Keeping Up With Kaya: January

Happy New Year, mamas! 2017 is going to be fantastic – I can just tell – but January can be a little ‘Meh’.

I often get post holiday blues so this year I’m making every effort to keep the momentum of all that fabulous family time and excitement going. This month is about planning ahead so that I have dates to look forward to, it’s about booking holidays and date nights and family adventures. It’s also about making the very most of the amazing weather.
One of my New Years resolutions is to get down to the beach every single day, be it for a run, a walk, a swim or even a quick breather before the bathtime/bedtime routine. And it’s about being healthy and happy, whether that’s through exercise or a little more indulgence; start the year whichever way works for you. From gorgeous new hotel openings to fun excursions in Dubai, taking the time to explore other Emirates to eating well, here are a few of the things I’m loving in Dubai at the moment. Have a great month, mamas!

Taking…

A little ‘me-time’ at the about to open Alma Retreat in Ras Al Khaimah, the first wellness resort of its kind in the Middle East and the perfect place to relax, recharge and totally switch off. Each weekend here is themed to provide solutions to all kinds of health and wellness concerns whether you’re looking to kick-start a healthy lifestyle, you need to reawaken your creativity or you want to de-stress (all of the above?!) and there are activities from yoga to hiking plus massages, workouts and scrummy organic food to enjoy. Oh, and we’re giving away a wellness weekend this month so make sure to enter!

There’s also the newly opened Al Baleed Resort by Anantara in the Salalah region of Oman, the first luxury villa hotel in the region, which offers the chance to unwind, restore and reconnect in total tranquility (think spa, beach and sun salutations – bliss). I’m desperately trying to convince the husband that a weekend here is much needed – while I’m soaking in the hammam, the kids can have a ball in the children’s club and he could explore a nearby UNESCO world Heritage Site of Citadel and Grand Mosque ruins. Perfect, yes?!

Cruising…

The Dubai Canal. I’ve explored it by foot (a mammoth walk of champions along the beach from Umm Suqeim, up the canal and ending with a well-deserved lunch at The Rose & Crown in Habtoor City) and by bike but to be on the water itself is simply magical. If you don’t have access to your own private boat (we can but dream), there are water taxis, a water bus and RTA water ferry rides available. And the one that really appeals to me? The 19.35 ferry from Dubai Canal Station which would catch the waterfall that lights up at 8pm – the perfect prelude to dinner out in downtown Dubai!

Treating…

My little girl to a mini hair appointment at the fabulous Be Bar Blow Dry Bar where Hot Tot, a new range of hair products made especially for kids has just launched. With 2 older brothers, this little one’s hair is often caked in sand or matted together as the result of everything from food fights to arts & crafts sessions with a difference – and all she really wants is to be a princess! A wash with the gorgeous Hot Tot products and then a blow-dry and a braid will make her feel so special and give us some much-needed mama/daughter time.

Visiting…

The Al Ain Oasis, the UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes an Eco-Center and a glimpse into the nation’s past via a miniature oasis that shows a flowing waterway system under the shade of thousands of palms that has sustained this area for thousands of years.

Soak up the green, the shade, the hundreds of plant varieties and then head to Wadi Adventure, the Middle East’s first man made whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing facility that includes lots of family friendly activities and lunch options with views of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Range.

Embracing…

2017 as The Year of Giving in the UAE by thinking of ways that we can give back as a family – be it through charitable events (how about enjoying a brunch where all proceeds go to charity? The Red Crescent’s picnic brunch at Al Badia Golf Club on February 13^th is exactly that) or simple ways that I and my family can make a difference. The man who sweeps the road in the morning, the person packing your groceries – let them know that you appreciate them with a smile and a conversation.

Eating (or is it drinking!?)…

Bone Broth. Yes, don’t be put off by the name – bone broth is one of those superfoods that’s got everyone with that kind of thing on their radar (Hollywood celebs included) very excited (unless you’re vegetarian or vegan, in which case don’t read this part). Now apparently the aim with bone broth is to drink it instead of your morning and afternoon cup of coffee – which is something I’d love to try but am also terrified to think about (that caffeine hit is a lifeline!). The Clean Living Company produces the first locally-made bone broth, prepared by an award-winning chef using only the finest marrow-bones from organically raised cows and chickens (sorry veggies I told you to look away…). Without going into all of the science, I can tell you that the broth contains healing compounds including collagen and amino acids which boost immunity and mood (um, hooray!). It also helps with anti-ageing, with dry skin and hair, with sleep – frankly with everything that us mamas worry about – and I say bring it on!! Buy it online or at Ripe Market.

Congratulating…

The lovely Helen Farmer of Dubai-based parenting blog The Mothership, who’s added another beautiful feather to her hat by becoming qualified to conduct baby naming ceremonies for UAE families. From small gatherings at home to big celebrations, an official welcome to the world for your little one marks the start of your life together and Helen will work closely with each family to create a bespoke ceremony including everything from personal anecdotes to readings. A lovely way to celebrate the arrival of your baby with friends and family in a non-religious way plus give your little one a set of formally chosen ‘mentors’ whose job it is to support (and spoil!) them. I kind of want another baby just so that Helen can conduct a ceremony….
For more information contact helen.farmer@helenschrader.com

wishing you the happiest January ever, mamas!