MARK WARNER FAMILY HOLIDAY IN SAN AGOSTINO GREECE REVIEW

It took me absolutely ages to decide on a holiday plan for me and my kids this year. As a single parent, choosing the right sort of holiday is a risky business. Not only do you have to take into consideration lots of different ages and interests but for me it had to be easy. I didn’t want the stress of being in charge of my little group, of feeling any more responsible for them all than I had to be. I didn’t want to drive them everywhere or do any sightseeing, I wanted something relaxing – as did they.

Several friends suggested I try a Mark Warner holiday, but I had thought it would be too expensive. As it happened, I managed to get a half price holiday in Greece for a week by booking at the last minute – well 6 days ahead.

Mark Warner are renowned for doing family holidays well. Making the experience fun, enjoyable and easy for everyone. They have fabulous kids clubs. So if, like me you have a family of mixed ages it’s perfect. SO much on offer. I don’t know details about the younger kids clubs but there were certainly a lot of young families about and all the children looked ecstatic in their little groups – the parents even more so for being given a break.

The Indy club is one of the biggest attractions at this particular resort. My daughter, aged 15 had heard only fantastic things about all the activities and about the late night bar they can go to down the beach for a little bit of privacy and it certainly didn’t disappoint. She was out on boats and windsurfers during the day. In the pool. Playing volleyball and other organised games – “best holiday ever” was her take on the week.

My 11 year old did similar things but also tennis, ping pong, snorkelling and so on.

We flew from Gatwick to Kalamata which is about 4 hours. Then we only had a 15 minute coach transfer to get us to the resort which when you’ve got young kids is perfect. The staff were all there to wave us in and we met George the manager. We had dinner and were shown to our rooms. All clean and functional – I had a family room – all quite basic, but to be honest, we weren’t in it very much so that didn’t matter at all.

Here is the view of the sea:-

The over 14’s pool:-

The food is served in buffet style but there was an unbelievable amount of choice and was delicious.

There were various evening activities put on – quiz nights, disco’s, know the staff sort of evenings if you wanted to join in – otherwise there was a lovely beach bar where we spent a lot of time.

The staff were all amazing. Mostly young, blonde, full of enthusiasm and gorgeous. George, the manager in particular was great. Talked to us all at welcome drinks, was around most of the time to answer questions. Handled all sorts of delicate problems very well. I myself was convinced that on day two all five passports had been taken from the room. They were not in the hiding place I’d left them. I reported it and the staff were shocked. George personally escorted me to my room saying “I will find them in your room. Do not worry. I trust my staff implicitly and they have all worked with me for years, they will not have been taken”. He was right. He did find them. Says a lot, I think (mainly about what an idiot I was but still….).

Most of the groups were catered for extremely well. They even got the 18 to 21 year olds together for various dinners. Most of the couples, as I have mentioned had young families but I did notice a few single parents dotted about. My one request would have to be that they offer an evening for the smaller or more unusual or “solo” travellers to meet – possibly a little awkward and possibly they’ve tried it and it didn’t work, but I didn’t meet anyone all week – which was fine because all I wanted to do was chill, but it would have been good to feel I had options.

Apart from that, could not have been better and we’d all definitely do it again.