A basic guide to what to do with your children and enjoy in Marbella
The city of Marbella is known worldwide for its luxurious cosmopolitan vibe where the flavours of the finest international cuisine in the renowned Golden Mile mix with the rhythms of the world's best DJs in the best beach clubs in Europe such as Nikki Beach in the area of Marbella, and we know that many families will wonder then, is Marbella an ideal destination to travel with my children? And the answer is OF COURSE IT IS!
This marvellous city in the south of Spain holds among its luxurious corners special places to share wonderful moments with the family and also ideal places for the little ones to enjoy on their own and begin to live experiences and make lifelong friendships.
From outdoor excursions where you can discover wonderful routes full of nature and close to the most renowned gated communities in the market, golf lessons in the best golf courses of the Golf Valley in Nueva Andalucía, to dolphin watching in a private catamaran sailing along the Marbella coast from Elviria to Guadalmina. All this and more is available in Marbella.
A luxury trip to Marbella with children
The most exclusive hotels and luxury resorts in Marbella of course have to offer options for the youngest members of the family to enjoy wonderful activities, while the parents experience the Marbella of the adults.
Private paddle, tennis and golf lessons, group activities, arts and crafts, school tutoring and babysitting services are just some of the offerings that families can find when visiting Marbella.
The iconic Marbella Club located on Marbella's Golden Mile offers an immense list of possibilities and services for children, babies, newborns and families who wish to take a break from routine and enjoy a moment of relaxation in one of the best holiday homes in Europe.
Under the concept of "An open-air utopia for lively minds" the Marbella Club Kids Club is governed by the standards of the Hohenlohe family where children were always part of the narrative when building the iconic luxury hotel.
The Kids Club is open to both in-house guests and non-residents all year round. If you are a frequent visitor or simply want to enjoy the Kids Club during weekends or school holidays you will also have different membership possibilities.
Located in the heart of the estate, the Kids Club is an entertainment space every day of the year for children aged 4 to 14, with supervised activities ranging from sports, gardening and wildlife experiences to science experiments and outdoor games and sports.
For children under 4 there is the Tiny Tots programme with wonderful facilities and a mini play studio. They are also welcome in the rooms with mini amenities such as bath bombs, activity books and complimentary cots, while other luxury amenities such as monitors, changing mats, nappy changing facilities, high chairs, bottle warmers and, most importantly, babysitters, nannies and childcare are available on request.
There is also a children's club within the hotel dedicated to children between 4 and 12 years old, offering outdoor activities, group games and creative workshops, as well as private lessons for those interested in reinforcing their knowledge in a fun way and in the best possible environment.
Science, history-geography, French, English, Spanish, but also plastic arts, theatre or economics... the list of tutorials on offer is long, your child will only have to choose what interests him/her most! Every Friday, the children's club also offers children a beach clean-up to make them aware of the need to preserve the environment.
Finally, don't forget that the Puente Romano Beach Resort tennis academy is world renowned for the quality of its courts and the professionalism of its team. It offers courses for all ages (from 3 years old) and adapted to all levels. Group sessions or personalised lessons on one of the hotel’s 10 tennis courts, the choice is yours!
At the Puente Romano Beach Resort, there is no shortage of family activities. For example, you can discover a real treasure within the hotel itself: the botanical garden! With more than 400 species of plants from all over the world, this subtropical park is well worth a family outing.
And while we're on the subject of walks, you can also take a bike or horseback ride! The hotel has a bicycle rental service and a riding school that offers lessons and excursions.
The hotel's excellent location is also ideal for water sports and activities. Paddle, surfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, but also diving or boat trips... there is no shortage of options.
The hotel's professional team also offers courses in meditation, pilates, yoga and strength training. Don't hesitate to call on them for family sports sessions.
The hotel has different children's activities every day for the little ones to have fun and the older ones to relax. Competitions, arts and crafts, creative and themed activities, parties, dressing up and painting, games and theatre and mini cinema are some of the activities they can take part in.
In addition to the swimming pool, the games room and the modern swing area, the complex is equipped with a mini playground, a palapa with a ping-pong table and a small house with a mini bath. The hotel also invites you to discover its wide programme of aquatic and outdoor activities full of surprises in a paradisiacal setting, ideal for fun, sport, culture, companionship and new friendships.
Enjoying a sunny family holiday at the magnificent all-inclusive resort is possible at Ikos Andalucía. Located on the Costa del Sol, very close to the centre of Marbella and the historic town of San Pedro de Alcántara, the Ikos Andalucía offers a stunning setting amidst golden sandy beaches, azure blue waters and lush gardens.
This Mediterranean destination of choice presents its exclusive, all-inclusive Infinity Lifestyle concept, offering families a host of complimentary VIP services, including numerous sports and entertainment activities (Pilates classes, yoga, aqua aerobics, Greek), Michelin-starred menus, a selection of 300 international and local wines, 24-hour room service, plus private access to a heated indoor swimming pool and a beach area equipped with sun loungers, parasols, towels, refreshments and a beach babysitting service (supervised bathing 30 minutes a day from 4 years old).
Families can also benefit from the Deluxe Collection option. They will enjoy privileged access to a private swimming pool, a dedicated area on the beach, but also many services and privileges: Children's movies, PlayStation (on request), fast check-in and check-out, 24/7 room service, spa treatment, a romantic dinner on the beach, a free bottle of Taittinger champagne on arrival, among others.
Enjoying nature as a family
Holidays are times that should create positive experiences and bonding between children and parents, so it is extremely important to provide activities where all parties have equal fun.
Marbella offers different activities that will thrill everyone at home, some of them are:
Canyoning involves travelling through canyons using a variety of techniques which can include other outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling and/or swimming.
Very close to Marbella, from the village of Benahavís and through the Guadalmina River you can try an extreme route that adapts to different ages and levels. In a natural environment of great beauty, you will learn the basic techniques of canyoning progression where you can enjoy jumps from different heights into a deep water reservoir in an idyllic place surrounded by mountains.
For those who are not so daring or for the little ones, there is also a route with natural slides and as you progress, the gorge becomes narrower but allows you to enjoy a landscape that you have never imagined so close to all the services of Guadalmina and within walking distance of the lively Marbella.
Elviria is an area of Marbella renowned for its wonderful real estate complexes and beautiful beaches and, just 500 metres from these, you will find an adventure park like no other.
Aventura Amazonia is the largest adventure park in Andalusia and a major reference point for theme parks on the Costa del Sol. It offers 83 challenges for lovers of heights and adrenaline. Among its activities you will climb trees, run between suspension bridges and fly along zip lines, all of this accompanied by the strictest safety standards and training.
During a 3 hour tour this park ensures that the whole family will burn off adrenaline, learn the basics of harness and rope use and enjoy spectacular views from the treetops.
When we hear about water skiing we immediately think of a boat, in open water or in a large lake, which pulls the skiers at high speed allowing them to do different jumps in the air, but in the Parque de las Medranas, a few minutes from the Real Club de Golf de Guadalmina and the San Pedro Golf Club there is an artificial lake where an 820-metre long cable crosses the lake and where up to 9 people can ski or wakeboard at the same time.
The cable system pulls the skiers around the lake. Each trip around the lake takes about a minute, but the cable can be adjusted to a speed that suits your ability. It is slow for children and beginners and faster for expert skiers.
The Wakeboard Marbella centre (used to be called Cable Ski Marbella) offers a unique water sports experience to young and old. Beginners to advanced riders can have fun and a sense of achievement through a well designed and safe activity. Various equipment is provided, from beginner kneeboards to more advanced wakeboards and water skis for the wakeboarder and extreme water skier.
Other facilities include a licensed restaurant and café, a swimming pool with sun loungers, a water-ski shop and a car park.
Enjoying the Mediterranean Sea by boat from Puerto Banús
To enjoy the Mediterranean Sea to the full there is no better way than from a boat appreciating the views of the wonderful shores of Puerto Banus. There are many private boat charter companies, but when travelling with children it is ideal to get one that focuses on having fun activities for them and where you can also enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the Mediterranean Sea that accompanies the Costa del Sol.
A perfect day at sea can include spotting dolphins in their natural habitat, lunch on board brought from a beach bar, a visit to some of the nearby ports, family fun on the inflatables, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling and just about anything else you can dream of on your holiday.
If you like fishing or want to try it or introduce your children to it, they can organise a fishing trip on a fully equipped fishing boat for you. All equipment, rods and bait are included, as well as an experienced skipper and deck hand who will take you to the best spots and help you enjoy the day and learn about the different forms of ocean life.
Drinks and snacks are also included, so come and try this great and fun activity.
Gibraltar is not only one of the best views we have from Marbella but also a beautiful destination to visit and if you add to this a boat trip with dolphin watching, a bit of sightseeing, tasting delicious food and ending the day with a swim on a secluded beach to relax and watch the sunset, you will have one of the most beautiful memories of a family holiday.