A leap of faith – amply rewarded

In 1985, at the age of just 26, Steve Jones decided that Holiday Property Bond was right for him and his wife-to-be, Ann.

“A leap of faith? ‘Yes, I suppose so,’” he says. “Ann and I were having a day out in Windsor; we saw a marquee with HPB signage outside it. I was intrigued enough to go in and find out more. Ann was a bit wary, but we chatted to the rep and I was impressed by their clarity of thought and commitment to the project.”

What appealed most was the idea of securing future holidays. “We have always loved holidays, and it seemed like a good deal… we were hoping to start a family, and it looked like a good way to secure future family holidays, affordably.”

That future soon arrived, with daughters Laura and Imogen.

“That’s when the Bond really came into its own,” says Steve. “We took the girls all over the place.” Early memories include time at Braithwaite Court and Barnham Broom, while holidays abroad became just as special. “Imogen earned her water-wings at La Reserva de Biniorella - probably our favourite site - very good restaurants!”

Even after decades of travel, there are still places they hope to visit, including Witch’s Pool, Coo Palace, Ballylinny and Constant.

Over the years, holidays became a central part of family life. In total, the Jones family have taken more than 120 trips.

Recently, however, that average has increased. How so? “Retirement!” says Steve. “In 2025 we had 11 Bond holidays… I calculated that during our four decades-plus, we’ve spent three whole years on HPB holidays.’”

Among the many highlights are special family moments. “Spending Christmas 2025 in La Gomera, a week with our daughters in summer 2001 in the Algarve, a week at Duloe Manor in 1990 when Laura spoke her first word.”

Over time, the holidays themselves have evolved. “The Bond holidays have changed dramatically, with many sites now having a restaurant, organised trips and site activities. However, what has remained is the same high-quality breaks, with excellent support both onsite and in Newmarket.”

For Steve, it’s not just about the destinations. “One of the things I enjoy most is meeting like-minded people,” he says. “Over 41 years we have made so many enduring friendships - some of whom we holiday with, others who we run into by chance.”

Today, a new generation is beginning to share in those experiences. Laura, now married with two young children, sometimes holidays with her own family using Steve and Ann’s Bond, while Imogen is soon to be married. One day, they will inherit it from their parents.

“Not yet though!” says Steve. “Ann and I still have lots of holidaying to do! We have enjoyed three ‘stages’ - as a young couple, with children, and now as a couple again, or with friends.”

“But whatever shape the holiday takes, we are having an absolute ball.”