Trip to Club La Santa, Lanzarote
Welcome to the part of the website containing all the information you need to know about the annual trip to Club La Santa, Lanzarote. Each year, Serpentine organises a trip to the resort for a week of training, relaxation and fun. Accommodation is in basic but comfortable self-catering apartments, with towels and bed linen provided.
These pages should provide an indication of what to expect if you go on the trip, the variety of training that takes place, the running and cycling routes available, and some information about logistics.
2012 trip
Andy Greenleaf, Eddie Brocklesby, Katy Levy and Steve Bell are organising the trip for 2012 which take place over the dates 8th - 15th / 18th March.
The booking form 
contains most of the important details. To book a place:
- Sign up online at Entry Central
- Fill in the booking form and post it to the address displayed on the booking form along with your deposit of £150.
You can also pay the deposit via Entry Central (you will have to pay the online fees yourself) but you must still complete and post the booking form. Mailing and payment details are contained in the booking form.
Final balance
The final balance payment is now due: Pay your final balance
FAQ
We've tried to answer frequently asked questions here. If you have any important questions, please email one of the team at lanzarote@serpentine.org.uk. For more informal queries please come and find one of us on a Wednesday night, at a Saturday cross country race (during the winter), or at a Sunday cycle ride - 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 8th - 15th March (Thursday to Thursday). However for the last couple of years, there has been the option for a limited number of people to stay on for an extra 3 days until the 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?
It may be possible to accommodate you. Please get in touch with one of us to discuss this.
Q: What happens if all the places fill up?
In the event that all 90 places are reserved, it is possible that more places can be opened up, if further flights and accommodation can be secured. If you are unsuccessful in reserving a place at this stage then please join the waiting list on Entry Central.
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, then your trip duration, and lastly your airport preference. Room preference will not be affected by the other
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 when you are out there.
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)
From Club La Santa, higher-spec bikes cost €21 per day (minimum 3 days) or €95 for the week. However it will be necessary to pre-book this, as there are only a limited number of bikes to rent for the week. We can put you in touch with whom to speak to arrange this.
From Pro Bike, fully carbon Shimano 10 speed bikes cost €112 for one week or €200 for two weeks. There is a contact sheet on the Pro Bike website http://probikelanzarote.com/ where you can contact them directly to make a booking. They require a €50 deposit per bike to confirm the booking.
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.
About Club La Santa
If you don't know about the resort, have a look at their website. The potential for running, cycling & swimming is limitless. There's a running track, gym, two pools (one Olympic size) open water swimming in the lake, squash and tennis courts and lots more.
There is a supermarket on site which stocks a wide range of goods to cover most eventualities and includes a fresh bakery, so you can prepare your own food. Opening times tend to be 8am-12noon, then 5-8pm in the evenings. However, it should be noted that some supermarket stocks could become depleted as the week progresses, so if there is something that you can't live without, it may be best to bring your own supplies. Bring your own supplements (gels, powders, energy bars etc) if you use them, since the supermarket may not stock your own particular preference. In addition to the supermarket there is a photo shop, clothes shop and sporting gear shop in the complex.
Club La Santa has five different places to eat, three different bars and a nightclub within the complex. Eating tends to be flexible and informal with a variety of options available (including self catering) to suit all tastes. There are also a number of good restaurants in La Santa village, which is about a 20-minute walk or short bike or cab ride from the resort. During the daytime, Serpies can usually be found around the Pool Bar.
Club La Santa provides internet access in its Internet Café or you can purchase time on their wireless network. From prior experience, both can be slow and unreliable. Mobile phones work fine.
Physiotherapy and sports massage can be booked at Sports Booking for about €35 for an hour. However, it should be noted that this gets booked up far in advance, especially after a race. If you are likely to need this, you are advised to book at the beginning of the week. There is also a doctor should you fall ill.
Weather
Overall the weather at that time of year in Lanzarote is warm and sunny, with an average min. temperature of 15C and max of 24C during the day and eight hours sunshine a day. Water temperatures average 18C. However, you should be prepared for all weather, since the climate is very changeable. Bring woollies (it can get quite chilly at night), waterproofs and plenty of sunscreen, since the sun is particularly fierce and is often masked by the wind.