The Ambassador Playa consists of two sister hotels linked by a covered walkway with a lively central complex. With the shared entertainment and many popular bars and restaurants surrounding the hotel, there is plenty of action to choose from.
With the knockout beaches of Son Matias and Palma Nova either side, and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants on the doorstep, this place has scored a coup on the location front. Add the fact the hotel is ringed by a seafront promenade, and you’ve got one great setting for a coastal break.
Pitched just above the sands, on a terrace dotted with thatched parasols, is the hotel’s swimming pool. It’s got a little wooden bridge that separates the kids’ section from the main bit, so it’s easy to keep an eye on the little ones. And if you’re in need of refreshments, there’s a poolside snack bar so you won’t have to wander far.
Step indoors, meanwhile, and you’ll be greeted by a smart but unpretentious set-up. Take the bedrooms for instance, all of which have a sea view. Painted in pale apricot and accessorised with co-ordinating soft furnishings, they’ve got a warm, homely glow. But it’s the balconies that really clinch the deal. Because the hotel practically juts out into the sea at one end, the balconies here have all the feel of a cruise-ship deck.
Get a taste for the real Goa with a stay in the small and simple Santa Monica Hotel. This bright hotel places you within walking distance of the bazaar-like bustle of Calangute's centre, yet it is far enough away for you to be able to relax and unwind after a day immersed in the centre's sensations. Having spent the day mingling with locals and tourists in the town's many shops and stalls, or stretched out on the sandy beach in the Goan sun, refresh yourself with a dip in the cooling waters of the hotel pool before getting ready and heading out to enjoy a lively evening in one of the bars and restaurants nearby, or check out the evening entertainment at the poolside bar. This is a great base for couples looking for value for money and a friendly atmosphere to return to after days exploring Goa.
This complex looks a bit like a Wild West town, so the kids will love it. Made up of low-rise, dark terracotta buildings spread around huge gardens, it’s pretty to look at and offers plenty of wide-open spaces for taking things easy. Even the lobby has a desert-like theme, with wooden rafters, a rickety wagon and lots of potted palms around the place.
The apartments are grouped around flowerbeds, lawns and stone footpaths, all of which lead to the hub of activity – the pool terraces. Here, you’ll find two big pools framed by sunloungers and palms, as well as two children’s ones – a splash pool for tiny tots and another for older kids. There’s an outdoor whirlpool here, too.
The food department is pretty good, as well – there’s a lantern-lit buffet restaurant, a themed restaurant and a poolside cafe decked out with chequer-clothed tables and thatched parasols. And when it comes to the apartments, expect chunky wooden furniture, bold artwork and fresh cream-and-pastel colour schemes.
The Aparthotel Bonaire has been voted the top hotel in Europe for families by TripAdvisor. What’s more, it’s one of our Familyclub Xtra properties, which means it offers a massive range of facilities.
First up though, it’s in a great location. Pulled up against countryside at the north-east end of Cala Bona, it’s just a short walk from the beach and the marina. Plus, there’s a little tourist train to trundle you into Cala Bona centre and to nearbyCala Millor.
Back at base, though, there’s loads going on. You’ve got a Kidzone club with activities for 3 to12-year-olds, plus a playground, which will keep them happily clambering for ages. There’s a crèche, too, and for those at the other end of the age scale, the Grid, where teenagers can learn everything from TV skills to DJ-ing. The fun continues into the evenings as well, with talent shows, live entertainment and mini-discos. There's also a new Splash Park planned for
The Flamingo has a big fan base. Families in particular love it and put in a good word for it year upon year. One of the things they mention is the way it’s designed. With its whitewashed apartment buildings scattered around flower-lined gardens, it’s made-to-measure for guests with younger children. What’s more, many apartments offer lovely views right over the sea to Fuerteventura.
Its location is pretty good, too. The complex hugs Playa Blanca’s Flamingo beach, so the golden sands are yours for the taking. What’s more, Playa Blanca centre is a 15 minute walk and there are restaurants and bars on your doorstep for when you fancy a night off from cooking.
As the Flamingo is part of our Familyclub Xtra collection, it has plenty happening, too - a soccer school, kids’ entertainers and a Thomson Kidzone. Plus you’ve got family games like water polo and giant Jenga, too. Most of the action takes place around the main pool. Big and curvy, it’s fringed by sunloungers and parasols and has a smaller pool nearby which offers a bit more peace and quiet.
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