A Family-Friendly Retreat in Dubai

Kelly Bush *@kellybush_travel

A slice of Polynesian paradise just outside central Dubai awaits you. Located about a 30-minute drive from the city, this stunning resort is enveloped by palm trees and luxury. From the moment you arrive, it feels like pure heaven.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with hula necklaces and the warmest welcome. This instantly set the tone for our stay. Although the hotel isn’t located in the heart of Dubai and lacks direct beach access, it more than compensates with a complimentary daily shuttle to JBR Beach, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Mall.

Family-Friendly Attractions

As a family of five who love a good theme and a water park, this hotel was a huge draw for us. Staying at the Lapita Hotel includes complimentary access to the nearby theme parks. These include Motiongate (our favourite), Legoland, Legoland Waterpark, and Real Madrid World. Access to the parks depends on the length of your stay, and they are only a 10–15 minute walk away from the hotel.

All-Inclusive Fun

We stayed for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis. This meant unlimited park access throughout our stay to all the parks. We absolutely loved it! Most days, we spent time by the pool before heading out to the parks in the late afternoon. We enjoyed the evenings at the parks before returning to the hotel for dinner and cocktails.

Lapita offers an à la carte Asian restaurant, the Hikina, which was absolutely delicious. You do need to book in advance, but it’s well worth it. I highly recommend making a reservation. The food in both the main restaurant and the Ari Restaurant was equally impressive. Ari quickly became a firm favourite, and we enjoyed many lunches and dinners there. There’s also the option to dine poolside at the Ari Restaurant, which we loved. Within the hotel, you’ll also find a pizza restaurant serving some of the best pizza I’ve had, along with a dessert and ice cream parlour that we visited daily.

Resort Amenities

The resort features an on-site gym, a spa, a small park, and a kids’ club for younger children. In the mornings, there’s a chance to feed the fish, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the gorgeous turtles too! Also, look out for the characters walking around who love a hug! There are two pools available: a main pool and a shallow pool designed for young children. Additionally, there’s a lazy river to enjoy!

During our stay, we made use of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle to visit the Mall. The Mall is truly incredible and mind-blowing. It features an indoor aquarium (with paid entry and a range of immersive experiences available inside), an indoor ice-skating rink, and just about every shop you could imagine. Just outside the Mall, you can see the iconic Burj Khalifa. If you time your visit right, you may also catch the spectacular fountain show.

Exciting Adventures

Our second outing was a speedboat trip from Dubai Marina. We booked an Uber from the hotel using the app, which made both the journey there and the return very straightforward and hassle-free.

Exceptional Service

It’s the little details that really make this hotel shine. Fresh pool towels are provided every day, drinks can be ordered online and delivered straight to your sunbed, and your luggage is taken directly to your room upon arrival. Throughout the day, staff even bring ice pops around the pool for the kids, which is such a lovely touch. The service truly goes above and beyond, and the cleanliness is exceptional. The hotel was absolutely spotless throughout our stay.

A Perfect Getaway

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of central Dubai, this hotel is a great choice. It’s ideal for families with children, as well as adults who enjoy theme parks, while still offering a calm and laid-back setting. Conveniently located less than 30 minutes from central Dubai, it strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and easy access to the city’s main attractions. It truly offers the best of both worlds.

We absolutely loved our stay and are already planning to return very soon. We cannot wait!

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