Post Category - Play & PartyPlay & PartyBack in the days before we had children, we used to love retreating to hotels in the region to relax for a weekend. It wasn’t just the days by the pool that we loved (although they were wonderful), but also the chance to swap our apartment for the surroundings of a luxury hotel room for a few days. There was something about those trips that refreshed our minds and bodies from city life – and we came back to our apartment feeling like new people.
It doesn’t quite work like that with kids, does it? But over the past three years of being a mother in this city, I have made it my mission to find staycations that we can all enjoy. And that means finding family-friendly resorts that offer suites, villas, or apartments so everyone can have their own room. After all, once the kids are in bed, we want to enjoy our evenings like we used to – without having to go to bed at the same time as they do or hide in the bathroom while they snore away the other side of the door.
Here are a few of the best multi-room options we have discovered…
Apartment at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat al Beri, Abu Dhabi
This hotel offers apartments in the Residences along the road from the hotel (and within easy reach with the abra and golf buggy service). The apartments are peaceful, roomy (with up to four bedrooms) and have their own pools so you can stay close to home. You can still order room service or head to the main hotel to eat. And with spectacular views of the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque, you will want to do that at least once.
Villa at The Cove, Ras al Khaimah
With turquoise water as far as the eye can see, the backdrop to this Ras Al Khaimah resort is breathtaking and you can book one, two, or three bedroom villas to enjoy it in comfort. Right in the centre of the resort, with spacious living rooms for enjoying time when the kids are in bed and are a great option for families. If you really want to push the boat out, you can book on the premium villas, which have their own private plunge pools.
Villa at Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi
A friend has just returned from a weekend in this luxury resort and she says it’s the closest we can get to a holiday in the Maldives right here in the UAE. The villas on offer range from one-bedroom beach villas, to four-bedroom water villas, to stunning beach estates with their own private beach and pool. The place is knock-out beautiful and will set you back a few dirhams, but you wont forget this stunning staycation any time soon.
Chalet at Emirates Park Resort
The deluxe chalets at this resort mean you can kick back in the comfortable lounge when the kids are asleep – and with views of giraffes and zebra from your sofa, it’s a pretty special way to do it. With zoo access included throughout your stay, it may be better planning this trip for the cooler months – but being one of the more affordable and unique staycations in the region, it’s well worth waiting for.
Family Suite at Hilton Resort, Ras al Khaimah
With two bedrooms and a spacious lounge, this is a great option for families wanting a relaxing beach holiday within the UAE. The resort itself is very family-friendly, with a 200 square meter kids club, family pool with slides, and babysitting service on offer, so you really can relax as you enjoy a family staycation.
