Hatta Fort: The New Look

A Wonderful Weekend Getaway In Hatta

Whenever we need a quick escape from home, Hatta calls. With beautiful winter weather (now that the rain has gone!) and Spring Break coming up, there’s no need to hop on a plane as this charming little break is so family friendly, so easy, so much fun (and not expensive either!). If you’ve never been, or if you associate Hatta only with visa runs, then seriously – book a weekend here with your family and check it out for yourselves!

The Hatta Fort Hotel is an institution – it’s not new or glitzy or modern but that’s why I love it – and it’s just had a bit of a makeover which makes it all the more appealing. We’ve been coming for years (my hubby first visited when he was 16…) because this is the kind of place where the bell-boy remembers your names and greets the kids like long-lost friends each time – and that counts for a lot in our world.

The Hatta region is undergoing massive change, with plans for green spaces, mountain tracks, restoration of archaeological sites and lots more to promote tourism. And The Hatta Fort Hotel is following suit! The rooms (more like individual cottages) have been given a gorgeous fresh update that includes white washed wood and interiors of pale grey and neutral tones that compliment the stone exteriors and don’t at all detract from the property’s character. Think cosy, modern chalet style – perfect with the mountain backdrop! There are fluffy white duvets, stone clad walls and beautiful bathrooms in which to bathe away to your hearts content at the end of the day.

As a family of 5, there was masses of space for us in the room – with a whopping size double bed for me and the hubby (and each of the kids who insist on joining us most nights…) plus a fold out sofa bed and a travel crib for the littlest. A balcony provided the perfect setting for that ‘kids have gone to bed and I need to sit down with a drink’ moment – and gorgeous views over the sprawling lawns where peacocks roam. The main reception area has been decorated in similar neutrals and the restaurant too – which was once pretty formal – now offers a really friendly space complete with a new interiors style and delicious buffet options to keep every family member happy and very well fed!

While there’s really no need to leave the resort (2 swimming pools, Mini Golf, Archery, a kids playground and MASSES of space to run/climb/explore are more than enough to see to that), for the first time we booked a driver and guide via the hotel – who drove us to the Hatta Heritage Village – a really authentic look at traditional mountain life complete with little houses which the kids had great fun running in and out of plus watch towers and castles to explore. We also visited a farm where local farmers showed us the traditional means of irrigating their crops and welcomed the children so warmly – and finally we spent a morning at Hatta dam which now offers kayaks and boat rentals for even more outdoor fun!

At just under 2 hours away from downtown Dubai, Hatta is so worth a visit if you’re looking to get out of town with your squad. Whether you’re after lots of fresh-air adventures or you just want to settle into a good book while the kids splash about in a pool – the Hatta Fort Hotel is just the place.

The Hatta Fort Hotel is offering FREE dinner for children below the age of 12 when parents book a stay on a half board basis AND a FREE archery session for the whole family. Valid until 30^th April 2017. Code: JA-SM

For bookings and information visit www.jaresortshotels.com or call +971 4 809 9333