Two Dream Destinations, Two Lucky Winners

We’re delighted to announce that Penny and her husband, Mark, have won back their holiday to Sicily, while Mark, his wife, Lou, and their son will be heading off to Mauritius.

This week, we caught up with Penny and Mark, and Mark and Lou, who shared their surprise, excitement and gratitude after discovering they were our competition winners.

For Penny and her husband Mark, the news couldn’t have come at a better time. “It was a wonderful surprise, and we couldn’t quite believe it at first,” she says. “The email actually arrived on my husband’s birthday, which made it even more special.”

The couple are seasoned Neilson guests, having enjoyed several holidays over the years, including Baia Dei Mori Beach Club in Sardinia and Alana Beach Club in Croatia, which Penny says, “would certainly rank among the favourites.” 

What keeps them coming back? “We both like to keep active on holiday and love the variety of activities available,” she explains. “When the children were younger, the kids’ clubs worked brilliantly as well.”

This summer, they’ll be heading back to Sicily to experience the new Neilson x Mangia’s Torre del Barone Resort, where they’ll also be celebrating their wedding anniversary. “We’re really looking forward to returning to Sicily and trying out a new type of Neilson holiday at a new Beach Club - hopefully plenty of sun and sea, lots of fun, and making some new friends.”

For Mark and Lou, winning their Mauritius trip took a moment to sink in. “To be honest, we didn’t believe it at first - we even thought it might be a scam because we’ve never won anything like this before!”

The family of three, including their nine-year-old son, had already been planning their first Neilson holiday. “We’d been looking at Neilson for the last couple of years but wanted our son to be old enough to really enjoy the activities. When Mauritius was announced as a new destination, we were even more excited - especially as it’s all-inclusive and a little cooler than Europe at the time of year we’re travelling, which is perfect for enjoying the activities. The activities are what really enticed us, as our son is very active and loves the water "

Now that the holiday is won, the excitement has only grown. “We’re most excited about the watersports,” Mark says, “but also experiencing a new culture together as a family.”

Congratulations once again to our winners - we’re thrilled to share a little Neilson Good Energy with them and look forward to hearing all about their adventures in Sicily and Mauritius.

Neilson x Mangia’s Torre del Barone Resort is our five-star Sicilian escape. Nestled within olive groves and overlooking the Mediterranean, this elevated Beach Club combines elegant surroundings with signature Neilson activities.

From tennis, padel tennis and pickleball to sailing and cycling, everything is included and led by our expert team - creating the perfect balance of activity, relaxation and refined Italian charm. 

Neilson x The Ravenala Attitude is our first long-haul adventure in Mauritius - an all-year-round island playground set between the Indian Ocean and the peaceful Lemon River.

Blending laid-back luxury with signature Neilson Good Energy, you’ll find sailing, paddle boarding, yoga and snorkelling alongside wild turtles, as well as sunset wellness sessions and spa time at Spa POZ - all paired with standout dining, spacious suites and tropical bliss.

They don’t seem too bad, if we do say so ourselves. With the weather taking a pleasant turn here in the UK, we don’t blame you for dreaming of better days - of white Mauritian sand between your toes as you gaze out at a sunset you usually only see on postcards or gently bobbing on the Mediterranean tide beneath the warmth of the Sicilian sun.

And the good news? It’s not too late to secure your spot at either Beach Club this summer.