Aibu to want a holiday that’s a cross between self catering and hotel?

[Guiltridden12345]

Just that really. The benefits of a hotel complex - primarily kids meeting other kids - but the ability to retreat from the swarming masses. My partner and I don’t like hotels, we like privacy and peace, all inclusive hotel holiday would our worst nightmare and we’d genuinely rather stay home than do that (I wish it were different). However, our tweens/ teens are becoming less able to amuse themselves -they argue continuously wotj each other and it’s really wearing. We are on Holiday now in a villa somewhere idyllic and it’s like WW bloody 2. First world problem but I wondered if there’s a halfway house holiday that suits old and young?

we went to martinhal in sagres when they were little. Had a Villa with a small pool on the edge of a big holiday village with bigger pools, bars, restaurants, play areas and a kids club where the kids can play with other kids (plus formal care if you want it). It was great - we could stay away or dip in as we wanted. We didn’t go back only because it was a bit too windy (it’s an upcoming surf spot apparently as a result). And we’ve not been able to find anything similar since. Anyone know of anything like this elsewhere in Europe? Or how do you cope with bored/truculent/irritating siblings on sunny holidays?

We've stayed at Eden Resort in Portugal (was years ago). Had deluxe villas within the complex then 20 min walk to town centre. Also Parque Cristobel or Gran Oasis Resort in Tenerife have complete self catering but within all inclusive Resort. We went AI in both as not much more and worth it for unlimited drinks. But ate out alot too as food not always up to scratch particularly at Gran Oasis!
Egypt/Turkey hotels have fab water parks to keep kids busy. Some have loads of restaurants also depending on budget. You could get swim up room and adults chill there whilst kids bugger off on slides. That's what I plan to do next year 😂

Look at this place, it's lovely and sounds like it may fit the bill. www.idiliqhotels.com/offers/summer-savings/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh9zo6czNgAMVB9btCh2aywUmEAAYASAAEgIZdPD_BwE

I've linked the whole website somehow but we've been to the Costa del sol one. Was absolutely lovely,

Cosycamp, near Puy in France.

You get a decent half tent half wooden.terrace thing with your own small grounds, a pool and pizza restaurant if you want it with full cooking and toileting facilities.

Highly recommend Parco San Marco resort on the Italian side of Lake Lugano. Excellent breakfast included and you can add various combinations of dinners at their restaurants plus there's a small equipment fee for self-catering. There's a daily kids club and various other activities including for adults. Great food, lovely friendly staff, spa facilities plus private beach, and pet donkeys.

https://www.parco-san-marco.com/en/home/

We did eurocamp type stays many times when DCs were still teens. Most sites have bar, takeaway, restaurant plus a shop (fine for emergency catering). Pick your site well and you may be in walking distance of more eateries.

Campsites are great for giving teenagers freedom.

Mobile homes are a lot more luxurious now than before with aircon, dishwasher etc. Some have hot tub as well if that is your thing.

Look at Ikos? It's AI but on another level, all al la carte restaurants. Theres Watersports on site, anything non motorised is included. They have teen hang out areas

Look at The Peligoni Club. Villas with a beach club for water sports/social

We stayed in a place like you describe when we were on holiday in Portugal one time. Two bed two bathrooms plus a living room, kitchen and a balcony. Downstairs was like a hotel, a bar, restaurant, pool and reception. I loved it. I'd like to find one like this again for Dh and I to go on our own.

I think that once your kids hit 12 or 13 you need to invite a friend each, or book into an activities-based hotel (such as club med)

@MrsCarson - which hotel was your lovely Portugal holiday at?

Quite a few options for resort villas. We were eyeing up Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus because it has nice villas plus lots of kids activities and looks like there’s plenty to do for our older DC.

It depends on the age but as they get to late teens you could consider letting them bring a friend along. Then just find a nice villa in a safe area in close distance to lots of restaurants and let them entertain themselves.

I’ve heard of this! But we want a do very little hot holiday… although I suggested neilson at dinner to the kids and they were terrified - we all love lazy mornings and chilling out. Maybe it’s time to take a mate each? But yr 7 (my youngest) is early to be away from your family for a week or a fortnight

Which hotel was this if you don’t mind me asking?

Looking now - thank you!

My parents love holiday property bond so as a result I've been to loads.
Don't understand why the above poster can't recommend it.

Thanks so much for all these suggestions, am going to check them out. Not heard of ikos but loving the first web page.. maybe there is a halfway house!

We stayed here in Portugal a few years ago. We had an apartment, but they also have villas. Amazing restaurants in the area, on the beach and on site as well as a shared pools

www.ddbc.pt/en/resort/

Have a look at Pine Cliffs in Portugal. Lovely villas, at a price. There are other Martinhal hotels too.

We didn't take many holidays when I was a teenager so my memories might be swayed by tge excitement of just not being at home all summer, but a couple of times we went to big Eurocamp type parks in southern Europe and they were great. Huge pool complex, good weather, the occasional day out, and somewhere warm to sunbathe and read. There were teen-friendly activities everyday if I'd wanted to join in with them (no chance).

Great thread OP. Pretty much what I'm looking for too. Thinking half board is the best option atm.

We stayed in an apartment at the Avanti Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus a few years ago. It was brilliant! Not found anything similar since unfortunately.

Half board hotel I guess?

We stayed at a hotel m in Greece recently - own villa with pool, communal pool, restaurant, kids club, walk to town etc. Not suitable for kids older than 10 I’d say as they’d be bored but there’s lots of hotels with this mix.

It’s not got everyone but we love it too. Just back from Alfaix. We had a 3 bed villa around a shared pool and DS did hamster ball, swimby, tennis etc. We ate out or got takeaway every day. The villa was beautiful.

My post hasn’t been deleted so I think I can. I re read the Talk guidelines and it’s fine. I think the poster who reported it thought I was spamming but MNHQ will have checked my posting history and seen that I’ve been around a while.

Many hotels and motels now have rooms with kitchens.
Ask for a family room/apartment with a kitchen.

Also have had success staying in the family apartment section of Youth Hostels which usually have pools, young people and are close to transport and well located. To access these you need to book ahead as there are fewer apartments within hostels.

Don't overlook cabins in Caravan Parks. They can have every amenity, the self catering, other young people nearby, bikes and pools and be very close to lovely parks and beaches.