Where is it? On Greece’s Peloponnese coast, about 25 minutes’ drive from Kalamata airport.
What’s it like? San Agostino was refurbished six years ago when Mark Warner took it over from Club Med, and sits right on the beach, with wonderful sea views.
There’s a main restaurant and two specialist options (a mediocre Italian and a superior Arabian-themed affair), three bars, two pools, 10 tennis courts, a health and beauty salon, loads of water sports opportunities and six kids’ clubs, for ages four months to 17 years.
We liked: The beachside location. We also liked the main restaurant opening early for children’s tea at 5.30pm. And thanks must go to the genius who came up with the idea of showing a nightly children’s film at 7.30pm to pyjama-clad youngsters so parents can dine in peace.
We didn’t like: Predictably, our two-year-old didn’t like the kids’ club, but we knew he would be okay if he could be with his older sister in the three-five age range club. No amount of begging would allow this. Numerous parents overhearing this conversation told us afterwards that they had the same problem.
Sell it to: Families will love this resort, but be sure to advise clients with younger family members (five and under) about the kids’ club. If the kids don’t like it, it is a costly mistake.
Verdict: We had a great time. Mark Warner has thought hard about family needs (there are 24-hour kitchens with milk, sterilisers, bottle brushes etc) and staff are good. The location gets 10 out of 10.
Sample product: Mark Warner offers a week at the San Agostino Beach Resort from £3,946 for a family of four, with children over two, with departures on August 1, 8, 15 and 22.
The price includes flights from Gatwick, transfers, half-board accommodation, windsurfing and sailing with tuition, tennis, a weekly activities programme, including aerobics, and some childcare for children over two years old. markwarner.co.uk, 0845 450 4445
