relaxing. We were greeted warmly, the staff were very warm and friendly. The apartment was clean and well laid out.’ B Draper, Burscough. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.

‘[Best aspect was] a comfortable apartment in very pleasant surroundings. [Worst aspects?] none – we enjoyed the week very much. [Service] very good.’ N Hunnisett, Hayes. Purely Creative Holiday Award.

‘I did not know what to expect. [Best aspects were] sight seeing around Portugal. We spent a lot of time kayaking and paragliding. [Worst aspects] one really bad day in the rain. Hey, you can’t complain considering the weather in the UK. [Service] excellent, very friendly and efficient. I cannot think of any [improvements] it was brilliant, I would do it again.’ H Spetch, Bournemouth. Oura View Beach Club, Algarve, Portugal.

‘Taking part in this promotion made our year because we got a fantastic holiday out of it. I didn’t expect an award as such.  I just received a voucher for a free holiday which I filled in and sent off just to see what came back.  I was very sceptical filling in the forms because I thought we would just be hassled all week about time-share. This was not the case, it was brilliant. [Best aspects were] just about everything to be honest. The pool area was great, quite peaceful, very relaxing to sunbathe. And we also did lots of travelling on buses and trains to different areas. The food at the restaurant was also beautiful. Very romantic for my partner and myself, the restaurant outside in the warmth with nice light entertainment, Flamenco dancers etc. Also getting a voucher for a free meal and wine which was fantastic. Thank you for a fantastic holiday. x’ C Presbury, Nottingham. Mijas Costa, Andalucía, Spain.

‘I see from the list of awards it’s usually the holiday we’re most likely to win. I was somewhat doubtful about winning a free holiday – what the resort would be like etc. But we had a really nice holiday and it’s been a great experience. It was a real blessing to have a break away at a time when we could not afford a family holiday – so thank you.’ S Oakes, Croydon. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.

‘The service at the resort was great and the staff were very helpful and friendly. The accommodation was first rate and very comfortable and clean, the pool was also lovely. [Best memory was] driving through the mountains along the coastal road – the views were amazing. Very good [service]. No [improvements required to the Purely Creative award] that I can think of.’ E Wright, Milton Keynes. Vera Beach Club, Almeria Spain.

‘At first I thought I was just going to receive some information – I was pleasantly surprised as I not only had a lovely invitation to a resort of my choice but I was able to talk several times to a lovely, well informed lady [at Purely Creative] who gave me all kinds of reassurances that later turned out to be true! The resort was as described, the personnel there were very helpful and the experience was great. Even my dad aged 92 years enjoyed it enthusiastically and was impressed despite having travelled all around the world! Perfect – fantastic – not a single complaint!’ C Davies, London. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.

‘[Expected] 1 week’s accommodation in a sunny resort – was exactly as expected. [Best aspects were] the sun and the facilities on site.’ J McGlone, Sandhurst. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.

‘I didn’t expect to receive anything. I was led to believe that you don’t get anything for nothing.  Glad I took part in the promotion with the outcome being a very enjoyable experience of a week in the sun. The apartment was excellent, maintained to a high degree, the staff very pleasant. The restaurant was lovely, served good food in nicely lit romantic setting, was divine.  The location was a stone’s throw from the beach, very relaxing with nice weather too. Can’t think of any [worst aspects] other than getting lost trying to find the beach club.  [Service was] excellent, cannot fault them.  Overall I don’t think you could improve it, was all very nice.’ A Horton, Stalybridge. Vera Beach Club, Almeria, Spain.