4* or 5* resort Short Haul

[Almostalwayshappy]

Hoping I can pick your brains - DH and I have unexpectedly got 10 days holiday to take in a couple of weeks' time and are looking for a lovely sandy beachside resort with a great gym, spa, activities (yoga, sea kayaking, maybe day trips to interesting towns), pretty gardens and decent food. We don't need a lively nightlife but some restaurants in walking distance would be nice, although we're hoping for half-board. At short notice, I think a package would be easier than trying to co-ordinate stay/transfers/flights (from London). I haven't booked anything like this before. I would be grateful for any recommendations of places to look at and/or suggestions of travel companies we could try. Secret Escapes? Luxury Escapes? Thanks!

I’d try Kenwood, good prices, offer 5* resorts/hotels inc. flights, transfers etc. we used to book through Elegant Resorts but have now found them too expensive in comparison.

@billycorn Thank you - will have a look.

Hotel Lone in Rovinj Croatia. It's 5* and you can book it through Tui.

It doesn't quite have everything you want as the beach isn't sandy.

Any Ikos resort is fantastic. We did Dassia a couple of years ago and it has everything you described. Food is amazing, everything is included and the standard is high. We are returning to another ikos in September with our DD1 in tow and can't wait. Sani would probably also tick the boxes but the extras on top of half board there will likely add up.

Kalkan or Kas are gorgeous, Stoupa, Madeira all fabulous.

Definitely look at Voyage Privé - amazing deals!

But yes also echo Ikos and Sami - can't afford them myself but parents have been loads and love it!

Thank you - I will check all of these out and report back.

We love Sani, I think one of the hotels is adults only too. Great restaurants, service etc.

@fguuhs Thank you!

Another one for Ikos - you can't go wrong. My DH and I have travelled the world. The standard of service with Ikos is on another level.

@Amuseaboosh The resorts look amazing - thank you.

Daios Cove in Crete ticks all the boxes except being able to walk to restaurants in the evening. However the restaurant there are done you are going out for dinner.

Hotel Audax in Cala Galdana Menorca, adult only. We had a lovely week there before we became parents. X Also loved exploring the island and surrounding beaches.

@PrinnyPree @SummerSimmer Many thanks! Have only a week to book so straying to panic a bit but on it today and will look at these...

Tui - Playa Blanca H10 Timanfaya palace! Adults only, unreal views and food! The best place we’ve ever stayed.

Thanks all for your help and @billycorn for recommending Kenwood Travel, which I used to book. Very simple process. As it was such short notice (needed a 10 day holiday to begin in seven days' time), lots of the recommended places were fully booked (or had only the most expensive room options left). I have just booked The Eagles Palace, Halkidiki and am beyond relieved to have something booked and excited to be getting away for our first child-free beach hol. It looks amazing. Will report back for those who want to follow this thread.

Stella Palace in Crete. No where nice to walk as such.

Just to update. We had an amazing time at Eagles Palace, Halkidiki and would recommend. It exceeded our expectations and I wish we were back there now! Plenty of great reviews online and I couldn't agree more. The staff were exemplary and the food was incredible. It suited us perfectly.