Luxury hotels have long been synonymous with indulgence—plush spas, infinity pools, five-star dining, and design so impeccable it makes you question every home decor choice you’ve ever made. But in recent years, they’ve been quietly rolling out an equally jaw-dropping experience for their youngest guests. Kids’ clubs are no longer a forgotten basement room with sad bean bags and a handful of board games. Today, they are immersive architectural wonders that make adults want to trade places with their own children.
For parents who appreciate good design, these kids’ clubs are downright envy-inducing.
Marbella Club Kids Club — Spain
Tucked into the historic grounds of Prince Alfonso’s former villa, this isn’t your standard kiddie hangout—it’s a perfectly manicured mini-village where every corner feels pulled from a whimsical European fairytale. Kids can blend their own signature perfumes in an old-world perfumery, twirl into a flamenco lesson in a breezy dance studio, or don a tiny apron to master Spanish cuisine in the cooking school. The pottery workshop, lush gardens, and vintage fairground rides round out the charm, making this club feel more like an artist’s retreat than a daycare. Forget plastic play structures—this place is pure Mediterranean magic, wrapped in sunshine and creativity.
Château de La Messardière — France
Perched on a private 13-hectare estate in St. Tropez, this summer camp is less about macaroni crafts and more about living your best petit French countryside life. The kids’ villa is a dreamy space filled with arcade games, a private cinema (hello, VIP movie nights), and a Lego workshop. There’s even a nap room—because being a kid is exhausting.
Outside, the magic continues. A private pool for cannonballs? Check. A treehouse village straight out of Peter Pan? Absolutely. A mini-farm where kids can collect fresh eggs and bake their own cakes? Oui. Trails meander through pine and olive trees, leading to hidden adventures, while hands-on farm-to-table workshops turn kids into little locavores. It’s an effortless blend of nature, adventure, and just the right touch of je ne sais quoi.
The truth is, luxury hotels have figured something out: happy kids make for happy parents. And while there was a time when “kids’ club” meant a basement playroom with some puzzles and a half-deflated soccer ball, those days are long gone. Now, it’s all about fully immersive experiences, jaw-dropping design, and activities so incredible you might consider sneaking in yourself.
So, next time you check into a five-star resort, don’t be surprised if your kid’s itinerary is somehow more impressive than yours. And if you find yourself a little envious? Just remember: at least you get the spa.
Viceroy Los Cabos Kids Club — Mexico
Viceroy Los Cabos doesn’t do ordinary, and that extends to its kids’ club. Designed with the same sleek, futuristic aesthetic as the rest of the resort, this space is light years ahead of the standard playroom. Picture minimalist decor with sculptural seating, oversized digital screens for interactive workshops, and a color palette so chic it belongs in a design magazine.
This club is for the thinkers, tinkerers, and future world-changers. Robotics workshops, hands-on science experiments, and digital art stations replace the usual toys and board games. It’s like an innovation lab for kids, where curiosity is the only requirement. If your child has ever dreamed of designing the next great invention or launching a career in tech before they hit double digits, this is the place to start.
Gleneagles Kids Club — Scotland
Gleneagles doesn’t just do kids’ clubs—it creates childhood utopias. With two distinct play areas tailored to different ages, there’s no room for boredom here. The Den is the ultimate chill zone for older kids, stocked with oversized Jenga, Connect Four, a cozy cinema nook, and arts and crafts stations. Whether they’re deep into board game battles or crafting their next masterpiece, it’s the kind of place that makes “downtime” feel like prime time.
For younger adventurers, Little Glen is straight out of a storybook. It’s a sensory wonderland packed with bright colors, textured furnishings, and interactive play spaces. Tiny explorers can scramble up an indoor treehouse, zip down slides, or gather ’round a pint-sized campfire with wigwams. Aspiring equestrians can trot around a play stable complete with hobby horses while train enthusiasts climb aboard the Gleneagles Express railway carriage for a pretend journey through the Scottish countryside, lounging on plush wildlife-themed chairs atop pretend grass flooring.
