It has taken me ages to get my holiday post sorted as I was waiting for some of hubby’s pics! I can’t believe we have been home over a week from Rhodes, Greece! We stayed in a lovely hotel called Hotel Atlantica Princess in Ialyssos. We went for 11 nights and took my Mum and step Dad.
We were all inclusive and the weather was STUNNING. Apart from 1 day, we had zero cloud and it easily hit 35 degrees on many days.
I try not to ramble too much on holiday posts, as I know it can bore you to DEATH. So I will try and keep it more piccy heavy.
You may or may not have read the gremlin got chicken pox as soon as we arrived. This initially was a nightmare of stress but it was actually a massive blessing. She was fine, no real symptoms, she healed super fast in the sunshine and hubby and I took no time off work! As you can see from the pics she got quite spotty and then they got better. She was a bit snotty and gunky eyed and everyone but me seemed to get her cold at some point during the holiday but apart from that!
The gremlin was ok on the flight; she fidgetted and talked the whole way there, begged for chocolate fingers and fell asleep in the last 30 minutes of the 4 hours!! But it could have been a whole lot worse I’m sure.
We arrived at the hotel pretty late, as Greece are 2 hours ahead. We had a few snacks and crashed out.
Have to be honest; we weren’t too sure about the hotel at first. We are used to huge complexes, big lobbies, lots of bars and (snob alert), a less tired look. However, I will say now our minds were completely swayed by the end and we loved it.
As with most of our holidays we got into a routine fairly early on. The gremlin couldn’t swim for a few days, due to her spots. She wasn’t too fazed and we played on the sunbeds with her.
We also went to the beach for the first day and stayed away from anyone!
Most days the gremlin was up about 8.30-9am (she wasn’t sleeping until 10-11pm!!). We often woke before her which was brilliant. I started going to gym for 30 minutes early on and after copious nagging from the rents, switched to an early morning swim.
We all had breakfast together, these of which were fabulous. Tonnes of fruit, English breakfast usuals, pancakes, greek yoghurt, bread and pastries. The gremlin soon got into the swing of having 2 pancakes with Nutella and a boiled egg, after a bowl of cereal!! My breakfasts were always 3 course. I could never say no to bread, butter and jam after my fruit and eggs, bacon and beans!
We then tended to go and chill by the pool for most of the day, especially when the gremlin could go and get in the water. She took a bit of convincing to get in but LOVED it after a while. She got more confident on the slides and even started doing doggy paddle all by herself. There was a kids pool and main pool and we went in both. We all tended to take turns though Daddy and Grandad seemed to take a long time to come down to join us in the mornings!!!
We then tended to have a later lunch (to avoid the mad rushes) and chill on the sunbeds for the rest of the day. The food was really good. Tonnes of salad, meats, fish, stews, pasta, rice, chips and breads. Loads of fruit, ice-cream and cakes for dessert.
I got plenty of time to chill and read and watch Eastenders on my iPad! Hubby managed a few walks and Greek coffees alone and my step Dad got to the gym. With 4 people there was always someone to have fun with the gremlin. She did have an afternoon zzz as well but always seemed to wake for milk and cake (or we saved her some).
The gremlin definitely ate a lot of sugar. She would have ice-cream for dessert twice a day and always have a bit of mid-pm milk and cake. This was hard for me (dietitian) but she actually did pretty well with the rest of her meals. Often a struggle to get her to eat before pudding but she ate eggs, fish, chicken, bread, chips, sweetcorn, peas and green beans and enjoyed her bread and butter. She often had a mid-morning cheese and ham sandwich too. So, despite the heat and junk food, she didn’t do too badly! She surprised us by enjoying calamari and developed a taste for nuts!
The evenings were mainly spent at the kids disco but we went into Rhodes and went for a few walks. The gremlin LOVED to dance. She also wanted everyone else to dance with her which was fun. I could definitely have done with a cheeky vino then. My Mum and step-Dad usually got some time together after we went to bed around 10ish.
The other benefit of going away with family is date nights and days! Hubby and I went to Lindos on a day trip. This was a beautiful area of Rhodes with an Acropolis (bit of a climb!) It was an early start which was good as by the time we left, it was heaving and the hottest I had been in a long time. We explored and managed to find a hidden cafe where I got some real Greek yoghurt! We had a tour guide, so got to find out quite a bit too but I kept dozing on the bus (pregnant girl woes).
We also got a date evening and went for a lush meal, a walk and I had a cheeky virgin Mojito. It’s so hard on holiday, even with help, as you do feel like a tag team with your partner when looking after munchkins. It was good to get some time together, chat, eat and browse some local shops.
Rhodes itself was a lovely town; we loved the Old Town; cobbled streets, tonnes of shops, a castle and plenty of places to eat and drink. We went in about 3 times; once on hubby and my date day. It was soooo hot, so very quiet!!
It was a brilliant holiday! The hotel staff were so friendly and the gremlin loved the bar staff. I would definitely go back to Rhodes; lovely people and awesome weather.
I am so glad we changed our mind and went away and had a baby moon. It was lovely to just get my bump out in the heat and have a break, even though I missed my usual holiday wardrobe!
We always get on as a family and have no issues and the extra hands and company is lovely. I hope next year we may get away again with another little madam too! I can’t wait!
You look fabulous! I’m so jel of your holiday as I sit hereally with a monster who appears to have developed chicken pox… a bit of sunshine does us all the world of good!
#marvmondays
Oh no, chicken pox! Thankfully it didn’t spoil too much your holidays. The place where you stayed looks amazing and I have to say you look so much like your mum! Lovely bump by the way. It suits you so well. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy x
#FartGlitter
I am super jealous, looks like you had a great time, your pictures are beautiful. Glad the chicken pox didn’t spoil it.
#MarvMondays #Fartglitter
I’m sitting shivering looking out at the rain and beginning to understand why people hated me when I lived in Thailand. Looks beautiful. Adding this spot to the travel bucket list. Also it is indecent of you to look that good in a bikini when pregnant.
#fartglitter
So jealous of your holiday – Rhodes looks amazing! And you looked fab too, what a great way to spend your baby moon 🙂
I really fancy Greece as have never been. I can’t get over how alike you ands your mum are! And the gremlin, she is just too cute and cheeky looking! xx
Your poor little girly getting chicken pox! At least you still had a fab time, the pics are great! Your last holiday before baby 2 arrives! I have to say too, I would eat the same as you for breakfast, it’s like my rule to eat three courses on holiday. At every meal. And I’m not even pregnant! My parents are coming with us on our holiday this year too, so hoping we can sneak away for a romantic meal. We’ll see… #marvmondays
Looks like you had an amazing time. I’m glad gremlin getting chicken pox didn’t spoil the holiday. You look amazing by the way, your bump is so cute. I would love a baby moon too, I think we will have to settle for a UK weekend break somewhere. Glad you had a great holiday xx #fartglitter
Looks like you had a wonderful time, extra hands really do make all the difference! What a beautiful place, the Old Town is gorgeous. And, have to say, you and your mother look like sisters!! #truthabout
Your holiday pics are stunning – and I can’t believe how alike you and your mum are! Poor little gremlin getting chicken pox!? It’s great that you look for the silver lining though – no time off work to look after her haha! I remember going to Rhodes as a teenager and it has always stood out as one of my favourite places. The old town is just so packed with character isn’t it. I really enjoyed reading this Sarah, thanks for sharing with us! #fartglitter x
Back again for a second nosy through #bestandworst. Thanks for hosting lovely xx
Certainly looks like a great place to go on a family holiday which thanks to your post, I’m now mad to go away somewhere hot! My daughter got chicken pox last year and like yours, it wasn’t the worst but still, it’s not nice. Hope you came home refreshed. #fartglitter
Sounds like you had a fabulous time and a babymoon with some much needed adult time alone during it sounds great. Chicken pox or not so glad you had a lovely time. Hoping for some sunshine here now! #fartglitter #marvmondays x
Oh, I am so so so jealous, it looks amazing! Bless your little one getting chickenpox as soon as you arrived, what a nightmare. Glad she healed quickly though and you got to enjoy the babymoon (puts our 4 days to Wales to shame, haha). Thanks for linking up to #MarvMondays. Kaye xo
Wow, looks amazing, great pics! Sounds like a good way to deal with chicken pox too. You’re looking bump-a-licious!
#bestandworst
Back again for #bestandworst. Thanks for hosting x
Looks like you had an absolutely fab holiday away! You look amazing with your bump too! x #bestandworst
Looks like tyou had a fab time! I love seeing your pictures of Gremlin too, she’s always so animated!
Looks lovely sarah, especially the day trip. Sooo gorgeous! Sad to hear she got the pox, but like you say in hindsight the timing was probably good and the sun certainly would have dried them up quicker. How much do you look like your mum? I can’t believe it hahaha
I love travelling with our kids, we have done Italy and Spain so far and our routine is usually pool in the morning OR afternoon and the rest of the day on an adventure exploring markets, local villages or big cities… I find they are sooo well behaved because of all the new stuff around them to see and do. Hoping to squeeze in a trip in October half term once baby is here (hello 3 month baby in tow) should be fun times haa x #bestandworst
Gorgeous photos, looks like you had an amazing time. I’m so jel of all that sunshine too. PS. You look like your Mum – both stunners! #bestandworst x
Wow looks gorgeous!! Beautiful pictures and gorgeous bump!! Hope you’re well lovely xxx #bestandworst xx
It’s funny where life takes you. If I’d read this years ago when still living in the UK I’d have probably salivated over the pictures as they obviously remind me of my many holidays in Greece. But having lived in Malta for years, I was looking at them nodding with familiarity as this is what we’re used to here and that is now my life. It reminded me of how lucky I am which is lovely. On another note, how lovely that you are that used to your family (and how thick am I for staring and STARING at that first pic thinking blimey she looks different from how she did at BML and I’m sure her hubby looked different too in other posts I’ve seen!!)
#BestandWorst
fab pictures! Im so useless at taking pictures and then sulk when I get home due to lack of them lol – Rhodes is amazing, we loved it there! Looks like you had a fabulous time! You look great btw, your mum is a beauts too 🙂 #bestandworst
That is indeed an awesome looking holiday. And you look amazing with your beautiful baby bump. Cherish these times! #bestandworst
It looks and sounds like you had a great time, your photos are lovely! I love working out on holiday, I always feel so much more relaxed after!
#BestamdWorst
Oh I can’t believe your little one got chickenpox when you arrived, what bad timing!!! I’m glad it didnt spoil it though, looks like you had an amazing time! I’d love to go to Greece! #bestandworst
Looks like you had a fab time!! I really want to go on a summer holiday but not sure I have the guts with a 2 year old at the moment #bestandworst
Can I book your Mum and step dad to come away with us in August? Haha
I will admit it, on holiday posts I usually skip the words and just nose at the pics, but I loved your easy diary style. Plus I loved the fact that despite poor Gremlins chicken pox, you managed to still have a fabulous time. I would have given up for sure.
Can I just say you look amazing. I have major bump envy and mine is just post baby weight and way too many chocolate bars :0). Oh and your Mum looks amazing too.
Renee @peonieandme #bestandworst X
It sounds like a fantastic holiday, and Rhodes definitely is a nice place to go. We went quite a few years ago and visited both Lindos and Rhodes Town too, we really enjoyed both and spent the whole day just wandering round with our guide books. Glad you got your babymoon in!! #bestandworst
Looks fantastic. I’m also impressed that the gremlin was OK on that long of a flight. I don’t have the nerve to try that far yet. #bestandworst
Looking gorgeous my lovely and it looks beautiful in Rhodes, not a place that I have visited! I think it’s great that you managed a little holiday, well deserved before madness ensues. #bestandworst
What a lovely holiday! It looks and sounds like you all had an absolutely fab time. I do envy people who get to go away with the grandparents because, like you say, extra pairs of hands just make it more of a holiday for you! You are positively glowing Sarah! Welcome back! And thanks for posting to #thetruthabout ! X
First of all WOW you look amazing, and secondly, what amazing photos! Looks like you had the most wonderful holiday and even better you got the helping hand of the grandparents which means that you can actually ENJOY a break! We have never been to Rhodes but it is absolutely on my list of places to visit, thanks for hosting! #bestandworst
First of all WOW you look amazing, and secondly, what amazing photos! Looks like you had the most wonderful holiday and even better you got the helping hand of the grandparents which means that you can actually ENJOY a break! We have never been to Rhodes but it is absolutely on my list of places to visit, thanks for hosting! #bestandworst
Looks like such a fab holiday – apart from the chicken pox! We went away with my parents last year and it was lovely to have an extra pair of hands to help out with Taylor (and their company of course!) I went to Rhodes when I was a teenager and we climbed that place in Lindos – I remember it because I got really sun-burnt! I adore Greece and you’ve made me want to go again! #bestandworst
Amazing holiday, I’m jealous! I would have definitely gotten in on the three course breakfasts too! 😉 #bestandworst
Sounds like a great holiday and at least you’ve got chicken pox out of the way before baby gets here x #bestandworst
What a gorgeous family holiday. I love all your photos, especially the ones with your little one, and your bump which is looking fabulous! Glad you had a great time. #BestandWorst
Looks stunning there! Glad you had a great time 🙂 We went to Ibiza with the little dude a few weeks back and it was great fun X #bestandworst
Looks a fab place and photos are wonderful the gremlin looks so cute I wanna go away again thanks for hosting #bestandworst
What a beautiful holiday! I would love to go to Greece! It’s great that you had family with you so you could have a bit of adult time too! #bestandworst
What a lovely holiday! And that you can spend it on with your close ones. It is so lovely to see that your little baba is lovely her food. I wish my kids would eat half as much as your little one do! Sorry that she had the chicken pox over there. So not nice! Your are so glowing! Such a lovely bump you have there. Greece is one place I really want to visit… one day… Thank you for hosting. x #bestandworst
What a lovely babymoon! You look like you have such a great relationship with your parents, I love that you all went on holiday together and that you and hubs got some date night time before the next little one arrives 🙂 You look amazing, loving the holiday wardrobe!! Emily
This looks absolutely gorgeous – well jell! #fartglitter
Lovely pictures! It sounds like a really lovely, relaxing time! Glad the chicken pox wasn’t too bad & jealous of the pancakes for breakfast. #bestandworst