All Inclusive in Spain/Balearics...?

ibizafan_2

I think where people go wrong with AI food is thinking that they should put a bit of everything on their plates. This leads to very strange combinations of food, and of course complaints of repetitiveness, plus waste. However, with young children, it can be more relaxing to know there’s plenty of choice to tempt them with, instead of having to seek out suitable restaurants. Our hotel in Ibiza turned AI a few years ago, but we continue to stay there because we love it and meet up with friends every year. We still go for days out and meals in local restaurants.

richardw

theonlywayisup wrote: »

...We stay at a lovely AI resort (albeit not in the locations being discussed) and the food is exquisite.

What exquisite food is available that you particularly like?

theonlywayisup

richardw wrote: »

What exquisite food is available that you particularly like?

All of it.

I am not sure as to the point of your query?

Your statement was sweeping (and inaccurate), hence my reply.

Pennylane

theonlywayisup wrote: »

All of it.

I am not sure as to the point of your query?

Your statement was sweeping (and inaccurate), hence my reply.

i thought that was a sweeping statement too! Can I jump in and tell Richard that some of the very good food I have enjoyed has been really excellent paella, grilled salmon, beautifully prepared salads and really nice roasted vegetables. Very good food doesnt have to be unusual or smothered in sauce but it does have to be perfectly cooked and well presented. I love salads (and I dont just mean a bit of lettuce and a tomato) I love fresh veg and I love fish and most meats providing theyre cooked properly. I actually prefer fresh fruits for dessert rather than stodgy puddings. As I spend most of my life cooking for 5 or 6 people it is a real treat for me to wander along and choose exactly what I want.

eamon

Good/excellent food is subjective. HB, FB or AI works well because it gives choice and is prepaid. With small children is should work. I've stayed at 4* & 5* hotels and the difference shows in better food. £3K for 7 nights and just before the school holidays should get the OP reasonable food but it won't be fine dining.

mgdavid

Pennylane wrote: »

we always used to go Half Board but two years ago we found a hotel we liked in a resort we liked and the AI deal was excellent so we booked. It was a great holiday and we went again the next year with daughter and her boyfriend.

We used to get up early have a substantial breakfast and go off exploring until about 2. We would come back and have a nice lunch (maybe grilled fish or chicken, with salads or veg) and drinks. We would stay around the hotel and have some drinks and play table tennis or have a swim. We would chill out until dinner around 7.30. There was terrific choice at all meals, it was spotlessly clean and the staff were great. I reckon we made a massive saving on drinks. All the alcoholic drinks were branded and free, teas, coffees, bottled water (of which we had gallons), even free cakes and sandwiches on the bar in the afternoon.

I’m a good cook and cook from scratch and theres no way I would eat substandard food and none of us could fault any of our meals.

that's only of help to the OP if you name it...

NoodleDoodleMan

You are. Cheffy food doesn!!!8217;t always take ages.

It would be interesting to hear the views of working Mums with young kids on the subject.

That apart, it won't take up any time if you are in a hotel.

davidso

Hello, OP here.

I'm a pretty good cook and make most meals from scratch so I get a bit sneery about food, perhaps more than most people. But, y'know, I've got kids so I know what it means to compromise. I've been to Center Parcs. When I said 'really good' food I just wanted raise the bar and knock out just 'OK' food recommendations.

Since I'm the only drinker in the four of us I'm wondering whether Full Board rather than AI - or even Half Board - are better options.

Pennylane - if that place you've been back to is in Spain/Balearics/Portugal then do let me know. Thanks.

Beaker99

We were in a pretty similar position to you about 3-4 years ago.

For AI (although quite pricey) we've always stuck with hotels Viva or their better hotels now come under the 'Zafiro' brand. Still, good food and very well kept resorts on Mallorca.

The 'selection club'rooms at Cala Mesquida Resort are particularly good. - You have your own dedicated restaurant.

f4phixeruk

Beaker99 wrote: »

We were in a pretty similar position to you about 3-4 years ago.

For AI (although quite pricey) we've always stuck with hotels Viva or their better hotels now come under the 'Zafiro' brand. Still, good food and very well kept resorts on Mallorca.

The 'selection club'rooms at Cala Mesquida Resort are particularly good. - You have your own dedicated restaurant.

Got to agree about the Zafiro/Viva hotels. Went to the then Viva Can Picafort with daughter and grandson, who is a very fussy eater, and drinker [8 YO]. He was amazed at all the food on offer, and at the swim up bar which did kids mocktails.