19 May 2025

A Slice of Slow: Our Family Escape to Ekies All Senses Resort, Halkidiki There are some places that stay with you — not because of grand monuments or bucket-list bragging rights, but because of how they made you feel. For us, Ekies All Senses Resort in Halkidiki is one of those places. In 2018, we packed up and headed to Halkidiki, Greece. The kids were 17, 9, and 7 at the time — that magical (and mildly chaotic) window when everyone still wanted to be on a family holiday, and everyone wanted something slightly different out of it. Finding somewhere that meets all those needs? Not easy. But somehow, Ekies did. Tucked away on a quiet stretch of the Vourvourou coastline, Ekies isn’t loud or flashy. It hums. Think: pine trees swaying overhead, hammocks strung between trees, swing beds near the water, and a design aesthetic that marries modern Greek minimalism with a warm, bohemian soul. It felt like someone imagined a dream and then just… built it. We arrived calm and well-rested — the kids had all napped during the drive from the airport, and for once, there were no travel-day dramas. Within hours, it felt as though the whole family had exhaled anyway — not from exhaustion, but from the gentle welcome of the place itself. The younger two tore through the gardens barefoot, discovering hidden corners and playful surprises. Our eldest found peace by the water, headphones in, book in hand, teenage cool intact. And the grown-ups? We found silence. Not the awkward kind — the good kind, the kind that fills in when there’s no need to talk. Breakfasts were a highlight — a spread of local honey, fresh fruit, thick yogurt, just-baked pastries, and strong Greek coffee. We lingered each morning a little longer than necessary. Why rush? Days slipped easily between sea and pool, with the occasional nap or round of cards in the shade. In the heat of the afternoon, we’d retreat to our room — simple, light-filled, with bursts of colour and a relaxed, beachy vibe. Dinner by the water was the golden hour of the day. The food was excellent — local, fresh, unfussy — but it was the setting that made it magical: sand between our toes, lanterns swaying, laughter in the air. One evening, we left the kids in the room with their big sister watching a movie and slipped away to the resort’s adults-only fine-dining treehouse restaurant. At our table for two, surrounded by lanterns and the gentle rustle of leaves high above the gardens, I savored every bite and felt a deep sense of calm — and thought, This. This is what it’s all about. We didn’t do much. And that was kind of the point. No checklists, no must-see sights. Just presence. Space to notice each other again. Years on, we still talk about that trip. Out of the blue, one of the kids will say, “Remember that place in Greece with the swing beds and the sea?” And I do. Ekies wasn’t just a holiday. It was a pause. And sometimes, a pause is exactly what a family needs. Travel Tips for Ekies All Senses Resort Best for: Families with kids of all ages, couples, and anyone needing to slow down Don’t miss: The swing beds near the sea, breakfast under the trees, and the magical sunsets What to pack: Beachwear, books, and a willingness to unplug Getting there: Fly to Thessaloniki, then it’s about a 90-minute drive to Vourvourou

08 May 2025

If you’re toying with the idea of taking your toddler on a cruise, you might be wondering if you’ve completely lost your mind. Good news: you haven’t! In fact, a cruise might just be the easiest (and most enjoyable) way to travel with a little one - if you know a few tricks. Here’s everything you need to know to set sail without needing a holiday after your holiday. Why Cruising with a Toddler Actually Works Cruise ships are basically floating villages: restaurants, swimming pools, entertainment, babysitters... all bundled up in one place. There’s no hauling suitcases from hotel to hotel, no endless travel days, and no desperate searches for chicken nuggets in foreign lands. You unpack once, and your toddler gets a new adventure every day — win-win! Sound great? Here are my top tips for surviving (and thriving) on a cruise with a toddler: 1. Pick the Right Cruise Line Not all ships are created equal. Look for family-friendly cruise lines like Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or MSC - all offer excellent toddler amenities, including nurseries, splash zones, and toddler-friendly entertainment. Happy toddler = happy mummy 2. Book a Bigger Cabin (trust me) A balcony cabin or a suite might feel indulgent, but when you're trying to wrestle a travel cot into a tiny room while your toddler tears the place apart, you’ll be grateful for every extra square inch. Not forgetting the extra space you can enjoy past your toddlers bedtime! 3. Flexible Dining & Early Dinner Settings will be you best friend Some days your toddler will eat everything in sight; other days they’ll survive on bread rolls and air. Pick a cruise with buffet options and flexible dining times. Low-stress meals = happier holidays. 4. Pack Like a Pro My list of essentials include: - A lightweight stroller - Plenty of snacks - Small quiet toys - Drawing pads & pens - Swim nappies - Water shoes - Suncream & sunhat - Sippy cup for staying hydrated - Thermometer, Calpol & Sudocream and a mountain of wipes. Oh, and double-check whether the cruise provides cots and high chairs — you usually have to request them early. 5. Embrace the Kids’ Clubs and Babysitting Many ships have nurseries or babysitting services for toddlers. No guilt — just think of it as “structured playtime supervised by someone else while you sip a cocktail in peace.” 6. Don’t Over-Schedule Some days, just hanging out by the kiddie pool and eating ice cream is the adventure. Give yourself permission to take it slow. You’re still making memories — even if you never leave the ship. Here are some of my top picks of the best cruise lines for families with toddlers Disney Cruise Line — magical in every way (and the characters are a huge hit). Royal Caribbean — big ships, endless entertainment, and baby splash zones. MSC Cruises — partnerships with LEGO® and Chicco® = toddler heaven. Norwegian Cruise Line — relaxed, casual, and full of family-friendly spaces. My final thoughts Cruising with a toddler isn’t just possible — it can actually be brilliant. The key is a bit of planning, a lot of flexibility, and a healthy sense of humour. Pack the snacks, embrace the chaos, and you’ll come home with incredible memories... and probably a few hilarious stories to tell.

06 May 2025

I have found a place where crystal-clear waters meet laid-back luxury, and every detail is designed for your comfort — welcome to XO Cape Arnna - Turkey’s newest and most exciting resort for 2025. I can’t wait to visit! Nestled along the stunning coastline of Çalis Bay in Fethiye, this brand-new destination is already making waves among travellers seeking both family adventures and adults-only serenity. I’ve been following this new resort and some early guest reviews are singing it’s praises: "From the spa to the food to the stunning sea views — everything exceeded our expectations. Perfect for families and couples alike!" "Finally, a resort that gets the little details right. Loved the adults-only Club — peaceful, chic, and unforgettable." A Resort Like No Other XO Cape Arnna is the flagship property of the XO Collection, and opened its doors to guests in April. It’s setting a new standard for modern all-inclusive luxury and marks the debut of the XO Collection - a new luxury hospitality brand launched by Liberty Hospitality. The resort offers a stylish blend of Mediterranean calm and retro-chic 1970s glamour — think soft earth tones, open-air spaces, and bold, vibrant accents. Lush! One of its most unique features? The Dual Concept - The Resort & The Club. Whether you’re traveling as a family or escaping for a romantic getaway, The Resort is a haven for families boasting 373 luxurious rooms and suites — including Grand Family Suites and swim-up rooms with private pools and sea views. Children can revel in the dedicated Kids Club, splash park, and a private water park featuring six thrilling slides, including a 'black hole' and 'aquatube' slide, as well as an inflatable raft slide. The Club on the other hand is exclusively for guests aged 18 and above and suitable for those seeking ultimate privacy in an Adults-only environment, The Club offers 143 exclusive rooms and suites, featuring outdoor hot tubs or private plunge pools. Guests can relax by secluded pools, sip cocktails in beach cabanas (mine would definitely be a Mojito – what would be yours?) and truly unwind in peace. Food lovers, rejoice! A Culinary Journey Across 17 Restaurants XO Cape Arnna is a paradise for the palate, offering a diverse culinary experience with 17 dining venues and four bars – I’ve listed a few of my own highlights below but the resort has so much more to offer too. - Seasons is the all-day dining restaurant inspired by local Fethiye traditions - think stuffed artichokes, delightful salads, fried calamari, and the popular Turkish dumplings – Manti – oh yes please - If you're a sushi lover like me, you'll love Sun Tzu - a refined pan-Asian restaurant with an outstanding sushi and sashimi bar - just devine! - For all those vegan and gluten-free's amongst you, you'll love Quiche Niche - Meanwhile the Italian - Cucina dei Cugini offers handcrafted pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and rich, authentic sauces Relax, Play, and Explore Nothing screams holiday like a full breadth of wellness and activities. There’s a World-Class Spa & Hammam - indulge in Turkish baths, massages, and beauty rituals. Start your morning right with some yoga or aerial yoga or get slightly more active with a game of beach volleyball, padel tennis or even aqua aerobics – I love a bit of aqua aerobics on holiday – it always makes my kids laugh out loud at me! Keep the kids (and adults) entertained at the splash park which includes some thrilling water slides (including a black hole slide!),or at the kids club where you’ll also find hobbit houses for storytelling and play (awwwww – I wish mine were still young-enough for that). For those looking for a bit more going on, the evenings come alive with live music, themed parties, and outdoor movie nights under the stars. Location, Location, Location XO Cape Arnna is set against the sparkling backdrop of the Turkish Riviera (also known as the Turquoise Coast), just a short 45-minute drive from Dalaman Airport. Beyond the resort, the historic town of Fethiye awaits you. Fethiye has a laid-back, authentic vibe. It’s less flashy than places like Bodrum but still stylish and vibrant and offers excellent value for money compared to other Mediterranean destinations. Wander through charming narrow streets of Fethiye Old Town which is full of traditional shops, cafés, and colourful bazaars. Take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying fresh seafood and watch the yachts come and go. Or you might like to visit nearby natural wonders like Saklikent Gorge - a dramatic, 300-meter-deep canyon where you can hike, wade through cool river waters, and explore nature). A must-see is Ölüdeniz (AKA Blue Lagoon) known to be one of the most famous beaches of the World! My Final Thoughts Whether you're craving family fun, a romantic escape, or a wellness retreat, XO Cape Arnna offers a seamless, stylish experience that feels effortlessly luxurious. If you're dreaming of your next getaway, the sun-drenched shores of Fethiye might just be calling your name. Price-wise you’d be looking at £4,035 for a 7 night All Inclusive break in May half term with return flights from London and private transfers for 2 adults in a Club Pool Suite room, and £6,300 for a family of four staying in The Resort Large Family Room, (prices correct as of time of publishing). ?? Want to be there? Ready to book? Call, Whatsapp or Email me on 01296 846690 or Donna.Richmond@mytc.com and I’ll get you a seat on that plane!