I want some sun but don't want to flog all the way to the Caribbean...is there anywhere nice in the Canaries or somewhere that is not all big hotels etc?

[CountessDracula]

Really looking for somewhere small with a pool and nice beach near a few restaurants etc. Does this exist in the Canaries?

(and pls don't get upset by my pickiness, I AM picky and there is sod all I can do about it )

egypt

5

8 hotels though

No we really hate big hotels and they all look VAST!
Unless you know differently...

5?

8 hotels?

5* Sofitel is great - surprisingly good in TABA. Nothing there though.

Not sure about Canaries although I know there will be places

La Gomera is a small,pretty island in Canaries and doesn't have huge developments.

can you recommend anywhere

Doesnt' ahve to have childcare or antying like that

Do check that it will be reliably warm! I once went to the Canaries in November and it was freezing and rainy. I left more depressed than I arrived!

We once had Christmas at Reids in Madeira (Funchal). Was rather nice, clifftop hotel. Good food etc.

We stayed here in October. Did the flights via xl.com and booked the hotel on Alpharooms - all cheaper than tour operator. We loved it so much we are going back for two weeks at Christmas (2008!). The entertainer has been there years and my kids loved her and can't wait to see her again. The pool is heated. There is a gym which dh used. Squash courts. A really nice hotel and the rooms actually look just like they do in the pictures with everything you need - even down to comfy sofas.

how rude of me - meant to say Happy New Year CD!!

www.reidspalace.com

Mumbles

Morocco?

www.tablethotels.com/Villa-des-Orangers-Hotel/Hotels-Marrakech-Morocco/838?SID=20080104073913-30f5 4854a8f7b6da92c144d0c6fb5ea3

This sort of thing?

And to you MrsR

I'm afraid that this puts me off

" full entertainment programme including nightly magic shows, flamenco dancing, Canarian music, karaoke, barbeque and much much more"

Not our cuppa!

Ozy we want something on the sea

Mumblechum isn't Reids for old people?!

to give you an idea we stay in Sea Steps in Tobago, that is my idea of heaven

A small wooden cottage on its own tiny beach
no big hotel
no entertainment
A small fishing village

www.simpsontravel.com/morocco/accommodation.asp?ID=362

This site has lovely places, I think.

OMG CD I've been there twice

Never saw any of that - mostly stayed in our lovely room overlooking the pool sipping cocktails. It isn't by the sea though so problably not best for you. But have a look for the Regency Club - they are a chain and I'd highly recommend them for that little bit of extra/luxury that you need when on holiday.

Can recommend lots of lovely small places but weather not guaranteed this time of year.
Am v. though, could do with some sun !

If it's peace and quiet you're after, I'd go for La Palma - we know people that live there and are going to a wedding (hopefully) in April there.

What about this one - check out the photos at the bottom for the pool shots!

Oh fab carmenere!

Isn't it pardise?
We have been 3X, I would go back at the drop of a hat!

Cape Verde islands anyone??

lanazarote and la gomera.