recommendations - relaxing family hols, no cooking for mum, friends for kids...not too big a resort!

[triathlonmum]

Since forever we've only ever done self catering hols - villa with pool type thing. Kids are 5 & 7 now though and discovering for us parents to have a real rest we need friends for them and also would be nice for me not to have to continue cooking and clearing up as at home....

Have looked at other threads on here but most of the resorts discussed look huge (and a bit scary, LOTS of people). Are these places really restful or is it busy/crowded?

Anyone recommend a resort for novices?

TIA...

some are not really that big. We had one of those holiday in Hotel Riu Paradiso in Lanzarote a couple of years ago and it was just the right size. It was the first time we came back from holiday feeling really relaxed. DS was 6 at the time and loved it.

Have just returned from the new Neilson resort at Adakoy (near Marmaris) in Turkey. It is heaven. Very small, but all the same activities available for the kids. You couldn't get much better than this.

Thanks - reassuring to hear. Just been searching on Neilson site, and their lakes and mountains holidays also look good....anyone been on one of those?

I was about to mention the Austrian alps, loads of great family hotels.

Hijack for Jan - Have you ever been to the Neilson Ortakent one? Would love to know how Marmaris compares.

Last week we were at the hotel ammos, near Chania, northern Crete. Bliss. Around 4o rooms - some are suites. Pool, and beach access. shallow warm beach, very safe. Lots of young children, most of the other guests were families too. All rooms have mini kitchens and the food and drink are superb. friendly management team can help you organise anything you want to do there or locally. Would recommend very highly. It was also recommended to us by friends.

Ooh LadyMuck, sorry - missed your hijack! haven't done Ortakent, sorry. Have only done Sivota, Halkidiki, Lesvos and Adakoy, and the Ionian and Lycian flotillas.

Ooh - Mummyinthedark that looks fabulous. Was it v expensive (once you added in food & drink) and did you need a hire car or was there enough to do without one?