Top family agent reveals ‘red flags' for luxury hotel kids' clubs
Gone are the days when kids' clubs were little more than an afterthought.
With family travel booming, luxury hotels around the world are investing heavily in curated experiences for children. From elaborate mini villages to bespoke play palaces, the standard for entertaining younger guests has never been higher.
But while the options are more impressive than ever, agents should never assume all kids' clubs are created equal.
We spoke with Claire Masse, founder of Frangipani Holidays and winner of New Luxury Travel Designer of the Year, to learn how to spot the exceptional from the subpar. A specialist in upscale family travel and a mother of two young boys, Claire has tested kids' clubs all around the world and is now sharing her top red flags – as well as the top picks that left her truly impressed.
1. Untrained Staff
For parents, the idea of leaving their children in the care of strangers is naturally a sensitive subject.
That's why trained, qualified staff should be non-negotiable – especially when younger children or those with additional needs are involved. Claire advises agents to always ask about staff qualifications, child-to-caregiver ratios, and club accreditations.
Some hotel groups, like Ikos Resorts, employ childcare professionals who meet UK Ofsted standards. Others partner with reputable training providers like Worldwide Kids, which works with top-tier names including Domes Resorts and One&Only.
2. Screentime overload
With children in the UK now spending an average of 6.5 hours a day on screens, many parents want a break from digital distractions during their holiday. Claire warns against clubs where screens take centre stage: 'If there's a giant TV in the middle of the room, you can guess what the kids will be doing – watching TV or playing video games.'
While screens can have a place when used sparingly – such as for educational videos – they should never be the focus. Claire encourages parents to speak up if they're concerned: 'Ask the staff not to allow screen time. But be aware, there's no guarantee your request will be honoured.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
The UK has reached a deal with the EU over Gibraltar's border with Spain that will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Make your dad feel extra special this Father's Day by sending him a message in The Sun on Sunday
THIS Sunday is Father's Day and we want to know why YOUR dad is the greatest. So if you want to send your dad – or the father figure in your life - an extra special message this Father's Day, now you can with the help of The Sun on Sunday. 1 Email us in your messages of love and appreciation – and we'll print a selection of them in this Sunday's paper. You can tell him why he is the greatest, send him a poem or simply say how much you love him.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Love Island fans can't believe the age gap between Shakira and Harry as they can't keep their hands off each other
LOVE Island fans are stunned after realising the age gap between Shakira Khan and Harry Cooksley. In tonight's episode of Love Island, things continued to heat up between model Shakira and semi-professional footballer Harry. 2 But as they explored their potential romance, viewers took to social media to share their thoughts on the fact Shakira is 22 while Harry is 30. One wrote: 'Shakira is 22??? Get her away from Harry and his 30 year old ass immediately!!' Someone else said: 'I just deeped the age gap with Shakira and Harry…' And another commented: 'Harry and Shakira look good together but he is 30.' But the age gap doesn't seem to be an issue for Harry and Shakira, who made their attraction to each other very clear. Last night Harry found himself caught up in the brutal first dumping of the series. During the first recoupling, Shakira picked Harry - meaning Sophie Lee was left single and immediately sent packing. But fans are convinced that Shakira isn't into Harry and actually has her eye on Blu Chegini. Many insisted that she only picked Harry so her pal Helena Ford wouldn't be sent home. One fan wrote: 'Shakira well wanted to pick Conor but didn't wanna send Helena home and for that I kinda respect it. First person dumped from Love Island revealed 'But also she'd suit Conor well better.' Another viewer added: 'No way she picked Harry for any reason other than she wanted the other women to stay… I simply don't believe it.' Love Island 2025 full lineup Harry Cooksley: A 29-year-old footballer with charm to spare. Sophie Lee: A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. Shakira Khan: A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. Blu Chegini: A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. Megan Moore: A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. Alima Gagigo: International business graduate with brains and ambition. Tommy Bradley: A gym enthusiast with a big heart. Helena Ford: A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. Ben Hullbra: A model ready to make waves. Megan Clarke: An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins. Dejon Noel-Williams: A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. Aaron Buckett: A towering 6'5' personal trainer. Conor Phillips: A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro Antonia Laites: Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. Rose Selway: Beauty salon owner from Devon who runs 12 aesthetics clinics, boasting a famous clientele including former Love Islanders Departures:
