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
01/06/2021
Adventure Club at MarBella Elix
Destination: Greece
Send the kids off on their very own week-long Odyssey at this Greek-themed adventure club, aimed at children aged 8-15. They’ll have the chance to kayak through caves looking for Poseidon’s trident, search a secluded beach for Zeus’s hidden treasure, learn archery and wood carving from Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and mountain-bike their way around the amazing Aegean landscape. Creative types aren’t forgotten, either – they can mould Grecian vases during a pottery session, try their hand at weaving, and even build a model boat, before racing it down the stunningly beautiful Acheron river.
High Life insight: At the end of the week, the kids can enjoy a fun- and sun-drenched fishing lesson.
Kids can branch out at MarBella Elix; two wheels good at Schloss Elmau
‘Edutainment’ at Schloss Elmau
Destination: Germany
Worlds away from a static science lesson, Schloss Elmau’s ‘Edutainment’ kids’ club helps those aged six to 11 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 enjoy creating music from the natural materials they find outside and performing for parents at the closing concert.
Wilderness Safaris Bush Buddies Programme
Destination: Zambia and Zimbabwe
With tracking lessons, antlion trapping, frogging and treasure hunting, the Bush Buddies service will make a trip to Zambia or Zimbabwe as unforgettable for kids as it is for you. Available for six- to ten-year-olds, this programme sees a safari expert and mentor 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’ll 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: On ‘The Adventure of the Corbin’ course, kids use GoPros to create a short film of their escapades, which is then shown at a special evening family screening at the end of the trip.
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 at Science Club and All About The Birds. 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: Don’t miss a visit to Chewton’s bug hotel and beehives with estate manager Darren Venables.
The Almyra is a playground for mini-explorers; junior bake-off at Chewton Glen Cookery School
Scott Dunn Explorers Club, Almyra
Destination: Cyprus
Whatever their age, whatever their interests, Scott Dunn’s award-winning Explorers Club at the Almyra Hotel in Paphos will keep youngsters entertained. From four months, really little ones can be left enjoying splash pools and sensory play with the highly trained childcare team, but it’s once they hit three that the adventures can really begin, with bug hunts, mini-Olympics and swimming. Voyagers (aged five to seven) can learn new sports and skills with yummy mocktail masterclasses, splash rounders and pottery, while Pioneers (eight to 11) can head off site on dolphin trips, harbour excursions and even have a go at sailing. Expect to be jealous of all the fun they’re having.
High Life insight: For each age, child/nanny ratios are excellent, so kids are given a great level of support and attention.
British Airways Holidays is here to help you find your perfect break. From carefully selected hotels to straightforward car hire, all costs are included in the final price, meaning there are no surprise extras. Plus, with a Customer Promise, ATOL protection and a 24-hour helpline, you’ll have total peace of mind when booking your holiday.
