As the bus pulled away from Levante Beach Hotel after our week long holiday to Rhodes, my eyes pricked with tears behind my sunglasses. Mainly I was feeling emotional because I just felt so thankful to have experienced such an incredible week with my little family, but there was also a part of me that felt truly sad and a little sentimental to be saying goodbye to such a special place. But all good stories start at the beginning…
Last year we were really lucky to have been chosen to be Mark Warner ambassadors. We chose Levante in Rhodes as our place to go and off we went last June for our first foreign sunshine holiday as a family. (Check out all our posts here) ย It was truly amazing and we had the time of our lives, so much so that pretty much as soon as we got home we booked to go again. As our departure date approached, I must admit to starting to feel a little nervous. What if I had built it up so much that it wouldn’t be as good as I remembered it? What if we didn’t have as an amazing time as last year?
I can honestly say that I have never been to the same place twice. I love to travel, I love to experience new places, but however much we love a place we will usually try somewhere else, even if it’s a different hotel in the same country. But there was just something about Levante last year- so many happy little pieces fitting together to make it a perfect family holiday. Perfect isn’t a word I use lightly, but it’s true. The place, the staff- both the local Greek staff and the Mark Warner crew, the Mark Warner ethos, the magic of it all just completely sucked us in. But it didn’t necessarily mean that coming back would be the same…
The girls were really good on the flight out there and again it was a nice treat to fly with British Airways, who were a pleasure to fly with. On arrival at Levante Beach it all just slotted back into place straight away, it was great to know exactly what we were doing, where we were going and we were delighted to find they had put us in the exact same room. There was no awkwardness of trying to find our way, we were straight back into the same routine as last year. We also were thrilled to find that a lot of the staff were the same as last year, especially in childcare and they remembered us which was really nice. We had booked the girls into morning childcare sessions again, something which was all completely new to us last year, but actually made the holiday for us. To be able to have a bit of time, just for a couple of hours in the morning is just fantastic as it gave us some time to relax and to spend together. The childcare team are truly amazing and I really could talk about them all day, but instead here is the first part of the story of our holiday in many many photos…
We arrived at Levante in the afternoon on the Saturday and headed down to the beach. (To collect stones obviously!)
We had a little routine last year of going down to the beach after dinner and before the evening mini club. (MW offer a evening childcare service where you drop them off in their PJ’s and they watch a film and then snuggle up in little beds and either go to sleep/chill out until you pick them up) We tried to do this again, but on a few of the nights it was quite windy (but still boiling hot) and so we decided to give the beach a miss. The girl’s loved going down there when we did though.
Waking up to this on our first morning certainly beat waking up to grey skies.
If you asked Mads what she remembered about her holiday last year she would always say ‘pancakes, waffles and mini club’. As strange as it sounds we all remember the waffles so well! They are delicious and definitely a highlight of the breakfasts. We were pleased to see that the same Greek man was there making them each morning, he was really nice and welcoming. And we were even more pleased to see they were just as tasty as we reemembered.
On our first day I decided to go SUP, that’s Stand Up Paddleboarding to you and I, on one of the organised group activities down on the waterfront.ย 
There are loads of activities- sailing, kayaking, tennis etc, you name it and all are included in the price of your holiday unless you want private tuition.
I suprised myself on actually being able to stand up quite well, but steering was a bit of an issue!
Every afternoon was spent in one of the various pools, there are five in total. Then after a big swim the girl’s would go down for a long nap which was fantastic as it gave us a chance to relax again. I love it when a holiday routine just seems to work really well.
Splash!
So lucky to have this man in our lives. He is so good to us.
Looking very grown up. Of course Baa had to come everywhere with us as usual. For a split second as we boarded the plane to head to Rhodes I thought we had lost him in the airport. I was absolutely scared for a moment, she would be devastated if she lost it and so would I – he is definitely part of the family.
This little lady loves the sand.
My beautiful ladies. And that beautiful golden light which is by far my favourite thing to photograph.
I love this one. This girl made us the proudest on holiday. She was so confident going to mini club, she adored our afternoons of swimming and she just generally thrived on our holiday fun. Look at that happy smile!
I absolutely love this photo of the three of us. We rarely get photos like this so I will treasure this one. I think it might be my new favourite.
Walking back to our hotel room. It’s a shame the sun doesn’t set over the sea in Levante, but we won’t hold anything against it when it produces such a gorgeous light.
Here is the first of two little videos I have made of our holiday to Rhodes…
Part two of our holiday coming up soon..
NB: Mark Warner were really fantastic and gave us a discount off our holiday as we were their ambassadors last year, but they haven’t asked me to write about our holiday, although of course I would have done anyway. (thank you MW!) They are also offering a discount to any of my readers who are interested in booking a holiday with them. It will run for two weeks and you need to quote KatieBlog50 when booking- the offer entitles you to a ยฃ50 discount per person excluding free child places. It can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer and Mark Warner booking conditions apply. You can find out more about amazing Levante and their other properties here. ย
0
It’s so amazing to look at your photos now compared to last year, I just can’t believe how grown up LL is now, the photos of her barefoot is so sweet, she is such a beauty! It really does sound amazing there, waffles included ๐ I’m going to have to watch your video again with my boys, it’s become a little tradition xx
Aw you guys, magical times!
ooooh its lovely holiday and ur pictures are incredible
I would love to go there and have some freah air
Thanks for ur post xxxx
Thanks so much Dania for your kind words about my photos. It definitely is a beautiful place. x
oh Katie you really have put my mind at rest.
We have only been to the Mark Warner in Corsica and felt the same about that place as you seem to have done here so we were so torn about trying somewhere new!
That being said we bit the bullet and we fly out in about 20 days to this resort and I am feeling so much better reading this as I think we have made the right choice ๐
Oh Jaime you will have the most AMAZING time. Obviously I haven’t been to Corsica but Levante is truly incredible- I have a feeling it will be your new favourite. Can’t wait to read about your adventures. x
What happy memories you have made again this year. The girls looks so relaxed and it’s lovely seeing their bond in your videos and pictures. The water looks so blue, makes me want to dive in! xx
What a beautiful video and photos, adore the music also, how true…these are the days that we won’t forget x
So glad second time round lived up to all the expectations of last year. Had a feeling it would!
It really was, I knew we would have had a good time regardless but pleased to report it was just as wonderful and special as the first time around! x
Beautiful Katie, looks like such a magical place to make family memories xx
It really is magical, we absolutely love it there and would recommend it to everyone. x
It really is magical, we absolutely love it there and would recommend it to everyone. x
I love your holiday posts and accompanying weepy vid! I love the bond between your 2 girls and now that I know i’m expecting a girl, I really hope for a similar connection…it is just the sweetest thing to see x
Thanks lovely, they are so cute together although they do argue like cat and dog too. And it was a lovely holiday- thank you! x
Just gorgeous Katie! I love your holiday films so much – you all look so happy and glowy! ๐ So glad you had a lovely time – it sounds like a very special place indeed. Loved reading this sweetpea xx
Ah thanks Em, we had a truly lovely time! xx
It really does look like a lovely place for a family holiday. And what stunning photos- I love them all! I don’t know how you capture that golden light so beautifully but I’d love to know your secret tricks haha! Gorgeous video too xx
Ah thanks lovely, I have a thing about that golden light, I love to seek it out! x
I watched your video in bed this morning and it cheered me up so much since I was feeling poorly. It just looks like a wonderful place to visit and I can tell you all had such a good time without watching your video. x
Ah thanks lovely, it’s such a fantastic place. I hope you are feeling better now. x
I definitely don’t think you could ever get bored of somewhere that awesome! x
Definitely not, I wish we could have stayed all Summer! ๐ x
Love your pictures – the quality makes such a difference on a blog! I must invest in a better camera.
Ah thank you! ๐ x
Oh my goodness, your holiday snaps always make me want to jump on a plane and go straight away! What an amazing time it sounds like you had. x
Thanks Jenni, it really was an amazing holiday. x
Wow this holiday just looks perfect! Gorgeous photographs that I really think capture the spirit of the place. I always say I would never go to the same place twice but if you find somewhere you love then why not?
Exactly, I have always thought the same, but Levante just ticks all the boxes for us. We are looking to go again next year too! x
Wonderful video. Your holidays always look amazing. Im so jealous.
I love that picture of you and the girls, gorgeous!
I know what you mean about Baa… Bear is truly apart of our family thanks to Paige xx
Ah thanks lovely, it was a great time. And thank you I really love that picture. It’s so sweet what they get attached to isn’t it? x
Ah thanks lovely, it was a great time. And thank you I really love that picture. It’s so sweet what they get attached to isn’t it? x
Beyond beautiful. The light is so stunning I could fall into your pictures Katie! So glad you enjoyed it as much the second time around and Baa made it home safely! xx
Ah thank you so much Amy! Yes we are pleased to report that Baa is safely with us! x
I always love to read your holiday posts Katie, such gorgeous photos and lovely memories. You’ve made me want to go away! xx
Thanks so much Katie. x
Lovely photos โฅ ๐
Love from Slovakia ~
โฮฑ โฮนcฯrฮทe – โa vie est โa petite โicorne.
Thank you! ๐ x
What a beautiful family vacation. Love the video as always your videos rock this world Katie. That photo of you with the girls is priceless. I have always wanted to battle board we saw them doing it yesterday at the beach and if I had someone to look after the kids I would have gone out and tried it. Looks amazing. Hope you had a nice relaxing one darling I hear so many great things about Rhodes I really want to go someday. Will have to start saving my pennies. lol ๐
Ah thanks Jenny, I had a lot of fun making the video. You should definitely check out Rhodes I think that you would love it. x
Oh I’m so glad it was just as good as last year – it does look like an incredible spot and how perfect to have the same room and some of the same staff, it just sort of kick starts the relaxation!
It was great to have the same room, it just felt like we had slotted back into place. And the staff are all just so lovely. x
It looks like you had a really brilliant time and I loved all the holiday spam through the week. We’ve never been to Rhodes but I think I am going to add it to the list of places I’d like to visit!
We had a wonderful time thanks lovely, and you definitely should, you would love Rhodes. x
Amazing beach view. It seems you enjoyed a lot. Both gals are beautiful.
Ah thank you very much! ๐
Ah thank you very much! ๐
Gorgeous, Katie! Your girls are so sweet snuggling up and watching the iPad. Levante looks amazing… And Superworm is one of our faves too!
I was so excited to follow all of your photos and adventures. I knew you’d have the most fantastic time again. The four of you just look incredibly happy in your home from home. Next year?!
Oh it just looks so perfect. xx
Great photos mate, there are so many beautiful places in Greece including the islands that you could spend months there.