Temperatures are already soaring in the UAE and with it likely to be a second summer of endurance here, it’s time for us to start getting imaginative with weekend activities. Someone recently told me that temperatures in RAK are usually a few degrees cooler than Dubai, which was enough to sell it to me! With that in mind we packed our bags and headed to the Waldorf Astoria for a night away from the city. Located only an hour away from central Dubai it’s far enough to feel like a proper trip away but still close enough that I don’t need a separate suitcase of snacks to survive the journey.

From the second we arrived, it was obvious that the staff working at the Waldorf are something special. The kids were both greeted by name (the correct ones at that) which they just loved and were presented with their very own ‘kids passports’ at check in. The passports feature a section to collect stamps from various checkpoints in the resort which they can then take to the kids club to win a surprise goodie bag. The excitement was off the charts at this point!

We headed straight to the gloriously chilled family pool which had plenty of space so that guests weren’t on top of each other and were offered a shaded cabana right by the shallow end which was perfect for us. The thing we loved most about the family pool is that it is relatively shallow the whole way round which was perfect for my two aged 2 and 4.

 

When temperatures crept up around midday, we headed to the lovely Azure restaurant for a blast of AC and a delicious Mediterranean menu. After lunch it was a pit stop at the Pearl Kids club which boasts a tv room and plenty of toys for all ages. Children aged 4 -12 can be left there alone but with my youngest not quite there yet, the whole family camped out playing puzzles and games which, in all honesty was a lovely afternoon!

Half Board includes a buffet dinner at Qasr Al Bahar starting from 7pm which ticked all the boxes with hungry and impatient children. Once again the staff were attentive and super quick with any special requests which really helped matters at the end of a long day. The vegetable Indian curry was absolutely to die for! To end what was described as ‘the best day ever’ by my eldest, the buffet dessert section included a chocolate fountain which quite frankly stole the show. Another plus to mention about the Waldorf were the rooms, nice and spacious with two double beds and a huge balcony which was perfect for a glass of wine when the littles crashed.

Breakfast the next morning was buffet style with anything and everything you could imagine. I’m going to have to give the staff another mention again as they made such a great impression and judging by the tears from my 4 year old upon checkout- we will be back very soon!

For staycations over the summer, attractive offers are available for guests booking directly with the hotel. For bookings please call on 07 203 5555, e-mail reservations.warak@waldorfastoria.com or visit www.waldorfastoriarak.com

Thank you Waldorf for the perfect weekend away!

Written by British mum, Sophie Van Gelder

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