Dubai Delights
Getting there: starting the holiday in style We flew direct with Emirates from Manchester, which set the tone for the whole trip. Plenty of legroom, great service and a smooth flight meant we arrived feeling relaxed and ready to explore. Our private luxury transfer whisked us from the airport to Atlantis, and from the moment we pulled up outside we were treated like VIPs. Walking into the lobby was a real “wow” moment. The scale, the light, the artwork, the sense of drama: it is one of those places where you cannot help but stop and stare.
Our room: ocean views and Dubai icons We stayed in an Ocean View King Club Room, which was ideal for us as a family. The best part for me was the fantastic view looking back towards the Burj Al Arab. By night it is absolutely stunning, glittering on the horizon and reminding you that you are in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Having Club access also gave us that extra level of comfort and convenience, which is always appreciated when you are travelling with children.
Eating our way around Atlantis Food was a big part of our stay and we were spoiled for choice. My two, aged 12 and 9 at the time, absolutely loved Saffron restaurant. With so many international options, they could try new things without feeling pressured and still return to familiar favourites when they wanted to. Buffets can sometimes feel chaotic, but here it was a real experience, full of colour, aromas and flavour. For me, the standout was the Gordon Ramsay restaurant. The quality, presentation and service were exactly what you would hope for from a celebrity chef venue. It felt like a treat and gave us one of those “special occasion” evenings that I know we will all remember.
Aquaventure: thrills, spills and the famous Zoomerango For the children, the Aquaventure water park was hands down the highlight of the holiday. They could not get enough of the slides, lazy rivers and splash zones, and the fact that it is right there on the resort makes it incredibly convenient for families. For me, it was slightly more of a mixed experience, especially when I was gently coerced into going backwards down the famous Zoomerango slide. Let us just say: once was definitely enough. There was a lot of laughing, some nervous squealing and then that huge sense of relief at the bottom. The kids, of course, wanted to go straight back up again.
Beaches, pools and underwater worlds Atlantis has beautiful private beaches, and in July the sea felt like stepping into a warm bath. The water was crystal clear and so inviting that we spent ages just bobbing around and cooling off. The pools are brilliant for all ages, with plenty of space so it never felt crowded, even at busier times. There was always a spot to relax, whether you wanted to swim, play or simply sit with a cold drink and watch the world go by. And if you somehow have not seen enough sea life outside, there is the incredible aquarium within the resort itself. It is mesmerising. Being able to wander around and watch all the fish, rays and sharks gliding past creates a real sense of wonder, especially for children.
Dubai from above: the Burj Khalifa No trip to Dubai would be complete without going up the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the city and a true modern icon. The journey to the top is part of the fun, and then suddenly you are looking out over the skyline and the desert beyond. The views are absolutely jaw dropping. It really gives you a sense of just how extraordinary Dubai is, rising out of the sand with its futuristic towers, fountains and highways.
Extra thrills: indoor skydiving at iFLY Dubai Just in case Jack and Will had not had enough excitement, we also booked indoor skydiving at iFLY Dubai. Watching them in their flight suits, hovering and spinning in the wind tunnel, was both amazing and very funny. The photos say it all: huge grins, wild hair and that mix of fear and exhilaration that children do so well. It was a great way to add something a little different to the trip and is a brilliant option if you have thrill-seekers in the family.
Why Dubai stole our hearts Dubai had everything we were hoping for and more: sunshine, luxury, incredible hotels, family-friendly attractions and those little moments of magic that turn a good holiday into a great one. Atlantis The Palm wowed us from the moment we arrived, and seeing the city through my children’s eyes made it even more special. They still talk about the slides at Aquaventure, the view from the Burj Khalifa and that feeling of stepping into a “real life” dream hotel they had seen on TV and online. This is definitely a place we will return to. Dubai captured our hearts as a family destination, and I now completely understand why so many people go back time and time again. If you are thinking about taking your own children to Dubai, especially if they have their hearts set on Atlantis The Palm, I would be delighted to share more tips and help you plan a trip that works perfectly for your family.
