Travel experts Mr and Mrs Smith have rounded up five fab family holiday ideas all within easy reach of Dubai!
Looking for the perfect luxury beach hotel that the whole family can enjoy? Travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have scoured coastlines, scaled cliffs and combed beaches to find their favourite family friendly hotels where the water’s edge and fun in the sun are never far away…
Dedon Island Resort, Siargao Island, Philippines
Boutique resort Dedon Island ticks all the right boxes for a private family getaway in the Philippines. The resort features nine villas where everything you see – from the hanging day-beds to the sculptural carved headboards – is handcrafted from local materials. There are plenty of games for children, including a trampoline and ping pong tables, and come evening you can melt marshmallows by the fire and settle in for a family film projected on a screen strung between two palm trees. The best part is that everything – including island excursions, your delicious food and even babysitting costs – is included in your stay.
Smith extra: A piece of Dedon-fibre jewellery for each guest, made by the Compostela Project.
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Dubai, UAE
Take a staycation, mamas and make the most of our year-round sunshine by heading to the child-friendly Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Clustered around lagoon pools or on stilts over the water, these red-roofed, whitewashed wonders have families in mind, with clubs for kids and teens, an action-packed watersports centre and a 400-metre private beach. Rent wakeboards and Hobie Cats or try your hand at waterskiing, kayaking and windsurfing; pedalos, banana boats and paddle boards are good options for little ones finding their sea legs.
Read more: 15 Reasons To Check Into Anantara The Palm For Your Next Family Staycation
Smith extra: A bottle of wine and fresh fruit on arrival.
Perched on a private bay along Phuket’s quieter north-west coast, Trisara has all the hallmarks of an unforgettable family escape. Each private villa features an infinity pool and breathtaking ocean views, and there’s a well-organised kids club including free daily breakfast for children. Hire jet skis, kayaks and dive gear or, for a thrilling family day out, you can charter one of Trisara’s yachts to cruise around Phuket and the neighbouring islands.
Smith extra: A bottle of Champagne and 10% off food and soft drinks; GoldSmiths also get 30 per cent off spa treatments.
The Oberoi Mauritius, Mauritius
Set amongst 20 acres of tropical gardens and facing the Indian Ocean, the thatch-roofed, palm-lined Oberoi overlooks gorgeous Turtle Bay on the northwest coast of Mauritius. Children are welcome at the family pool, the kids club will keep them entertained from 9am to 4pm daily, and there’s a refreshingly flexible room policy – up to two under-eights can stay in their parents’ room for free. Bring binoculars, though, as you’ll want to get a good look at the dolphins, flying fish and reef sharks swimming in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean.
Smith extra: A bottle of Champagne and a 30-minute jet lag therapy massage for two on the day of arrival.
A design masterpiece by Bill Bensley, the Slate is also perfect for families, especially when you book a spacious Private Pool Villa. At the hotel, the family pool has shallow-end ‘beaches’ and water features that toddlers will adore. In the daytime go elephant trekking, and at night be enthralled by the Siam Niramit cultural show involving 100 all-singing, all-dancing performers. The activities-packed kids club offers mask-making, Thai boxing, children’s yoga, treasure hunts, cookery classes and plenty more.
Smith extra: Complimentary return airport transfers.
With Mr & Mrs Smith you’ll enjoy our best-price guarantee, as well as a little something extra on arrival at every hotel. To book, call toll free at 800 905 326 or visit mrandmrssmith.com.