Enjoy the perfect family holiday in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah
Children’s pools, family friendly dining and kids’ clubs! You’ll find all the ingredients for the perfect family holiday in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah
Ad Feature by British Airways Holidays
Blissful sunshine, heavenly swimming spots and adventure galore are key ingredients in the recipe for an unforgettable family holiday.
You’ll find these and more in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, two destinations perched along the azure UAE coast that enjoy year-round sunshine, epic scenery, and the beautiful warm waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Here we delve into six Hilton Hotels for every budget that can bring your dream family holiday to life – they’re brimming with incredible child-friendly restaurants, pools and imaginative kids’ clubs, as well as perks that mum and dad will love, from soothing spas to stunning rooftop cocktail bars.
Plan your dream family getaway to Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah with British Airways Holidays. Above is the beautiful beach at the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
Ease is paramount when travelling as a family, and these sun-drenched havens are just one direct flight away – British Airways flies direct to Dubai daily from Heathrow.
Peace of mind is guaranteed when you book your Hilton hotel with British Airways Holidays, with ATOL protection and deposits from just £60 per person*, paying the leftover balance in as many installments as are convenient for you.
What’s more, you can relax completely in the knowledge that there’s a 24-hour holiday helpline, while the 23kg baggage allowance per person means you can pack everything you need at no extra cost.
The first step to planning the perfect getaway is choosing the resort that’s right for your family – these hotels have something for everyone, whether you’re dreaming of action and adventure or a laid-back beach break.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah faces the cerulean Arabian Gulf on one side and Dubai’s iconic skyline on the other
The moment you arrive at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah you’ll know you’re in for a special experience – the regal resort lies on the eastern crescent of the legendary Palm Jumeirah, with the brilliant blue of the Arabian Gulf to one side and Dubai’s iconic skyline to the other.
Drink in these views from the balcony in your luxurious family guest room, a turquoise and cream space with Egyptian cotton bedsheets and soft-to-the-touch bathrobes.
Next, hit the resort’s private sandy beach to bronze on a sun lounger or for a spot of snorkelling, water skiing or windsurfing. For a fun day at sea, boat trips can also be arranged from the beachfront jetty, so you can take in views of the city from the calm blue water.
Back on land, perfect your serve with a lesson at the hotel’s beachside tennis court, go for a dip in the serene adults’ only pool and let your little ones run wild at the resort’s playgrounds.
Hit the resort’s private sandy beach for a spot of snorkelling and by night, feast on themed dinner buffets from around the world at Mezzerie (right)
Need some time to yourself? Drop the youngsters off at Coco’s Kids Club for an afternoon of arts and crafts sessions, face painting, games, and sandcastle-building competitions.
Meanwhile, you can settle in for a classic afternoon tea at Peacock Alley or book a spa session at The Waldorf Astoria Spa, where you’ll find a refreshing herbal steam room and a fragrant Arabic Attar perfumery.
When meal times roll around, feast on nightly-themed dinner buffets from around the world at Mezzerie, or head to the poolside Palm Avenue for delicious Californian comfort food.
For a truly special date night, one of the resort’s babysitters can take the youngsters off your hands while you dine on divine gastronomy at Social by Heinz Beck – the Michelin guide recommends trying the signature fagottelli carbonara.
It’ll make for an unforgettable getaway.
Book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotel Dubai Palm Jumeirah here.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Beachy holiday heaven: The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has a stunning beachfront location
Sun, sea and sand await with a stay at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, a stunning beachfront resort set in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence.
The hotel shares its facilities with Hilton Dubai The Walk, so you and your family have double the options when it comes to activities.
After splashing about in the kids’ pool, youngsters can build sandcastles on the private beach or tackle the swings and slides on the beach’s playground.
Feeling sporty? Get the whole family together and take to the water on jet skis or banana boats. If you’ve got a head for heights, try parasailing over the turquoise waves.
Leave the little ones at the Kidz’ Paradise club for a creative afternoon of arts and crafts, face painting and dancing. Meanwhile, teens will be at home in the gaming room where they can challenge each other on PlayStation consoles or play a few rounds of table tennis.
Treat the family at the Mango Tree Thai Bistro, then relax in a King One Bedroom Family Suite
Come together as a family at mealtime, with kids’ menus and high chairs available at every restaurant. There’s food from around the world to try, from classic Italian dishes at Vero to barbecues al fresco at the beachside Wavebreaker.
Opt for the Half Board and Full Board Dine Around Offer, which can be snapped up in eight restaurants, choosing from buffets, set menus at a la carte restaurants or credit on meals. Later, sip on an expertly crafted cocktail and catch some live music at Trader Vic’s.
Hoping to have a romantic dinner for two? The hotel’s babysitting services are on hand to help.
Youngsters and adults alike will adore the family suites – there are even pint-sized bathrobes on offer for tiny tots. Do your little ones like the idea of camping? A kids’ teepee tent can be brought to the room.
If you can bring yourself to leave the hotel, it’s just a short hop from some of the city’s biggest attractions, such as the twinkling Ain Dubai observation wheel, the landmark isle of Palm Jumeirah and the restaurant-laden Dubai Marina.
Back at the hotel, grab a cocktail and soak in views of these iconic sights from the rooftop.
Heaven.
Book your stay at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah here.
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
With the spectacular Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City as your base, explore the family-friendly highlights of Dubai
You’re just a stone’s throw from some of Dubai’s most family-oriented attractions at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, a spectacular hotel that’s set next to the city’s glittering canal.
Head on a day out to the city’s water parks and theme parks, wander through immersive exhibitions at the Museum of the Future, or try out the virtual reality games and the ice rink at the Dubai Mall.
The adventure continues back at the hotel, with three rooftop pools to choose from, each offering breathtaking views of the city. Post-swim, unwind in one of the rooftop Jacuzzis and then soak up the rays on a sun lounger.
Packed with toys, a pool and a movie room, the kids club is guaranteed to keep the little ones happily entertained for hours.
There are over 1,000 rooms to choose from at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City. The hotel is set next to the city’s glittering canal
Hungry? Try classic American cuisine at Ribs and Brews, light and healthy dishes at The Market, or dine on Mediterranean fare with the twinkling lights of the city as your backdrop at Babiole.
Later, get the lift up to one of the world’s highest bowling alleys at The 44, a retro American diner with leather booths, checkered flooring and pinball machines. For sensational live entertainment, head to the renowned Dragone theatre next door to the hotel and see La Perle by Dragone, a mesmerising display of acrobatics and theatre in and around the water.
When the sky darkens, return to your cosy sleeping quarters for a sound night’s sleep. There are over 1,000 rooms to choose from – families love the chic and spacious Hilton Family Guestrooms with interconnecting rooms.
Once morning dawns, the fun begins again.
Book your stay at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City here.
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is nestled on the picture-perfect archipelago of Al Marjan Island
Just one hour’s drive from Dubai, the palatial DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is perched on Al Marjan Island, an idyllic coral-shaped archipelago that stretches out into the Persian Gulf in Ras Al Khaimah.
Walk barefoot along the resort’s private beach or dive into the warm water for a heavenly morning swim.
Kids can run free in the Pirate boat Aqua zone, a wonderland that’s jam-packed with waterslides, a bouncy castle, an inflatable water trampoline and a football pitch.
When they’ve had their fun in the water, they can hightail it to the climbing wall and arcade area in the kids’ club. The resort’s expert babysitters are also on call for storytelling sessions or to teach some dance moves at little Zumba.
On the left is the fun-filled outdoor playground at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. Kids can run free in the Pirate boat Aqua zone at the resort
Adults will feel like a kid again when they brave the Tarzan boat, where two diving boards, water slides and a giant rope swing offer a brilliant adrenalin rush.
Next, get into teams for a round of beach volleyball or play a lighthearted match on the padel tennis court.
Ready to swim a few laps? You’ll be spoilt for choice – wander between the indoor spa pool, the panoramic infinity pool, the show-stopping floating sea pool and the stellar child-friendly lagoons.
At dinnertime, take your pick from more than a dozen restaurants and bars dotted around the resort. Delectable Italian cuisine, French classics, flavourful Turkish dishes and standout pan-Asian cuisine are just some of the mouthwatering options on the table.
Round it all off with an afternoon at the Jouri Rose Spa, indulging in an authentic Turkish bath ceremony – a foam massage, exfoliation and an ultra-relaxing essential oils treatment combine to leave you feeling truly relaxed and rejuvenated.
Book your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island here.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Enjoy brilliant family days by the pool at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
Surrounded by the picture-perfect blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the rolling fairways of a championship golf course, and the breathtaking peaks of the Al Hajar mountains, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is a destination like no other.
There’s a high chance that the second you arrive at the resort, your little ones will make a beeline for the spectacular Kids Water Playground, nestled in the Azure family pool area. While they splash about on the slides and the toy boat river, you can sit back and relax, keeping an eye on them from the elegant cabanas nearby. With a menu of delicious foods and drinks to choose from as you recline, it’s a recipe for relaxation.
A day on the beach is essential – there is 350 metres worth of gorgeous private sands to stretch out on after all.
Back in your guest room, the hotel can deliver colouring books and pint-sized bathrobes and slippers so your little ones can enjoy a spot of holiday pampering.
If you want to slip off for a quiet evening, drop the kids off at the Pearl Kids Club with a certified babysitter and watch the sun go down from the Sunset Beach Club & Lounge.
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is surrounded by the picture-perfect blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and a championship golf course. The hotel can deliver pint-sized bathrobes and slippers to your room for your little ones
Dining with the whole family is a delight, however, with children’s menus available across the resort that cater to little ones’ appetites. Try fresh melt-in-your-mouth steak at Lexington Grill & Bar, the freshest Mediterranean seafood at Azure or traditional Japanese cuisine at Teppanyaki.
Sweet treats abound, too. Head to Peacock Alley for sugar-dusted cakes or to the Camelia Lounge for an effortlessly elegant Waldorf Astoria high tea.
You might prefer to spend your time exploring the spoils of the resort, but the breathtaking natural landscape of Ras Al Khaimah is a haven for family-oriented activities.
Travel back in time at the area’s ancient forts or head to the coastline for a boat ride on a traditional dhow – you may spot dolphins as the vessel meanders through the water. Go zip-lining through mountains and ravines at speeds of up to 160mph on the world’s longest zipline, the Jebel Jais Flight, or soar over the red sands of the desert on a flight with Jazeera Aviation.
Your family photo album will be overflowing with memories.
Book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah here.
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort
Watch the sun setting over the sea at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort’s picturesque Sol Bar (above)
The fun begins the moment you set foot on the pristine 1.5km-long stretch of private beach that fringes the Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort.
Families can climb aboard a banana ride, paddle through the surf on a kayak, or spot colourful fish while snorkelling through the resort’s calm blue waters.
There’s a pool for everyone at the hotel, from the saltwater lagoon to the tranquil adults-only pool. Kids will get a thrill whizzing down the waterslides in the kids’ pool at the Treehouse Kids Club and teens, meanwhile, will be in their element at The Hide, a teen club with video game stations, a cinema room, library, karaoke box and even a cool nail bar for colourful manicures.
The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort is fringed by a glorious 1.5km-long stretch of private beach. There’s a pool for everyone at the hotel, from the saltwater lagoon to the tranquil adult-only pool
While the youngsters are entertained, you can escape to The Spa for a treatment. Unwind at the Charm d’Orient Hammam, relax in the whirlpool tub, and enjoy a glorious detox in the sauna.
For an unforgettable day trip, venture to the nearby Jebel Jais mountains to tackle the Jais Sledder, a ride that sends you racing through the mountain range at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour, drinking in spellbinding views of the surrounding peaks as you move. Or set off on a tour trying everything from hiking, climbing, abseiling and canyoneering through this spectacular natural landscape.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, there are dining options aplenty back at the hotel. Sip on beautiful wines paired with Italian food at Piaceri Da Gustare, tasty Churascaria at VIDA Restaurant, and flavoursome Lebanese-inspired food al Al Maeda, where you’ll also enjoy its oceanfront location and views replaces which faces out towards the water. There’s even a gourmet kids’ menu available at certain restaurants, so your little ones can get a taste of fine dining. For added peace of mind, you can also enjoy an All Inclusive and dine-around All Inclusive package.
What’s next? Grab cocktails and juices and watch the sun setting over the sea from the picturesque Sol Beach Lounge & Bar on the beach.
It’ll be the experience of a lifetime.
Book your stay at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort here.
Discover the best of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah with British Airways Holidays and Hilton hotels
To make your holiday all the more special, upgrade to the luxury of a Club World cabin.
Enjoy access to private lounges, dedicated check-in and priority boarding, and once you climb on board the plane, slip into comfy seats that slot into lie-flat beds and take your pick from the divine food and drink offerings.
*T&Cs apply. Deposit balance due 7 weeks in advance for long haul. Travel restrictions may apply.
British Airways Holidays are ATOL-protected, with low deposits and a 24-hour helpline. Book your holiday at ba.com/hilton
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