A great hotel for all the family

It’s hard to find a holiday that’s as relaxing for the parents as it is for the kids, but Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel might just have got it right.

Kids’ clubs, swimming pools, sports facilities, spa, play areas and great restaurants – so far, so Centre Parcs.

But add a beach that’s a hop, skip and a jump away and the climate of the Western Algarve, and suddenly this luxury family resort seems ever-tempting.

And the food really shouldn’t be overlooked.

Families generally have to put up with all-inclusive-style, bog standard buffets, but at Martinhal, all the restaurants are family friendly and offer a choice of Italian, Portuguese (which is delicious) and fine dining.

And when the little ones have finished munching, they can skip over to the supervised play corner while Mum and Dad sit back and enjoy a meal and couple of glasses of wine in peace.

Or for those who find dining out with children a bit much, there’s always the self-catering option.

There’s a wide choice of places to stay, from hotel rooms and suites to houses and villas, with or without their own private pools.

Everything in the resort looks and feels as fresh as it is, having only opened a few years ago, and is all within walking distance. t’s also worth a quick jaunt into the local town of Sagres for a spot of dolphin watching.

And even if Flipper fails to show up, the speedy zip through the ocean is great fun for all the family.

Claire Spreadbury

:: Seven nights B&B from £3,145 per family including international flights & transfers. Book through Bailey Robinson (01488 689 700; www.baileyrobinson.com).