We would like a self-catering summer holiday in Europe with access to a pool and beach. Sounds simple? Well, not really, because my older boys would like some activities . . . sailing or windsurfing. I have found some sailing holidays, but the prices are high and it is in hotel rooms, which aren't suitable for a family our size. Surely we can't be the only people in this situation?

Jo Wright A. Many larger active-holiday operators offer hotel accommodation rather than self-catering, which can be costly and problematic for larger families, particularly if you don't want your children to sleep in an unchaperoned room. However, there are smaller companies offering villa accommodation in Mediterranean resorts where waterborne activities are available.

One is Minorca Sailing (www. minorcasailing. co. uk) a wellestablished company based on the Balearic Island of Minorca.

Accommodation and activities are in Fornells Bay on the north-east coast.

Minorca Sailing offers varying levels of accommodation, from spacious villas with private pools to apartments with a shared pool, all a few minutes' walk from the sailing school. The company is based in Ses Salinas, a 20-minute walk from the pretty fishing town of Fornells. The village is low-key and has a small sandy beach.

Sailing and windsurfing tuition is flexible and you can opt out of lessons if you prefer not to take part. There are graded lessons in both disciplines . . . from beginners to old hands . . . and tuition for younger guests is divided into age groups.

Another option with a great choice of accommodation (and watersport-friendly destinations) is James Villa Holidays (www. jamesvillas. ie) and Minorca also features in their collection.