Some Relais & Chateaux properties offer visiting families special, unforgettable experiences for their kids. These adventures are guaranteed to leave them with magical memories as they explore the world at their own pace. Whether they are on their own or joined by the rest of the family, the fun and sheer freedom offered are guaranteed to bring out children’s creativity, curiosity and zest for adventure. These escapades cannot fail to fire youngsters’ imaginations and bring out the urge to travel in young and old alike.
IN LEOPARD TERRITORY
RELAIS & CHATEAUX SUJÁN JAWAI, Pali, Rajasthan
At Relais & Châteaux SUJÁN JAWAI nature is a kid’s playground. With spectacular views of a dramatic wilderness, spend unforgettable days on wilderness adventures and tracking leopards; breakfasts in the bush, yoga outdoors and delicious dinners under constellations of an unending starry sky. It is the most sophisticated and ecological way to discover a truly enchanting landscape. A wander to outlying villages allows immersive experiences of local culture and insights into some of the camp’s brilliant community projects. The chefs cater for kids with the children’s menu. Families can engage in activities together or the junior rangers activities such as learning bushcraft skills, tracking, photography and nature trails. Other activities on offer include board games, arts and crafts, cooking or baking, stargazing, activity booklets and movies are great to keep the little ones busy.
INTO WILD AT YALA
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX WILD COAST TENTED LODGE,
Yala, Sri Lanka
At Relais & Châteaux Wild Coast Tented Lodge, is a haven of twenty eight cocoon-like tents placed at the edge of the jungle and beach. Alongside some exciting game drives, kids can get hands-on in the kitchen with the Junior Chef program as they enjoy making local favourites like ‘coconut and treacle’ pancakes, or coconut and cinnamon cookies. They will also be guided through how to make fresh fruit juice and have the opportunity to enjoy their creations afterwards. The Junior Ranger program is the longest and most comprehensive programme is a 3-day experience (covering animal identification, footprint identification and tracking, and animal group characteristics) with a certification. ‘Specialist’ certification includes training kids on their favourite animal (for example, an elephant specialist) or even a ‘Junior Tracker’ certification aimed at spoor interpretation. Simple bush walks guided by our ranger can be quite fun too!
ADVENTURE-FILLED DAYS IN BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX EDEN ROC CAP CANA, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
At Relais & Châteaux Eden Roc Cap Cana, children can simply walk along the beach to the Kids’ Club, where the team offers unique creative workshops inspired by the tropical vegetation of the Caribbean. Exploring the luxuriant natural environment, these budding young artists can collect leaves from tropical trees and draw on their natural creativity to craft works of art entirely out of plants. The pictures and sculptures they create will always remind them of the lush natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. The team will take them tree-planting and teach them all about wildlife protection. For the little sports enthusiasts, kayaking in the lagoon will satisfy their desire to excel. At the end of a busy day, everyone can join their parents for a dance to the rhythm of traditional music.
EXPLORING WILDS
RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX TEMBO PLAINS CAMPS, Sapi Private Reserve, greater Mana Pools Region, Zimbabwe
A day on the open plains of Zimbabwe is an adventure in itself. Relais & Châteaux Tembo Plains Camp has designed the Young Explorers Program as an opportunity for budding travelers to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. Guided by qualified and knowledgeable wildlife guides, the young explorers can head off on an incredible safari. They will learn how to handle a boat on the Zambezi River, identify elephant footprints, pick out leopards camouflaged in the landscape, and follow the distinctive trails of different wild animals. Once all their observations have been recorded in their notebooks (or on camera), they will head back to camp for a tasty meal. If they haven’t already expended all their energy, the kids can then prepare a dish for their parents (with the help of the chef). Finally, the time comes for a well-deserved rest. Night falls on the banks of the Zambezi River and also over the camp’s magnificent “canvas suites”
