Golf Club Punta Ala ★★★★

Over the years, I've been lucky enough to try out all kinds of holidays, jet-setting without the kids, a cottage with friends, even jaunts all alone... Until I finally came to the conclusion that I never have more fun than when we're all together. There's something about watching my sons discover the world, relax in the sunshine, try new foods and see new places, which is even more gratifying than experiencing it myself. That's why the Golf Hotel de Punta Ala first caught my eye. As if it weren't enough that this haven of four-star luxury sits on the shores of an alluring coastline, renowned for its crystalline waters, white sand, pretty coves... the real stuff of postcards. No, what really sold me was the family feel, a place we could enjoy together...

The Golf Hotel Punta Ala wooed me from the start with its capacious bedrooms comfortably housing up to five people; not something you see often. Ours is 42 m2 suite, with a small lounge area set slightly apart for those in need of a little space. Together yet apart. Not too much, not too little. Any family that's not the Waltons will tell you the value of that. Our room also has an LCD TV, although somehow here the boys are more than happy to race outside instead of vegetating on the sofa. Perhaps it's something to do with the pool they can see from the balcony…

A meeting point for friends, the pool is the hotel's natural heart. Well, I'll admit it's a little lively for my tastes, but the kids can't get enough. As for me, I'd rather hop on the shuttle and escape to the tranquillity of the private beach, very exclusive! The sand, sea, smell of sun cream, a light salad for lunch... This is my heaven. And where are the kids, you might ask? For moments like this, I entrust them to the fantastic team at the Kids Club. Mini Olympics, games in the pool, evening performances and - from what I can hear - a whole lot of laughter.

If the fancy should take me, I could head down to the gym for twenty minutes on the bikes, or perhaps sign up for a game of tennis, diving, horse riding, golf...! But when I said I'd rather watch the boys delight in their holidays than treat myself, I never meant it more than when I'm watching them tear around like there's no tomorrow. I have something else in mind... While they're too busy gallivanting to mind that we're gone, my husband and I have time to indulge in the sumptuous spa. With its indoor pool, sauna and Turkish bath and a whole variety of beauty treatments and massages, this is the place to be pampered and preened.

"Mum, can we come here next year?" A little voice reaches me, as we tuck in to a hearty helping of perfectly grilled fish in the restaurant, steps away from the sand. Since we've yet to make it out of the hotel for even a quick glimpse of the landscapes of Tuscany, I already know that I'll be saying yes...