Need somewhere soul-restoringly beautiful and warm

[kif]

... that will work with 3 under 5s in tow.

Probably needs to be Europe beacuse of flight times.

I've rejected Alps on the basis of that it might not be great weather feb half term/easter. However, as a benchmark, love the dramatic mountains, big views and clean air.

Our current shortlist is cyprus, tenerife, holland (?!) or mallorca (though dh thinks it'll be half-closed for the winter).

Anyone have any insight?

I would think that out of those mentioned, cyprus and tenerife will be the warmest and most guaranteed sunshine.

I am sure that the weather in holland and mallorca will be on the cool side in feb/easter.

North africa?
Or Santorini is stunning to my mind, but maybe too many steps for small children. Nowhere in Europe is going to be that warm in feb though.

Dont go to the Netherlands in Feb half term......I speak as the english wife of dutch husband........not fun even when relatives are on hand to distract DCs from sh*te weather conditions!!

On balance, given your present options, I would go for Cyprus but definitely consider Canary Islands if you are just after sun and beach. Not sure how you feel about flights but have also done Goa in February with DCs (then aged 2 and 6) and that was fab, despite longer than "average EU" flight.

It doesn't need to be scorchio hot - just warm enough to defrost us! DH reckons we should go at Easter to Holland - but we're so tired already I'm tempted to bring it forward and go further.

I'd love to go to North Africa - but I suspect DH would have many reservations about taking the babies there (medical facilities/civil unrest/general health and hygiene/car seats etc.)

Santorini looks lovely [sound of rapid googling] . Is greece best done in a resort or in a villa?

What is the scenery like in the canary islands. Does it have that extra special "top-of-the-world' "god-lives-here" feeling?

And same question; is it best experienced from a sooper dooper resort, or from a villa?

just had a thought.......do you and DH ski? Would you and DH plus perhaps elder of DCs like to try skiing (with younger two in creche)? in which case, would say try France. If you fancy cool weather but stunning location (not snow dependent), would entirely recommend Haute Savoie in France (think Evian, Lake Geneva) and surrounding area. If you stay somewhere like Evian, you are on the lake with all the stunning views, 20 minutes drive (at most) from stunning mountain locations and just 40 minutes from Bouveret, just over border into Switzerland, where you will find a fab pool (think Pirate ships, rapids, plunge pools rather than municipal pools) and steam railway museums. I would recommend the Hilton in Evian as a base. CHeaper than the the other major Evian hotels. However, restaurant is fab, spa/treatment rooms are beautiful and uber relaxing, plus indoor pools etc for DCs.

Madeira is very nice.

oh and if you do want to ski, Thollon Les Mesmise is excellent "first resort" for a family IME and just 20 minutes from Evian.

oh and if you do want to ski, Thollon Les Mesmise is excellent "first resort" for a family IME and just 20 minutes from Evian.

we love to ski - but don't you spend your whole time dressing and undressing the children?

drat - santprinin seems to only go may-october... looked lovely.

madeira - I was put off by seeing it described as a 'garden' and 'very english' . Does it have drama and exoticism?

Mrs Jphn Simm - I'm definitely putting the place you mentioned on my list of 'places to go when all the kids are running about and chattering.

Madeira has some absolutely beautiful scenery - and stunning walking.

Corsica is beautiful - lovely beaches and great mountains - and really family friendly. Not too sure what the weather would be like in Feb though. Thought about Sardinia also (v similar)?

Maybe try this family-friendly boutique hotel in Lanazarote with fab viws of Timanfaya National Park? Accommodation in cottages with self catering gear but meals available too.
www.babyfriendlyboltholes.co.uk/view.php?property=finca_malvasia

Kif, I've got an ad in the small business section about the holiday cottages I rent in my part of the world - Asturias, in northern Spain. It definitely has that "top-of-the-world" feeling you describe. Have a look at this flickr album I came across recently. I just got back from there and the weather was warm enough to eat outside. And if you're interested in the area, have a look at my ad .