When it comes to luxury amenities, hotels tend to think of ways to please their adult guests. But one property decided to go all out for the youngest travelers. How? Well, Eden Roc Cap Cana, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, created a kids’ club that is so awesome parents might get jealous.
The Relais & Châteaux property is home to Koko Kids Club, which is located in a "treehouse" on a manmade island near Punta Cana. Yes, kids can play in the enclosed sandy “beach” and paddle the lagoon in a kayak while the parents enjoy some downtime by the pool. Plus, the club is equipped with a mini spa for manicures, pedicures, and event hairstyling, and there’s onsite programming.
“Many properties focus on adults only services and areas, leaving the families with limited options,” Stefano Baratelli, Managing Director, told Departures. “We try to have activities that distance children from screens and that help them learn something about the local surroundings, while at the same time providing some entertainment that not many places have. We do everything from Dominican arts and craft and Spanish lessons, to kayaking races and mini spa.”
They started with a much more limited scope of activities and have improved based on guest feedback and ideas coming from the team. The piano lessons and the Karaoke, for example, come from Felix, who is the resident pianist who was teaching piano to children in the lobby bar in his spare time.
“The flexibility of the time for activities makes us quite unique, and the warmth of the team leading the kids club is the main factor for making Koko’s Kids Club unique,” added Baratelli.
Not to mention, the design of the club is uncommon compared to other kids’ clubs around the world. The wood building has a thatch roof in typical Dominican fashion. The idea of placing it on top of a manmade lagoon was inspired by the combination of a treehouse and overwater bungalows in some properties in Asia, according to Baratelli.
Multi-room villas make the property even more family-friendly. Each one has a private pool and a fully-equipped kitchen. Plus, you can book a family package, which includes one three-course dinner, a private pizza-making class, and daily lunch for two children. VIBabies package (babysitting, diapers, toys, milk, and more) is also available for the youngest travelers.
As far as what parents can do with their downtime, the property just debuted the world’s first-ever spa by Natura Bissé. It comes complete with an indoor-outdoor aqua garden, wellness bar, Swedish sauna, rainfall showers, Hammam, and full fitness center (private trainers and all).
“A major part of the quality time families get to spend while vacationing stems from how much their children enjoy their days away from home,” said Baratelli. “ The way we try to envision the true enjoyment of Eden Roc Cap Cana for our guests is by spending meaningful time with their loved ones while doing the activities they like the most.”
