We pit family fun in Portugal with trip to Cascais against a luxurious trip to Rhodes with tips for your summer break
WE PITCHED a relaxing family-focused break in Cascais, on Portugal's west coast, against a single ticket holiday to an ultra-modern hotel on the Greek island of Rhodes. Of course, in these stunning locations, there are no losers — only grinners.
Cascais, Portugal
Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney, husband Mark, son Elliott, four, and daughter Molly, 15 months, sampled the best of the Portuguese coast.
THE PAD: The family-focused Martinhal hotel offers luxury food, four swimming pools and a complimentary kids’ club.
Rooms come with Nespresso machines, Voya spa products and a bath big enough for all four of us.
REFUEL: There are three food spots but pre-book O Terraço to make the most of its children’s corner, where staff entertain your kids so you can dine in peace.
Hop on the free 15-minute shuttle to the town of Cascais, and wander down to Pizza Capricciosa for the best quattro formaggio, £9.50, and sangria, £2.65 ().
FOR KIDS: Hire a bike and trailer from the hotel, from £25 for half a day, and peddle along the cycle path for breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
Book a private swimming lesson, £16.75 for 30 minutes, then get the whole family chilled out at the hotel’s Finisterra Spa – there’s even a father and child foot massage, £58 for 25 minutes.
DON’T MISS: Lisbon, just 30 minutes away, with its famous yellow trams is a must.
Tram tickets cost £2.50 and the most scenic route is E28, which rattles through Alfama, the city’s oldest district.
BOOK IT: Family rooms cost from £195 ().
TAP Air Portugal flies from selected UK airports to Lisbon from £42 one way ().
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Rhodes, Greece
Acting Beauty Editor Sophie Bronstein opts for five-star all-inclusive Greek luxury.
THE PAD: As well as five pools and private balconies, the Atlantica Dreams Resort offers swim-up rooms.
From these you can dive straight from your pad into the pool.
The resort opened last summer with Scandi-inspired, ultra-modern rooms in a beautiful, authentic Greek setting.
REFUEL: Choose from six on-site gourmet restaurants, including an Italian, an American-style diner and a contemporary Greek.
Head to the sports bar to catch up on the footie and enjoy a chocolate-filled crêpe – the resort’s yummiest snack!
THE SPA: It's unlikely, but you may find chilling by the poolside gets too much.
In that even, you can go to the hotel’s spa to enjoy a sauna and steam room. Feeling extra fancy?
There’s a huge menu of treatments including an incredible 90-minute Elemis full-body massage, £97, that will make you feel brand-new.
DON’T MISS: An ancient Greek village dating back to 5AD was discovered when the resort was being built.
Book a free tour with an archaeologist to explore the site, which includes houses, a church and a traditional olive oil press.
BOOK IT: Tui offers seven nights at the Atlantica all-inclusive on a Sensatori package, from £687 per person, including flights and transfers ().
- Compiled by: Emma Ledger