Last week I shared our trip to Mark Warner Resort in Lakitira Kos and talked about how it worked for our family. Traveling with teens and tweens can be tough. Especially when they are like ours and one wants to chill whilst the other wants to take part in every single activity going.
In situations like this its all about finding a balance. And I felt we really found it here. Jack could chill out and try the occasional water sport whilst Joe took on every sport he possible could.
However as a family that was new to the whole Mark Warner concept I want to share a few things that will help you plan a Mark Warner summer sun trip when traveling as a family to a Mark Warner resort.
Packing for a Mark Warner trip
Don’t forget your sports kit and gym gear. I left both a home and missed out on all the fitness and yoga classes. My packing was all very last-minute due to Joe having an accident 3 days before our trip. I was so disappointed to miss out on Yoga overlooking the sea.
Go to the welcome meetings
I can’t stress enough how important these are, they are friendly affairs where you get to chat about what is available on site over a glass of fizz.
Download the Mark Warner In Resort App
The app is incredible, you can check what’s on all around resort at any given time. It is up to date and loads super quick as the WiFi at Lakitira is fantastic.
Book any water based taster lessons and courses on the first day
We left this too late and booked our taster half way through our trip and then missed out on the course as there was no time. Totally our fault but an epic fail on my part as the water sports are just incredible. And the beach team are so much fun.
Check out if you need any medical letters for the sports?
Jack was unable to take part in the diving lessons due to being diabetic, however if we had known we could have got a letter from his specialist prior to travelling. It wasn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things as there are lots to do. However if you have a health condition it is worth seeing a doctor and getting a permission letter before you travel to cover any sports you plan to take part in.
If you plan to eat in the Trattoria book a little later
The Trattoria has a great selections of pizza and pasta, but is also a favourite of the teens and kids club. Now I have to say they were never loud or troublesome at all. Quite the opposite, but should you want a romantic meal in a more intimate setting the Trattoria is perfect and included in the half board plan.
And try out the Greek Taverna, at an extra cost it is perfect for a romantic meal, the food was lovely and the setting is beautiful. Set in a cobbled courtyard with candle lit tables it very tranquil.
Explore Kardamena
Kardamena is only a 10 minute bus ride away and costs a couple of euro each. The times of all the buses are on the app or you can get a timetable from main reception. A one way Taxi cost $10. Kardamena is not to be missed, it is the prettiest little fishing town. Lined with crazy paved streets with blue windows, pretty bikes and flowers. The boys loved browsing all the souvenir shops and there are some great bars and restaurants. We dined at Skala and it was not only delicious and served the most wonderful mezze dishes. But also the restaurant was super stylish friendly and great value.
There is also a mini market where you can stock up on snacks and drinks for your room. There is nothing better than a glass of wine on the balcony as the sunsets.
We had the most wonderful trip at Lakitira its the friendliest place, with so much to do. But next time I will be taking part in yoga and taking those sailing lessons.
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Sarah your photos are beautiful, it looks like such a beautiful resort. Great tips for people heading to this hotel, the app sounds really useful x
Great tips Sarah. I think I would have regretted leaving my gym kit behind too with those amazing views! What a beautiful resort and so well put together for active families!
Really useful tips, Sarah. I hadn’t taken the right clothes with me either, when I went to Levante. I did yoga by the beach anyway, but I did feel a bit of a wally! #MondayEscapes
Great tips Sarah. Don’t want to rub it in but I did enjoy the yoga classes overlooking the ocean during our stay at Lakitira… sorry! I also did the begineers sailing course which was great fun (they were VERY patient with me!)
Great tips Sarah. Don’t want to rub it in but I did enjoy the yoga classes overlooking the ocean during our stay at Lakitira… sorry! I also did the beginners sailing course which was great fun (they were VERY patient with me!)
Oh, this looks lovely. I absolutely adore Greece and most of the islands are so perfect to visit with kids.
#MondayEscapes
I am not much of a resort person, done it a couple of times only, but I guess it is convenient travelling with kids. #mondayescapes
Beautiful photos! I’d love to visit this place 🙂
#MondayEscapes
I’m in need of some sun right now and this looks perfect. Beautiful photographs #MondayEscapes
This looks like heaven on such a cold Monday morning! I have a bit of a history of forgetting to pack exercise clothes then getting annoyed I can’t join in so need to remember this tip. #MondayEscapes
What a beautiful resort. Looks like the perfect beach getaway! #MondayEscapes
Ive never heard of this resort line, but looks amazing! Great tips! Interesting about the doctor letter, good to know! #MondayEscapes
Really great hints and tips – thanks for sharing! #MondayEscapes
Great tips! Your photos of the water are stunning. I want to go relax here!
Looks so lovely and my girls would love the water sports so this if definitely one for us to look into. #mondayescapes
Such beautiful photos and I completely agree about a trip to the shop being in order to allow you a glass of wine on your balcony. Perfect way to watch the sun set!
Great photos, I’ve heard that the Mark Warner sailing facilities are great, yoga by the sea sounds fabulous #MondayEscapes
This sounds like a fabulous resort! It is nice to hear there was something for everyone in the family and they could cater to different travel styles. #mondayescapes
Really useful tips! It sounds like a brilliant place for families who have varying interests, as you said. Those sea views look so enticing! #Mondayescapes
What an amazing vacation! It looks like so much fun. I will have to look more into Lakitira!
What an amazing vacation! It looks like so much fun. I will have to look more into Lakitira!
I really want to try a Mark Warner holiday and your photos are definitely on the way to convincing me! #mondayescapes
Love these blue sky photos! I hadn’t heard of this resort before so thank you for the tips. 🙂 It looks like the perfect place for sailing lessons!
Great tips and beautiful photos. It looks like it would be really peaceful sailing on those calm waters!
Beautiful photos as ever! Makes me want to go now. I love the idea of the in resort app so you can check whats going on without having to ask! #Mondayescapes
I’ve been dreaming lately of a family holiday in the Greek islands – this looks simply perfect!
#MondayEscapes
Its amazing for families, Joe had the best time x
This resort looks so good..and how annoying that you forgot your gym gear..I did the yoga overlooking the sea..was bliss. Im a bit gutted I didnt do tennis, my 10 year old wouldnt play me. To be fair he would have thrashed me;-)
I know so frustrating, but next time I will be much more organised x