Because if there’s sun, sand, ice-cream (and dad’s got sport) everyone’s happy. These sun-filled Club Med resorts are our top picks for a European summer.
Image credit: Club Med
FRANCE: Opio en Provence Resort
GREAT FOR
Sport and sunshine. Golf, tennis, volleyball, archery, mini football, Pilates and a fully equipped gym are all included in the price.
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Provence, a region the entire family will benefit from. Nestled between sea and mountainside, the Opio en Provence Resort is flanked by olive groves and flooded in sunshine. There’s an outdoor pool where you can swim a lap, or simply lap up the sun’s rays. There’s a golf school (and green) for dad, tennis school for the kids and mum has a spa complete with Roman bath and Zen tea room. If you’re after some quite time, the 4 kids’ clubs take critters as young as 4 months and as old as 17.
WHAT WE LOVE
Six bars and restaurants. Including The Provence's panoramic terrace for al fresco dining and The Loup which is casual by day and more intimate by night (hear that, dad? Take mum for a cocktail).
Image credit: Club Med
PORTUGAL: Da Balaia
GREAT FOR
Families who like a less family-centric vibe; this one’s popular with both families and couples.
OVERVIEW
Perched on a red clifftop and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this resort enjoys a home in the south of the country. The Algarve is the jewel in Portugal’s crown, with an attractive laid-back ambience, plenty of sunshine and beautiful coastline. Da Balaia features three bars and two restaurants, all of which are central to the resort, and there are plenty of sporting options for both children and adults alike, including a striking clifftop golf course, tennis court and archery school. A spa for those looking for rejuvenation and various kids’ clubs, for, well those in need of rejuvenation.
WHAT WE LOVE
There’s a Flying Trapeze School with circus activities. That’s right, you and your kids can learn to swing through the air like a chimpanzee. With the added reassurance of nets and instructors.
Image credit: Club Med
SICILY: Kamarina Hotel
GREAT FOR
Traditional Sicilian splendour.
OVERVIEW
Set in a colossal 75-hectare resort, Kamarina Hotel features all manner of beautiful Sicilian features, from flower gardens to swimming pools and paved lanes framed by blossoming bougainvillea. There are three kids' G.O®s clubs, for tots from four months all the way up to 17 years old. Frequent the five snazzy bars including a nightclub bar if you feel like busting out some dance moves, and four diverse restaurants serving everything from Italian fare to traditional Sicilian dishes. Got fussy eaters? Don't fret, The Dunes is an Italian trattoria style restaurant serving a buffet full of international favourites.
WHAT WE LOVE
Included activities include a flying trapeze school, mini golf, sailing and a whole plethora of sports such as football, tennis, archery, basketball, water-polo, Pilates, kayaking....the list is almost endless.
