When is a “holiday club” for kids really a holiday club?

December 6, 2012

I was recently sent to Club Med in Mauritius and those who follow my personal blog Dear Max will know that it was full of leisure, eating, more eating, reading, swimming and quality time with my kidlet.

As a parenting blogger, I looked at the resort with that in mind – kids and parents, and what sets this apart as an all-round child- and folk-friendly place. Over the years I’ve seen several lodges and establishments claim to be “child-friendly”, or promise that there are a host of kids’ activities, but when I ask if baby/toddler paraphernalia is supplied, I’m told no, or I find that the “activities” imply cartoon channels and a “play area” with hardly any toys, or good supervision.

When my son was a baby, we went on trips with him and whether we were going for a weekend or a week, had to pack a fortune (the kitchen sink stayed though). So it’s refreshing come across places where all you need to bring is your baby, nappies, formula, boobs etc.

In fact, before I left for Club Med, I was told that they supply everything for babies – bottle warmers, food, sterilisers, prams, baths, camp cots – and I was happy to see it for myself. In fact, the main dining area at the resort La Plantation D’Albion has an area with a microwave, bottle warmer and a fridge full of baby food, plus there are plenty of good high chairs.

The Mini Clubs at Club Med around the world are well known for their activities and interaction/stimulation from staff (they’re called G.O’s, which stands for Gentle Organisers – a Club Med term).

And this is what I discovered:

– There are G.O’s who speak English and French, and they have learnt first aid

– There is a pool for the kids with a lifeguard on duty

– There is a roster each day of activities for the different age groups

– Many of the activities take place in the resort, but never at the same time as the adults (for example, if the older kids learn archery, there won’t be adults there learning at the same time)

– There are regular kids’ shows, which the children rehearse for and take part in. There are also shows performed by the G.Os for the kids

– The Mini Club is open all day, and there’s a “Pyjama” slot at night if parents want to go out

– Club Med La Pointe aux Cannoniers has a Mini Club for babies

– When signing my child in, I was asked what allergies he has, what to give him if he’s not feeling well, what items of comfort he likes (eg dummy, blankey), if he likes his face painted, and what he is and isn’t allowed to eat.

– All kids who spend time at Mini Club receive certificates and medals