Dubai is packed with family-friendly resorts, making it the ideal place to stay with children.
With so many hotels welcoming little ones with open arms, it can be hard to know which to choose for a family break. Ultra-luxe Jumeirah Al Naseem is one of the best thanks, in part, to a private beach and excellent kids’ club. Citizen Enfants checked in to find out more.
The Vibe
Dubai is well-known for its abundance of five-star resorts and impeccable service, but Jumeirah Al Naseem shines as one of the true family-friendly stars. Along a stretch of private sandy beach, Al Naseem is one of the more modern and contemporary offerings by Jumeirah Group, and on arrival you’re enveloped in a world of contemporary Arabian opulence. Oh, and it comes with views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, too.
Stylish soft furnishings seamlessly blend with a modern-Arabian architecture and the sleek, clean lines of dark wood and polished ceramic tiles combined with rich textiles give the overall feel of classic, understated luxury. With the Arabian Gulf as its backdrop, this resort has all the ingredients of signature Jumeirah luxury but with a boutique-like feel, service and design.
There’s a refined balance between maintaining a chic and stylish atmosphere, but also being truly family-friendly. With a dedicated kids’ club and a plethora of activities – including everything from water sports to cookery lessons – plus complimentary, unlimited access to neighbouring Wild Wadi Waterpark (and a fun kids’ pool on-site too) the hotel ensures that guests of all ages will be kept happy, comfortable and entertained.
The Food + Drink
Foodies will be well taken care of here. Al Naseem is connected by a river system to four sister Jumeirah Resorts, allowing guests to hop on an abra to any of the other properties. This means, in addition to Al Naseem’s multiple dining options (including a shisha bar overlooking the waters of the Gulf), guests can take an abra to any of the connected resorts, expanding lunch and dinner locations to an impressive forty restaurants. Options include fine-dining and al-fresco spots, with cuisine ranging from Arabic and French at Jumeirah Al Qasr, to Chinese and Greek at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam.
At Al Naseem itself, wake up to breakfast at The Palmery, with open terraces and views of the Burj Al Arab. It’s all about lunch at Kayto, serving Peruvian-Nikkei cuisine within an effortlessly-cool setting on the hotel terrace; their signature sushi rolls and seabass ceviche are the stars of the show. Opt for an early dinner at Flamingo Room by tashas – a hip, fun space and a favourite with Dubai residents too – where you’ll dine besides the hotel’s turtle lagoon. The restaurant emanates 70s glam, with a bright pink colour palette, velvet chairs and cute decorative touches such as – yes – flamingo motifs, but also illustrations and sculptures of monkeys, turtles and leopards, plus splashes of zebra print here and there.
The Rooms
Each room is a sanctuary of comfort and style, designed with meticulous attention to detail, and sliding wooden shutters open to unveil stylish en-suites. There are stone sinks hung under circular mirrors, mosaic-tiled wet rooms with separate bathtubs and showers and, importantly, a large enough wardrobe space for the whole family. Rooms are decorated with tasteful artworks that reflect the local culture, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood them with natural light.
There are multiple room types, and the one or two-bedroom family suites are set amidst lush manicured gardens, with enclosed balconies designed to accommodate young children. All can be equipped with cots and high chairs, making a stay with little ones as easy as possible. Many of the rooms come with furnished private terraces, providing stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, the resort’s pretty gardens or, if you’re lucky, the iconic Burj Al Arab. While all family suites come with enclosed balconies, many of the two-bedroom suites have a private terrace as well.
The Child’s Play
With supervised entertainment at the kids’ club, parents can relax and unwind at the beach, pool or spa, while their children are taken care of – and guaranteed to have endless fun. From arts and crafts workshops to outdoor adventures, there won’t be a dull moment. Dubai is renowned for its safety and security and the hotel maintains a strict policy on access to the club, with qualified staff on hand to look after little guests. This assurance allows parents the confidence that their children are in a safe environment. The kids’ club is complimentary but book in advance. Babysitting services can also be arranged for an additional charge.
The resort shares a weekly activity schedule for little guests which ranges from mini spa days to football, face painting, arts and crafts or abra rides. There’s also a well looked after, spacious outdoor playground with a jungle gym and swing sets to keep your little ones engaged and entertained. And of course, complimentary access to the nearby Wild Wadi Waterpark is a huge treat for young thrill seekers.
The Spa
The Talise Spa, located inside next door sister-hotel Jumeirah Al-Qasr, is quite possibly the perfect place to relax at while little ones enjoy the kids’ club. The sleek tiles and billowing linen drapes of the space are in keeping with the resort’s chic overall look and feel, and it’s set amidst tranquil waterways and tropical gardens; arrive by buggy or via the traditional wooden abras. Choose from the large selection of treatments before selecting your preferred aroma oil – blended to personalise your experience. There’s also the Talise Fitness centre, offering a state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers on hand and plenty of fitness classes such as yoga to choose from.
The To Do List
Venture downtown to the Burj Khalifa lake to witness the captivating display of the Dubai water fountain show. Designed and crafted by the same creators of the renowned Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas, the performance is the world’s largest choreographed show. Afterwards hit the shops and restaurants around the Dubai Mall, it’s Dubai’s largest shopping mall with plenty of stores and entertainment experiences for both parents and kids.
This is a destination packed with fun things for kids to enjoy. A must-see is the fantastic Museum of the Future which will inspire kids of all ages with it’s innovative and creative exhibits, many of which are interactive. The Dubai Aquarium and ice rink are must-visit destinations for younger visitors, who will also love a trip to some of the theme parks such as LEGOLAND Dubai and IMG Worlds of Adventure. A visit to the region is not complete without stopping at Dubai Creek for a more authentic experience of Dubai and the Middle East. Explore the spice souks, sample local flavours and jump on an abra to take a trip across the water.
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