MIL wants to book a dream holiday....

[Whatsername17]

MIL lost both of her parents fairly recently. With some of the money she has inherited she wants to take us all on holiday to try and make some happy memories with the money her parents left her. Dh and I have a two children, as do sil and bil and then there is sil2 and bil2 who are childless, young and hip. MIL has asked us to suggest a hotel, it must be at least 4* and all inclusive, ideally somewhere where they have never been before. Disney has been ruled out as MIL is worried it is the rainy season and sil2 has been several times before. Spain, Teneriffe, Lanzarote are also firm 'no no's' too. MIL and FIL don't want to go anywhere where Zika is a risk. They've all been to Greece and Cyprus but would consider it, if we found the right hotel. They've been to Santorini and Italy but again, for the right hotel they could be persuaded. Any recomendations of where we can go? My kids will be almost 7 and 18 months, I'm a little worried about keeping an 18 month old happy on a pool holiday so suggestions of how to cater for my little one would be appreciated. In the past, holidays in the UK have been very stressful with the whole family, so, selfishly, I'd like somewhere that is big enough to get lost for a couple of hours when we all start to get on each others nerves.(Although I do appreciate how generous MIL is being - it's a lovely thing to do and we are grateful.) Any ideas would be most welcome. She would like everyone to submit a couple of ideas and then I think we have to vote.

Forte village is great for families. And the food is amazing, at least it was when I went there, which was a few years ago.

It might be a bit expensive though, hope it wlll fit the financial brief.

I disagree that the headache on WhatsApp is a sign of things to come. I think once you agree on a destination hopefully it will narrow things down and bring a bit of calm to all.

Cruise or Dubai would be my idea of hell but Croatia or Italy sound wonderful.

(I'm sure there are plenty of children who'd love a cruise though. I think they're like marmite, you either love em or hate em!)

I'm going in with my eyes open, it will be tough but I can cope for one holiday. It means a lot to mil and she is going to be spending around £25k (I would guess). It's just going to be tricky finding a place. Thanks for the suggestions.

I'd go for Malta too.

Someone has beaten me to it - but Sardinia is amazing! Forte Village in the South has lots for children and adults. Plenty of stunning coastline to visit. Lots of cultural/local things to look at depending on your type of holiday.

Plus they have excellent spas/restaurants/bars for (you) and the hipster sil.

I'd suggest a Mark Warner or Neilsson holiday.

Out of interest why does it have to be somewhere she's never been before - does that not just create more stress?

I recommend The Roda Beach hotel and spa in Roda,Corfu it's 5 star all inclusive resort just outside the unspoilt village of Roda. Loads of different types of accommodation, 3 al a carte resteraunts plus a huge buffet type one with hibachi grills and wood fired pizza oven stations etc too really nice family place.

Pool holidays are fine for 18 month old, try and tag team it so you do get a break. They love being in and out of the water, if you pick somewhere with a little play park that gives you something else to do. Naptime takes.up a couple of hours. We had ground floor rooms at the hotel I suggested, my dh Sat outside the room while my nephew slept and we could take him drinks and wave from the pool!

nobull I agree with the blue lagoon in kos. We have been twice we loved it that much! We stayed in one of the swim up rooms and it was amazing for the kids. The snack bars were delicious too, and the food in general was probably the best all inclusive we've ever had.

California is fantastic, the Azores although beaches are dark as it's volcanic. What about the Seychelles? I loved Barbados - lots of the resorts do a kids club. Those are the places we've been to and loved but many are not cheap and are long haul.

Another one suggesting a cruise. I really can't think of a better solution. Children are really well catered for with clubs. Do choose ports carefully though as someone upthread mentioned. Med cruise ports tend to be miles away from the city/town. Caribbean ports are virtually in the town.

Sardinia
Lake Garda or Lake Como, Italy
Switzerland- Interlaken
Mauritius

I would go for an all inclusive with plenty of kids activities and childcare options like club med, mark warner or neilsons. They have tons of locations. I have never been due to cost but if money was no object and there is a range of ages this would probably suit everyone.

Another vote for a cruise from the UK. Royal Caribbean (or Celebrity X) - both have ships large enough to be stable so seasickness isn't an issue. The kids' clubs are excellent and there's a brilliant mix of fun and culture so everyone is happy.

Lapland? My mum is taking us all as a treat for her 70th birthday. It looks amazing

Switzerland will be diabolically expensive.

Sani resorts in Greece. They look gorgeous and have amazing facilities for kids. Someone I know has gone and says it's gorgeous.

Malta, particularly Gozo, which is beautiful. It's a short flight, it's a fascinating island (islands!), easy to travel around, and you can do pretty much anything there - or nothing if you prefer.

. It means a lot to mil and she is going to be spending around £25k (I would guess).

She herself should be more proactive about finding a destination; the problem here is differing expectations and needs. I cannot also see the childless couple actively wanting to help out with any childcare.

@ThroughThickAndThin01 it's lovely, we got married their in 2014. Can't wait to go back. X

California

Also has Disney plus other similar things, wine tours for the adults, and beaches, and doesn't have a rainy season.

Weather almost always beautiful.

** there 🤦🏼‍♀️