Tots Too was started in 2002 with the aim of providing a top-class service for frazzled mums and dads. With our lively 12-month-old, Ruby, we certainly qualify, and soon find ourselves on a plane to the Algarve.

Tots Too can answer all those nagging questions, from bottle-warming to baby baths, but what it can't guarantee is the weather.

After arriving in Faro with high hopes of blue Portuguese skies and sunny expressions, we are greeted by rain, which is forecast for another three days. Tots Too will have its work cut out.

Fun for all: Albufeira beach in the Algarve was a haven for James and family

However, the efficiency of our driver, who meets us at the airport with a state-of-the-art child seat, is impressive, and we muse that it is, at least, warmer than in Britain.

We are bound for Albufeira, about half an hour's drive from the airport, where we are billeted in a two-bedroom apartment within a newly built complex of luxury villas at the Sheraton Algarve Hotel.

There's a cot in the main bedroom, a washing machine, dryer, a fully-equipped kitchen and even trusty CBeebies on satellite TV. Ruby seems pleased.

The room service is shockingly expensive — you don't get much change out of £50 for two ham and cheese sandwiches. But, luckily, there's a well-stocked supermarket down the road, and the hotel restaurant is more reasonably priced.

Next morning, the sun has cocked a snook at those forecasters, so we venture out to explore Albufeira.

In summer, the population swells from 35,000 to more than 300,000, and there's no denying that it's a tourist hot-spot.

Even so, it has retained much of its ancient charm, and has a beguiling labyrinth of narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, cafes and shops leading to a central square.

Little treasure: Baby Ruby settles in at Albufeira's beach

It attracts the usual throng of party-loving youngsters, but is equally popular with pensioners and young families. All-in-all, a good mix.

We browse the pretty gift shops, pause for coffee in one of the many cafes and generally soak up the lush surroundings.

Back at the Sheraton, we take a walk around the extensive grounds.

It's perfect for children to explore: a maze of winding paths connecting hidden squares with fountains and a brook that meanders through the outlying villas.

Ruby, disappointingly, is too young for the video arcade, and I'm told I'm too old to enter the computer game competition, so we have to pass it by. Instead, we stop at the playground, which has a giant pirate ship.

Back at the apartment, we relax on the balcony with its reassuringly tall railings that even the most adventurous toddler would be unable to scale.

After a busy day we've all got a hearty appetite. There are babysitting facilities and a creche for under-threes, but restaurant staff are happy for children to join their parents in the evenings.

Mediterranean charm: Fishing boats on the beach

The next morning the swimming pool looks inviting. For adults, the pool is a perfectly decent rectangle in which to do lengths and then sprawl by the side in the sun.

But I overhear a boy of about eight telling his mother that he prefers 'wiggly-shaped pools'.

There's also a wonderful beach only a few minutes' walk away and a handy lift which takes you down the panoramic 100ft cliff face to the sand, so parents don't have to struggle with pushchairs.

Mums and dads aren't forgotten.

There's an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, an indoor pool with Jacuzzi, gym and a beauty salon.

During peak season the resort also runs children's clubs with activities such as pirate days.

Our short break comes to an end all too soon. I mention to the driver that it's a relief the airport is only a short hop away, and he points out that all Tots Too resorts are near the airport. Of course.

Travel facts

A seven-night stay, including bed and breakfast and return flights, based on a family of two adults and two children sharing, with private return transfers, costs from £2,250 (020 7284 3344). For more details, visit totstoo.com.

By James Mills
Last updated at 5:28 PM on 22nd March 2009