Hotel Vila Vita Parc, Porches, Portugal

A winning combination of five star facilities and family friendliness: "luxurious accommodation, private beach and a really good playground". There's "healthy food for children" and "superb adult food with a choice of relaxed or formal restaurants". Childcare is "top notch," nannies were "educated, qualified and fluent in English and activities ranged from T-shirt making to sea shell collecting". The gardens are beautiful, the spa "a haven of tranquillity" and one reviewer admitted "we didn't leave the resort once!" Everyone commented on price: "everything you would expect from a five star hotel, including the bill!" But the consensus was: "it's worth it!"

NB Mumsnet top tips: "try the self catering accommodation, it's particularly good for very young families who may not want large (and expensive) hotel restaurant meals." Also "book direct and take advantage of low cost airfares," plus "repeat visitors who book direct get a 10% discount, so there's a great excuse to go back!