When it comes to vacations there is so much choice that choosing someone can often be overwhelming. But if you are taking children abroad there are certain things that are guaranteed to make you choose the right boxes.
Having a pool to run around in is difficult. But having six pools and a water park that you can visit every day keeps things fresh.
This is what we discovered recently on our recent trip to Fodele Beach and Water Park Holiday Resort in Crete, where every room has been modernized and a newly renovated pool and swimming pool opened last year.
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The award-winning water park is top-notch – the resort is set on the beach facing the sea and the graphics are top notch.
Getting there is easy, maybe five minutes to walk, or if you can’t face the heat, there is a train on the ground to make regular trips to save your legs.
Either way, it’s about as far from a trip as you’ll ever get to the water park, often with a taxi or bus ride and lines home.
And although it is big, it is not too big to worry about older children around on their own, maybe if you want to stop for a break, or have a small child in a different pool for less than five years.
With a black hole, kamikaze and freefall slide among the activities, there are hours of fun for those who take part – plus it has its own large pool to relax in and a bar, with all drinks and snacks included. your stay.
Of course, that’s the beauty of it all, knowing that once you’re there, you have less to get out of.
Whether your child has an insatiable appetite, or you have a picky eater on your hands who can’t be satisfied with their first choice, it’s a godsend. So is a simple mealtime.
There are so many choices that you won’t be hungry – the hardest part is deciding what not to put on your plate.
Basilikos is the main buffet restaurant – serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – and it was easy to grab one of the outdoor tables which offers a wonderful view of the Cretan Sea, which we enjoyed from our sea view room.
There’s something different around every corner, including a Greek-themed buffet every Monday. Anyone staying for a week should also try two a la carte restaurants – Elia which offers Cretan cuisine and Italian delights at Ambrosia.
Everywhere we ate, the food was delicious, so much so that our youngest made a list of the dishes he wanted to have in Blighty. They are often made with vegetables, but for the pleasures they provide it is not surprising.
Although there are regular guests – there are 400 rooms in total – efficient operation means there is no waiting for tables and nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff.
One of the main attractions of the resort is the beach area – a private golden sand beach – with sunbeds and umbrellas for hotel guests to use whenever they want, as well as a beach bar serving snacks and drinks. more.
Except for the last day, when we tried to jump and failed to jump the big waves, we mostly enjoyed the calm calm water, with fish swimming around our feet.
But we also used the local Watersports booth, which offers everything from pedalos to parasailing.
Our activity of choice (and the kids) was the inflatable sofa, which involved the four of us climbing onto it and holding on to survive as the speedboat pulled us up and down. Luckily we all stayed – I don’t know how – and it was a very enjoyable, well known holiday.
There is nothing to dislike in a place like this.
It may have been opened 30 years ago, but thanks to the modernization that has taken place in recent years everything about it looks brand new. And we had everything we needed all in one place.
From the pool and deck, kept spotlessly clean, to the luxurious walk-in shower in our family room, no expense has been spared in creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.
It’s the little things that make a big difference, like the fresh towels you get at the pool or beach every day and the Olivia Thinks toiletry products made from the highest quality Greek olive oil, which have worked wonders for dry skin and eczema. my favorite horror.
I’m sure it was such a relaxing experience that played an important part in that feeling, helped by a queen-sized bed and an Aperol Spritz on tap no doubt.
When it comes to creating the perfect family vacation, these guys have it set up really well.
As well as water sports, there are many other facilities including tennis courts, basketball court, mini golf, volleyball court, beach football, archery and table tennis. There’s a games room with pool, air hockey and more, and little ones can enjoy the Kids’ Club, offering educational and artistic activities, and a mini disco that runs six nights a week.
There is also a full program of evening entertainment, with everything from traditional Greek dancing to shows from the hotel’s animation team.
Fodele Beach is 25km west of Heraklion International Airport, Crete. Nightly rates in July and August from £550/night for Family Rooms, and Family Suites from £610/night.
For more information, or to book, visit the website.
