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Porto Elounda DeLuxe Resort, Crete

Elounda, in north-east Crete, has a clutch of smart hotels, among them Porto Elounda DeLuxe Resort. It is relaxed, with sea-facing rooms and villas in grounds sloping to a private beach. Childcare programme for ages six months to 10 years bookable by the day, half day or by activity. Water sports; golf; tennis; sauna; outdoor, indoor and children's pools. From £4,300 for four, half board. Children's clubs from about £7 per half day. Call Simply Crete (020 8541 2201).

San Roque Club, Andalucia, Spain

For summer, UK operator Scott Dunn opens children's clubs for ages two to 11 in this former home of the Domecq sherry dynasty, reworked in Andalucian style, with courtyards and haciendastyle rooms; babysitting for under- twos on request. The hotel's 18-hole championship golf course is a big draw. Beach 10 minutes by car; Seville 90 minutes. From £1,235pp (£850 per child in connecting room). Children's clubs from £200 a week. Call Scott Dunn (020 8682 5040).

Royal Park Evian, France

Overlooking Lake Geneva, this cooler alternative to the Med gets rave family reviews. Of the two hotels in the grounds, the chalet-style Ermitage is the more relaxed and less expensive. There's a children's club for ages two to 14, with a pool, restaurant and playground; activities on site include golf, tennis, archery and watersports. For older ones: mountain biking and canyoning. From £1,462pp room only, £155 per child sharing. Call Abercrombie and Kent (0845 0700612).

The Annabelle, Paphos, Cyprus

Reputedly more relaxed and child-friendly - and cheaper - than its sister, the Anassa, the Annabelle has a children's club for ages four to 12, and watersports, scuba diving, squash and tennis for older children. The beauty centre offers spa treatments; four restaurants serve consistently good food. Reliable winter sun makes this a great choice for spring and autumn half term. From £995pp B&B (£650 per child). Call Mediterranean Experience (020 8445 6000).

The Hermitage, Elba

Relaxed chic overlooking a private beach on this Tuscan island. Not overly sophisticated, its food is excellent and service friendly. UK tour operator Powder Byrne runs a summer crËche staffed by NNEB nannies for infants six months and over and Scallywags clubs for ages up to 14, with watersports, golf and tennis in the grounds. From £1,501pp half board (£400 ages two to three). Extra charges for crèche and some children's clubs. Call Powder Byrne (020 8246 5300).

? Unless otherwise stated, prices are for a week in July, including flights.