This year, when faced with the annual summer holiday decision for us and our lone 10 year old, our solution was a Mark Warner activity holiday. Our son misses the company of other children on longer holidays (apparently English speaking preferred) and loves to be on the go from dawn to dusk, so this seemed to tick the boxes.
The minor concerns we had about an active “holiday camp” environment were certainly abated on arriving at the very pretty resort of Perdepera on Sardinia’s east coast. The low level buildings sit just behind the idyllic beach and the grounds offer a degree of serenity, (as much as they can on a children’s focussed resort holiday).
Having shied away from children’s clubs on previous holidays, the said child was pleased to have the option to sign himself in and out of children’s “club”, however from day 1 he had such a ball doing the various daytime activities that we had to drag him away come the evening. On offer were sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, beach volleyball, beach Sumo, swimming pool games to name but a few activities. Children are grouped by age and the lone 10 yr old had soon made many friends who became very much part of his holiday.
So as our son busied himself having, I quote, “the best holiday ever” we were left to our own devises for much of the day. Cycling, tennis and fitness classes are some of the activities to keep the parents happy on land, but we were drawn to the crystal clear turquoise sea and waterborne activities. The superb beach crew happily dealt with our requests for the various floating toys on offer – dinghy sailing, windsurfing, catamarans, kayaks, SUPs. To my delight, rigging and other such technicalities were dealt with for us and we were left to rediscover the basics of water sports. (I am however now officially retired from windsurfing!) We both felt invigorated to get out on the water and we were even privildged to be joined by our son on the odd occasion for some family sailing time. Most watersports are included in your holiday price although if you want to do a course there is a charge. Charges for RYA courses are however very reasonable and this is a great opportunity to build your skills.
A buffet food offering is often a concern but despite some of the reviews we’d read all tastes were well catered for and only those who restricted themselves to the pasta and pizza offerings would maybe feel limited by the choice. The hotel is Sardinian run and has an Italian clientele as well as the Mark Warner customers, and as such there are plenty of opportunities to sample some great meat and seafood dishes. One evening a week they showcase a local menu that was very good indeed. Wine is included with lunch and dinner.
The children had the opportunity to participate in evening activities after dinner and despite their daily energy exertions on the water and on land, they were all eager to meet again to continue their fun.
Evening entertainment was relatively low key and mainly focussed around the pleasant bar but there were quizzes and shows on offer for those wanting a little more.
So will we go on a Mark Warner holiday again? Absolutely .. although we enjoy spending time with our son it was fabulous to watch him have such fun .. technology wasn’t mentioned once!! It also gave us the opportunity to participate in sports we hadn’t done for years, rediscovering a love of sailing. Who would I recommend this to? Families with children of all ages (from tots to 16 yr olds, everyone was having fun), families with an only child (a great holiday for children wanting to spend time with other children), single parents (plenty of opportunity to meet other parents while the children have fun), family / friends groups (something for everyone).
Notes:
Perdepera is in a rural area and car hire is recommended if you want to see more of the island. This can be arranged by hotel staff and the car will be delivered to the resort. You can of course take out some bicycles to explore but this is limited to age 13+.
Rooms are basic but that said comfortable, spacious with good air conditioning and a nice outdoor space. The hotel staff do an excellent job with the rooms which are kept immaculate.
Perhaps pack some snacks for the children. There are some available to buy in the bar but the shop onsite is limited. We cycled to the nearest village to stock up on biscuits!
2 hour transfer. Mark Warner provide bottled water or book with Select Escapes and top up your Select Escapes water bottle before you leave.
