WEARING protective suits, masks, hats and gloves, we approach the buzzing hive in front of us.
The Canarian black bee, our guide tells us, is a hardy species adapted perfectly to the high heat and dry lands that make up Lanzarote’s volcanic climate.
My mum Rhona and I seem to have adapted pretty well ourselves, as we soak up the last of the afternoon sun.
The fourth-largest Canary Island, Lanzarote was the ideal destination for a pre-Mother’s Day trip, with its year-round “eternal spring” climate, lunar-like landscapes and white-sand beaches.
While a fly-and-flop holiday is always tempting, particularly when it’s 21C, I was determined to include some bonding experiences during our visit.
And our beekeeping tour was just that. Ahead of reaching the hive, our guide taught us all about the insects that live there.
Then, after shedding our protective suits, we were treated to samples of the organic honey, taking note of the sightly different flavours depending on which plants the bees had visited.
We felt fully connected to the surrounding nature.
When we weren’t off exploring, we could relax at the 4H Seaside Los Jameos, in Puerto del Carmen, one of the island’s most popular resorts.
With its beachfront location, palm tree-lined pools, gym, spa and cactus gardens, the recently renovated hotel is an oasis within the town, with plenty of activities on site.
I’m lucky enough to have a mother who can run rings around me, so we started each day with a jog on the beach.
I picked up pace as the week progressed, but never quite managed to catch up with my mum.
It was the perfect way to work up an appetite for the plentiful buffet breakfast.
My highlights were the mimosa station, with crisp cava and freshly squeezed orange juice, and the DIY waffle machines.
In the evenings, guests can expect live entertainment from acts such as an ABBA tribute band, as well as magic shows and children’s discos.
Outside of the hotel, nearby restaurants included beachfront tapas joint Restaurante El Molino, which was within walking distance, and Sebastyan’s Atlantico Lounge on the water (be sure to arrive in time for the stunning sunset).
Lanzarote also has a thriving plonk scene, with wineries dotted all around the island.
Our final First Choice excursion took us on a tasting and museum tour at Bodega Finca Mota, a charming family-run winery surrounded by Lanzarote’s distinctive volcanic landscape, where grapes grow in the black sand.
We started our visit with an introduction to vintage winemaking tools in the museum, before sitting down for some sipping.
We tasted three different wines accompanied by locally-produced cheese and traditionally-cured tuna, and enjoyed it so much we bought a bottle each to take home.
On our final day, we decided to explore the picturesque village of Yaiza, famed for its beautifully maintained whitewashed houses and palm-lined streets.
Mum and I both love to shop, so we enjoyed a potter around the boutiques selling jewellery and ceramics and found a delightful cafe to have coffee and baked goods.
Literally the cherry on top of the cake to end a dreamy Mother’s Day getaway.
GO: LANZAROTE
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ half-board at the 4* Seaside Los Jameos is from £719pp including flights from Manchester on April 30.
See firstchoice.co.uk.
OUT & ABOUT: A beekeeping tour is from £57pp and a wine-tasting and museum tour at Bodega Finca Mota is from £44pp.
For more details, see experiences.firstchoice.co.uk.
