Help with summer holidays planning please! Post Reply

[northside_mum]

Hi everyone,

We are looking to book our summer holidays but, after looking around several websites, are starting to wonder if there is such a place... We are looking to go on holidays in either July or August this year, at which time our children will be 3 years and 15 months. We'd ideally like to go for 14 days but may go for less if the price for 14 days is too high.

We'd like to go to a resort with direct access to a beach, where the weather will be warm enough for the children to enjoy the water, but not suffocatingly hot. Flying is probably the best option for us, ideally no more than 3-4 hours, with limited transfer time to the resort thereafter (our daughter gets very very sick in cars). In terms of services, we would like activities (e.g. arts and crafts, music, dance, etc) for the children which we could do with them (as opposed to leaving them in a creche where they would do such activities) both outdoors and indoors (in case the weather is not nice).

In terms of accommodation, we are ideally looking for two communicating rooms. We are not necessarily looking for a luxurious resort, but would like it to be child-friendly, with good customer service and good food.

Oh yes, and ideally it would not break the bank! Not sure if such a place exists but if its does, it would be great if you could please point me in its direction!

Thanks very much for your help!

[nuttymummy]

The first few weeks of July will be cheaper as it's not the state school holidays. Have you looked into that Martinhal place in Portugal? I've not been but have heard great things...it may be a bit pricey though!

[hjm]

Martibhal is nice but (in my opinion) Pine Cliffs in Portugal is much nicer and would tick all of your boxes. We've been to both and we always book via Design Holidays as I find that they offer the best prices. At the moment they are doing 20% off at Pine Cliffs plus free half board. We've just booked to go back in June. Get a 2 bed Residence Apartment as they are way, way nicer than the villas.

[Pod]

hi there

check out http://www.los-jameos-playa.co.uk/

I worked there last october - 4hur flight, they are less than 10mins from the airport, have 3 pools, the beach at rear of hotel - few shops but not a big commercial tacky area - that is 15-20mins walk up the road. There is a simple kids club offering craft and activities that you can go and join in with, sandpit and playground, mini golf, the food in my opinion is brilliant with a huge choice and theme evenings - mini disco in the evening for all the children, english speaking throughout - very clean hotel, helpful staff and they offer adjoining rooms

I am just not sure of your budget or their prices - hope this helps

[EatMoreCake]

Hello, there is a family friendly place in Lanzarote that I keep hearing about - Princess something?

We went to the new Mark Warner resort on Rhodes last year, just for a week,m with one child. We put our little one in the great crèche for the mornings so we could sail, and thought they were great. An older child gets free kids club I think. Anyway, really great hol but in school holidays for 14 days might be too pricey. Btw there is a discount code on mumsnet which you can used on top of any current deals. Bonnes vacances!!

[NYE31]

Neilsons & Club Med are also supposed to be v.good as well

[ultimatealgarve]

Hi, I can give you most things, except walking distance to the beach. I've a small complex, but with loads of space, 3kms from numerous really cool little beaches (35 mins from airport). I've another one 10 mins drive max from Vilamoura's marina and beaches (20 mins from airport). Pricewise I think you'd be very happy. my email address is ray@ultimatealgarve.com if you'd like me to send you some links.
Thanks

Ray

[northside_mum]

Thanks very much for your responses, I'll be taking a close look at all these options!

[sw11_]

hello, did you get anywhere with this in the end? I'm looking to book something for june with a 2 year old and a 2 month old, which offers some childcare for the 2 year old. Wasn't sure which of the mark warner vs club med vs neilsons places to go for - how does one differentiate between them?!