To a bleary-eyed new mum who has spent the last four months walking in circles around the lounge room coffee table, the idea of an all-inclusive holiday with babysitters to boot was an offer I couldn't refuse.

As I set foot on the sun drenched sands of Lindeman Island with my husband George, our new baby Gracie and my stepkids Jerry and Nellie, the worries of the world washed away with the first cocktail.

In this neck of the woods, the only things you have to worry about are a coconut falling on your head - and there's only a one in 250 million chance of that happening - or developing poolside paralysis as you sip on divine drinks with little pink umbrellas in them. And you don't have to suffer a long, exhausting flight to get there. Lindeman is part of the stunning Whitsunday Island group, 32km off the coast of Queensland.

Lindeman Island has something for everyone, including a huge range of sports, fitness classes, activities, a dedicated kids' clubs, a golf course, extensive excursions, secluded beaches and guided nature walks.

One of the best things about Lindeman is that there are no nasty surprises when you get the final bill. On this holiday virtually everything - including airfares, boat transfers from Hamilton Island, alcohol (except top shelf tipples), all-day snacking and a dizzying array of activities, including archery, water sports, circus trapeze, windsurfing, water polo, table tennis and fitness classes, are included.

And with a no-tipping policy, it's akin to living in paradise for free! The only extras you might have to fork out for are beauty treatments at the spa, which are on the pricey side, golf balls for the nine-hole golf course and any off-island excursions, such as Great Barrier Reef cruises and snorkelling.

The other big plus to Lindeman is that while you lie back on a deckchair and think of nothing, there are dozens of happy, clappy, youthfully effervescent GOs (gentle organisers) to keep both littlies and older children occupied during the day with shows, crafts and pool tournaments. And for children under two, the baby welcome includes cots, prams and bottle warmers free in your room - the only extra you may wish to fork out for at night is babysitting at $25 per hour.

George and I started our holiday at Lindeman with a power walk. The island has 20km of well maintained walking tracks with beautiful views, and we were greeted by sunshine and a kaleidoscopic flutter of butterflies. Then it was off to the club's day spa for a facial and full-body massage. George was crooning at the beginning of the treatment, but to my great embarrassment he was so blissed out he snored loudly through the next relaxing treat!

It was then time for an extravagant lunchtime meal. There's a different theme for each day of the week, from Mexican to Island, Italian, French, Asian and more. It's never boring fare here, and you'll never go hungry. A team of hand-picked chefs will cook your stir-fry on the spot, and sumptuous croissants and pastries are made every morning for brekkie.

And for those who aren't waging a battle with the bathroom scales, just one glance at the dessert bar will lighten your mood for your whole stay. Going in to bat for our family, George managed to consume nine different desserts in one sitting. He argued that his morning fitness and abdominal class (or in his case flabdominals) had earned him a permanent spot at the dessert bar.

This was a week in paradise that our family will never forget - lazy days in the sunshine, family time, great food, activities to appeal to each of us and a magical island atmosphere.

TO GO Call Club Med on 1300 855 052, or visit www.clubmed.com.au

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