Latest news with #AnantaraThePalmDubaiResort
The Independent
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
These are the best family-friendly hotels in Dubai, with waterparks, kids' clubs and more
Whether you're travelling with tots or teens in tow, Dubai is always a treat. Its theme parks, sandy beaches, exhilarating attractions and super-safe environs keep things fun for everyone (and stress levels minimal) – while its hotels are the stuff of family holiday dreams. In the following properties, the essentials are standard: interconnecting rooms, kids' menus, bottle warmers, staff that dote on children – you name it. The Emirati culture adores little 'uns, so they're entertained and encouraged by innovative kids' clubs, high-quality play areas and even their very own breakfast buffets. You'll enjoy opportunities galore to make memories together, without having to compromise on your holiday must-haves. There are bargains to be had, too. Children's activities and clubs are often free, while perks might also include kids' meals, attractions tickets and entry to water parks. These are the top family hotels in Dubai – and what to see, do and experience while you're there. The best family-friendly hotels in Dubai 1. Atlantis, The Palm Dubai's most famous family-friendly hotel, this vast resort combines a superb kids' club, in-house aquarium and the epic Aquaventure Waterpark – all of which guests can enjoy for free. Thanks to its sheltered location on the Palm, the sandy beach is calm and shallow so ideal for little ones, while the family pool is full of toys and inflatables. Good luck tearing the kids from the activity club: they'll be too busy riding the slides, getting messy in the kitchen, enjoying story time in The Snug and battling in the Gaming Station. There's even a state-of-the-art Imagination Room, for sensory play with sand, light and colour. 2. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Kids rule the roost at this low-rise resort on the Palm. Its accommodation is centred around three lagoon-style swimming pools, which feature sandy 'beaches' and sun lounger service – ideal for ultra-safe bucket-and-spade fun. Rooms are huge, and the real beach is just a few steps away too, with calm water and a watersports centre; its kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding are a big hit with older kids. Bravo for the free activity club, which engages tots and teens alike – while the spa offers treatments designed for young guests, such as mini massages and colourful mani-pedis. Address: East Crescent, Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 3. JA Lake View Hotel Horse riding, tennis lessons, mini golf, archery sessions: this hotel is ideal for families with a taste of adventure. Its free water park features slides, soaker buckets and racing tubes galore, while the creche and kids' club cater from ages 4 months to 12 years. It's part of the JA The Resort complex, which features three hotels: you'll have access to all eight of its swimming pools (some of which are exclusively for families), and its 21 restaurants and bars. 20 minutes' drive south from Dubai Marina, the resort features a sheltered private beach too: the ideal spot for windsurfing, paddleboarding and sailing lessons, or trying a PADI-certified diving session together. 4. Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection The kids have got the stamina for this trip – but do you? Lapita is slap-bang in Dubai Parks and Resorts, just a few minutes' walk from the UAE 's top theme parks: LEGOLAND Water Park, LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate Dubai, Riverland Dubai and Real Madrid World Dubai. But this isn't just a convenient place to kip: the hotel is styled as a Polynesian utopia, where you can float down the lazy river, snooze in island-inspired rooms and try Tiki food at Kalea restaurant. All stays include access to the parks, as well as the energetic kids' club – so you can snatch a well-deserved spa treatment or two. 5. Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites All the food, drink and activities you could wish for: that's what's in store at this fly-and-flop gem. The Rixos is all-inclusive, so everyone can indulge – whether you're sipping sunset mojitos or the kids want another ice cream. Families are welcomed with open arms, and the twin Deluxe rooms (with two double beds) are gigantic. As well as the free Rixy Kids Club – which hosts cooking classes, treasure hunts, magic shows and more – the youngsters will love the painting classes on the beach, movie screenings in the Rixinema and shows in the children's amphitheatre. Address: Plot 40 East Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 6. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina With its splash pads, wave pool and lazy river, the waterpark at this beachfront resort is a water babes' dream – and features slides and racers for all ages. While the kids will enjoy the free activity club, this hotel is all about creating memories together: whether you're playing beach volleyball, going kayaking for the first time, or just playing around in the pool. In true Dubai style, the rooms are vast: an entry-level Deluxe comes with a choice of one king-size or two queen-size beds, with plenty of space for playtime too. 7. Bab Al Shams, a Rare Finds Desert Resort At first glance, this desert resort looks like an ancient Arabian palace – albeit with three pools, a huge kids' club and four restaurants. It is 45 minutes from the city, out in the desert: the ideal setting for safari drives, stargazing with the in-house astronomer and fat-bike trips into the dunes. Every stay includes a free falconry experience and camel ride tour too, which is suitable for all ages. And while you hit the spa or relax at the pool, the kids can join the activity club's craft workshops, face-painting and outdoor play – all for free. 8. Legoland Dubai Resort Adventure, Kingdom, Pirate, Friends or Ninjago? That's the choice of themed 'Lego-built' rooms at this family hotel, which is just a few steps from the theme park. The digs are huge, sleeping at least five people – with separate areas for kids' and adults' beds – and are packed with toys and treasure hunts that the little ones will love. Every stay includes free access to Legoland Theme Park and Water Park (one park per day), and meals at Bricks Family Restaurant – whose kids' breakfast buffet is served at their level. When you're not whizzing around the parks, you can make a splash at the resort pool and explore the castle-themed play area with a Lego-filled moat. 9. Damani Lodges Take a break from the city with a break in Hatta – an 80-minute drive away, in the foothills of the Hajar mountains. It's in the emirate of Dubai yet feels blissfully far from the bustle, with cycling trails, a honey bee garden, ancient forts and fresh air aplenty. The cabins at Damani Lodge are all self-contained, with room for up to four guests and panoramic mountain views from their huge balconies – and you'll also have free access to 18 adventure activities at the on-site Wadi Hub activity centre. Take your pick from axe throwing, the giant swing, archery, ziplines and more, and cosy up around your private firepit with free wood and charcoal. 10. Jumeirah Beach Hotel As if the golden-sand beach, five swimming pools and unlimited access to its top-rated kids' club weren't enough, Jumeirah Beach Hotel grants its guests free entry to the Wild Wadi Waterpark – where kids can splash, swim and squeal on rides and slides for all ages. Back on dry land, they can choose from a vast array of complimentary activities at the hotel, from face painting and dance classes to the underwater-themed soft play zone. Meanwhile you'll appreciate the little in-room extras – such as free sunhats, cuddly toys and games.
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minor Hotels MEA: Setting the benchmark for sustainable hospitality and Green Growth 2050 certification
Dubai: Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group that owns and operates hotels in 58 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is a proud leader in sustainable hospitality. In recognition of Minor Hotels' global commitment to responsible travel, 30 of its properties now hold Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification. This significant benchmark is reflected in the notable achievements of Minor Hotels Middle East and Africa (MEA), which is delighted to announce the confirmation of 25 certified properties: 12 of which attained Platinum with nine hotels and resorts receiving Gold. Most recently in December 2024 Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas was added to the scheme's most distinguished Platinum list, in addition to Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka, bringing the total hotels with Platinum certification to 30. Aligned with internationally recognised standards, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, UN Global Compact and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, Green Growth 2050 is a comprehensive, independent certification programme encompassing over 400 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability indicators. Awarded by VisionCSR, Green Growth 2050 represents one of the most extensive frameworks in the sector, creating a trusted metric which empowers consumers to make informed choices. For Minor Hotels, these certifications assure guests and stakeholders of the brand's unwavering dedication to sustainability. By fostering transparency and accountability across the industry, and rewarding the success of the world's leading hotels, they demonstrate that balancing luxury with environmental and social responsibility is not only possible, but essential for the future of hospitality. Key Achievements of Minor Hotels MEA Platinum Certified Properties: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Pioneering energy integration and waste reduction strategies, these hotels are leading the way in delivering uncompromising comfort and hygiene with increased efficiency and lower impact. In addition to scoring Platinum with Green Growth 2050, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort has been recognised with Gold certification for The PLEDGE on Food Waste for its management practices. NH Collection Dubai The Palm Designed and engineered with sustainability at its centre, the Middle East's first NH Collection property achieved Platinum status in its first year of operation. From a host of green initiatives including an on-site water bottling facility, the hotel on Palm West Beach has been noted for delivering an 84% reduction in staff canteen food waste and employing advanced monitoring technology to repurpose waste into compost. Avani + Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites Avani+ Palm View Dubai, a Platinum status hotel and a regional leader in sustainability, utilises high solar reflective index materials to reduce air conditioning energy consumption, along with other foundational sustainability initiatives. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara Using a circular economy approach to make a positive impact in its secluded location, this property located high in the dunes of the Empty Quarter uses a food waste composter to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for growing fruits and vegetables. This ensures minimal environmental impact and aids the farming of local produce. Dates, tomatoes and many other vegetables from the hotel's garden are now found in the resort's kitchens. Research into desert-adapted native plants and a solar driven well provide a welcome oasis for the region's wild sand gazelle and Arabian oryx. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Harnessing the opportunities of their private island home, the sister resorts of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara have complemented their wildlife conservation efforts by incorporating future-proofing renewable energy solutions. Showcasing the potential of locally produced green energy for luxury resorts, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island produces a significant portion of on-site power from a 45 MW wind turbine and a 14.8 MW solar field while drinking water for wildlife is sourced by harnessing the sun's power and the island's humid air in state-of-the-art condensers. Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort Celebrating its enviable position in Oman's Hajar Mountains, this ultra-luxury retreat is safeguarding the unique biodiversity of the region through advanced water treatment and conservation strategies. Daily-use produce is also cultivated within the resort grounds through a chef's garden, hydroponic farm, olive groves and beehives. The resort actively supports and celebrates the local community's cultivation of iconic damask roses and globally renowned rose water. Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification has also been awarded to Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, and Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas – each satisfying over 90% of the tested indicators and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. Minor Hotels MEA Gold standard hotels, which surpass at least 80% of the scheme's sustainability targets, are Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino and Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which opened in late 2023 and has also earned LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient systems and water conservation initiatives. "We are honoured and grateful for so many of our Middle East and Africa hotels to receive the highest levels of Green Growth 2050 certification in commendation of the work and innovation carried out by our talented teams,' said Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa. By embracing new technology such as AI, smarter planning, and closed-loop systems, Minor Hotels is already taking the next steps in cultivating a sustainable future across its portfolio and was recently featured in The National for the trailblazing initiatives to reduce food waste at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and NH Collection Dubai The Palm, alongside other UAE properties. By embedding sustainability into every level of its operations, and working in partnership with Sustainability Kiosk advisors, Minor Hotels MEA is advancing sustainable hospitality and setting a global benchmark for responsible tourism. For more information, visit Minor Hotels Sustainability Initiatives. -Ends- About Minor Hotels Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotels fulfils the needs and desires of today's global travellers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 200 hotels by the end of 2026. Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. For more information, please visit and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact D-SH Consultancy: Duaa Radwan E: duaa@ Rima Varghese E: rima@
Zawya
13-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort announce new marketing & communications manager
Dubai: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is delighted to announce the appointment of Angelaine Floresta joins as Marketing & Communications Manager, beginning December 2024. With a reputation for creativity, strategy, and collaboration, Angelaine Floresta brings an impressive marketing portfolio to Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. She specialises in digital marketing and social media management, skills she honed during her impactful two-year tenure at the sister property, Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel. After graduating Cum Laude with a BA in Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Angelaine began her career in Dubai as an SEO & SMM specialist, generating over a thousand leads monthly at a leading property company. From there, she moved to Vivamax as a Digital Marketing Executive, where she played a key role in launching the brand in the Middle East and Europe. She then transitioned into hospitality and joins us from her most recent role as Cluster Digital Marketing Manager for Hyatt, where she oversaw digital strategies for four properties, significantly enhancing brand awareness, revenue, and online engagement. At Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel, Angelaine led the marketing efforts for the property, driving key initiatives that elevated its digital presence. During her time there, she achieved 300% growth in social media followers and established marketing partnerships with premium local and international brands. "We are excited to welcome Angelaine to the team at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Her innovative marketing strategies and reputation for building strong partnerships make her a valuable addition to the marketing department, and we are confident she will lead our marketing and communications efforts in an exciting direction," said James Hewitson, General Manager of Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Angelaine will be responsible for creating, driving, and overseeing all communication strategies to promote and position Anantara The Palm Dubai as one of the foremost resorts in Dubai and the region. About Anantara Hotels & Resorts A luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, Anantara has connected guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world's most extraordinary destinations since 2001. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination to create unforgettable memories for every guest. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. Anantara is part of global hospitality group Minor Hotels and a member of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. About Minor Hotels Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries, pursuing its vision of crafting a more passionate and interconnected world. As a hotel owner, operator and investor, Minor Hotels fulfils the needs and desires of today's global travellers through its diverse portfolio of eight hotel brands – Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli – and a collection of related businesses. Minor Hotels is rapidly accelerating its global growth ambitions, aiming to add more than 280 hotels by the end of 2027. Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, and participates in the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme.
