THE ADDRESS BEACH RESORT FUJAIRAH
One of the emirate’s newest and most impressive hotels, there are mountains behind you and wildlife-packed waters to the front. It boasts three swimming pools (including just for adults while they’re in Qix kids’ club), with the shallowest perfect for little ones, while a shaded playpark keeps them busy too. The children’s menu has the usual favourites, plus healthy options like steamed fish and veggies, and lovely staff are on hand with colouring pens. Make sure you take a boat trip to nearby Snoopy Island to look for turtles.
addresshotels.com
HATTA FORT HOTEL
Much-loved by city dwellers looking to escape the fast-paced life, this hotel has been around since 1981 but the chalet-style rooms have recently been upgraded. Set in lovely lawns, there’s a packed itinerary for families, from animal feeding (there are deer, bunnies, tortoises, goats and horses on-site plus peacocks roaming around), to crazy hour in the pool where the team turns up the music and hands out inflatables. Come sunset, head to the grass where there’s daily kite flying. Around Hatta there’s kayaking at the dam and Hatta Wadi Hub for hiking and bike trails, plus a water slide and climbing.
jaresortshotels.com
LONGBEACH CAMPGROUND
For a bit of glamping, head to Ras Al Khaimah, where this beachfront site has accommodation options including a basic tent on the beach with shared facilities to dome tents complete with bunkbeds, air conditioning and a private bathroom, and they have recently added Sunset Terrace Suites, which are like a miniature home where you’ll have an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna. It’s all-inclusive, with buffets, plus loads of activities throughout the day, from sandcastle competitions to film screenings, all finished with roasting marshmallows under the stars.
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ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKDAR
While it’s a five-hour drive from Dubai, you’ll feel a world away. Perched among the Hajar mountains, this stunning resort offers respite from the summer heat, with a Mediterranean climate. You’ll need a 4x4 to reach the top, but Omani hospitality awaits with dining across multiple cuisines, and a kids’ club where they’ll be treated to treasure hunts and scooters. For grown up activities, expect yoga, rock climbing, and guided walks around abandoned villages. For longer stays, book a villa with private pool.
anantara.com
DUBAI
We’re a bit spoilt for choice in Dubai. From access to Aquaventure at Atlantis and Wild Wadi waterpark at any Jumeirah property, to amazing kids’ clubs at Sofitel The Palm, The Westin Mina Seyahi and Fairmont The Palm, children are often front and centre at hotels in the city. They’ll love the lagoon access straight from the terrace at Anantara The Palm (as will you), get access to Dubai Parks & Resorts at Lapita, and if they’re all about the bricks, it doesn’t get more mind-blowing than the new Legoland hotel.
