Hotels with extraordinary kids’ clubs
A good kids’ club can make or break a family holiday. If your offspring are off safely enjoying themselves, then you can really relax. And it’s not just about pools and playgrounds. From a Greek-themed adventure club to a personalised African Bush experience, we’ve found the hotels that take kids’ clubs to a whole new level. Who knows? They might even learn something
01/06/2021Updated 17/06/2024
Adventure Club at Elix, Mar-Bella Collection
Destination: Greece
Send the kids off on their very own week-long Odyssey at the Grasshoppers Kids’ Club, aimed at children aged 4-12. They’ll have the chance to go on eco-trails, search a secluded beach for hidden treasure and learn crafts from superheroes. Creative types will love being ‘sand architects’, trying their hand at cooking, and perhaps even building a model boat, before racing it down the stunningly beautiful Acheron river. Older kids can mountain-bike their way around the amazing Aegean landscape and take tennis, waterboarding and other sporty lessons.
High Life insight: Don’t miss the The Great Night Adventure, where small teams work together to solve clues and overcome challenges all around the hotel.
Kids can branch out at Elix; two wheels good at Schloss Elmau
‘Edutainment’ at Schloss Elmau
Destination: Germany
Worlds away from a static science lesson, Schloss Elmau’s children’s club and ‘Edutainment’ workshops help kids and teens to use their senses to explore the world of nature, technology and the environment around them. They’ll learn without realising it (it helps that they’re surrounded by the bright, crisp Bavarian mountains), and explore the little things that children notice but adults may not: raindrops on branches, lightning in the sky, a compass showing the way. As well as analysing the natural world, they can enjoy it, too, with outdoor music sessions, kayaking, stand-up paddling, archery and al fresco yoga.
High Life insight: If they’re a budding musician (or even if they’re not!), they’ll love the programme of cultural events.
Wilderness Safaris Bush Buddies
Destination: Zambia and Zimbabwe
Bush Buddies will make a trip to Zambia or Zimbabwe as unforgettable for kids as it is for you. A safari expert and mentor will join your family and tailor activities to your children based on their age and interests. As well as discovering what it’s like to live in the Bush, they might learn different bird and animal calls, make traditional jewellery, listen to storytelling, discover the star constellations and, if they’re feeling helpful, even lend a hand making something delicious in the camp kitchen.
High Life insight: Be sure to arrange a private game drive to cater for the slower pace of children.
Soneva Fushi is a haven for budding marine biologists; Bush Buddies make some noise on a Wilderness Safari break
Soneva Fushi, the Maldives
Destination: Maldives
Conservation and the beautiful marine environment of the Maldives form the basis of the kids’ clubs at Soneva Fushi (opening image). Little ones are taught how to identify turtles and sail to the sandbank, while teenagers can learn about coral reefs, marine pollution, astronomy and survival skills. The best way to learn is by having fun and these clubs offer plenty of that, with snorkelling around an ancient shipwreck, a barbecue on the beach, a disco in ‘The Den’ and helping to cook tasty Maldivian snacks all on the agenda.
High Life insight: The 1,365sqm Den is the largest children’s club in the Maldives and South Asia, covering an area greater than six tennis courts.
The Beehive at Chewton Glen
Destination: UK
What could be more exciting to a child than a woodland den set in the treetops? With cosy reading nooks, a rope bridge and 360° panoramic views, The Beehive at Chewton Glen is the perfect base for kids to connect with the great outdoors. They’re kept as busy as bees (50 working hives produce honey for the hotel), whether it’s getting crafty with papier-mâché and salt dough animals, building rockets, rafts and hedgehog houses or learning about nature. There’s also a kids’ afternoon tea, scavenger hunts, sports days and outdoor swimming, so they’ll be suitably exhausted by the time they buzz back to you.
High Life insight: Learn about bugs and beehives with estate manager Darren Venables.
Children playing croquet at Chewton Glen
