A dream combination of culture and comfort in the TUI Blue For Families Atlantica Marmari Beach Hotel, Kos

The TUI Blue for Families Atlantica Marmari Beach is one of TUI's premium collection hotels, and from the outset it's not difficult to see why.

Nestled in the north-west of the island in the small resort of Marmari, the hotel is an impressive sprawling complex exuding quality at every turn, immaculately clean and tidy with beautiful accommodation blocks in delicious pastel shades adorned with pretty flora and hanging greenery, accessed via ornate crazy-paved walkways with plenty of ramps for wheelchairs, prams and buggies.

Arriving on a typically balmy Greek evening my family and I passed the night-lit azure pools and manicured lawns en route to our rooms and on opening the doors were immediately caressed by the near-silent air conditioning which was to be a more than welcome friend during our holiday.

The room decor is ultra modern, with flatscreen TV, tea/coffee making facilities including a Nespresso machine, hairdryer, complimentary safe and fridge. The twin-headed shower in our stylish, contemporary bathroom was the perfect answer after a long day by the pool or beach.

So returning to my beach reverie, I turn my back to the sea to take in a half mile or so stretch of sand, exclusive to the hotel. As such, all beds and parasols are free - just don't try to put your towels on them too early as they are removed if unoccupied before 9am.

Just up the boardwalk is located the Beach Taverna, one of the hotel's specialist restaurants (more of that later) which doubles up as the place to get drinks and snacks (including souvlaki, chips, tzatziki - make your own gyros!) during your day on the sands.

Walking from the Taverna and leaving the beach I'm now entering the hotel complex, and am greeted by a sumptuous, cabana-lined hotel pool with a shaded bar at its centre. Another pool, again with its own bar, is at the reception end of the Atlantica Marmari Beach.

These two tend to be quieter than the third and the main family pool complete with its two slides, swim-up bar and help-yourself snacks and drinks area. This is the epicentre of the complex where the dedicated TUI Blue team do everything in their power to ensure families have the best holiday possible.

This reassuringly well-appointed team organise activities, entertain, advise, perform - all with a constant smile - with parades, fun activities, sporting and fitness sessions and much more throughout the day. There are also free kids’ clubs split into age groups which line up a myriad of fun activities. Teens get their own hangout space too.

BabyClubs with fully-trained staff are on hand to look after children aged up to three. They’re open six days a week, plus some evenings, and cost a bit extra, though for free there's an air-conditioned baby lounge open all day, every day, where parents can relax with their tots and use the microwave, changing table, bottle warmers and toys.

For the active there are tennis, paddle, basketball and beach volleyball courts, and a well-equipped gym. For the less active a mini golf course is a nice post-sunbathing activity in the cooler hours before the evening meal. The hotel has its own spa too, with massages and hair and nail pampering treatments on offer for an extra price.

The TUI guides don't go home after dark, and the outdoor ampitheatre, with a self-serve bar, is alive with the sound of music and dancing every night as the team show their versatility with early fun events for the children followed by musical shows. Visiting speciality acts add further entertainment richness and, for me, the stars of our stay were a trio of South African tenors - The Divos - whose tribute to The Three Tenors and Il Divo was simply spectacular.

So how do you keep track of everything that's going on? It's all there on the TUI Blue app, available from the Apple Store and Play Store for android. It's just a case of entering the hotel and everything is there in neatly organised menus, showing times of entertainment and what's on, kids' clubs sessions and how to book places - quite simply, everything you would need to know to organise and maximise your holiday.This app is in addition to the TUI app which you may have already downloaded for your holiday details and boarding cards etc.

Being an all-inclusive resort, we need to talk about food and drink. The main buffet-style restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and evening meal and has one of the largest selection of food choices I have ever experienced, with both Greek and international dishes and a bread section to die for. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available and a wonderful selection of fruit to rival that of the bread.