Dubai - activities

Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa - Jebel Ali, Dubai

One of the founding hotels in Dubai, Jebel Ali has become a firm favorite of the Haggas family. Back in 1999, 20 members travelled out into the desert to Jebel and we have never looked back. Since then my Grandparents (especially) make the trip from London to Jebel Ali twice a year (which is great for me now I live here!) and even though they have tried other hotels, they say the service and the atmosphere is the best they have seen. Even though its slightly off the beaten track (about a 20 minute drive from the marina towards Abu Dhabi) it is well worth the trip. If you live in Dubai like me, it’s also a great spot to escape to at the weekends and I would always recommend it to families visiting Dubai too.

Now split into two parts, you can pick between staying in the main hotel or in Palm Tree Court (the more expensive area). Palm Tree Court is full of small apartments in small white blocks, each either opening up onto a balcony or cute garden (if you are situated on the ground floor of course). The deco is simple but the rooms are nicely turned out – nothing overly fussy, and the beds are huge! Five of us could have slept in there and been comfortable. The rooms in the main hotel are themed similarly however they are probably half the size, but still extremely well turned out and perfectly comfortable for two. The only let down would be the general outdoor appearance of the main hotel – it looks slightly worn and aged (which in fairness it is quite old?!) and could probably do with a bit of TLC.  The gardens at Jebel Ali are lovely, continuing on from the sand, stretching from one side of the bay to the other covered in large sunbeds, lounge areas, and two beach restaurants. Beautiful large peacocks also roam the grounds, and if you are lucky you’ll get to see their gorgeous tail feathers. There are two hotel lobbys, one for each part of the hotel and four pools dotted around the grounds, decked out with sunbeds, water features, in-pool bars and life guards (of course!). In addition to this there is also a lovely spa in the middle of the two hotels (reasonably priced!), there is a watersport center called Watercooled where I spent many an hour learning how to sail, waterski and wakeboard. The staff are extremely friendly, helpful and great when it comes to teaching (they managed to get me up on waterskis which I never thought would happen – Im truly hopeless!). You can partake in almost all watersports at Watercooled including kite surfing, paddle boards, donut rides, mono skiing and wind surfing. They have two different types of specialized speed boats, each tailored to different types of sport on water.

Situated at the end of the resort is a sports center fitted out with tennis, badminton, and squash courts, a sports bar playing all the matches/races of the day, a huge golf course, and a gym so you can fit in a work out if you want! There is also a small marina next to the club so its easy to moor your boats there (if you are lucky enough to own one!) or on the other hand it is possible to rent a boat to either have dinner on, to go fishing or just to have a drive on the sea. Al Boom Diving also has a shop there where they offer 4 day Padi courses with two dives in Fujairah. At the other end of the hotel you will find Animal Corner, another perfect place day for kids. There is also a riding school, fitted out with instructors, ponies (big and small) and a large outdoor ride full of pretty little jumps.

Kids activities run throughout the day varying from camel rides on the beach to mini golf, from outdoor painting sessions to football – there is something on offer for every one every day making it easy for parents to have a few hours of peace and quiet – it is supposed to be a holiday after all!

The hotel is overrun with restaurant options. You can opt for a casual dinner on the beach at the Captains Bar and hunker down to burger and chips, alternatively you can go up market and feast on Thai treats at the White Orchid in Palm Tree Court (my personal favorite!). In the mood for Italian? Why not head to the La Traviata in the main hotel offering a mix of pizza, pastas and meats. There are two buffets on offer every night which are themed depending on the day of the week, perfect if you are unsure what you are in the mood for, or if you are extremely hungry! The Haggas’s spend a lot of time in the buffets – it seemed to be the easiest option when it came to feeding 30 mouths! Both parts of the hotel also offer a fantastically large buffet breakfast, however if you are staying in the Palm Tree Court I would recommend heading to the White Orchid – it may be smaller but the selection is better and there is more pork on offer – a breakfast essential!

I highly recommend Jebel Ali – it’s the perfect place to go for an actual holiday. The beach is the biggest one attached to a hotel in Dubai and the atmosphere is laid back, peaceful and stress free!  The grounds are vast and nothing seems to cramped like it so often does in Dubai! 

The staff are extremely friendly and are always happy to help you with any of your needs from organizing fishing trips to sea planes, medical needs to taxis. They are a caring bunch and take care of their guests more than any other hotel I have been to! It is not overly expensive and they offer great deals throughout the year. Going for Christmas? Well no need to plan what to do.. on big holidays the hotel puts on a ‘do’, whether it be a big lunch on the beach or a party in one of the large board rooms where hotel guests can join in the celebrations. As far as hotels go, it’s definitely the best place to go on a family holiday, especially if you have young kids.  Kids at the hotel are extremely well catered for and all my cousins who stayed at Jebel (aged between 8 and 14) were entertained all day, whether they were at Watercooled or playing some form of sport or game with the other children staying in the hotel. Even though it is 20minutes from the Marina, taxis are very easy to get and also very cheap so as well as having the peace and quiet of the hotel, it is easy enough to pop into town to catch a piece of the action!

It rules – go visit! 

Jumeirah Islands Club, Jumeirah Islands, Dubai 

Hidden amongst Jumeirah Islands behind JLT, this is the perfect place to go if you are looking to escape and relax. Fitted out with a large gym looking out on to the lakes, an infinity pool and, service to straight to the huge sunbeds it’s the perfect place to wind down at the weekend. 50aed a pop which then gives you access to the whole club.

There is a restaurant where you can munch during the day or go for an easy dinner in the evening with a menu full of variety and culture. You can also specialize your order if you are feeling fussy, the friendly staff are always happy to help out with whatever cravings you may have.

Peaceful with beautiful views of JLT and the lakes, however (note to self) one small downside.. during the week, kids invade half the pool from 3.30pm onwards due to swimming lessons, and at the weekends it can get very busy from 1pm, so to make the most of your day -  go early, maybe clock a work out and enjoy the rest of your day lazing about in the sun.

Parking available outside the club.

Nasimi Beach - Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Situated at the Atlantis on the palm, Nasimi Beach is must for the beach bunnies among you. Decked out with private cabanas, white sofas and day beds accompanied by chilled out tunes, this is one of Dubai’s answer to Ibiza. As well as being a great spot to chill out during the day, this trendy location comes alive at night featuring resident DJ’s Smokingroove and David Grey as well as well known international stars.

Whilst soaking up the rays there is both a selection of food, wine and fruit cocktails available, either ordered straight to your bed on the beach or alternatively you can wonder up to the restaurant for a more formal dining experience. My preference has always been the more lazy option, and ordering food straight to the bed... The menu ranges from pizzas and burgers to light bites including salads and sushi (the maki rolls are dreamy!) 

On the drinks front, I would always lean towards the cocktails which on the whole come inside fruit instead of glasses - my particular favourites being either the watermelon or pineapple based – refreshing and slightly sweet beverages, ice cold with plenty of straws – the ideal sharing pick-me-up.

Top tips:

• ·      Open every day of the week, however if you are planning on going over the weekend make sure you ring in advance and book your beds!
• ·      During the autumn and spring months beware of jelly fish – the sea seems to be littered with them!
• ·      There is a minimum spend on the beds (500aed) so make the most of the day and go for either lunch or dinner!
• ·      The one down side to this vibrant hot spot is the service, so be prepared to be patient and always double check the bill at the end of your day!