Mark Warner first holiday. Should we still go?

[Love2dance]

DH, DS (will be 5 1/2 m) and I were about to book with MW on a late deal for the first time to go to Ocean Club Portugal when poor little Maddy McCann went missing. Ocean club sounded just up our street (we don't usually do all inclusive and before DS born tended to go on independent self catering hols) as it has apartments for independence but also the creche/babysitting facility so we could eat out in the eves and relax on our own some (but not all) of the time.
I now feel a bit uncomfortable about going, particularly as I can empathise with the McCanns' suffering.

Anyone know of anywhere shortish haul with apartment or small villa with a babysitting option? Any advice gratefully received.

T0 me self catering doesn't mean we cook every night. Far from it. But it does mean I can come home, put DD to bed and then go to my own fridge and get chilled wine out, and maybe a plate of cheese and bread, and some olives, and then sit by the pool with DH for a chat together. And it means brekafast can be sat outside together by the pool - again, not cooking, just cereals, breads, pasteries, etc from the local bakery.

We do sometimes cook but would be something very simple and easy, and would depend on what we had done during the day. I do enjoy cooking though so have no problem with doing this. Sometimes makes a change from eating out.

I agree - private self catering here, not campus based ones.

Taking the thread in another direction (a bit), the only thing that has ever put me off a villa is the pool situation. I think I'd worry. Are they really only suitable for when your children are able swimmers and have done life saving courses? Or are they usually protected in some way?

cooking a meal in a bikini and flip flops is SO different than at home

Agree- on holiday we find fresh fish and seafood, throw it on the barbecue or grill. So much nicer and so different.

NKF - depends where you gfo but most countries now have strict laws about pool safety - needing alarmed doors, gates round pool, for example. In Florida the pools must have alamrs on all doors leading to the pool. In France there are rules too.

We have been to villas with pools since DD was about 2yo and now at 5yo she can't swim without floats. Never been a problem. She is supervised when by the pool, and we have the doors and/or gates leading to the pool locked and/or alarmed when in the house/

nkf you can get villas without pools or ones with covers and fences

And I just look out for that in the details or check with the owner? It's not standard but it's quite common?

usually the details include with/without pool as its something you particularly look for

NP - I mean whether the pool is safe. I suppose I've heard too many horror stories of families in big villas and they all think the child is with another adult and they've wandered into the garden.

Protected rather than safe.

i have no idea NKF
depends who you rent the villa from i suppose
word of mouth is good in these circumstances

In Florida they ALL have to be protected.

I am sure most foreign countries now have laws too.

Some websites will state protected pool info on their property descriptors.

For example, one on Welcome Cottages, states: "Private, secluded, fenced swimming pool. "

I also found this about France

New laws are now in force

The recent changes to French Law mean that all privately owned swimming pools must now have a safety device in place that conforms to AFNOR Standards. The law is enforced by a fine of up to ?45,000 and inspectors are checking swimming pools in all regions for the correct installation of alarms and barriers.

I would imagine there are other types of information for othr countries.

My mum and dad have got a house in s of france and we occasionally let it to friends and family (used to let it out all summer) and we've had to have a fence installed, despite the fact it's not commercially let out. I think the rules are pretty strict now. Not that I mind, my sis has two girls and I'm going to be using the place a lot when mine is born as I'm sure I'm never going to be able another holiday again!

I do love MN. Thanks a lot ladies. Will check out the tips for alternatives Lizs, Olive Oil, Chocface and Ladymuck. Hopefully DS feeding won't be a problem - wet nurse can take care of that .

nailpolish

excuse my daftness this morning!