cold feet about big resort holiday (first time) in Spain-- help pls?

[theory]

we have a toddler (3.5) and baby (5 months) and are thinking of going to an all-inclusive beach resort this summer, but I'm having cold feet. (Looking at mumsnet recommendations and tripadvisor, I was thinking of Princess Yaiza in Lanzarote.)

We've rented mobile homes at campsites in France for the past two summers, and it's been brilliant, but this year I'm just too tired, to be honest - I really like the idea of not having to shop/cook/clean up sand etc! The problem is the resort thing- I've never stayed at one, and when I look at the pics, they just seem huge, overwhelming.

Does anyone any recommendations for some kind of happy medium between self-catering and an all-inclusive resort? (for a beach holiday)? I don't think we'd use the kids club anyway - DD shy and headstrong and would probably refuse. But she does really enjoy being around other kids, so a family-oriented place would be great.

The Flamingo Hotel in Sardinia (an hour from Cagliari airport) is fab. Very family oriented, offers activities for the children - treasure hunts, ball games etc. Very informal - kids were invited to join in each day but were free to decline or leave before end of the activity (one of the nannies would come and find you). But it isn't an overwhelmingly large "fun palace"! It has lovely gardens, two pools, right on the beach.

We visited 3 years ago and loved it.

The other place I would recommend is Mousses in Lefkas with Simply Travel.

thanks, ujjayi! will look into those two

the princess yaiza is beautiful and is certainly not a resort type holiday it is far more up market than that can be !! even if this hotel is full it never really seems over full if you know what i mean , there are things to do if you want to but you can just do nothing ..........playa blanca is my favourite place and we go at least twice a year ...x

oh and the Yaiza is NOT an all inclusive resort ! you can book all inc i think but it is very expensive as the restaurants are fantastic ..........

mel38, I've never been to an upmarket hotel on holiday (have occasionally stayed in high end places for work, but in cities), and I'm just not sure what to expect.. though fantastic restaurants sound good :)

ujjayi- can you advise about flights to sardinia? Seems either impossibly long or unfeasibly high cost...

Last time I was in Sardinia, I flew straight from Stansted to Alghero.

Ah- many thanks!