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Dubai’s Best Family Resorts
Written by Sahar Andrabi
Experience magic at Dubai’s best family resorts.
Glitz, glamour and fun – it’s all in one in Dubai. Known for its luxe accommodation, fine dining and high-end shopping, this desert city can be surprisingly family-friendly. Adventurers both little and large will be endlessly entertained, whether simply building sandcastles at one of the many beautiful beaches, or visiting the elaborate City Walk, home to both designer boutiques and an indoor tropical biodome. Expand growing minds with a cultural experience or opt for the endless theme parks, underwater zoos, enchanting aquariums… Dubai has something for every member of the family.
And where should you stay to maximise your fun? Take your pick with our guide to Dubai’s best family resorts.
Beachfront fun: NH Collection Dubai The Palm
This resort playground is designed for the young and the young-at-heart, with a wealth of family-friendly activities, including arts and craft programs, a large kid’s club, and a lively South Florida-themed beach club. Let the little ones tucker themselves out in the kid’s pool before surrendering to relaxation at Soul Senses Spa – a serene space with three treatment rooms and expert therapists from across the continent.
Dine across four diverse eateries, including all-day fare at Maiora, rooftop tipples and canapes at VIEW 180, light bites at Revo Cafe and pub favourites at Seven Sports Bar. The best part? Separate kids menus are available at all restaurants.
Best for water lovers: Atlantis, The Palm
With a striking similarity to the iconic Disneyland façade, Atlantis, The Palm is a wonder to behold. Built on a man-made island, the hotel welcomes you into a world of its own with unique underwater suites, celebrity restaurants, bountiful boutiques and the world’s largest water park, Aquaventure, with an incredible 105 different waterslides.
The marine-themed adventures don’t end there – The Lost Chambers aquarium is home to over 65,000 sea creatures, as well as 21 different marine exhibits to intrigue visitors big and small. Spoiling your kids (and yourself) is a piece of cake at this five-star icon, with endless activities to choose from.
Something for everyone: Grand Hyatt Dubai
While adults will appreciate signature Hyatt hospitality, sleek rooms, stunning views of the ancient Dubai Creek and the fabulous Dubai skyline, little ones will go pool-crazy at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. Four swimming pools are dotted throughout the resort, each with its own appeal – choose the largest leisure pool in the city, hit the waterslides, chill out in the shaded kids pool for toddlers and infants, or get your underwater groove on in an indoor pool fitted with speakers.
The adorable Roli Poli playground is designed to keep kids entertained, while parents can relax at the award-winning spa. Exploration is easy so close to the gems of Dubai like The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai Aquarium and more, while the Hyatt’s free shuttle bus will drop you off to sights like Kite Beach and Burjuman shopping centre. 11 restaurants mean even the fussiest of eaters will find a dish or two to tickle their tastebuds, with Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Singaporean flavours all on offer.
Family-friendly luxury: One&Only The Palm
Perfect for families looking forward to some quality time spent in seclusion, One&Only The Palm boasts extraordinary views of the Dubai skyline and its own private beach. The KidsOnly program offers daily activities, including stretching and yoga classes, seashell hunting, cooking classes and more, giving parents a little space and time to themselves to spend at the pool, spa or gym.
With everything at your fingertips, leaving One&Only The Palm may not feel necessary, but the hotel goes above and beyond to offer activities like boat rides in the creek, souq visits, desert safaris and more.
Unforgettable experiences: One&Only Royal Mirage
Stunning architecture, amazing views, exquisite experiences and sensational service come together to form the wonder that is One&Only Royal Mirage. Kids can go wild at the kids club with fun activities like sand sculpturing, camel rides and camping in the 65 acres of verdant gardens, while parents get to pamper themselves with a steam bath at the Oriental Hammam, or simply soaking up the sun poolside.
Restaurants are as equally family-friendly – little ones can make their own pizzas at Olives, or watch the chefs work their magic at live cooking stations at The Rotisserie. Heading out for an elegant evening alone at one of Dubai’s many fine-dining restaurants along the Dubai Marina is also a breeze, with excellent in-room babysitting services available.
Activities galore: Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Situated on the most popular beach in Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is the poster-hotel for family getaways, with countless opportunities for sun, sea and sand. Luxurious rooms with panoramic views of the sea are paired with beachfront dining, which adds a certain charm to a stay here.
The whole gang will delight at Wild Wadi Waterpark (complimentary access included), with five temperature-controlled swimming pools (including a kids pool), motorised water sports designed for kids, tennis and squash courts and a climbing wall. And the iconic Burj Al Arab is steps away from the hotel, waiting to enthrall young and old alike with stories of the city.
Five-star indulgence: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
A much-loved Asian brand has reached Dubai’s shores: the five-star Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort takes luxury to the level with the UAE’s only overwater villas. Opt for a Deluxe Family Lagoon Access Room for hours spent splashing about in water below. Enjoy a long-tail boat ride on the calm waters, or get an adrenaline rush with some water sports.
Discover new culinary favourites every morning with a breakfast buffet at Crescendo, before diving into a day of activities – kids and teens are well-looked after at the Tuk Tuk Kids’ Club and Chill teens club, where a games room and daily roster of activities await. With the youngsters entertained, parents are free to lounge by the 50m infinity pool or indulge with a treatment at Anantara Spa.
Las Vegas-inspired glamour: Caesars Palace Dubai
You know what they say, when in Rome… Despite the name, it’s all about the modern luxuries at Caesars Palace Dubai, with five temperature-controlled swimming pools, a pristine private beach, the award-winning Qua Spa, Venus Beach Club, and Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen restaurant.
The onsite kids club, The Empire Club, will entertain your Mini Gladiators (3-6) and Centurions (7-12) with special activities like virtual reality challenges, archery and boat building, while you get to explore the wonders of the man-made Bluewaters Island atoll and take in the view from above in the Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel.
Discover Dubai
After more Dubai inspiration? Check out read 9 Incredible Things You Can Only Do in Dubai.
