3 Cool Kids Clubs in Europe
As a relatively new (and rather tired) mummy, I am quite unwilling to relinquish my entire holiday to running around after my little one. I have been researching stylish hotels with equally brilliant and fun kids clubs. I knew that they were out there. Here are three that I really like the sound of and will hopefully be able to personally review for you in time to come.
Marbella Club Hotel, Spain
If I was a seasoned mini traveller looking for a cool holiday environment and lots of unique activities that I wouldn’t normally do at home, then I would (with help from mum and dad) book the Marbella Club. An iconic and glamorous playground for adults and kids alike, the Marbella Club ticks all the boxes for a fun but stylish family holiday. The kids club is set within the heart of the hotel in Prince Alfonso’s original villa and thanks to Spanish designers Minimec, the entire area is an indoor, outdoor haven of Nordic design with Spanish rustic influence.
Chill out or run around in this Minimec designed kids area
Mini Musos Can Learn Spanish Guitar in the music room
Here, kids don’t just ‘paint’ they paint like Picasso. Neither will your minis simply cook you up a soggy cupcake; instead, head chef will show them how to pick their own vegetables then make a Gazpacho or Paella – how very handy.
Perhaps some truffle oil on your pizza?
Those with more adventurous offspring can do paddle boarding, football or a pier swim. Little creatives aspiring to be the next Coco Chanel can start by making their own scent in the ‘Aroma Workshop’ while chill out hour provides downtime in the beautiful outdoor space, where sitting on a beanbag and reading in the shade of a tree is perfectly holiday-ish. The club is open to kids 4 to 14. Unders 4s are welcome when accompanied by an adult which, given the very aesthetically pleasing space, is definitely not a problem.
Anassa Hotel, Cyprus
It seems you are never too young to holiday at the Anassa in Cyprus. It’s five kids clubs cater from four month old babies to teenagers. Anassa has clearly done their homework in the ‘how can we make life easy for parents’ category. The ‘Baby Go Lightly’ offering is an online pre-order of anything and everything you might need from car seats, carriers, buggies, sterilisers, baby walkers, baby gyms, bath tubs, nappies, DVD’s in various languages…need I say more? The idea of not having to haul baby gear around is blissful whilst freshly prepared baby meals and a specially designed sleep room sound like idyllic aspects of a luxury baby vacation.
Watermelons on the beach
Little guests of the Anassa will find their respective kids club makes the most of Cypriot culture and the resort’s beach location. Young artists can try out Mosaic making while tiny groovers can master some Cypriot dance moves. If you have managed to drag your teenager away with you, fear not, they can hide away in an urban graffiti designed games room kitted out with the all essential Nintendo, pool table and big screen TV paraphernalia.
Family Sailing Day on Bavaria Cruiser
Away from the kids clubs, families can spend a day sailing on the Anassa’s brand new Bavaria 41 yacht or little ones can learn to spa from an early age with the junior treats menu in the Thalassa Spa. There are lighthearted treatments such as the Ila Rainforest (a mud painting and body balm massage) or Twinkle Toes (a funky pedicure).
The Peligoni Club, Greece
If you love the Greek islands like I do then The Peligoni Club, located on the coast of north Zakynthos, offers old school luxury in its villas and kids club. Until recently, the club was the place to go if you were a family with water sport loving teenagers but this year, a new creche with a team of nannies for children six years and under mean we can all enjoy a piece of the action.
There is no sandy beach so the pool is the centre of activity for younger kids. The informal kids club invites 4-12 year olds to join in pool volleyball, ping-pong, treasure hunts and mocktail making. Sailing, kayaking and windsurfing with tuition from RYA instructors keep older kids busy in the day while dressing up parties and BBQs keep them occupied at night. The vibe is well-heeled boho and unfussy chilling out. A driftwood bar, outdoor taverna style restaurant and villas located away from the club are all part of the ‘grown up way to family holiday’ ethos.
Loungers at Peligoni
Have you stayed anywhere with a kids club that’s so cool you wouldn’t mind hanging out there yourself? Don’t keep it a secret – let me know in the comments below:)
