The convenenience but not the annoyances of a resort holiday - does this exist?

[redskybynight]

Thinking about a holiday for August 2015. DC will be 11 and 9. Normally we self cater, hire a cottage or something similar and go out on day trips to visit things.

We were thinking that now the DC are a bit older they might appreciate some of the benefits of a resort holiday - would like a pool, perhaps with a water park and the opportunity to do some activities on site and mix with similar aged children. However, DH and I both like "naice" accommodation and we like the space of our own place, plus not being surrounded by other people (other people being noisy next door drives ame mad). Plus we don't want to spend every day stuck in a resort and would still want to get out and sight see.

So basically we'd like a holiday with the activities/facilities of a resort but the opportunity to have our own space and get out and about. Not fussed about location, although DH can't cope with too hot (up to high 20s probably ok).

Does such a place exist? It feels like an oxymoron!

That would be the holy grail for me too. Have you considered one of the more upmarket mobile home on a French site?

I think Morocco would fit this bill.

We went to Agadir in August. It's not too hot because there is a cloud base in August (although you still need sunscreen). There are plenty of trips out, into the mountains, into Marrakesh, the markets/souks etc.

Riu hotels are nice, good food, great gardens, close to the beach (with your own sectioned area). Pool scene, evening entertainment etc.

It's quite a short & regular flight. The airport in Agadir was a bit of a pain in the arse but not too bad. Transfers are quick and taxis/hire cars are easy

You should look at prairies de la mer in south of france. Is absolutely amazing!!!!!

Have a look at Juan Les Pins on Holidayrentals.co.uk. There are number of very nice apartments - all mod cons, but within a couple of residences with shared pools etc and walking distance to the beach. You will probably find similar in the likes of Antibes/Cannes or other french resorts. You could also check out companies like Lagrange or Pierre et Vacances that offer self catering accommodation but with pools/kids clubs etc.

Mobile homes are also worth a look - check out some of the new ones offered by Canvas and Eurocamp. They have got some quite plush ones now with dishwashers/covered terraces/TVs and Wifi. We had a 2 bed 2 bath Vista plus this year - and it was marvellous.

It sounds like you like the same sort of holiday as we do.

We avoid places that have kids clubs and are advertised as family friendly, as DD is 14 and isn't fond of small children ruining her holiday. We also avoid holiday parks and caravan sites.

Last year we stayed at a lovely hotel in Sissi in Crete, but I can't recommend it now as from next year it will be adults only.

Another wonderful holiday was spent here on the Makarska Riviera in Croatia.

We also stayed in a couple of lovely hotels on lake Garda - in Garda town and Sirmione.