Best all inclusive with 2 toddlers- apartments? Ikos?

[thenightfeed]

Looking for next year so not hugely urgent but haven’t really done AI holidays before so would love some advice on where to go.

Wish List: all inclusive with restaurants as well as buffet, pool suitable for young toddler (will have a 3.5 year old and 18 month old)- so probably a splash pad. Play park. Indoor play area would be great but not essential. Not a huge transfer from airport.

The main thing is though I don’t want us all to have to sleep in 1 room!! Anyone know of an apartment style place where the kids don’t sleep in the lounge area and neither do me and DH?! I had a look at some of the Ikos ones but that still looks like we would either have to all share a room or put the kids in the lovely main bedroom and me and DH sleep on the sofa bed if we want an evening! Unless we double the cost of the hol for a 2 bedroom!

budget wise- not hugely important. can go out of school holidays, would ideally keep to 5000 or less but could pay more if a really nice resort. Just want somewhere as relaxing as possible but good for the kids.

thanks!

Don’t know how to edit but wanted to add I don’t really want to go to Turkey. Just Europe resorts.

There are plenty of options with 2 bed apartments but it will push the cost up dramatically because you’ll be paying a surcharge effectively for under occupation too (18 month old will be free usually). I would suggest looking at a room set up where there’s a decent balcony for you to sit on once they are sleeping but all sleep in same room, you’ll then get a really nice hotel for that budget

TUI holiday villages are fab

Stella Palace in Crete is fantastic for families with young children.

It is one of the few places we’ve been to where pretty much everyone appeared to be on a return visit which speaks volumes.

You will manage it on your budget outside of school hols. We paid less than that and were there last week.

Holiday villages have rooms within the room of that makes sense?

Some great suggestions, thanks!

We've stayed a few times at zafiro hotels in mallorca that have worked well. The penthouse apartments we've stayed in have a balcony that runs the length of the apartment and can be accessed from the bedroom as well as the living space and then an upstairs area with a small plunge pool and loungers. Great if the kids are napping.

We just stayed in a suite at the portobello royal in Kos. On the flight path but my toddler loved seeing the planes and the noise bothered me less than thought it would/ didn't keep us awake at night. No IKOS but not ikos prices either!

Ikos fits the bill. In June we were in a 1-bed apartment in Ikos Olivia. The kids slept in the large living area, and I was in the bedroom. No creeping around - the bedroom had French doors to the terrace and a separate door to the bathroom.

Might just have to do it. Slightly above the 5000 but happy to pay it for how nice it sounds. Was just wishful thinking about finding somewhere 2 bedrooms without paying the surcharge but I get it!
Just wanting an all inclusive with actual good food and drink. But still stuff for the kids. I’m sure the toddler tantrums will still follow us there but hey ho, least I won’t be cooking and cleaning!

Look at Pine Cliffs in Portugal. Beautiful resort with lots of different accommodation types. We went for a 2 bed apartment suite (in the Pine Cliffs Gardens resort).

Kids (then 5 and 3) had a lovely twin bedroom and used the family bathroom. We had the beautiful master and en-suite and there was still a living room (and small kitchenette). Lots of lovely pools, beach, restaurants.

Tui Blue have various style family rooms that sound like what you are looking for :)

Definitely ikos, get a 1 bed suite.

I thought Stella Palace was adults only?

Ikos is a very relaxing holiday with small kids. But the AI element isn't as amazing as you think if you are into gourmet food. It's good but not excellent, which I expect for the price. If you are open to a non-AI alternative I recommend Mousses by Simpsons Travel.

Depends which one you go to. I've just come back from Andalusia and the food was superb.

I would second Mousses by Simpsons, not AI but plenty of local restaurants and one on the compound but you will need a car. Kids club on site, just back, was lovely and relaxing.

Royal son Bou family club is amazing for kids and has very spacious 2 bed apartments. You can do AI, there are only 2 restaurants but it’s a very short walk to the town where there are lots of good choices for a meal out. In fact half board is good for that reason and you can always add more meals at the hotel if you want.

Stella Island is 'adults only'.
Yes definitely go for Ikos, OP . You can't beat it .

I know you said no to Turkey but Voyage chain definitely do 2 bed apartment types and are pretty luxurious . Haven't been ( going in April ) but highly recommended by friends who also like Ikos .