30/07/2021
At the mere mention of its name, Club Méditerranée makes many people dream. A guarantee of sunny escapes in a unique setting, rich and varied activities for the whole family and an atmosphere that is both chic and friendly, this pioneering chain of establishments is an essential reference for holiday makers. Located in the 4 corners of the globe, Club Med offers a more than dizzying array of activities. But which Club to choose for a family holiday? Which destinations to choose according to the seasons? Little Guest, the family holiday expert, gives you its opinion and the precious shortlist of what it considers to be « the best Club Meds in the world!
The Club Med adventure began in the 1950s, in the post-war period of a France in need of escape and entertainment. It all began in a charming little Balearic fishing village, Alcúdia, bathed in a translucent sea. Gérard Blitz, ex-water polo champion and founder of the Club, set up a tented village there for holidaymakers. He is the first to launch a genius formula, the all-inclusive package, which freed holidaymakers from all constraints. The following year, a new Club Med village was built in Palinuro, Italy, and this was the beginning of a long story that has been lasting for over 70 years.
Outdoor sports, nature and a good dose of sunshine have been the main ingredients of the Club Med recipe since its origins. Not forgetting the joy of living and a hedonistic philosophy. The motto of its brilliant founder « The goal in life is to be happy and the time to be happy is now« .
Starting from the solid foundations of an incredible conviviality, the Club will not cease to innovate and to go up-market, while introducing traditions that have become mythical: huts inspired by the Polynesian tradition, the famous pearl necklaces to pay for cocktails at the bar, the G.O (“Gentils Organisateurs” (Friendly Animators), the name given to Club Med staff) with their legendary good humour and sense of welcome, the village chefs with their charismatic personalities, gourmet buffets and restaurants included in the price of the stay… In short, Club Med is a real lifestyle!
The Club’s holiday villages have become a cult and have spread over the 5 continents, both on the sea and in the mountains. For nearly 20 years, the group has been moving even more towards the top of the range and offers the experience of generous luxury, on a human scale and in incredible locations. All the more reason to go and put down your bags in one of its exotic settings.
Resorts located in incredible places
Since the beginning, one of Club Med‘s strengths has been its ability to set up its resorts in incredible locations. As a true pioneer of dream destinations, it has discovered little nuggets before anyone else: secret beaches in the West Indies, almost deserted paradise islands… For example, Club Med Kani, very popular with families, is located on a private island surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. To find out more, read our detailed review of this exceptional Club here! In another spirit, Club Med Gregolimano, nestled between the pine trees on the island of Evia (Greece), enjoys the unruffled tranquillity of a small lost cove. It’s hard to beat that for a peaceful interlude away from the world!
Special attention paid to children
Always ahead of its time, the Club has never ceased to stand out for its pioneering spirit. As early as 1957, specific instructors and dedicated activities were devoted to children. In the same vein, the Mini Med Clubs were created in 1967, making the group’s resorts a family destination par excellence. Today, the offer is even more extensive and is aimed at all children, whatever their age: Baby Club Med® for babies (4 to 24 months), Petit Club Med®* (2 to 3 years old), Mini Club Med® (4 to 10 years old) and Junior Club Med for older children, or Club Med Passworld® (11 to 17 years old) dedicated to teens. To give you an idea, at Club Med da Balaia (Algarve) your children can, in a single day: have the sensation of flying during a trapeze course, test their concentration during an archery session, or have fun with friends during the tennis or golf school. Unless they prefer the friendly atmosphere of group shows!
An all-inclusive package
Flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, but also and above all a complete range of personalised services for the whole family are part of the Club’s formula. The idea? To free the holiday makers or G.M (“Gentils Membres” (Gentle Members)) from all constraints, freeing them from the stress of organisation and offering them a dream stay. Included: all meals in the restaurant, drinks in the bar, entertainment, sports and other activities! And even more, depending on the destination: at Club Med Valmorel (Savoie) the ultra-complete All-In formula even includes ski passes and lessons! A great advantage for ski lovers!
Tridents, a luxury range
The famous trident on the group’s logo refers to the attribute of the God of the Sea, Poseidon. In addition to the direct reference to the Mediterranean basin, the Club’s birthplace, this symbol is used to identify the level of service provided by the group’s various villages. The range runs from three to five tridents, distinguishing between comfort villages (3 tridents), premium villages (4 tridents) and luxury villages (5 tridents). This new category, created in 2007, offers exceptional services with a premium offer (even more spacious rooms, personalised transport service from the airport, etc.). The Little Guest collection includes the Michès Playa Esmeralda Club Med, part of Club Med’s Exclusive Collection, which offers exceptional services.
Are you wondering which Club to book for this summer? Which destination to choose for a nice dose of sun this winter? Or which Club Med to choose for family skiing in February? Don’t panic, Little Guest helps you to see more clearly in the abundant offer of Club Med and gives you its best advice for a stay that meets your expectations… depending on the season!
Summer idleness
The Algarve, a sunny destination par excellence, is attracting more and more holidaymakers. Located not far from Faro, in the heart of the Lusitanian golden triangle, Club Med Da Balaia is a family address where luxury, nature and joie de vivre are perfectly combined. Not far from the emblematic ochre cliffs of the Portuguese coast and framed by pine trees, Club Med Da Balaia overlooks the beach of Maria Luísa. In addition to its gardens and playgrounds, it has a natural swimming pool surrounded by greenery, a spa on the beach and a very complete family offer (baby-club and kids-club from 0 to 17 years old) including a golf and tennis school for all ages!
For a summer atmosphere just a few hours from Paris, put your luggage down between land and sea, at Club Med La Palmyre. Not far from Oléron and its salt marshes, this family-run hotel is a perfect base for discovering the Atlantic coast. Whether you are here to relax, do sports, enjoy the gastronomy or party, you will always find something to suit you. In addition to the children’s pool, the Club offers no less than 19 sports and activities including sailing, kitesurfing, archery, horse riding and even beach volleyball! As for the rooms, the « marina » area will offer you beautiful views of the ocean, the « dunes » area is a guarantee of intimacy while the Forest area welcomes families with open arms!
Snow, here we go!
Located in Savoie, in the heart of the Alps, the Valmorel resort overlooks the mountain resort of the same name. Family-friendly and accessible to all levels, the Valmorel area, with its landscapes between fir trees and high mountains, is a real paradise for ski and hiking enthusiasts. The whole Club has a « top of the range chalet » atmosphere, with wood, slate roofs and a multitude of cosy little details (fireplaces, soft carpets, etc.). In addition to outdoor activities, families can also relax in the heated indoor swimming pool with a view of the massifs or attend a fitness class. Bonus for your little ones: a siesta area and a baby’s nursery open 24 hours a day. A perfect destination for a white dream in the heart of the Tarentaise valley!
Nestled at an altitude of almost 1800 metres, in a clearing surrounded by a sea of fir trees, the Club Med Arcs Panorama is aptly named as it offers a 360-degree view of the Tarentaise valley, Mont Blanc and the other snow-covered peaks in the area. At the foot of the hotel, the domain of Les Arcs, renamed Paradisky, is a real Garden of Eden for ski lovers! With its almost 500 kilometres of slopes, it is the second largest ski area in the world! For the kids, in addition to the superb kids-club and its early-learning activities, group ski or snowboard lessons are given by ESF professionals. Ideal for perfecting your slalom! And after a day on the slopes, enjoy the view of the valley’s peaks, installed on the gigantic terrace or in one of the whirlpools: a delight!
Sun in winter
For a shot of Christmas sun, the Dominican Republic is an ideal destination. From December to April, the weather is dry and sunny and the country’s beaches are waiting for you. Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is located on the edge of a long white sandy beach punctuated by the trunks of a luxuriant palm grove. Part of Club Med’s Exclusive Collection, this hotel offers unparalleled services. On land or sea, enjoy the wellness area, water activities (kite-surfing, diving…) and an unequalled range of sports (climbing, dancing, archery…). The ultra-complete All-In formula includes: the Kids-Club from 4 to 17 years old, all meals in the restaurant, drinks in the bar, entertainment, sports and other activities!
In the Maldives, everything is « luxury, calm and pleasure ». Its turquoise lagoons with warm waters filled with multicoloured fish and its fine sandy beaches make this archipelago a privileged destination. Located on a private island, the Kani resort Club Med ticks all the boxes of a dream holiday: houses on stilts, dinners with their feet in the sand, infinity pool, flying trapeze sessions with a view of the Indian Ocean. For the kids, the Club has not lacked inspiration since it offers them sports tournaments (football, beach volleyball, badminton…) games of skill and logic but also creative activities and excursions on and around the island. It’s quite simple, the days are not long enough to discover everything!
Have a great holiday!
Mylène, 28 years old, art and travel lover, from Strasbourg, France
You will also like
CONTACT-US
Monday-Sunday: 9AM - 6PM.
© 2024 Little Guest SA
extraordinary family holidays
