Circus School, top-notch dining, mini golf, and a Kids Club your kids will love—you’ll find this and so much more at your new favorite all-inclusive resort
Keeping kids active, engaged, and feeling like an important part of the vacation equation is what Club Med does best. Newly opened Club Med Marbella neighbors the Sierra Blanca Mountains and sandy Mediterranean beaches on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol and it has already topped our list of best all-inclusive resorts for families. It’s admittedly a haul for American families because of a lack of direct flights, so read on and we’ll show you why it’s worth the trek. But, also keep in mind you can expect to find the same exceptional focus on service, infusion of local culinary and cultural influences, and range of activities across Club Med’s 70 outposts in 26 countries.
Pools & Water Play Options at Club Med Marbella
In their family-focused properties, Club Med does a fantastic job of providing multiple water play areas that focus on kids-only, adults-only, and ones that are fair game for all. Club Med Marbella is a 30-minute stroll via vibrant city streets to the sea and there are five freshwater options onsite that range from a nicely outfitted splash zone with slides and aquatic games to a zero-depth entry lagoon pool. Adults can escape to the quiet-as-a-library Zen pool perched atop a hill with views of the city, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Mediterranean or the sleek indoor/outdoor spa pool with cozy loungers and cabanas.
Related: Our Editors’ Top Tips to Make Traveling by Air a Little Easier
The Kids Club at Club Med Marbella
Club Med has had 70 years to perfect its Kids Club programming and its breadth of experience and constant honing of offerings are apparent.
Kids Club staff doesn’t approach this as a mindless babysitting gig. They dive in and really get to know each child: their strengths, dislikes, and what tickles their fancy. They’ve been trained to observe and react to the needs of each child.
Kids ages 4 mos.-17 yrs. participate in drop-off programming which includes an array of activities, including a wide range of sports, interactive games, swimming and water play, performance art, and group outings.
Related: The Best Resorts with Kids Clubs (According to Experts)
The Thrill of Circus School
Climb to the tippy top of a two-story platform and take a leap on a flying trapeze, testing your boundaries and impressing the kids with your sense of adventure. Trained staff guides flyers each step of the way in this ridiculously fun (and slightly terrifying) family bonding activity.
There’s Just So Much to Do at Club Med Marbella
If kids need a break from getting pruney in the pool and showing off their agility at Circus School, there are many other ways to tire them out. Next to the splash zone is a large playset, mini golf course, and a tot-sized zip line. Around the property, you’ll also find archery, table tennis, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, bocce, a mini soccer pitch, and fitness classes.
The Abundance of Food
The quality, range, and availability of food can make or break an all-inclusive experience. Club Med nails it every time by giving vacationers a taste of local cuisine, while also having a decent selection of expected staples for American travelers.
Club Med Marbella has two restaurants onsite. Tierra Gourmet Lounge is a traditional sit-down restaurant with table service that has a bar, wine tastings, coffee and late breakfast, and pre-dinner tapas stations. Suenos is a buffet-lovers dream come true with daily fish, meat, and pasta specials and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also a special corner in Suenos dedicated to the appetites of young kids with soft foods and a room onsite filled with jars and pouches of baby food, toddler crackers, a bottle warmer, a microwave, a hot plate, and a refrigerator.
Related: 14 All-Inclusive Resort Vacations to Book Now
The Ease of the App
We’re in the era of “there’s an app for that” and Club Med is all in. Download the app for a village-level schedule of activities and classes, a property map, spa and dining reservations, and practical need-to-know info.
Club Med is known for its theme nights, so pay special attention to the “dress code” section. Heads up, you may think you won’t want to participate, but you will. It’s fun to look around at other guests’ interpretations of themes and feel a sense of cozy togetherness with other families.
Last, But Not Least: The Staff at Club Med Marbella
Club Med doesn’t refer to their properties as resorts or hotels, they’re villages. And, they use the it-takes-a-village approach when creating truly memorable experiences. You get the vibe the staff enjoys being there. It’s normal to see them before or after shifts interacting with guests, sitting for a meal, chatting up kids they know from Kids Club, and doing their best to make each guest’s experience better. It’s a beautifully unique element to a stay at Club Med.
Club Med Marbella
Online: clubmed.us
Editor’s note: Airfare, activities, and accommodations were provided by Club Med, but the opinions belong to the author.
