Family • June 2015
Seven hotels where kids are invited
Night-time safaris, indoor camping and a dedicated teen arcade… keeping your children entertained on holiday has never been easier. And while not every hotel welcomes young guests with open arms, content editor of The Club, Hannah Hudson, has found seven that really do
A Swallows and Amazons adventure in Kenya
At Sasaab Lodge, children can visit the Samburu tribe, who will teach them how to make a traditional bow and arrow or toothbrush from the ‘toothbrush tree’. They'll also learn how to collect water, make a fire and survive in the bush. Adventurers can take a three-to-a-hump camel ride. From £288 per adult and £168 per child per night.
Kids concierge in London
The Kids’ Concierge at The Athenaeum gives children a taste of the good life. A questionnaire before you arrive ensures your child’s favourite games and DVDs are waiting at check-in. Games consoles can be requested via room service, while kites, frisbees and bird seed are available for trips to Green Park. Milk and biscuits are delivered to the room every evening. Rooms from £260 and luxury apartments from £540.
Night safaris and astronomy in Italy
A night-time jeep ride around the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco estate reveals Italy’s hidden wildlife, including deer, wild boar, pheasants and hares. Outside the hunting season, the estate also runs ‘Under the Tuscan Stars’ evenings, where children learn from an astronomer at an outdoor, after-dark, family session. From £395 per person per night.
Farm adventures in Turkey
On a kids-only trip to the Kalkan Regency’s organic farm, children will pet the hotel's animals, learn how milk, cheese and butter are made, and wander through colourful greenhouses. There’s then a picnic in the grounds. B&B from £90 per person per night. Farm visit £15 per child.
Cultural fun in Marbella
At the Kids’ Club in the Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, children can learn to paint in the style of Picasso in the design studio, take flamenco classes in the dance studio and experiment with Spanish guitar. There's also a kid-sized kitchen, where budding cooks are taught to make gazpacho and paella. Deluxe doubles from £350 per night.
A teen arcade in Mexico
The dedicated ‘Teen Arcade’ at the Hyatt Playa del Carmen is packed with games and activities, including a ping-pong table, foosball table, 10-man cinema, snacks and arcade games. If you’re worried about square eyes, the hotel offers more constructive activities, including Mayan crafts and piñata making. Double Rooms from £130 per night.