Mark Warner, you gem!

We are just back from a brilliant week in Rhodes for Amelie's first holiday. We had an absolute blast and gutted to be home. We travelled with fantastic family friendly Mark Warner Holidays. As soon as I heard they offered chartered flights with BA, they put a bottle steriliser in the room and they offered everything you might need for a baby we were hooked.

Totally under estimated the stress that comes with travelling with a baby. We looked like we were moving home when we arrived at the airport and Iain panicked me, when he asked if I had remembered to pack the toaster!

I spent ages researching an easy lightweight pushchair to take with us and I finally decided on the Silver Cross Pop, which I would highly recommended. It has a brilliant extendable hood which was fantastic for the blistering heat, which meant Amelie slept soundly in the pushchair for each nap. It's also really sturdy and easy to fold.

Nervous about the flight but we were super lucky to get three seats between us which meant Amelie could play and sleep without annoying some poor person who may have had to sit next to us for nearly five hours.

We arrived at Levante Beach Resort hot and sweaty from the journey but we were greeted with lots of happy staff, fresh watermelon and cookies, which totally got us into our holiday stride.

With a choice of pools we found we navigated towards the beach pool, which was also where the bar was, perfect for happy hour cocktails!

Thank you Parent Apparel for this brilliant top 

We kept Amelie on UK time which meant she went to bed late, napped during happy hour and gave everyone a lie in. This worked liked a dream. It also meant that Amelie was one of the few babies at dinner so enjoyed waving at everyone and after dinner got to bop along to the evening entertainment.

The staff were outstanding, everyone from the manger, waiting staff, maid service... I couldn't fault them. Even on the hottest day of the summer they still dashed around with a smile making sure we had everything we needed whilst the rest of us were just sweating looking at them. We felt like we received the royal treatment and wondered why but as we looked around we realised it was just how it was done at Levante Beach Resort. As the week went on at each meal time Amelie was excited to see what became familiar faces of the waiting staff and restaurant manager, Mika. It was a delight watching her interact and getting excited by the attention.

We decided to hire a car one day to explore the island, which is easier said then done with a nearly one year old. In hindsight we should have probably lowered our expectations and not decided to explore opposite ends of the island in one day! In the morning we visited Rhodes Old Town, which was majorly busy and very hot but the castle was stunning and fun to explore. Then to Lindos beach for the afternoon and supper, which was a joy, with its clear blue sea, golden sand and lots of other babies for Amelie to play with whilst enjoying a dip.

We would revisit Mark Warner in a heartbeat and pleased to have made so many fond memories for Amelie's first holiday. Thank you so much for having us and until the next time!

Particular mention to Sue, Mika, Kiki, Kiriakos, Catalin, Katerina, Irene, Adrian, Savvas, Christina and Georgia for making our week just perfect.