Can anyone find me a last minute holiday? pls?

[SqueakyCat]

We need a break - will have a week off in about a fortnight. Can anyone suggest what we can do / where we can go?

We like feeling a bit independent. We have a (difficult) nearly 3 yr old, and a baby. We want something with a self-catering home-from-home / relaxed feel, BUT we don't want to cook /wash up etc. Liked the Villa Pia concept, but tbey are booked up. V happy to stay in UK, short flight to somewhere warmer also OK. Would like an indoor swimming pool, and walking / animals / something outdoorsy for the kids.

We've had a tough time recently, so want it to be good. As long as it's worth what it costs, price isn't an issue.

Any suggestions / recommendations?

i don't get it... you want self-catering but you don't want to cook?

We've found hotels / B&B too formal to manage our wild child in. We'd like our own living area to chill out in.

But we're jolly fed up with the daily drudgery of cooking / washing up. Need a little luxury / looking after.

Would be OK with a bit of both.

Best of both worlds, really. A nice B&B that does simple dinners might do it? Or a mini-complex?

try www.scottdunn.com - you get a nanny and a chef. its expensive but worth it.

Try this lady - she found me a fab holiday and it's really cheap (not as cheap as Mumsnet...but close)

here

Really helpful

Not entirely sure we're in the Scott Dunn market price-wise, actually and sadly.

However, started me thinking - a suite in a hotel could be a good answer: with 2 bedrooms, sitting room, we stayed somewhere like that in the Peak District once when we got accidentally upgraded.

Looks interesting Katymac: how did you find out about her? what did she find for you?

She was reccommeded by a fellow mumsnetter

She got me a winter sun holiday with childcare and sailing at Christmas

Most I rang about or on the internet were fully booked (to short notice) I think she found me 5 or so

I had to book it and she charges £30 for the first 2hrs and £20. She took 3 hrs for mine - so for £50 she did loads of legwork and gave me options. I have done loads of threads on what holiday I want......but was so grateful to Tara (and so looking forward to my holiday)

SQ, you need Centre Parcs. It has a swimmng pool -huge, loads of stuff to do, babysitters if needed, restaurants and take-aways etc etc.

Anyone know of a decent hotel with 2-bedroom suites and swimming pool?

Not sure that centre parks would feel 'treaty' enough right now, and I'd be terrified of loosing DS1 in the swimming pool. Need something smaller, more contained.

I'd just book flights and head over to Orlando. Loads of fab accommodation. Lots to wear out your 'wild child'. It'll still be warm enough to swim outdoors. If you don't want to cook there's a restaurant or two on every corner.

What about the ickworth?
i think they have an annex that could suit you, have restaurants, a child listening service, a creche, an outdoor play area, and bikes for all?
its one of the luxury family hotels

babington house, very relaxing and lovely and treaty.

We stayed in the Ickworth before for a night or two: we felt that it wasn't really quite nice enough to justify the money.