Today's Club Med: Ideal Place For A Family Holiday (YES, Families!)

By MAUREEN JONES (Star Patcher)

Years ago, Club Med was thought of as a great place for singles and there are some destinations which do only cater to the single market, but it has become known as a great experience and bargain for a family of all ages.

At a staff meeting recently I asked for a show of hands as to who had been to a Club Med resort and the entire staff had been, and indeed, many times to different destinations. They promptly told me what was the best block of rooms to stay in, and about one shower that could take 12 people.

There are 65 inclusive resorts around the world and there is no better way for a family holiday than to visit one of their properties. A new partner has bought 51 percent of the company, and millions of dollars are being spent to upgrade many of the destinations to five-star quality. For many locations they have charter flights or blocked air space so there is a savings here. Kids under 4 now stay free, and up to 50 percent off for other ages. For golfers, there are 34 golf courses, all free.

This is a worry-free holiday. The Kid’s Clubs are great for parents, and give them a holiday break, also.

They organize pajama parties, so the parents can go out to dinner and leave the children in safe hands.

They have to be back to collect them by 1 a.m. Nowhere else do they cater to looking after children of all ages.

Baby Club = age 4 to 23 months
They provide all the baby care equipment you require. You get a baby bed, changing mat and a baby bath in your room, stroller is also provided. Menus are tailored for babies, taking into account nutritional needs and allergies. Open 24 hours a day, baby feeding rooms provide parents with a dedicated space for preparing baby’s meals. Typically, there are bottle warmers, a microwave, and everything you need. There is baby sitting available.

Petit Club – age 2 – 4 years Lots of healthy activities, entertainment, early learning games along with meals and rest times.

Mini Club Med – 4 – 10 years Between creative workshops, learning new sports on land and in the water, snack breaks and playful games and activities, time just flies. The staff organize groups by age, 4-5 years, 6 – 7 years and 8-10 years.

Junior Club Med – 11 -13 years You can wakeboard, waterski, flying trapeze, and learn filmmaking, music and graffiti art, There is a teen spa, and dedicated evening activities for each age group.

The staff can handle a portfolio of more than 60 sports and give lessons in billiards, or table tennis along with many others. You can have extra coaching tailored to your unique needs, typically 3-5 day courses and may be private or in a group.

Parents have time to relax, and know that the children are enjoying themselves. We have one client who takes 18 family members as a Christmas present each year to one of the resorts and said they all love going.

I have used a Club Med destination for a corporate client. Chartered planes, and took the company for a reward holiday. You can book the resort so you are the only people there. Great opportunity for department challenges and it is a great cost savings. I’ve used Hawaii, Mexico and Europe many times for company incentive reward trips, 3, 4 or 5 day free holiday for the employees.

Another great Club Med use is skiing. They have 20 resorts in the European Alps and all lift tickets are included in the price, plus food, and ski lessons. I stopped taking my skis, since it was so convenient to use what was offered there, and it was always the latest in equipment. Even if you are a smashing skier, it is marvelous to have an instructor spend the day with you on the mountain. Many of the destinations have Michelin star chefs, and it is of great value. I recommend skiing in Switzerland, or France since the snow is better, less crowds, and you can’t beat the price. The atmosphere of a ski holiday in the alps makes the experience so much better than one skiing in the U.S. or Canada.

We can advise you on what destination would suit your needs ... after we ask you what is your idea of happiness.

Maureen Jones

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• Your Travel Specialist On: Going Behind The Curtain In New York City

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.