Where should we go in December?

[llareggub]

DH is self-employed and has told me that he can only take a full week off this year between christmas and into the new year.

We want to make it as relaxing as we can with 2 pre-schoolers (4 and 1) and ideally would like some sunshine without it being scorching hot. I'm fairly ghost-like and would prefer to be skiing frankly, but we'd like to spend some time together as a family.

Both boys love the pool so we'd like enough warmth to be able to swim outdoors. Flight-wise, long-haul isn't ideal for various reasons so we'd like to keep the flight as short as possible.

We do like to drive around a bit so some sightseeing possibilities would be good too.

Any ideas? Many thanks!

I would suggest the following as warm enough to hop in an outdoor pool but classed as short haul destinations:

Cape Verde
Southern Egypt (think Luxor or Marsa Alam)
Lanzarote
Gambia

Would go to somewhere like Lanzarote.

That is helpful, thanks. Any recommendations for Lanzarote?

marrakech was warm during the day when we went at xmas - interesting things for kids to look at in the medina - snake charmers, whirling dervishes etc. great shopping/spas and there is a club med/mark warner place plus other 4/5 star hotels with usual facilities. two hours from beach though ....