Top 5 Family-Friendly Holidays from the UAE

Plan a last-minute babymoon, family-friendly holiday, or couple’s sojourn over the long weekend                                                               

Baa Atoll, Maldives

Stay at: Finolhu Maldives

This resort in the Maldives takes glamping, ‘living in a bubble’ and a night under the stars, to a whole new level. The newly-launched Beach Bubble tent, the first of its kind in the Maldives, is UV-protected, fully waterproof, and climate-controlled. The lavish tent is sited on the beachfront and is within close proximity to the Fish & Crab Shack, and 1 Oak Beach Club. Each tent features a separate adjoining bubble bathroom with WC and showers, for completely privacy.

Details: The ‘Dream Eclipse’ experience is $600 (approximately Dhs2,200) per couple, for one night in the Beach bubble (from 7pm to 9am). The package is inclusive of a private beach BBQ, and waterside breakfast at Bubble Beach. finolhu.com

Baku, Azerbaijan

Since all UAE-residents get visa on arrival in Azerbaijan, pack your bags, book your travels, and head to Baku. There’s plenty for families to see, from ancient architectural sights to mud volcanoes. Looking for a package? Leave the stress of booking a three-night holiday to Tajawal. All you have to do is pick the hotel (3, 4 or 5-stars), and dates, and you are good to go.

Details: Packages start from Dhs1,222 and are inclusive of a return flight, daily breakfast, hotel stay, and taxes and surcharges. Visit https://bit.ly/2MYeeTs

Versailles, France

Stay at: Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles

Kids are given the royal treatment at this luxury hotel. Drop them off at the Kids’ club (for children between ages 4-12) where they can participate in fun activities out in the gardens, or the tree-filled park of Trianon Palace. Families can also take a trip to attractions in the area such as the France Miniature (a miniature park featuring scale models of French landmarks and monuments); take a ride around the Grand Canal, through the heart of the Château de Versailles, or go on a bicycle ride through the Petit Trianon and Hameau gardens of Marie-Antoinette. It’s a great way to keep your children active and amused.

Details: The King Pavilion Connecting Family Room is available from £409 (approx. Dhs1,972) per room per night on a B&B basis. Visit waldorfastoria.com or call +33 1 30 84 50 00.

Bali, Indonesia

Stay at: Alila Manggis

Extend your weekend by a day or two and head to Bali. Adults can sunbathe by the pool and take in the surroundings – the resort is set amidst a coconut grove – while children sign up to Junior Chef cooking classes. Taught by the hotel chef, little ones will learn to bake a local delicacy, Jaje LakLak (Balinese cake), visit the kitchen garden to plant herbs, and learn all about existing plants – a “green bank” initiative which incentivizes the local children with their plastic rubbish collection activities to make Bali a cleaner place. Children and adults can also learn how to make kites from scratch.

Details: The Junior Chef class is 3½ hours and suitable for children aged 4+. The cost class $25 (Dhs92) per child. The kite-making class is Dhs74 per child. Book your accommodation from just Dhs680 for the Superior Room on a bed and breakfast basis. Visit alilahotels.com/manggis

Seychelles

Stay at: North Island, Seychelles

If you’re looking to splurge, look no further than this lavish retreat – Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned here. The island is apt for a babymoon, romantic getaway, or a family holiday, with plenty on offer for all ages. The Beach Buddy programme takes care of all guests’ unique needs to create tailor-made experiences. Each child’s preferences are taken into consideration too, so that they are offered age-appropriate toys and personalised activities. You can literally request anything you want, from beach volleyball to in-villa pizza-making lessons, movie night with snacks, treasure hunts, guided nature walks, and PADI-sanctioned courses – the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to visit Patrick, the 170 year-old tortoise who lives on the island.

Details: The Presidential Villas are €5,835 (Dhs24,800) per night and €9,185 per night for Villa North Island excluding tax. Children under the age of 17, sharing the second bedroom, are free of charge. For young adults aged 17-19 sharing the second bedroom, the rate is €640 per night. Visit www.north-island.com