Best Kids Club

Before I had children, I never imagined that a kids’ club would become one of the things I looked at most closely when choosing a hotel. But after years of travelling with my own boys, and planning family holidays for clients, I have realised just how much the right kids’ club can change a holiday.

The best kids’ clubs give children a holiday within the holiday. They make friends, try things they would never do at home and come back at the end of the day desperate to tell you what they have been up to. Meanwhile, parents get a little time to themselves, knowing their children are somewhere they genuinely want to be.

These are some of the kids’ clubs that have really stood out to me over the years.

LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives is often thought of as the ultimate couples’ destination, but it can be absolutely brilliant with children if you choose the right island.

At LUX* South Ari Atoll, the kids’ club really embraces where you are. Rather than feeling like children have been taken away from the destination, activities make the most of the tropical surroundings and island life.

That is something I always look for. If you have travelled all the way to the Maldives, I want children to experience the Maldives too, rather than spend their days inside a generic playroom.

It is a wonderful choice for families who want that dream Indian Ocean holiday without feeling that they have to wait until the children are older.

Marbella Club, Spain

Marbella Club is a very different experience and one I love.

The hotel itself has that timeless, understated feel, and the kids’ club follows the same philosophy. It is beautifully designed, but more importantly, there is real thought behind what children actually do there.

There are opportunities to cook, create, garden, explore and learn new skills. It feels imaginative rather than overly organised, and manages to be special without being flashy.

For parents, Marbella Club also offers the rare combination of a genuinely luxurious grown-up hotel and a children’s programme that feels like an important part of the experience, rather than an afterthought.

Hillside Beach Club, Turkey

Hillside is one of those hotels that just seems to understand family holidays.

Surrounded by pine-covered hills and the beautiful Aegean Sea, there is a wonderful freedom to it. Children can be outdoors, active and adventurous, and the whole experience feels very connected to nature.

What I particularly like about Hillside is the relaxed atmosphere. Children are busy having fun, parents can enjoy some downtime, and nobody feels as though they are following a rigid programme.

It is the sort of place where children quickly make friends and disappear off happily in the morning, which is often the greatest endorsement of a kids’ club you can get.

Valamar Lacroma, Croatia

Valamar does family holidays extremely well, and Lacroma is a great example of why.

The children’s offering goes far beyond a room with toys and colouring pencils. There is a real mix of creativity, games, entertainment and activities, with different options depending on the age of the child.

That age distinction is important, particularly for families with older primary-school children who have outgrown traditional kids’ clubs but still want to meet other children and have some independence.

It also works brilliantly alongside Dubrovnik, giving families the chance to combine pool and beach time with exploring one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.

One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius

One&Only Le Saint Géran manages to make family travel feel incredibly special.

Its KidsOnly programme is thoughtful and varied, with activities designed around different interests rather than simply keeping children occupied. The beautiful Mauritian setting becomes part of the experience too.

This is particularly important to me when recommending long-haul family holidays. Children should come home remembering Mauritius, not just the hotel swimming pool.

For parents, there is plenty of time to enjoy everything that makes One&Only so lovely, while the children are off creating their own memories.

Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Mallorca

Not every brilliant kids’ club needs to sit within an ultra-luxury hotel.

Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is a great example of a hotel that simply understands what families need. Its Star Camp programme is energetic, sociable and packed with activities. There is always something going on, which makes it particularly good for children who like to be busy and make friends.

And sometimes that is exactly what you need from a family holiday.

For me, the best kids’ clubs are not really about childcare. They are about everyone having a better holiday. Children get some independence, new experiences and their own stories to tell. Parents get precious time to read a book, have lunch together or simply do absolutely nothing for a couple of hours.

When you find a hotel that gets that balance right, it can completely change the way you travel as a family.