The Holiday Kids Clubs We Love
UK
Calcot & Spa
Cotswolds
Calcot & Spa invites guests to explore its 220 acres in full. Parents should make the most of the four hours of free childcare in the dedicated Playbarn (for babies up to teens) that comes with every stay. There’s a playground made from reclaimed wood and an outdoor pool for the warmer months (as well as an indoor pool with dedicated children’s hours).
Visit Calcot.co
Another Place
Lake District
Set within 18 acres on the shores of Ullswater, Another Place, The Lake is a home from home. It’s all about being active, getting outdoors and relaxing indoors, soaking up all that this beautiful location has to offer. Outdoors, you can open water swim, sail, stand up paddleboard, cycle and hike whilst indoors there is a 20-metre swimming pool. During the school holidays, the Ofsted-registered Kids’ Zone promises an adventurous immersion into the elements while parents enjoy a little self-care. Youngsters will be connected with the outdoors but can also relax indoors: as well as nature hunts and offers of hot chocolate under the stars, there are chilled-out cabins with indoor games and sensory activities for the smallest guests.
Visit Another.Place
Gleneagles
Scotland
The iconic Scottish hotel has just launched a Children’s Welcome Experience for guests aged three to 12. It's a natural extension of the first-class hospitality for which the hotel is renowned, complete with personalised check-in for kids, an explorer’s passport and a bug hunting kit, designed to encourage them to explore every corner of the 850-acre Perthshire estate. Just in time for the upcoming February half-term, Gleneagles will host its first Kids Adventure Programme – offering everything from zip-lining at The Trail Yard to time in the charming Glen Stables.
Visit Gleneagles.com
Beaverbrook
Surrey
Beaverbrook’s 470 acres encompass an array of activities for little ones. Sharky & George organise and run its ever-popular kids club, where every weekend activities range from bug hunting and den building to night safaris. If the weather takes a turn, little ones are kept entertained with designated swimming times and afternoon film screenings. The hotel has also joined forces with the Bear Grylls Academy to deliver action-packed adventures such as wilderness races, axe throwing, navigation challenges and wild camping for older children and teens. Food wise, children’s bento boxes are served in The Dining Room at lunchtime and there are family friendly Italian options at The Garden House or Pizzeria.
Visit Beaverbrook.co.uk
The Grove
Hertfordshire
The Grid is a new activity and games centre for adventurers of all ages. In each section, guests will find a different activity or game experience – from a series of mind-bending challenges and puzzles at Qubed, to a heart-racing Prison Break escape room. Families can also enjoy axe-throwing, a pool table, table tennis and indoor laser shooting. Alongside the new offering, The Grove's standard childcare includes Anouska's kid's club, Football Escapes (May and August), Saracens Rugby Camps (August) and Mini Landies. The Grid is available at weekends and school holidays,10am-5.30pm until 14th April 2024. Bookings are open now.
Visit TheGrove.co.uk
SHORT HAUL
Borgo Egnazia
ITALY
In the heel of Italy, Borgo Egnazia is an exquisitely designed village that evokes the charm and distinct character of the Puglia region. It’s owned and run by a family with a passion for all things local – including the architecture, the food and the festivals that take place year round in the main square. It is no secret that Italians love children and Borgo Egnazia is no exception. The casette and villas are perfectly set up for families, and there is a multitude of activities for all ages including three separate kids clubs. There are farm visits and craft workshops for younger ones; pool games and go-karting for eight to 12 year olds; and reef diving and cooking classes for the teens. Attention to detail is second to none, and children will always come first (sorry, parents).
Visit FAndPTravel.com
Daios Cove
Crete
During a family holiday at Daios Cove, parents can escape for a little bit of ‘us’ time, secure in the knowledge their children are being looked after by a dedicated team of childcare specialists. Babies and toddlers are supervised in the Crèche Club by the Worldwide Kids Co, whose qualified nursery staff meet UK standards and regulations – that’s why they can confidently take babies from just four months old. Older kids can check in for fun at the well-equipped Children’s Club where friendly, highly trained multilingual staff will make them feel at home, and provide games and activities. There’s also babysitting on tap, an outdoor playground, games in the kids pool and special menus.
Visit DaiosCoveCrete.com
Cretan Malia Park
Crete
Cretan Malia Park blends Cretan hospitality and the relaxed rhythm of island life with the nourishment of mind, body and soul. Adults and teenagers can immerse themselves in authentic Cretan traditions, including carefully curated experiences. Sporty teens will love the basketball and tennis court where regular tournaments and matches are held, while for the future inventors and engineers, Lego Robotics lessons are also available, teaching coding and logical reasoning in a fun and engaging way. The hotel has also launched its Nipper Programme: children aged 11 to 15 can learn the basics of beach safety and lifeguarding over five days.
Visit CretanMaliaPark.gr
Costa Navarino
Greece
This hotel is a favourite with UK families for good reason. It’s set in a beautiful and remote location on the pristine coastline of Messinia on the Peloponnese, a relatively unknown part of Greece that’s steeped in history and mythology. All the accommodation here is family friendly and there’s a programme of activities for children as well as two kids clubs: Cocoon (for four months to 3 years old) and Sandcastle (four to 12 years old). The property’s even got its own water park. There are also babysitting facilities for babies and toddlers (at an additional cost) and a children’s playground. Next door, The Romanos is better suited to families with teens.
Visit FAndPTravel.com
Sani Resort
Greece
Sani has put childcare at its centre, so parents can enjoy quality relaxation in between fun activities with their kids. Under 12s stay for free, and there are restaurants with child-friendly menus, and a large lagoon-style pool for all to splash around in, as well as a white sand beach. Pack light – everything’s provided for babies, including pushchairs and sterilisers. The creche follows UK Ofsted guidelines. Guests can even enjoy a complimentary session at Carol Mae Consulting, where they’ll learn how to adjust children’s sleep and behavioural routine to make the most of a stay at Sani. There’s also Babe Watch, so parents can swim while someone watches their baby, baby swimming lessons and private nannying. For teens, the Ozon Teen Club has all sorts of activities, from building shelters at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy and acing their serve at the Tennis Academy to exploring flavours and tastes in a mocktail making class.
Visit Sani-Resort.com
Victoria Jungfrau
Switzerland
A children’s house named ‘Bienehuus’ (meaning beehive) opened its doors last summer at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken. With a focus on learning, spa, wellness and Swiss nature, children aged three to 12 can enjoy a varied programme which includes a literature club, the chance to become a master pizzaiolo, flower arranging, and yoga and dance classes. These experiences can be enjoyed in the specially designed rooms in the house, where they can also paint, read, play or just be.
Visit Victoria-Jungfrau.ch
La Zambra
Spain
Set in the Andalusian hills between Malaga and Marbella, La Zambra is the old Byblos hotel (the renowned 80s and 90s spot favoured by stars from Mick Jagger to Julio Iglesias). There’s a baby club for infants between six months and three years old, managed by specially trained staff. Those between four and 10 years old can enjoy a sophisticated playground with indoor and outdoor areas with monitored access. Connecting to the local environment, activities include gardening, handcraft with recycling materials, and exciting ecological gymkhanas. Kids can also enjoy flamenco classes, Andalusian pottery classes and even learn how to make delicious gazpacho.
Visit LaZambraHotel.com
Andronis Arcadia
Greece
One of Santorini’s only ultra-luxury family welcoming hotels, Andronis Arcadia is a rare find. Designed to inspire creativity, imagination and innovation in children aged four to 14 years old, its new kids club offers a holistic learning experience that connects children to the cultural heritage of Santorini through specially designed group activities. Children can enjoy yoga, spa treatments, cooking lessons, tennis, hiking trails and photo safaris to name a few activities. Beyond the core activity schedule, children also have the option to experience the dedicated robotics lab.
Visit Andronis.com
Fairmont Taghazout Bay
Morocco
On the laidback southern coast of Morocco, Taghazout Bay is a surfer's paradise, with blue waters and sandy beaches. It’s also the home of Fairmont Taghazout Bay which offers families beach and pool time in full tranquility or the option to take up a more active holiday. Well known for sandboarding, surfing and hiking, the area has plenty to appeal to older kids, while the hotel’s teen club has a basketball court, gaming room and surf club. There’s also bike hire, yoga, boxing classes and golf to keep energetic types entertained.
Visit Fairmont.com
Mandarin Oriental
Marrakech
Tucked away in the shaded gardens of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, near to the resort’s farm and the chef’s vegetable garden, the Kids Kasbah mimics a majestic, fortified citadel. Here, children can discover Moroccan culture through arts and crafts workshops, cookery classes and outdoor activities. Workshops include Berber carpet weaving, calligraphy, pottery, and cookery classes. To bring calm to the Kasbah, there are also yoga and stretching sessions designed especially for children and, by night, an open-air cinema for starlit movie-watching. The many opportunities for memorable family moments include BMXing, zip-lining and archery in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, or floating above the rooftops and minarets of Marrakech and the desert in a hot air balloon ride at sunrise (for aged four and up).
Visit MandarinOriental.com
LONG HAUL
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Oman
Standing high and fortress-like in the Al Hajar mountains, the wood and stone exteriors of Jabal Akhdar seem part of the landscape. But they belie the level of luxury inside. It’s a true wilderness retreat, on the edge of a ravine, reachable only by 4×4, and where nature and solitude are the main attraction. This is a magical destination for adventurous families, with a number of children’s activities – from adventure walks and scavengers hunts to arts and crafts, science experiments and archery, as well as a spa kitchen for older children.
Visit FAndPTravel.com
Chablé Yucatan
Mexico
Chablé Yucatan’s newly opened kids club is inspired by the Mayan myth of the Aluxes: a tale of little spirits who cause mischief while caring for the region’s agriculture. With elevated pathways winding through the trees, the wilderness of the Yucatan jungle takes centre stage. In the village, children can grow vegetables in ka'anchés (traditional Mayan gardens), watch movies under the leafy canopy, stargaze on astronomy themed nights, and get creative during theatre, photography, pottery and henequen weaving workshops. The youngest guests can also let off steam during pickleball, ping pong and table football tournaments. Other highlights include a soft-play area complete with slides, a splash zone, library and dedicated teens area.
Visit Yucatan.ChableHotels.com
Eden Roc Cap Cana
Dominican Republic
It's no surprise this Relais & Châteaux resort is prized as a top family-friendly hotel in the Caribbean. Striking in design, Eden Roc Cap Cana’s Koko Kids Club resembles a treehouse on its own island, surrounded by a man-made lagoon. It’s equipped with a mini spa, expansive play area and storytelling snug. Children aged four to 12 can enjoy supervised play in the enclosed sandy beach next to the club, and kayak around the safe lagoon (lifeguard on watch), while experienced staff organise scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, contests and numerous other activities. The new ‘Fly the Nest’ package is designed to enrich family time together before teenagers strike out into the world. IT includes memorable experiences such as private beach picnics, all-day boat trip adventures, and golf and cooking lessons.
Visit EdenRocCapCana.com
Kuda Villingili
Maldives
Kuda Villingili in the North Male Atoll has partnered with The Wave Project, which uses surfing to support young people suffering from anxiety and low self-esteem. Families are invited to join a three-day surf school, designed by The Wave Project and carried out by Kuda Villingili’s dedicated water sports team. For younger guests, the Kuda Fiyo kids club lays on spoon races, bamboo dancing, creative workshops and more.
Visit KudaVillingili.com
Constance Ephelia
Seychelles
Set between two pristine, granite rock-framed beaches, in 120 hectares of lush, tropical landscape, and right on the edge of the Morne Seychelles National Park, Constance Ephelia sprawls among the palms, with mountainous rainforest borders either side, and a mangrove forest at its heart. It has all manner of facilities for children. Extra beds can be added to rooms and there’s a well-run kids club. Open to children aged four to 11 (younger ones are welcome, but will need a babysitter, at an extra cost), the club has an activity programme featuring arts and crafts, feeding giant tortoises, and pool games among other things. There are also indoor and outdoor play areas.
Visit FAndPTravel.com
Shangri-La Le Touessrok
Mauritius
One of the largest kids clubs in Mauritius helps make Shangri-La Le Touessrok a perfect escape for children and parents alike. Running daily from 9am to 10pm, the club’s weekly programme is built around sport, education, art and culture. Children aged four to 12 can get stuck into cooking classes, arts and crafts, discovering Mauritian instruments, watersports (kayaking, kitesurfing, pedalos, Hobie Cats, glass-bottom boats and fishing), treasure hunts, golf, tennis and beach games, and even pool parties and movie nights at the outdoor cinema. There’s even a Tortoise Cove that’s home to three giant Aldabra tortoises – Toto, Fifi and Lola – who can help children make memories they may never forget.
Visit Shangri-La.com
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