Resorts like Mark Warner but not as full on?

[GnarlyOldGoatDude]

Not sure if this even exists! DH quite keen to try Mark Warner (eg to learn to sail), but I’m less convinced as a) they’re extortionate, b) kids will not want to be in kids’ club all day, and c) I’m keen to blob on holiday so am worried it’d all be a bit wasted on me.

Any recommendations for hotels that have good (ideally included) activities, but which aren’t as full on as MW? Short haul Europe ideally, but could consider further. Family of 5.

thank you 😊

Surf Hotel Vassiliki, but I’m not sure if it has rooms which sleep 5.
Have a look at Ocean Elements. We stayed at Atki Beach Club and lots of watersports were included.

@Fivemoreminutes1 Thank you, will have a look 😊

Nikiana Beach Club in Lefkas is fab. Really affordable and well set up for all levels of sailing. You book through Seafarer sailing holidays. Its more chilled than MW more of a nice Greek small hotel with sailing rather than a resort.

seafarersailing.co.uk/beach-club/nikiana/

@EnglishGirlApproximately thank you!

I’m looking for similar OP, except neither DH nor I want to be super active (don’t mind trying the odd thing) but our DC do. Reluctant to pay the £££ of Neilson/MW especially as we don’t love AI.

Ocean Elements I believe is not running this year, good to have a recommendation though for another year.

I’ve found various sailing/windsurfing focused places, many based on Vassiliki beach on Lefkada such as Club Vass and Surf Hotel mentioned above. However I am a bit concerned these would be full of sailing obsessives !? Also Vassiliki beach seems like it’s so breezy and full of windsurfers and sailers it may not be great for landlubbers like me who mainly want to swim and relax? EnglishGirl and anyone else who has done these sorts of places, is this true or unfounded?

Another option I am looking at which possibly might suit you is Simply Morzine, totally different as mountains not beach, but seems to allow the option of being as active or not as you choose. Alpine Elements is similar (and unlike the Ocean version is running).

If you find the holy grail let me know!!

Watching

@minipie ah I couldn’t find any availability on the Ocean Elements website, that explains it!

I think we are going to bite the bullet and just try MW- we’ve never done it, it’ll be an experience for all of us! It’s not AI, they only give you 4 evening meals a week I think? Come along and we can landlub together 😁

Vasiliki gets wind in the afternoon which is when the windsurfers all go out. The mornings will be calmer. Nidri is much less windy, also prone to a late afternoon wind but less reliable and not as strong, so should be much more suited to beginners.

We had a great time in Kefalonia with Trek Adventures at the Paliki Beach Club last summer. Less expensive then MW, Nielsen, much more low-key and laid back and great staff. DH and kids loved all the sailing instruction while I just chilled out by the pool. Great for older teenagers as good opportunities to mix and very friendly and they could just dip in or out of activities as they wanted. Walking distance from a lively small town with lots of nice bars and restaurants in the evening. Would definitely recommend. We stayed in the hotel which suited us well but they also offer separate villas within walking distance.

Ooh Trek looks good. Were there many younger kids there busygirl or mainly teens? Ours are 10 and 8.

Will look at Nidri too thanks!

There were a few younger kids but mainly teens but I think Trek also run another beach club in Kefalonia, Lixouri Bay which is more suited for younger ones so possibly worth a look.

Neilson?

Thanks!

@LIZS Neilson came out even more expensive for us!!