Latest news with #kidsclub
News.com.au
a day ago
- News.com.au
‘A literal oasis for parents and kids': Bali hotel you need to book now
If the thought of hopping on an international flight with small children makes you want to bury those passports in the backyard for the next three to five years, then let's just say you're part of a very big club. But if there's any inclination to dust off the travel documents and go deep in the wardrobe searching for everyone's cozzies – call it sheer desperation for some form of getaway to break up the chaos of home life – then hear me out. The biggest questions for any parent with little ones while contemplating the pros and cons of a trip away with the family are always – is it even worth it? Will it be at all relaxing? Will we get a break from the kids? Will we enjoy ourselves? Will everyone get sick? What if the weather sucks and we're all trapped inside? Basically, will it inevitably just be a 'same sh*tshow, but with a better view and stronger cocktails' scenario? All signs point to yes. I've always been a big believer in holding off until the kids are a little older. Until nobody needs a daytime nap, everyone can swim confidently, and most importantly, once every child can skip off to Kids Club without a care in the world. I've braved enough holidays in recent years that turned into an exhausting game of tag team with my husband – one of us watches the sleeping child in the hotel room, while the other wears out the two older kids in the pool or at the beach – to know better. To some, this may sound like a perfectly acceptable break, but not if you want to actually spend any time with the other family member splitting the bill with you. Enter Movenpick Resort & Spa in Bali. At first glance, this five-star resort located walking distance to Jimbaran Beach on the wildly popular Indonesian island ticks a lot of boxes for families with youngsters. Kids Club? Tick. Kid friendly pools and activities? Tick. Kid focused menu? Tick. Interconnecting rooms perfect for larger families? Tick. Babysitters on standby for really little ones? Tick. Amenities for babies such as cots, high chairs and prams? Tick. A not-so-scary flight time to reach said amenities? Tick. A 24-hour fitness centre, rooftop bar, Balinese spa and strong cocktails? TICK. I'd seen this resort on Instagram, with fellow parents singing its praises and sharing idyllic photos of not one, but four outdoor swimming pools, a water slide, jacuzzi, artificial beach, swim-up bars, even a giant inflatable obstacle course floating in one of the pools. Knowing what we know about the Instagram Vs reality of holidays on social media, I turned to my other trusted source - Google reviews. A quick scan of the five-star resort's some 7,000 reviews confirmed all I hoped to read. Endless comments from guests, many of them parents, all raving about their experiences. 'This is one of those rare places where you can completely relax, knowing you (and your children) are in good hands,' was one such review that stuck with me. So, we packed the mountain of sh*t you need for a week away as a family of five, braved the 6.5 hour flight with our five, three and one-year-old daughters, and arrived – after what seemed like an eternity – to a literal oasis for parents and kids. The hotel room We were lucky enough to stay in a Family Prestige Room, which is two connecting rooms over 76 sqm and the perfect option for travellers with children. Our two older daughters were able to sleep in king single beds in one room, with my husband and I in the connecting room, along with our baby in a cot beside our king bed. Not only were there bathrooms in each room, with a shower and bathtub in each, there was also a (lockable) balcony for each room with spectacular views of the pools. The resort also offers a variety of other rooms, including a Classic King, Classic Twin, a Junior Suite, Family Duplex and a Premium Suite, depending on your needs. It's all in the details In terms of cute, kid-friend touches, the staff had thought of everything in our suite. Toddler sized table and chairs, plush toys on the beds for each of the girls to keep, night lights, a step stool and toilet training seat in the bathrooms, non-stick mats in the tubs, and a sweet welcome note with each of their names, along with a fruit and sweets platter upon arrival. Beyond the hotel room, every day at 4pm in the lobby, the resort hosts Chocolate Hour, which is exactly as it sounds (picture stepping into Wonka's Chocolate Factory for a quick sugar fix) and not to be missed. The kid-friendly features It would be a crime to not mention hands down my favourite feature, the Meera Kids Club, which is certain to have become the best friend of every parent who has ever stayed at Movenpick Resort. The picturesque facility is pirate-themed and caters to kids from 4 – 12 years old. Children under 4 years can also attend with full supervision from parents or legal guardians – or for a small additional fee, an on-site babysitter. My bigger kids were besotted with the kids club, and most days raced to the front door straight from the breakfast buffet, ready to be the first ones inside. This meant Mum and Dad got some one-on-one time with our littlest in the splash pool, and occasionally booked her in for an hour or two with the babysitter to enjoy a few mojitos in peace. Activities at kids club include everything from tie-dye T-shirt design, to ice cream treasure hunts, mermaid hair braiding, jewellery and kite making, dance parties and an indoor playground with a trampoline and ball pit. All super fun options that also mean the kids get to escape the heat for a few hours each day. The resort is also home to a gorgeous trio of pet dogs (two Golden Retrievers and a Labrador), as well as a family of fluffy rabbits and a stingless bee house sanctuary. Children are always welcome to play with the dogs, and even feed the rabbits throughout the day. All in all, the kids club was a 12/10 experience. The dining experience Admittedly, we didn't venture beyond the resort much during our stay. Parents with older kids would easily be able to book a car and explore Jimbaran in more detail, or even see different parts of the island. The beach itself is only 100 metres away and boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in Bali. But after a full day in the water or running around with new-found friends at kids club, my three were always cooked and ready for a quick and easy feast by about 5pm. The Movenpick has four options for dining; Anarasa Restaurant, which is the resort's main restaurant for breakfast lunch and dinner; Jejala Pool Bar, offering quick bites, Western options and frozen margaritas by the pool; the Movenpick Cafe, for coffee and tea, baked goods, and of course ice cream. Our package included access to the breakfast buffet each morning, and while I know this isn't everyone's speed on holidays, I'll just say this - I am STILL thinking about that buffet, weeks later. Quite simply, it was the buffet of anyone's dreams - coffee brewed to perfection as you take your seat, fresh food options from around the world, and - most importantly - a mini breakfast buffet for the kids in their own corner. Meaning you can actually enjoy your meal without a toddler on your lap, while they do laps around their own tailored buffet and catch a quick episode of Bluey or Peppa Pig at the same time. I'm telling you, when it comes to fuss-free, kid-friendly dining, these guys have thought of everything. Finally, the resort's newest dining experience is the Adriana Cucina rooftop bar, located on level 7 and with a view of the gorgeous Jimbaran Bay that rivals any other in Bali. The urban-style restaurant boasts a fusion of Mexican cuisine with traditional Balinese flavours. Fresh seafood, hot grills, guacamole made by the chef at your table, and a killer tequila line-up. It was so good, and the staff were so accommodating of our three weary little travellers, we ate there three times! My husband even got the T-shirt. If you're keen on exploring a little, but not jumping in a car, next door to the resort is the Samasta Lifestyle Village, with a handful of shops and restaurants. My kids loved watching the evening Kecak Dance performance in the main square. One of the things we loved about the Jimbaran area in general is that it's a slower, more peaceful pace than the likes of Kuta and Seminyak, and not as trendy as Canggu. For those hoping to see more of the island, from Jimbaran you've got easy access to places like Uluwatu, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. The details Movenpick Resort and Spa is approximately 15 to 30 minutes by car from Denpasar International Airport, which is Bali's main international airport. Prices start at around $210 per night, for a classic room accomodating up to three people. Suites and family rooms start at around $350 per night.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
The red flags to watch out for at your hotel's kids' club this summer
The world's best kids' clubs can transform your holiday: your children have adventures, perhaps try something new, and you spend the day doing something that you enjoy. By contrast, a bad experience threatens to ruin the trip. But how can you assess the quality before you go away, and when you're on the spot? My own children have had wonderful experiences across Europe, Africa, America and Asia in kids' clubs, with the greatest having a few things in common: brilliant, qualified staff, good communication, research ahead of time to set realistic expectations and appropriate activities. 'A good kids' club is one that balances a safe and secure environment and also offers a properly fun experience,' observes Lee Evans, the director of customer experience at Neilson Holidays. She advises that parents 'choose a club that offers a range of activities and keeps children entertained, rather than one that's just about drawing for hours on end indoors'. She says: 'Parents should look out for ratios of staff to children, staff experience levels, and provisions available at the club. This can be anything from the menu, and any procedures to manage food allergies, to what kind of sun protection the club offers for children and how frequently they top up their water bottles to make sure they stay hydrated. Ultimately, kids should want to be in the club.' So, parents and clubs share the same goal: happy, safe kids. Katherine Atkinson, the chief executive of the Safer Tourism Foundation, the charity dedicated to the prevention of holiday accidents, agrees that both sides bear responsibility: challenges with kids' clubs arise because of how parents use the club, as much as the clubs themselves. Atkinson advises parents: 'Make sure you diligently follow all signing-in and out protocols as these are designed to keep your child safe [and] avoid the crisis response of a missing child who isn't really missing but had just been taken out earlier than expected. Holiday plans will inevitably change, so make sure your kids' club is able to cope with that, without compromising your child's safety and security.' 'It may sound obvious, but look at reviews of people who have used the clubs (kids and parents) before you arrive or book,' says Atkinson. Standards and staff-to-child ratios vary dramatically from country to country; determine what you are comfortable with and look for that. 'Not all kids' club staff will have childcare qualifications, but you might see these as more important for very young children and babies,' says Atkinson. She reminds parents to review safety equipment, too: 'Some clubs may provide protective gear and sun cream, but not all will – make sure you send your child along with everything they need, including rash vest, water bottle, hat.' Make sure that you're ready to cope in the heat by reviewing this guide from Safer Tourism. I am always a bit suspicious of kids' clubs that don't move around; sitting in a classroom for too long is boring for young people. From a safety perspective, consider water rules (are pools fenced?). For help navigating this space, use Safer Tourism's advice on holidays with kids and our guide to staying safe around the pool. Summer is a great low-stakes time to make new friends. Figure out what the lingua franca in the club will be and determine whether this will be a pleasant challenge for your child or not. Ask the staff how they handle language barriers – my children, who speak no German, have made great German friends at Austrian kids' clubs, thanks to the clever translating work of well-trained teenage staff. I see no need to rely on video games and films to entertain young people, and I resist any clubs that boast of gaming rooms. But each family should set its own rules – make a plan with your children and then share this with the club to avoid tears. This is a prime time to practice what you preach. 'Make sure the club has watertight policies around allergy communications and allergen risk management if your child lives with a severe, life-threatening allergy,' says Atkinson. 'Kids want to be like all the others and may not be able to articulate the nature of their allergy or spot a risk when they see one.' Safer Tourism has a helpful guide to travelling with food allergies. Be aware, too, that many clubs do not cater to children with additional needs and disabilities. However, one father, James Leyland, recently described in a Trustpilot review of a Neilson holiday how his seven-year-old, who is 'on the ADHD/autistic spectrum doesn't mix with other children well and has high nervous anxiety', had enjoyed the kids' club so much that he 'swam for the first time, sailed, windsurfed and played all week'. It is well worth ringing ahead to discuss any special needs your child may have. A place like Club Med, where at least 75 per cent of guests are families, absolutely expects almost all families to use the club at some point. If the club is more of a sideline to family activities, your child may resist. Remember that clubs aim to please, and it's your role to teach your child how to be a (polite) self-advocate. If your child wants to make friends, improve football skills or work on their diving, speak to the staff and see how they can help. Some hotels include the cost of the club in the room charge; others do not. Many larger hotels have different levels of clubs operating for various fees. Be sure to note this and plan accordingly. It is typical in the family holiday space to hear scathing comments about parents who outsource the entertaining of children to kids' clubs on holiday. This is distinctly unhelpful; they can be brilliantly stimulating for children after a bit of sport, art, companionship or entertainment; many have flexible hours. They can be especially helpful to parents travelling solo, so they can rest up a bit before having fun with the kids. As with so many aspects of parenting, this is a good time to choose what suits you and pipe down on the judgement of others. This article was first published in July 2024 and has been revised and updated. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
P&O Cruises risks backlash over new pre-boarding kids' club charges
P&O Cruises has sparked debate among parents after it introduced a new pre-booking system that lets passengers pay to secure a kids' club space before boarding one of its cruise ships. Previously, P&O Cruises let parents reserve a space at The Reef kids' club for free once on board but that meant slots could get fully booked. Instead, the new system lets parents pay to secure a spot for their children before boarding. A space can be booked from two weeks before departure when logging into the My P&O Cruises site, with prices starting at £4.95 for daytime and £8.95 for evening sessions. Spaces will still be available on a first-come-first-served basis to book for free once on the cruise ship. The charge only applies to The Reef, which is the brand's on-board kids' club for children aged 12 and under. No bookings are needed for the H2O teens club. There has been a mixed response on social media, with some parents praising the ability to be able to plan ahead and ensure their child isn't left disappointed. But others have questioned the fairness of the policy as there are no refunds if your child decides they don't feel like going at the set time on the day while on board. However, your money will be refunded if you cancel a pre-booked slot before the cruise. It could also end up pretty expensive for larger families. Cruise blogger Jenni Fielding, who writes the CruiseMummy blog, highlights that a family with two children who want to attend all the sessions would end up paying up to £38 per day on top of the regular cruise fare. She said: 'The new pre-booking charges might sound appealing to some guests, especially those travelling in busier periods such as the school holidays and who don't mind paying extra to guarantee a space for their kids. 'But compared to other cruise lines that are a lot more relaxed about their kids' clubs, not even requiring advance reservations regardless of charges, it could be seen as another example of penny-pinching by the cruise line.' Other cruise lines such as MSC, Princess and Norwegian don't charge for kids' clubs, although there may be a fee for late-night babysitting. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: 'We know how important it is for families to be able to plan and organise their time on board, by introducing pre-bookable sessions in The Reef, we're giving parents the flexibility to enjoy their own time while knowing their children are having a great experience. 'We've designed our family programme to be as inclusive and engaging as possible, from toddlers to teens there is a world of discovery, creativity and laughter waiting on board.' Asked about the online feedback, a spokesperson for P&O Cruises told The Independent: 'It is a very positive move, absolutely allowing families more flexibility to plan ahead. It also takes the stress out of potentially having to queue or turn up early to clubs on board.' P&O Cruises has also introduced new kids' club features. Teen guests can hear talks and take part in content creation workshops with popular young influencers. The cruise brand is also introducing autism-friendly cinema screenings, featuring softer lighting and lower sound levels.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a mum and I judge anyone who puts their children in a kids club – I was horrified by what I saw when I dropped in
IT was supposed to be a fun-filled holiday activity - a chance for her son to enjoy some supervised play. Instead, a recent kids' club experience left mum Charlotte deeply disheartened, making her question the idea of leaving children in such an environment. Her candid account, shared with her followers on TikTok, has struck a chord with many parents. 'Whoever puts their kids into kids' club on holiday needs to give their head a f****** wobble,' Charlotte declared in a video that has since gained 603.4k views after being posted on 18 June. Charlotte, known as ' charlotteblandfordtagg ' on TikTok, was on holiday in Spain with her son Freddie when she decided to pop to the shops for some food. Hoping to leave him in the kids' club for around 20 minutes, she thought it would be a simple solution. She recounted feeling flustered upon arriving at the club, but what she found inside was far more concerning. 'The atmosphere's dead,' she described. 'There's no kids playing. Kids are just literally bundled up on these tables. "They're not even being naughty. They're literally just sat there, with no one's talking.' This was particularly shocking to Charlotte since the session had been marketed as a superhero arts and crafts event. Yet, according to her, 'there was nothing out on the table, so it was just bare tables.' Charlotte could tell her son wasn't keen on going in, but she reassured him that she wouldn't be long. Guests at this TUI resort get waterpark access The most heartbreaking moment came as she watched Freddie's attempts to fit in. She described how he approached a table, trying to find a spot, but no one acknowledged him. 'He went over to one table, and none of the kids moved to let him sit down. Then he tried another one, and then another one, but no one helped him,' she explained. Seeing her son's sadness, Charlotte knew she couldn't leave him there. 'Really sad' Calling his name, she watched as he turned to look at her with a 'really sad' expression before telling her he wouldn't stay. Despite the staff's attempts to encourage them to remain, Charlotte was unwavering in her decision to leave. Her message to other parents was clear. In her video, she addressed those who send their children to holiday clubs, urging them to consider that the kids might not be enjoying themselves. Instead of leaving Freddie at the club, Charlotte chose to spend some quality time with her boys - a decision she felt was far more worthwhile. Her video gained 587 comments as many people rushed to share their thoughts - with some being mixed. One wrote: 'Unpopular opinion…..don't take them if you're going to chuck them into a kids club. Spend quality time with them!' A second added: 'Parents who judge other parents need to give their heads a wobble.' 2 And a third commented: 'NEVER would I ever leave my child in a random kids club unattended abroad, absolutely not.' While a fourth said: 'I will never understand anyone who puts their kids in a kids club.' But someone else replied: 'Because some kids want to go. "My daughter loves it, it's an hour/two hours out of a day. My daughter did baking, games, shows, almost its ace.' Where can kids eat for free this summer? THE summer holidays are here, but entertaining the kids need not cost a fortune. Here, we reveal where you can get free and cheap meals for your little ones during the 'endless' summer holidays. ASDA CAFE: Nip into an Asda cafe to feed the kids after the weekly shop. Under-16s get a hot or cold meal for £1 at any time of day. Little ones are covered, too. Kids under 18 months get a free Ella's baby food pouch with any purchase. BEEFEATER: This family-friendly pub chain makes mornings a breeze. Two kids under 16 eat for free with the purchase of an adult breakfast for £10.99. It's available from 6.30am to 10.30am midweek and 7am to 11am at weekends. BELLA ITALIA: Book a table and order an adult meal at the Italian eatery for kids aged two to 11 to get three courses and a drink for £1. Offer valid between 4pm and 6pm on Sundays to Wednesdays. On Thursdays, kids eat free all day when an adult meal is ordered from the a la carte menu. DUNELM: Make homeware shopping a fun day out. Dunelm's Pausa Cafes are offering free kids' meals for every £4 spent on their food or drink. Available all day, every day. BILL'S: Dine in at a Bill's restaurant to get up to two free kids' meals (normally £6.95 each) with an adult meal. Valid weekdays only until August 30. IKEA: Make it a food day at the Swedish home store. On every day except Fridays, enjoy a pit stop at their famous cafe from 11am to get a kids' pasta or mac and cheese dish for 95p. Other mini meals are available for £1.50. PIZZA EXPRESS: Kids up to age ten can get a free three-course Piccolo meal including dough balls, pizza or pasta and dessert with every adult meal purchased. The offer runs every day until August 11. TESCO: Pop to the supermarket cafe from Monday to Friday until August 30 for free kids' meals when an adult buys any item in the cafe. You must have a Clubcard to redeem the offer. THE RANGE: Kids under 16 get one free meal per adult main purchased at The Range cafes. Options include sandwiches, a cooked breakfast and fish and chips. All kids' meals come with a piece of fruit and a drink.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Hotel review: Four Seasons, Hampshire
You don't need children in order to visit the Four Seasons in Hampshire. But if you do have them, prepare to feel like you've driven along the M3 and landed in paradise. For children there's a kids' club, family swimming pool with fountains and slides, on-site ponies and a buffet selection featuring all the carrot sticks with hummus they could ever dream of. For parents, there's the fact your darling offspring are happy, plus a sleek spa and beautiful grounds to enjoy while your kids are occupied. Welcome to one of the UK's most luxurious family-friendly hotels. Rooms and facilities We arrived in our vast room to discover a William Morris-patterned tent set up for the kids to play in, and the wonders didn't cease there. Marble bathrooms, long picture windows and décor exquisitely matched to the Georgian manor house greeted us – this is truly a 'wow' hotel, as you might expect from the Four Seasons brand. To the water, and while our children were squealing with delight in the separate kids' pool, the adults-only area was at the opposite end of the volume spectrum, and glorious. I'd booked in for a lymphatic massage at the spa, but after chatting to a knowledgeable therapist about my rigid back, she recommended a deep tissue massage (£180) and it was one of the best I've ever had. Knots released, I headed back to the changing rooms to wrestle the baby into his clothes, noting helpful touches such as a baby changing table and swimming nappies provided. The kids' club is great too – you can either leave your children there to be cared for by the friendly staff (Thursday-Sunday term time, daily in school holidays), or accompany a younger (or more uncertain) child as the potter round and play. Elsewhere you can hire bikes, groom ponies, play tennis and even try your hand at axe-throwing. Food and drink The Wild Carrot restaurant is chic but unstuffy, serving up Hampshire ingredients ranging from Isle of Wight tomatoes (with burrata) to ice cream made with Laverstoke Park Farm Buffalo Milk. There is a wide choice of mains – including five vegetarian choices, which as a long-time veggie I can tell you is unheard of – and steak that made my husband's heart sing (poor lad never gets that at home). In the morning, the breakfast buffet is the stuff of hotel dreams. It was all I could do not to grab three plates and start filling them, such was the array of pastries, bakes, bread, fruit, hot food and cereal on offer. Of course, there were plenty of chocolate things that the kids beelined for. Hotel highlights Don't miss a stroll around the verdant grounds. They include a pretty walled garden and sprawling acres of grass dotted with trees, from which you can get great views of the building (especially if you are walking around for hours trying to get your toddler to nap). Best for Heaven for families, although I look forward to visiting sans kids one day… Rooms at the Four Seasons Hampshire start from £520 on a bed and breakfast basis. For more information, visit the website here. To get more of what you love from your favourite Sunday supplement, follow us on Instagram (@youmagazine), Facebook (YOU Magazine) and X (@YOUMagSocial).
