Dona Filipa Hotel Kids Club Has a New Story To Tell

April 17th, 2009

Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort recently reopened its well known kids club. Now named 'Kangaroo Club' children have access, to an area of 2000 m2 of absolute fun, where safety and care from specialized staff are guaranteed. At the Kangaroo Club children create their own holiday paradise, experience the latest in didactical activities and make new friendships.  

The kids play area (formerly Penguin Village) was originally created for the hotel in 1998 as a space completely dedicated to children with the aim of satisfying the whole family's needs, as well as making everyone's holiday unforgettable. Children are able to play, participate in games and learn in a safe environment. Following JJW Hotels & Resorts acquisition of the hotel, the kids club has been re-branded with a new name and mascot whilst maintaining its high quality and safety standards that guests have become accustomed to.   

The Penguin Village gave way to the Kangaroo Club! 

The Kangaroo Club is available to children from the tender age of 6 months up to the age of 12, with fun activities segmented by age groups to increase children's learning capacities. Children up to the age of 3 are cared for individually and meals are planned according to parents' indications; children between the ages of 3 and 5 can participate in a program filled with activities that may include play doe sculpturing, painting and constructing; children aged from 6 to 12 years of age are offered the same activities, but with higher skill levels; additionally their program may include excursions or sport lessons.

The Kangaroo Club offers specially prepared meals, taking into consideration children's preferences and nutritional requirements.

Parents are always welcome at the Club, namely during lunch time, picnics or other specific and special events that may be organised.

To guarantee children's complete safety the Club uses a wrist band system, comprising of 3 different colours, each one coded according to granted permissions, specific restrictions and/or special health issues that the staff may need to be made aware of.

Access to the Kangaroo Club is free of charge for Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort guests (from the age of 3 to 12), non-residents may also attend the club (fee applies).

The Kangaroo Club is open until the end of October and during the festive seasons of Christmas and New Years. During the summer months, with the vast choice of evening activities and social events, the Kangaroo Club closes its doors at 11pm, enabling parents to leave their children in the Club's care, whilst they enjoy the cosmopolitan Algarve nightlife.

The Story Behind the Name....

The kangaroo was chosen as the club's name (and mascot) because if the mammal's distinct characteristics:

1. Kangaroos have the natural instinct of nurturing and protecting their young at all costs. This is the spirit that is adopted amongst the Kangaroo Club staff… the constant strife to nurture and protect our young guests. 
2. Kangaroos are strong willed animals proven by the first and sometimes the most dangerous journey they have to make… the journey to the mothers pouch once they are born. Another characteristic that is shared by our staff… the constant strong will to triumph! 

Other than the name… a constant presence is our mascot - Joey! Little Joey, an active, dynamic and very mischievous 9 year old male kangaroo, is continuously getting into the funniest adventures! Just like our young guests… he is not from the Algarve, but he chooses to spend his holidays in the Algarve, taking full advantage of what the region, especially our kid's club has to offer little ones! Joey will be a continuous participant in all the games and activities that take place in the Kangaroo Club. After all… he is a little guest on holiday too, with the aim to have fun and new experiences while on holiday at his club, the Kangaroo Club; even if it means getting into trouble once or twice, he will always be taken care of under the protective guard and watchful eye of our attentive kangaroo staff. The name of our mascot, Joey was no random choice…. Baby kangaroos are affectionately referred to as Joeys… the kind of affection we like to show our young guests!