If staying in Dubai are your 2020 summer plans then you have to enjoy it to the max! Lets look at the positives – the sun is shining, swimming pools are chilled, there's lots of great restaurants and an array of luxury hotels in close proximity to chose from, I mean come on - there’s no waiting around in airports with flight delays. You can simply book and arrive quicker than you can say “where’s my suitcase”
So here's Unique Family Travels top luxury resorts to enjoy a staycation in Dubai and the surrounding Emirates.
Here’s to simply switching off, letting the kids burn off some energy while you relax with a glass in hand – my goodness you have sooo earned it!
Dubai
Four Seasons Resort Dubai
The opulent Four Seasons Resort Dubai sits on a private, 270-metre stretch of golden sandy beachfront. Privacy, service and relaxation go hand in hand at this property. Kids are entertained at the pool or on the beach by the resident kids club staff leaving you to simply relax.
Enjoy the large array of top restaurants on your doorstep from Salt Bae’s famous Nusr – Et Steakhouse to the shores of Mykonos with Nammos Beach Club.
https://www.fourseasons.com/dubaijb/
Mandarin Oriental
Overlooking the glittering Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf, guests can choose from rooms with sensational city views or amazing ocean views – all from the seclusion of a private balcony. A foodie holiday is all part of the experience with cutting-edge restaurants offering everything from Japanese steaks to Michelin star Portuguese.
Little Nomads kids’ club offers amenities and activities, including a children’s pool, complimentary dining for guests up to age four, in-room movies on demand, toys and age-appropriate toiletries.
https://www.mandarinoriental.com/dubai/jumeira-beach/luxury-hotel
Jumeriah Al Nassem
This beautiful resort is home to 387 contemporary rooms and 43 suites, all with sea-facing views. The hotel’s proximity to the water allows the sounds of the sea to reach guest rooms. Facing the iconic Burj Al Arab the views are simply breathtaking.
There’s so much for kids to do on the property and next door at Jumeriah’s other resorts, however due to the current situation some activities are closed.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
A palatial luxury resort inspired by 1001 Arabian Nights, Jumeirah Al Qasr's prime location means guests can enjoy access to a 2km beach as well as almost 100 boutiques at neighboring Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Arabian-inspired bedrooms many with sea views.
Located next to the pool is Sinbads Kids Club, which offers an aquatic wonderland of play areas and pools. Please do check that they are operating at your time of stay due to social distancing regulations.
One & Only Royal Mirage
Offering Arabian-inspired opulence, One&Only Royal Mirage is situated on a lengthy 1km stretch of golden sand. Its beachfront dining options include the very popular DRIFT Beach and Jetty Lounge, while guests checking in to one of the lavish guest rooms, suites or villas can expect unparalleled service.
https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/royal-mirage
One & Only The Palm
Reside in complete seclusion at Palm Island’s most exclusive resort. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai's soaring skyline from your private beach. Step aboard their One&Only boat and immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan city, just minutes away. The beachfront villas are not only luxurious and private but offer stunning sky line views.
https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Located on the West Crescent of the palm, beachside Jumeirah Zabeel Saray exudes regional Arabian style, with hand-painted murals, lavish gold fixtures, and other Ottoman-inspired touches. A private beach, Thalassotherapy pools, and an opulent spa round out the experience. The large private villas are situated around a lagoon pool, perfect for families. Please note the kids club is temporarily closed due to the current conditions however with a large pool, lagoon pool and beach the kids will be busy from dawn till dusk.
Anantara on the Palm
A Thai-inspired slice of paradise on the Palm Jumeirah, Anantara The Palm boasts a 400 metre stretch of private beach as well as the UAE's only over water villas. Guest rooms and suites surround a shimmering lagoon where you can literally jump out of bed and into the pool
There are lots of water sports to enjoy and when you need to cool off kids can visit the Tuk-Tuk Kids' Club which keeps three to 13-year-olds entertained with arts and crafts and sandcastle building, while the Chill Teens' Club has foosball, air hockey and billiards.
https://www.anantara.com/en/palm-dubai
Park Hyatt Dubai
Combining Arab and Mediterranean influences, this legendary luxury resort is located in the heart of the city over looking the Dubai creek with a very unique view of the city skyline. Watch as the traditional Abra’s and luxury yachts sail past the dining promenade and palm fringed swimming pool.
Each of the 223 large elegant room and suites come with Dubai creek face terraces providing a Mediterranean coastal vibe.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/united-arab-emirates/park-hyatt-dubai/dxbph
Bvlgari Hotel
Bringing elegant Italian style to the Middle East, this private island retreat just off the Dubai coast is the antidote to the city’s ubiquitous skyscraper hotels with a low-rise, Mediterranean-style design, a swanky spa and the world’s first Bulgari Marina and Yacht Club. Rent a stunning air-conditioned beach cabana, each of the 14 cabanas come with a personal butler, private washroom, wifi, coffee facilities, iced water and chilled towels. You can also request for a spa treatment to be done at your cabana, All the villas feature their own private swimming pool, a nautically inspired aesthetic and kitchenette and luxury dining facilities.
Al Maha Desert Resort
Take a break away from the kids and enjoy the intimacy and romantic ambiance of Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. This romantic desert resort is a modern take on a Bedouin village where lavish tented villas with private infinity pools are interspersed between rolling sand dunes and guests enjoy complimentary activities such as sunset champagne camel rides.
The suites are spread out across the desert, and are all single-level, stand-alone, canvas-roofed ‘tents’ which offer total privacy, allowing guests to lounge on their private terrace or cool off in their plunge pool with only the odd curious gazelle for company.
Sofitel Dubai Palm
Discover the warm French-Polynesian welcome of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, a luxury 5 star beach resort situated on the East Crescent of the world famous Palm Jumeirah, offering a rejuvenating escape inspired by the rich culture of the South Pacific. Nestled amongst lush greenery this is a tropical relaxing sanctuary. For families you must enjoy a stay in the luxury beach villa or lodge villa. The beach villa has three natural light bedrooms and a master suite with a pool and Jacuzzi surrounded by a shady sundeck to relax. There’s a roof top terrace providing unforgettable panoramic views of the se by day and a dazzling view of Dubai’s skyline by night.
The Lodge villa at Sofitel The Palm
Immerse yourself in the epitome of grandeur and opulence. With soaring architecture and French Polynesian or French provençal décor, each of our three Lodge Villas is its own enchanting corner of paradise. Impeccable Arabian hospitality and extraordinary comforts are infused into every moment of your stay. Set across two floors, each villa offers three bedrooms and two entertainment rooms. The master suite comes fully fitted with an en-suite bathroom, a walk-in closet and private gym. The high ceiling living room features a lounge and a bar perfect for laid-back evenings with friends. Adjacent to the kitchen is the airy dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the crystal rays of the moon.
Walls of glass and windows overlook your private pool, Jacuzzi and sundeck, inviting the outdoors in. Just beyond lies the resort’s pristine beach and views of Palm Jumeirah. Gather family and friends on the rooftop terrace to watch the sun dip and the moon rise. A dedicated butler sees to your every wish 24 hours a day. Dine, play, relax and entertain in a setting beyond compare.
https://www.sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com/
Waldorf Astria Dubai Palm Jumeriah
Combine sophisticated luxury, classic European charm, wonderful service, an acclaimed spa and a gorgeous private beach and you’ve got Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah — a sensational stay on the city’s most famous Palm Island. Situated far from the bustle of city, this elegant hotel provides a respite from the UAE’s buzzing modern metropolis.
Sharjah
Kingfisher Retreat
Kingfisher is set on the east coast of Sharjah. The beauty of the pristine beach and Indian Ocean waters is matched perfectly by refined interiors of soft beiges, blues and desert browns that dress the resort. Arrive on a private boat that will take you to your private island with 20 modern tents with private pool designed to provide comfort, privacy and amazing views of the Indian Ocean.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ritz Carlton Al Hamra Beach
This serene property is located on a secluded private beach which is home to 32 lavish tented villas with private pools and direct beach access. The traditional Bedouin-style tented villas are decked out in a sophisticated chic design with white and royal blue hues a vintage trunk-style minibar and entertainment unit – a television appears at the touch of a button and rotates 360 degrees for viewing from the bed or sofa. The lounge, bedroom and bathroom areas are open plan with a rain shower and a huge bathtub on the terrace along with a cabana, sun loungers, dining area and private infinity pool with see-through glass sides. – What more could you ask for!!
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/al-hamra-beach
After spending time at this property why not enjoy the desert experience at the sister property Al Wadi Desert.
Ritz Carlton Al Wadi Desert
This all-pool-villa resort is set amid terracotta dunes that go on for miles.
Each of the 101 stand-alone villas features a large outdoor furnished terrace with private infinity pool, some with steps directly down to the dunes, while others are more enclosed for those seeking extra privacy. Inside, there’s a cosy living area with a huge television, a bed so snuggly you’ll never want to leave it, an enormous stand-alone tub, in the tented villas, a glass-enclosed rain shower big enough for a whole family and a dressing room with double wardrobes.
There’s so much to entertain the children from camel rides, feathered friends bird-watching tours, archery, falcon and owl interactions, fish feeding, stable tours and bedtime stories under the stars.
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/al-wadi-desert
Oman (Boarders will soon reopen)
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Tucked away in an unspoiled cove in the Musandam Peninsula, and only a two hour drive from Dubai, lies a village-style resort offering stunning villa accommodation that is both rustic and luxurious. Welcome to the award winning Six Senses Zighy Bay.
Barefoot luxury at its best - this all villa luxury resort is blissfully secluded stretched along the white powder sands. The Stone villas all come with private plunge pools, outdoor shower and your own butler.
Being a Six Senses brand sustainability and eco friendly living is in its DNA from organic farm kitchens to the Earth Lab, a place to learn grow and connect with the natural world. Children not only can play but learn via interactive activities.
http://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/travelpodcast/
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Set at 2000m above sea level, and spectacularly perched on the edge of a ravine, this breathtaking property includes 78 suites range from the standard Mountain View category, set in the main central building, to two enormous standalone villas with two bedrooms and a private infinity pool.
The hotel has a large and blissful infinity pool framed in rocks with two satellite whirlpool tubs, a small indoor pool, a fitness centre and an Alila Spa with seven treatment rooms offering Asian-style therapies. While many guests come here to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air, it is worth taking advantage of the Alila Experiences on offer such as the butterfly trail, mountain bike tours, star gazing in the evening and for the not so faint hearted the cave adventure Via Ferrata which dares you to step out onto 20-metre-high ropes and traverse a cave mouth.
http://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/2018/10/21/oman-road-trip/
Chedi Muscat
Oman’s Chedi Muscat has long been a pioneer in the region being one of the most stylish and luxuorius resorts on this stretch of the Gulf and it still remains a leader in luxury.
The Chedi is home to the Middle East’s longest swimming pool, which is 103 meters long – ideal for social distancing. With grand panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman and the Hajar mountians, the three shimmering swimming pools make dramatic first impressions. The 38 stunning villas come with private terraces and over sized windows allowing natural light to compliment the minimalistic Omani interior. For families book a villa which can accommodate two adults and two children aged under 16. Children have access to the Serai pool and a bespoke menu in the restaurant.
Unfortunately the properties hasn’t reopened yet but watch this space.
https://www.ghmhotels.com/en/muscat/
Abu Dhabi
Zaya Nurai
Nurai Island is situated in the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf to the east of the Abu Dhabi city coastline. Just a ten-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, the secluded island makes you feel like you have been transported to the Maldives. Zaya Nurai is a stunning boutique resort offering water villas and beach houses with private pools and views that money can’t buy.
https://www.zayanuraiisland.com/
http://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/2020/07/06/paradise-found-at-zaya-nurai-island/
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Situated on a stretch of pristine white-sand beach on Saadiyat Island, the serene Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas has sprawling beachfront grounds include green lawns, one of the largest swimming pools in Abu Dhabi and plenty of plush loungers to ensure you get your spot in the sun (or the shade). The property is so peaceful come sunrise that you may even catch a sighting of endangered hawksbill turtles and dolphins frolicking just offshore.
Located within the stand-alone villas of the hotel, the Garden View Villas feature a separate bedroom, a living room and a large terrace with a private plunge pool, rain shower and sun loungers offering stunning views of the landscaped gardens of the hotel or Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/united-arab-emirates/park-hyatt-abu-dhabi-hotel-and-villas/abuph
