Frequently Asked Questions
I like the space and flexibility of self catering but enjoy the facilities of a hotel, where can I get both?
Where would you advise for us to go for our first holiday with our baby who is 8 months?
The last couple of family holidays we have been on the swimming pools have been freezing cold and I have been disappointed my children could not have spent more time in them. Can you recommend anywhere that has heated pools?
Where is the closest place I can go for some winter sun for Christmas or February half term?
I am travelling with an infant. Do I have to take all my baby paraphernalia with me?
I don’t wish to be “trapped” in a large resort – can you recommend the best properties for being able to wander into nearby villages and explore the surrounding areas?
I like the space and flexibility of self catering but enjoy the facilities of a hotel, where can I get both?
Self catering within a resort is one of our most popular family holiday choices - have a look at the following:
The Martinhalin the Algarve where you can find 1, 2 or 3 bedroom townhouses - we love not having have anyone staying above or below - and some private villas too. All room types have fully equipped modern kitchens but can be booked on self catering, bed and breakfast or half board and the resort has plenty of facilities - restaurants, sports, childcare and is in a beautiful, unspoilt location. Monte da Quintais another option in the Algarve, suites have full kitchens and this is sold on bed and breakfast or half board.
The Aphrodite Hillsin Cyprus with fabulous golf and tennis centres has apartments and villas as well as the hotel but it is worth looking carefully at the benefits of where you stay here as certain things are included for hotel guests but not for self catering guests - do contact us if you would like advice.
All the suites at the Princesa Yaizain Lanzarote have mini kitchenettes - not enough to cook a full meal but you do get a fridge, kettle and microwave so good for keeping milk and snacks and warming up drinks for your children.
Further afield we would recommend the Cotton Bay Villagein St Lucia, a lovely quiet family friendly resort with townhouses and villas to suit all sizes of family, and of course there is a bar and restaurants on site.
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Where would you advise for us to go for our first holiday with our baby who is 8 months?
Well, in the first place I would ask you to really think about what you are hoping from your holiday.Would you like some childcare for a few hours in the day, or perhaps just babysitting, is the weather important to you - many of our customers with their first child this old are happy to go for an off-season break, perhaps the Algarve or Cyprus and spend the money staying in a luxury hotel where they can be pampered and sleep.How well will you and baby cope with a time difference and journey times?
We have over 10 years experience in helping families select the best option and with so many variables there is no one right answer so I would definitely recommend you gave us a quick call or email and we can narrow it down to a shortlist for you.
If you haven't got time for that right now then as starters have a look at Monte da Quinta Suitesin the Algarve for excellent value, space and caring, flexible creche staff, Princess Yaizain Lanzarote which although does not have childcare has a handy kitchenette to make/warm milk etc, Roca Nivariain Tenerife or Sheraton Fuerteventurawhich again do not have childcare but both have lovely heated pools, essential if you want to take your little one swimming. If you are happy to travel then Calisle Bayin Antigua has a creche and is a real treat or even Mauritius is worth a look as if you take overnight flights in both directions your baby will sleep even if you don't!
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The last couple of family holidays we have been on the swimming pools have been freezing cold and I have been disappointed my children could not have spent more time in them. Can you recommend anywhere that has heated pools?
This can be a big disappointment especially when you are basking in glorious sunshine which makes the pool feel even colder. Given that most pools overseas are not heated a general rule is that the later in the season that you go, the warmer the pools and sea will be. So crucially if you are going for an early break it is worth finding out where the pools are heated. This information is not easy to research so on all of our inspection trips we make sure even if we don't get a chance for a swim that we dip our toes into the swimming pools.
So, the Roca Nivariain Tenerife, the Sheraton Fuerteventuraand the Martinhalhave all passed our test and are definitely worth a look.
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Where is the closest place I can go for some winter sun for Christmas or February half term?
If you are not keen to go on a long flight to grab some much needed winter sunshine then the closest place you can go is the Canary Islands. Approximately 4 hours flight from the UK you can choose between the largest Island, Tenerifewhich has an excellent climate and offers the most diversity to perhaps Fuerteventuraor Lanzarote. South coasts are best on all the islands as they are more sheltered with less cloud, especially in January and February.
If you can stretch to a little longer on the plane then perhaps Dubai or Oman which are approximately 7 hours would be good although in our opinion you can get to the Caribbeanas well in 8 hours so don't dismiss this totally.
Additionally we have inspected long haul properties that we have not yet had a chance to feature on the site so do get in contact and perhaps we can make some other suggestions to suit your family. top>>
I am travelling with an infant. Do I have to take all my baby paraphernalia with me?
All our hotels will provide a cot in your rooms as standard and most offer much much more. Highchairs, baby baths, sterilizers - you will see the list of what each hotel can offer under the 'children' section of each accommodation and then as you book you have the opportunity to pre-order anything. top>>
I don’t wish to be “trapped” in a large resort – can you recommend the best properties for being able to wander into nearby villages and explore the surrounding areas.
The Princess Yaizain Lanzarote is ideally located as it is on a promenade within easy strolling distance to a marina with a variety of shops and restaurants. Also the Martinhalin the Algarve has the little village of Sagres a ten minute walk along the beach. Sagres is the most delightful little fishing village, still totally unspoilt which does mean the shops and restaurants are very simple. The Almyrain Cyprus is actually in Paphos Town and there is a variety of different types of shops and restaurants ranging from fast food to more fine dining eateries within minutes.
