There is a choice of pools, and plenty of outdoor play areas including playgrounds and football pitches. Most of these play areas are within sight of bars and restaurants, so parents can enjoy a drink while the kids play happily. There are a wide selection of activities for the whole family including water sports, horse riding, jeep safaris and boat trips. 

The baby concierge is a firm favourite with parents. Baby sitting can be arranged and sterilisers, gates, cots and baths are provided free of charge. Restaurants also have extensive children’s menus including specific baby purées and healthy toddler meals. There is also a wide selection of rooms to choose from, including town houses and villas for larger families.
 

How to get there?

Faro (Algarve) and Lisbon airports are served by many European airlines, including Aer Lingus and Ryanair, and accommodation can be booked directly via the links below.

See Martinhal Chiado
 

3. Ikos Resorts: All Inclusive Luxury Family Resorts in Greece and Spain

I had a sneak peak at two Ikos Resorts in Greece, and had the pleasure of staying overnight in Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki. There are two Ikos resorts in Halkidiki, as well as Ikos Dassia in Corfu, Ikos Aria in Kos, and the newly opened Ikos Andalucia on the Costa del Sol.
 

 
Ikos brings the term all-inclusive to a whole new level. Not only is the food superb, but the choices available are remarkable, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs. The all-inclusive arrangement includes branded spirits in your mini bar, over 300 wine labels to choose from, waiter service to your sun lounger, and 24 hour room service – I could go on and on. 

It is not only in dining where Ikos stand out from other luxury all-inclusive resorts, the facilities available are superb too – you are even given a complimentary Mini Cooper to explore the local towns and villages. I love that Ikos Resorts encourage you to discover the local areas, and dining in selected local restaurants and access to museums is included in your stay in selected hotels.

The resorts are super stylish too, with private beaches, bright modern rooms and signature spas. There are also countless activities for adults and children, including kids clubs, full entertainment programmes and sports facilities.
 

How to get there?

There are flights available with Ryanair to Thessaloniki airport where Ikos Olivia and Oceania are located. Ikos Andalucia is located close to Malaga airport, which is served by many European airlines. Ikos Aria ( Kos ) and Ikos Dassia ( Corfu ) are both available as package holidays with TUI, or can be booked separately via links below. 

See Ikos Andalucia
 

4. Sensatori Resorts: All Inclusive Luxury Family Resorts in Greece, Turkey and Spain

TUI is renowned for offering great value package holidays, but this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style! TUI has a wide selection of luxury hotels and resorts to suit all tastes including all-inclusive Sensatori Resorts with an emphasis on sweeping pools, spas and sophisticated dining.
 

 
There are many TUI Sensatori Resorts but only five are available to book from Ireland. There are two resorts in Turkey, as well as Sensatori Atlantica Caldera Palace in Crete, Sensatori Altantica Dreams Resort and Spa in Rhodes, and Sensatori Ibiza.

Sensatori resorts offer family suites as well as swim-up rooms, they even offer private pools at some resorts. Daily activities include yoga, pool pilates and archery, as well children’s entertainment including kids clubs and the Play House, where children can enjoy the Crazy Kitchen and Silly Science Lab. Some resorts have waterslides and tipping buckets too.  

If you just want to relax, you can enjoy some quiet time in their luxury spas or chill-out at one of the adult-only swimming pools.
 

 
You can expect sophisticated dining options at Sensatori Resorts. Dishes change daily at the buffet, with cooking stations and a separate children’s buffet as standard. If you prefer waiter service, each resort has at least three à la carte restaurants in the all-inclusive offering. 

How to get there?

Sensatori resorts are exclusive to TUI and can be booked as package holidays from many European countries including Ireland and the UK.

See more here Package Holiday from Ireland

See more here Package Holiday from UK
 

5. Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote, Spain.

I recall staying at the Princesa Yaiza many years ago at Christmas time, and how I loved swimming in the heated outdoor pool. Luke was a toddler and loved the dedicated whirlpool bath for children – I considered this pure luxury at that time!
 

 
The Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort is regularly regarded as the best family resort in Spain, and it is not difficult to see why. Its stunning beachfront location, choice of dining options and selection of family entertainment is superb.

There are eight restaurants to choose from, including three buffet areas, as well as three swimming pools, with dedicated adult-only areas. The Thalassotherapy Centre is a welcome place to relax while the children play happily in the dedicated children’s park, Kikoland.