Kids lap up five-star luxury
The rise in demand for family facilities at luxury resorts was highlighted at an Arabian Travel Market seminar yesterday where senior hotel representatives concurred in the need to provide more than just electronic games to keep younger guests amused.
According to Bernard Bohnenberger, president of Six Senses Hotels & Resorts, resorts such as Zighy Bay in Oman operate with nannies for younger children and offer a teen club programme that focuses on adventure and learning: “It is all about the destination, from feeding the resident goats to mini safaris, trying out Arabic cookery or meeting with local children,” he said.
Summarising the lively and informative session, Stephanie Bleakley, marketing executive at Reed Travel Exhibitions, commented: “Some hotels in Europe have opened adult only resorts in recognition of the growing trend for this concept, while other resorts have broadened their dedicated offering to cater for both couples and families.”
“Dedicated registration and check-in areas have also been dedicated to children, they can also have their own mini-bars, turndown service and parents can connect instantly with the family concierge via walkie talkies to check on their little ones.
“Another growing trend popular with Asian families especially, is the family activity programme, particularly those which focus on pursuits encouraging families to participate together, such as kayaking, cooking or even golf,” added Bleakley.
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