Best all inclusive family holiday

[Kingtiger101]

Me, dh and our 2 daughters (will be 3 and 1) want to go on holiday next year. Holidays so far have been self catering and we just come back exhausted and glad to be home.

So I think all inclusive is the answer. I would have hated this pre kids but now....I need an actual break.

So hit me with your recommendations of good all inclusive hotels for young kids in Europe or in the UK (not sure if UK hotels do it actually?)

Thanks!

We went to the hd Cristobal in gran canaria last January and loved it. Little bungalows instead of rooms which made a massive difference.

I’d go menorca there are a few there and it’s an ideal location for young kids

I’ve always avoided sensatori as they’re often in middle is now where and we like to walk to town and the marinas etc

Neilsons anywhere.

@PinglePongle we are going there at the end of Aug and have a private pool we cannot wait, it gets very good reviews. Did you go this year?

Thanks everyone! I’m sure we’ll find something good from all this lot.

We did the Hilton coluymbridge not ai but it's half board, great family suites or rooms, amazing activities around area, kids entertainment (though been a few years and this was in ski season so check). Because it was outdoorsy area and most people were skiing, they helpfully left sandwich bags at the breakfast buffet, this may not be the case now but people openly made up their lunch! Depends on what kind of holiday you like, ai can be full of very drunk people whereas half board is still hassle free but you pay for alcohol

I think the issue is the ages of your DC and that an all inclusive will be exhausting too. We did one at a lovely place in portugal (Club Med) with one DC age 2 and although v nice not to have to shop or cook it wasn’t at all relaxing, due to the DC!

Vital to have a heated pool with DC of those ages.

Another bite for Tui Sensatori - we went to the one in Tenerife. First time we'd ever done AI but like like you, was so tired out with holidays when the kids were little.

It's not cheap but so worth it. I actually relaxed, swam, read lots of books.....we still went out on lots of trips.

@Loopytiles you’re right I know! Previous to kids we were definitely not resort hotel people and we’re not big drinkers. As in we barely drink. We’ve only done self catering since kids buy it’s just the same crap as at home but in a less suitable house with fewer toys etc

I don’t want to pay loads of money and regret it but feel like a holiday would be nice....but maybe it wouldn’t! I think that’s why in a way I’d prefer UK so don’t have to deal with the flight as well.

I’m not even sure I’d end up using all the kids club type stuff as older dd is anxious at the moment (which is literally another (very quiet!) thread) which is another consideration.

The luxury family hotels someone mentioned might be a good shout or the Jersey place maybe.

After several enjoyable but tiring and costly “holidays” with small DC we decided that, for us, the benefits weren’t worth the cost and did cheaper things like Uk or short haul self catering for a few years.

We never used any childcare on offer: DC were in childcare at home while we worked. We took turns to supervise the DC.

Our DC dislike heat, was a PITA dealing with suncream etc, and I found out that I dislike heat unless can lounge around under an umbrella near water, read and take frequent dips before drying off in the sun, which didn’t work with small DC!

now they’re older, lots of options and holidays are restful again! Expensive being tied to school holidays though.

It’s not AI but Sands Resort in Porte just outside Newquay or Bedruthan Steps Hotel could work really well for you. Both fully set up for small kids, you can borrow for free all of the stuff you need for the beach, kids clubs and activities etc AND they have spas and nice food.

Kinderhotels in Austria are great. Loads of childcare if you want it but you can dip in and out, or use the amazing kids facilities with your DC if they don't want to be left. The food us generally good and you can get family suites with a separate bedroom for DC which helped us no end with keeping a reasonable sleep routine going. The ones in ski resorts are often reasonably priced in the summer.

For U.K. have a look at Bedruthen Steps hotel in Cornwall.

@Loopytiles you’re very right and sound like me! I’ve hated the sun here cos yes sun cream is a pita and yes the sun is nice if sipping a cocktail by a pool child free. Hmm. I’ll check out the bedruthan stepson fhjbn!

Voyage Hotel in Belek, Turkey
Liberty Lykia in Fethiye, Turkey - great kids club and dedicated area for children called Kids Paradise.

If you fancy splashing the cash Maxx Royal, Belek, Turkey.

I'm an AI convert since having children although I am going SC somewhere else this year.

Hi @Kingtiger101 , I know i'm a couple of years late to the party but just wondering where you ended up going and how your experience was?

I have one just-turned-two year old (and another one on the way) so looking for a relaxing-ish resort with lots to do with toddlers. Seems like a lot of these places look fab for kids over 3 but not much mention of activities for littler ones. Anyone got any suggestions for 2 year olds specifically?

It really depends how much you want to spend and how big a part of your holiday expectation is "good food experience".

If you're OK with edible, plentiful & regular it opens up a lot more options. If you just want feeding.

If you like to enjoy the dining experience, I'd say pay as much as you can afford AI!