A HIVE OF ACTIVITIES
It’s all Greek to KATHRYN WILLIAMS who enjoys a fitness break by the Ionian Sea
I’M NOT one of those people who loves throwing themselves into triathlons, weekly bike rides or windsurfing lessons, so an activity holiday wouldn’t usually be top of my list.
But Mark Warner Holidays provides package deals with a difference – relaxing breaks with some fun sporting activities thrown in that you would probably never consider trying at home.
And that’s exactly what I experienced during a trip to the Greek mainland.
The company’s new Paleros resort is stylish and comfortable, set on the Ionian sea with looming, olive tree-covered mountains in one direction and lovely clear waters in the other.
If you don’t want to overdo it, the resort is also an ideal place to chill, with a beautiful family pool (which was quiet when I visited midSeptember), an adults-only pool, and plenty of lounger beds.
Take your sports gear, though, because you won’t want to feel left out when the activities get going.
They include low-energy stretching and yoga-style classes to warm you up after breakfast, a spot of tennis before lunch, a cycle into nearby Paleros village or, if you really want to push the boat out, watersports.
Paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing are all included in the holiday price (extra classes and trips are available, too) and you can take the boards and boats out as often as you like.
While I’d tried SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) before and enjoyed it, sailing and windsurfing were new and I was excited to have a go.
I’m not very good at SUP but the sunset paddle out was amazing and was a highlight of the week despite the fact that I almost broke my toe on the way out and was in huge pain!
Sailing, too, was a revelation. I’d never tried it before and expected to be utterly useless but I wasn’t bad and really enjoyed it.
It felt so liberating to be out on the water in charge of the sail and rudder, floating along.
This is the beauty of a holiday like one with Mark Warner, you get to try things you wouldn’t usually have a go at. If you like it, you can perfect your skills over and over during your week’s stay.
Sadly, due to bad weather and that bruised foot, the windsurfing and kayak safari were not to be. The latter looked incredible, though – a morning out on the water just before our return trip home. I was jealous.
Tennis lessons are also included in the sports timetable – something I wouldn’t seek out but absolutely got into during our one-hour lesson.
Instructor Leah was brilliant at guiding this complete amateur through volleys and half-decent serves. I even booked a second session!
I was really impressed by all the activities included in the holiday price.
There’s a small village with a yacht club, tavernas, shops and bars just over a mile down the road, which is an easy walk or cycle. If you’re not going to hire a car and explore a bit further afield, you won’t be sorry – the resort has got you covered.
Rooms have an up-to-date TV system and you can tune into Netflix if you’re having five minutes to yourself and the weather isn’t great, or you can sit on the balcony or terrace, and enjoy a coffee in the room.
The beds are deliciously comfortable, so much so I even asked where they bought their pillows...
Family rooms are a comfortable size for a couple or a small family, and if you have a bigger party there are interconnecting options.
We were also bowled over by the food. Although they could have done with a few more gluten-free bread options, there was a lot of variety at the buffet-style meals, both breakfast and dinner.
You can eat as healthily, or have as many treats, as you like.
But a real selling point for many people when it comes to a Mark Warner Holiday is the childcare provided onsite.
All the childcare, for kids from two up to 17, is included in the holiday price and each age group has its own tailored programme.
While the older kids can enjoy beach volleyball and beach cricket, the little ’uns are in the children’s pool or painting seashells.
Youngsters all have their water activities included, too.
Every day they visit the designated kids’ area on the beach for sailing, kayaking and windsurfing on miniboats and kayaks.
Overall, I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed a package holiday, it’s been years since my last one.
The beauty of Mark
Warner Holidays is that you’re not just sitting by the pool all day, although that’s fine for some people. And if you have kids, you’re not having to watch and entertain them all day because there’s an element of independence and adventure all rolled into one.
Add the top quality accommodation, activity programme and lovely staff, and it’s a winner.
“The sunset paddle out was amazing and was a highlight of the week” – Kathryn Willaims