There’s something for everyone in Dubai and the choice of hotels can be overwhelming. But if you’re travelling with kids, Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites is one of the best all-inclusive properties in town.
Set on the easternmost tip of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s tree-shaped man-made island in the Arabian Sea, this secluded hotel scores big for its impressive kids’ clubs, wide variety of restaurants and fantastic service from the friendly team. Nothing is too much to ask for here which, with demanding youngsters in tow, can make all the difference. The all-inclusive factor is undeniably appealing; there will be no unexpected surprises when the bill comes at the end of your stay, no matter how many ice-creams have been consumed.
The Vibe
Huge, glossy and very glamorous, the hotel’s magnificent lobby is the first thing you’ll be greeted by, complete with dramatic floral displays, a number of shops, and a trolley serving up local tea and dates. Beyond this are lush gardens that house a plethora of facilities including a water sports centre, four glittering swimming pools, tennis courts and an al fresco sheesha bar, all with views of Dubai’s skyscraper-studded skyline.
And then there’s the one kilometre-long private beach where you can stroll barefoot along pristine, golden sands or lounge on one of the daybeds with a good book. In the heat of the day, why not treat yourself to an aromatherapy massage followed by a traditional hammam at the Turkish-inspired Anjana Spa. This hotel proves that holidays with kids don’t have to mean sacrificing luxury.
The Rooms
The resort is made up of more than 300 rooms and suites, ranging from Deluxe rooms to Five Bedroom Family Suites ideal for multigenerational groups. Rooms come complete with gleaming marble bathrooms featuring deep-soak tubs, terraces or balconies overlooking the turquoise Arabian Gulf, tea and coffee amenities, minibar (with complimentary snacks and drinks that are refilled daily) plasma televisions and excellent air-conditioning – a must for Dubai’s year-round sunshine. Contemporary in design, the stylish rooms have dark-wood furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows and natural, wooden floors to create calm and elegant sanctuaries to suit everyone’s tastes.
The Food + Drink
You won’t go hungry at Rixos The Palm, with five restaurants and half a dozen bars and lounges. Steak-lovers should head to Toro Loco, while over at L’olivo you can order delicious Italian fare including sourdough pizzas and fresh pastas. Rixos is a Turkish brand, so you also have the opportunity to sample the very best authentic mezze, kebabs and baklava at Bodrum, a restaurant reserved exclusively for in-house guests.
For casual, all-day dining, head to Turquoise or A La Turca, which both offer a lavish buffet, piled high with eggs and every type of pastry you can imagine at breakfast, and a selection of continental dishes for dinner.
The Child’s Play
Expect daily entertainment and activities for under-12s at the fully-supervised Rixy Kids’ Club, from group sports lessons to cooking classes, drumming workshops, art, magic shows, treasure hunts and beach and pool games. The Rixinema shows the latest kids’ film releases on a big screen, and there is even a Rixy Disco in the evenings. For younger children there’s a dedicated toddler zone with a genius nap area and separate swimming pools. Up in the rooms, your little ones will be delighted by thoughtful touches such as mini-me dressing gowns and a stack of storybooks, perfect for bedtime reading.
The To-Do List
Rixos The Palm is situated in a prime location to explore all that Dubai has to offer, and guests can enjoy complimentary and unlimited access to the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure, located a ten-minute drive away at Atlantis, The Palm. For the best shopping and dining experiences, head to the Mall of the Emirates and nearby Dubai Marina, before heading into the heart of the city to discover iconic landmarks such as the Dubai Mall with its spectacular fountain and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet.
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