Sunshine holiday won't break the bank

It's a truly epic moment which happens just once a year. The refreshing sip of your first ice cold drink on the summer holiday, lounging in the sun overlooking the hotel swimming pool.

You can taste it! Except did that amber pint cost you 80p? Were you bathing in a sizzling August average temperature of 30 degrees? And were you a stone throw from 8km of glistening sandy beach?

Welcome to Sunny Beach, the quickly growing Black Sea resort in Bulgaria – only three and a half hours flight from Birmingham.

Many will have seen or read about the boisterous party scene at the holiday destination, but I was here to discover the family-orientated side to the resort in a week's stay.

Yes, the main strip of the resort – Flower Street – is busy and very lively past 9pm, but those looking for a calmer stay need not go far.

While the food may not blow you away – most restaurants serve up the same international style cuisine – the sun, sea and fun certainly will.

Following an early morning flight to Bourgas, I took the coach which took 30 minutes to arrive in Sunny Beach, dropping me off outside the Hotel Fenix – my base for the stay.

A large seven storey high building, used by many major operators and it's easy to see why. A large swimming pool sits at the centre of the hotel along with a large restaurant and bar.

It is busy and perhaps the only draw back would be the lack of sun beds and space around the pool for such a large establishment. But with the sea just a five minute walk away, there are other places to cool down from the sun.

The hotel room is excellent with a balcony overlooking the pool. Outside the complex are two supermarkets serving extremely cheap food and drink, a few restaurants and bars as well as a McDonalds and Subway – you can take the Brit out of Britain, but you can't…..

For those not wishing to relax by the pool for their holiday duration, tour operator Balkan Holidays offers a range of excursions every day. From boat parties to Balkan evening entertainment to quad biking there is certainly enough to keep the family occupied. I opted for a jeep safari – an excellent tour on board an open top vintage Russian jeep into the mountains behind Sunny Beach. We were shown inside a typical Bulgarian family's home, along with a look at their brandy brewery, then taken to a mountain peak before shooting practice with air rifles.

After the traditional Bulgarian lunch of chicken on skewers served with rice and chips – we were then shown inside a church before the bumpy ride back.

It was great to get away for the day, exploring the countryside around the resort.

I also tried out the huge Aqua Paradise in Nessebar. WaterWorld in Stoke-on-Trent, a destination in my youth, does not come close to comparing.

Just a quick hop on a free shuttle bus, this park offers no fewer than 60 rides.

From the thrilling Tsunami to the lazy river, the park provided a great day out and is a must visit for anyone heading to Sunny Beach. Hungry while you are there? Don't worry, the place offers up hot food and cold drinks – there is even an ice cream parlour.

Back at the resort, I spent my relaxing days lounging by the pool and on the beach – but for those feeling more active, there is so much to do. Watersports go on throughout the day on the beach, as do amusements rides and crazy golf will keep all the family entertained.

And don't worry if you think you might be missing out on sport – from Gaelic to Premier League football, the pubs have them.

When it comes to the evening, and after a few drinks, there is karokee for those brave enough or dancing at one of the many clubs.

But enough of the party life – for me, this holiday was a welcome break from work, a chance to soak in the sun with a few relaxing drinks, while not breaking the bank. I returned home feeling refreshed, if not a little tanned, much to my northern European holidaying friends' envy.

Bulgaria's the place to be – I already can't wait for that first sip of beer at my new favourite family resort again next summer.

Travel Facts

A seven night break at the four star Hotel Fenix, Sunny Beach costs from £316 per person, half board including return flights from Birmingham to Bourgas and transfers to and from the resort, departing 20 May, 2016, based on two people sharing. Operator is Balkan Holidays.

Book www.balkanholidays.co.uk or call reservations on Tel: 0207 543 5555 or contact your local travel agent.