The Best Club Med Hotels for a Sunny Family Holiday

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Best for Summer Getaways

If you want it all, but you don’t want to travel too far to get it, Club Med Magna in Marbella is going to be right up your street. Tucked between the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains and the glittery Costa del Sol, this gorgeous resort somehow manages to feel both stylish and completely family-friendly at the same time. Think chic Spanish vibes, giant pools, palm trees and children living their absolute best lives wearing swimming goggles and arm bands for at least 12 hours a day. All just a hop, skip and a jump from Marbella and the many local beaches in Andalusia

There’s childcare from babies right up to teens, including Baby Club Med for little ones aged 4 to 23 months, Petit Club Med for ages 2 to 3, Mini Club Med for children aged 4 to 10 and dedicated teen clubs for older kids with cool stuff like flying trapeze lessons designed keep a smile on their faces. The kids’ facilities are seriously impressive too, with water games and slides, football, tennis and endless games – expect tired, happy offspring at the end of each day

Meanwhile, parents can properly kick back. There’s an adult-only Zen pool, sunny terraces perfect for lazy lunches and plenty of opportunities to sneak off for a quiet drink while the children are off making friends and covering themselves in ice cream on the kids’ club watch. From golf and yoga to padel and a swish infinity pool to chill out at, this resort has so much to offer everyone

Best For: Easy Long Haul with Kids

The Maldives is pretty much the dream family beach holiday, and at Club Med Kani escaping to a tropical island paradise suddenly feels not only possible, but surprisingly easy too, even if you are travelling with kids

Yes, it’s a long flight to get there, but don’t let that put you off as from the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of. No stressing about logistics, no endlessly planning meals or activities – just straight into holiday mode. And while the beaches are every bit as beautiful as you’d imagine, what makes Kani especially brilliant for families is how much there actually is to do

Days here can be as action packed or as horizontal as you see fit. Head off on a snorkelling trip with the kids to spot colourful tropical fish, try paddleboarding across those impossibly turquoise lagoons, book a dolphin-spotting excursion or attempt surfing in the warm Indian Ocean. Back on land there’s padel, yoga, beach games, cookery classes and even flying trapeze lessons – a quickly activity that Club Med really go in for!

Of course, the kids’ clubs are a huge part of why families love it so much. Children from age 4 right through to 17 years old can join Mini Club Med and the teen clubs, meaning every age group genuinely has their own version of paradise. Little ones can safely splash around in the calm shallow lagoons watched over by expert childcare staff, while older kids throw themselves into sailing and kayaking

The whole resort has this wonderfully chilled-out, barefoot-luxury atmosphere. Families stay in beautiful beach bungalows just steps from the sand, where doors open straight onto powder-soft beaches and the sea is never more than a few seconds away. Some rooms even have direct beach access, making it super easy for children to spend half the day darting between the sand and the sea while you watch on from a well positioned lounger

The setting is dreamy: the water is that unreal shade of blue you usually only see on postcards, tiny fish dart around your feet as you paddle and sunsets turn the entire island golden every evening. If you’ve ever imagined the picture-perfect Maldives family holiday, then this really is it – with all the practical stuff you need to make it happen on tap

Best For: Mixing Beach and Local Culture

There’s no question that Mexico is a proper ‘holiday-of-a-lifetime’ kind of place. And if you want to make sure it really is the sort of trip your family talks about for years afterwards – for all the right reasons – then Club Med Cancún is the spot to book. Think white-sand beaches, warm Caribbean breezes and endless blue skies, all set right on the edge of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It’s sunshine-filled, lively, colourful and totally set up for families. This is the kind of spot parents dream about. Unlimited snacks, zero logistics, beautiful beaches and children who are suddenly far too busy having fun to ask for screens every five minutes

At the risk of sounding repetitive, did we mention there’s childcare from 16 weeks-old right through to teens? Yup, you’ve got the picture. Younger children can splash in the pools and shallow sea while bigger kids have a ball trying out sailing, circus skills, beach games and mega selection of watersports. There’s also a huge water park onsite, complete with slides and jets. But all these activities are only part of the appeal. One thing parents always say after a Club Med holiday is that there’s constantly something happening, but never any pressure to do absolutely everything. There’s no impossible family itinerary to stick to here – you completely do it your own way

In Cancún, that might mean spending the morning snorkelling over coral reefs (the second largest in the world is near by), before drifting back for tacos, guacamole and pool time in the afternoon. Maybe the children disappear off happily to the kids’ clubs, leaving you to head to the spa. Then everyone reunites for warm evenings and huge family dinners overlooking the sea

There’s also loads of Mexican culture woven into the experience too, which gives the whole resort a much more vibrant feel than your average fly-and-flop beach holiday. Cookery classes, live music evenings, dance performances and excursions exploring nearby Mayan history and local markets around the Riviera Maya are all there for the booking

Stay in one of the Family Oasis suites that are spacious and with comfortable separate sleeping areas, perfect for larger families. They also have their outdoor spaces and easy beach access. And while yes, this is absolutely a luxury all-inclusive resort with fantastic food, gorgeous pools and everything you’d expect from a top-tier family holiday, the atmosphere is what really makes it special. It’s warm, sociable and genuinely fun. This is not one of those ultra-quiet luxury resorts where everyone whispers around the pool. It’s families laughing at dinner, children making holiday friends within approximately twelve seconds and parents finally relaxing because literally everything is sorted. Amen to that

Best For: Adventure with Older Kids

This is honestly one of the most exciting new family hotel openings in South Africa right now. Set on the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coast – where the Indian Ocean meets wild bushland – this will be the very first all-inclusive Club Med resort in South Africa, and it feels completely different from your average beach holiday

Yes, there’s sunshine, swimming pools and endless ocean views, but this is also the kind of trip where your children might spend the morning learning to surf, the afternoon by the pool and the evening watching traditional Zulu dancers under the stars. If it’s adventure you’re after, then this is it

Club Med’s brilliant kids’ clubs will, of course, still be a huge part of the appeal, with childcare and activities available from babies right through to teens. But what feels especially lovely here is how connected everything is to the destination itself. Younger children can join drumming workshops, bead-making sessions and storytelling inspired by local Zulu culture, while older kids and teens will love the sporty, outdoorsy energy – think paddleboarding, beach games and so much more

The accommodation looks gorgeous too. When the first guests arrive in July they will be met with a relaxed luxury feel rather than anything overly formal – spacious family rooms in calming coastal colours, natural textures, big windows and lots of indoor-outdoor living. Family suites are really well designed with separate sleeping spaces and plenty of room

But the real magic? The beach-and-safari combination. Guests can add on a stay at the Vikela Safari Lodge, turning the trip into a full blown South African adventure. The transition from beach to bush is surprisingly easy. The safari lodges are located further inland in KwaZulu-Natal, with transfers arranged directly from the resort via a scenic road journey. In total, it generally takes around three to four hours depending on the safari package, making for a very doable two-centre option

Once there, everything suddenly feels straight out of a wildlife documentary. Early morning game drives head out at sunrise when the bush is waking up, while afternoon drives often end with incredible golden sunsets across the savannah. Families can spot giraffes, zebras, elephants and, if they’re lucky, even the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo and elephants

And yes – people always ask about ages for a safari trip. Most family-friendly safari lodges welcome children of all ages, but some game drives do have minimum age limits, often around six years-old, especially for open safari vehicles or longer drives. There is a kids’ club at the Lodge which caters for kids from age four upwards for little ones who can’t join in. In typical Club Med style, they help make it everything as easy as possible

Best For: A Great Alternative to the Beach

Alpine escapes are every bit as fantastic in the summer as they are during ski season – and Club Med Tignes is proof of exactly that. While it may be famous for its brilliant winter holidays, it’s equally wonderful once the snow melts and the mountains turn green

Because in summer, this part of the French Alps transforms into one enormous outdoor playground for families, where fresh mountain air, endless activities and ridiculously beautiful scenery offer a very refreshing alternative to crowded beaches and overheated cities

Set high in the Alps surrounded by dramatic peaks and crystal-clear lakes, Club Med Tignes has all the ingredients for an amazing family stay. The brilliant childcare, entertainment, fantastic food and family-friendly facilities can all be taken as a given. But what makes this location especially exciting is everything waiting right outside the hotel doors. Families can spend their days mountain biking through alpine trails, hiking to breath taking viewpoints or kayaking across shimmering lakes. Then there’s rock climbing, archery and even summer tobogganing nearby

Back at the hotel you can try yoga, fitness classes or head off to the spa. The whole vibe here is wonderfully outdoorsy and wholesome, with days revolving around adventures followed by long sunny lunches on mountain terraces. Yes please to that

Accommodation is very much part of the appeal too. Think modern alpine style with family rooms and suites are spacious and cleverly designed for travelling with children, with plenty of storage for all that outdoor gear, comfortable sleeping arrangements and large windows that open up onto incredible vistas over the French Alps

And while yes, you’ll probably be swapping flip flops for hiking boots at least some of the time, there’s still plenty of opportunity to properly relax too. Spend lazy afternoons by the pool soaking up the sunshine. Plus, one of the loveliest things about summer in the Alps is the temperature. While much of Europe can feel unbearably hot in at this peak time, Tignes stays beautifully fresh and comfortable – ideal for families with babies, toddlers or anyone who prefers sunshine without the sweat

So if you fancy something a little different from the usual sand-and-sea holiday, but still want that sunny, active, feel-good family escape, Club Med Tignes might very well be it

Best For: Watersports for All Ages

Set between the Taurus Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean near Antalya, Club Med Palmiye is the quintessential European beach resort. Think stunning palm-lined gardens, giant pools, and – most importantly – guaranteed sunshine pretty much all day long

This is classic Club Med family holiday territory. Everything is included, and there’s childcare for every age group you can dip in and out of. From babies right through to teenagers, the Baby Club Med, Petit Club Med, Mini Club Med and teen clubs keep everyone engaged and entertained with loads of tailor-made for dreamt up by the dedicated team who have seemingly boundless energy when it comes to creating fun. It’s the kind of place where children disappear off happily and reappear only when they’re hungry

As always with Club Med, it’s the setting that really makes it special. There’s a huge focus on watersports here – sailing on the calm Mediterranean, paddleboarding, waterskiing and wakeboarding. Plus plenty to do on land too, with tennis, beach volleyball, football, fitness classes and an excellent pool scene for lazy afternoons in the sun

And it’s not just about staying on-site either. One of the best things about Palmiye is how easy it is to explore the local area. Head out on cultural day trips into Antalya – wandering through the old town’s winding streets, exploring bustling markets, visiting ancient ruins or taking boat trips along the dramatic Turquoise Coast. It adds just the right amount of sightseeing without ever feeling like a mission to complete

Then there’s the food – and it’s a real highlight. Club Med makes dining with kids feel straight forward, without ever compromising on taste or variety. Huge buffet spreads and live cooking stations mean there’s always something fresh and exciting, from Mediterranean salads and grilled fish to Turkish specialities like mezze, kebabs, flatbreads and sweet baklava. It’s generous, relaxed and designed so everyone finds something they love (including the very indecisive ones)

Accommodation at Palmiye fits the same easy-going, holiday mode. Family rooms and bungalows are tucked into lush, tropical-style gardens filled with flowers and palm trees, giving everything a charming village feel. It’s comfortable, practical and designed for real family life – sandy little feet, rubber rings and all. This is European beach break done incredibly well – all the things you want, plus all those extra little touches Club Med knows families will love discovering when they arrive

Best For: Short Haul Adventures with Little Ones

Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie sure has the wow factor. First up, the resort itself. Set inside a huge palm grove just outside Marrakech, it feels like a calm, shaded oasis with winding pathways, palm trees, traditional Moroccan-style buildings and bubbling fountains. Multiple pools, stunning gardens and sun-drenched terraces mean the place never feels crowed if you want some quiet time with your kids. Then when it’s time to entertain them you can make the most of the awesome childcare and kids’ programmes while you head off to the tennis courts, fitness classes or for a treatment in hammam spa

Accommodation is spread across low-rise buildings designed in traditional Moroccan style, with cool interiors, earthy tones and family rooms that feel calm and spacious. A big plus point is that everything is walkable easy to navigate. So good to know when you’re travelling with a buggy

No one books a holiday in Morocco without food in mind and it’s definitely high up the pecking order at this resort. Tuck into outstanding buffet dining alongside locally inspired dishes – slow-cooked tagines, couscous, grilled meats, fresh salads, pastries and endless sweet treats. Of course there’s a classic kids’ menu to, but anyone who wants to try something more exciting will not be disappointed

And then there’s Marrakech itself, which is a huge part of why families love staying here. A short car ride takes you straight into the heart of the city – wandering through the famous medina with its maze-like streets, exploring the buzzing souks or visiting landmarks like the Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace and the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where musicians and food stalls completely take over in the evenings. So fun and interesting, but also handily available to dip in and out of thanks to the resort’s location. Head further out on family-friendly excursions into the Atlas Mountains, visit traditional Berber villages, or take camel rides across the nearby Palmeraie at sunset, which is one of those ‘this feels like a movie’ holiday moments kids (and parents) never forget

This resort is truly two holidays in one. A relaxed, easy place to stay where everything is taken care of, combined with plus instant access to one of the most exciting, culture-rich cities in the world. You get pools and palm trees, but also souks, history and mini, child-friendly adventures on your doorstep

Best For: Roadtrip Fun with a Relaxing Destination

If you are a family who likes a road trip, but with the guarantee of a fabulous hotel at the end of it, then Club Med La Palmyre Atlantique might just be the perfect choice. Roughly a 12-hour drive from London (if you don’t plan to stop) will take you to this special resort on the French Atlantic coast near La Rochelle, tucked between pine forests, sand dunes and endless beaches

This stunning 26-hectare site in Charente-Maritime is a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts, with 30km of beaches, 65km of cycle tracks and 8,000 hectares of forest right on your doorstep. The village itself is inspired by traditional oyster farmers’ cabins, with charming bungalow-style accommodation and natural materials that blend perfectly into the coastal landscape. It feels more like a giant outdoor playground than a traditional resort, but you can rest assured that all the Club Med perks are also waiting for you

Family rooms and connecting options comfortably sleep up to five people, with separate sleeping spaces for parents and children, loads of storage and terraces or balconies perfect for post-beach snacks and a glass of Bordeaux in the evenings. All just a short walk from all the action. Food is a major part of the magic too. Buffets are huge, fresh and genuinely good, with plenty for picky kids and enough seafood, cheese and wine to keep adults very happy – exactly what you want on a French getaway

Families (many of whom return year after year) rave about how much there is to do. From sailing, tennis, cycling, archery, paddleboarding and pools everywhere to the renowned kids’ club setup, there is constantly something happening. Tiny babies, energetic kiddos and hard-to-impress teens all get their own age-specific clubs and activities. The beach is another huge reason families love it. The Atlantic coastline here is wild and beautiful, with enormous sandy stretches perfect for long walks, sandcastle competitions and bodyboarding. You’re also right next to endless cycle paths through the shady pine forests for when you want a break from the summer sun

It’s sporty, outdoorsy, relaxed and ideal if your idea of holiday heaven is fresh air, mini adventures every day and discovering a truly beautiful, rustic little corner of the world