Luxury Kids’ Clubs: Shaping a New Generation of Young Travelers

Families seeking relaxation during their vacations are increasingly turning to luxury kids’ clubs, which offer an array of high-tech activities and experiences for young travelers. This summer, an eight-year-old boy will participate in a kids’ club at the Andronis Arcadia resort in Santorini, Greece, engaging in robotics workshops and other unique activities while his parent enjoys leisure time at a nearby beach bar.

The ARCADemy at Andronis Arcadia epitomizes the modern luxury kids’ club experience. It provides a variety of options, including Lego Education robotics workshops in a dedicated lab, “yoga for the young,” and tailored spa experiences. Children also benefit from expert-led cultural and nature excursions that explore the beauty of the Greek island. The club adheres to a STEAM-based educational philosophy, emphasizing innovation, imagination, and the development of soft skills, which aims to ease the minds of parents concerned about their children’s engagement.

In stark contrast, memories of childhood holiday experiences from the 1980s reveal a different approach to kids’ clubs. For instance, a young traveler recalls being dropped off at a kids’ club in Costa Daurada, Spain, where activities included collecting shells under the midday sun and witnessing a sibling’s sugar crash following indulgent syrupy drinks.

The evolution of kids’ clubs reflects broader changes in family travel. Parents today often prioritize educational and stimulating activities for their children, seeking environments that foster creativity and personal growth, while also allowing for their own relaxation. This shift raises interesting questions about entitlement and expectations among young travelers.

Luxury resorts are responding to these demands, with many investing heavily in kids’ clubs to attract families. The trend suggests that children are not just passive participants in family vacations but are becoming active contributors to the travel experience. As these young travelers engage with technology and creativity, they are likely to develop a sense of entitlement regarding their vacation experiences, shaping their expectations for future trips.

While parents relish the opportunity to enjoy their own leisure time, there is an ongoing debate about the potential impact of such lavish offerings. Critics argue that these experiences may foster a generation of travelers who expect extraordinary experiences as a standard, rather than as a luxury.

As families continue to seek travel experiences that cater to both relaxation and enrichment, the transformation of kids’ clubs is likely to remain a significant aspect of the luxury travel market. The question remains: will these experiences cultivate a generation of informed and engaged travelers, or will they simply create a sense of entitlement that could reshape future vacations?