Help /advice needed - family holiday experts?

[Callmemadam]

I could really do with some help here! I am trying to book our first big family holiday abroad with 4 children (15, 12, 11 and 4). Have been recommended Mark Warner, and specifically Corsica, but have found some simply dreadful reviews on the net! Does anyone have any other suggestions for a summer holiday with activities and possibly childcare? I hate to say it, but cost is not the major consideration, but me getting a break and the range of children being occupied is!!

good for family watersports, clubs, entertainment etc

Have you tried these people ?
Haven't tried them personally, but have lots of friends who have and love them.

Hi. We've used sunsail for the last 3 years and had a fabulous time. They are very effiecient, catering very well for our families differing needs. Plenty of freedom in a controlled environment for me Ds (now 10. Lots of different things to do even if you dont sail. DH took up sailing on our first holiday and now sails regularly as does DS who now belongs to a sailing club at home. As for me, keep fit classes, reding, tennis, swimming whatever takes your fancy. The childcare is second to none esp esp for the young ones.

Enjoy whatever you choose.

The only down side to things like Sunsail (and jhave used them and agee that they can be excellent) is that once the kids get older the activities are centred round the sailing etc stuff. Which is fab if your kids like that sort of stuff, and not so hot if you have slighly nerdy, bookish kids

If you don't want to spend that much money, and would be ok in a caravan (I know not everyone is!) then look at Canvas and Keycamp. They run good kids clubs for all ages, and are on ecvellent campsites with wonderful facilties.

What about the Alps with www.esprit-holidays.co.uk?

For a DIY version have a look at www.farmholidays.com (Austria) or www.kinderhotels.com.

We've enjoyed MW Lakitira (Kos). The Corsica was rather 3 star accom. Lakitira is better and there are now some 5 star ones available (Egypt/Sri Lanka).