Take the family to Dubai this half-term

11 September 2023

With its brilliant location on a stretch of the Dubai Islands waterfront, fantastic water sports facilities and two impressive beachfront pools, the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is one of our top recommendations for those looking for an amazing family holiday in the sun that hits that sweet spot between short haul and long haul.

Inspired by mythical Thai and Arabian adventures, Centara Mirage’s brilliant amenities designed especially with younger guests in mind include a water park with a lazy river, a fun water-play area, waterslides, and cliff-jumping points. There are also three age-specific kids’ clubs, a virtual sports zone, a family lounge, an outdoor playground, and even a candy-themed kids’ spa, in addition to the main SPA Cenvaree. And fabulous on-site entertainment includes weekly duelling fire shows.

The hotel’s all-inclusive offering is another big bonus for families, allowing parents to relax in the knowledge that everything has been covered. We’ve looked at what else makes it a must-visit resort.

The accommodation

With just over 600 spacious rooms and suites at the resort , all with gorgeous city or sea views - including various options with bunk beds and two-bedroom suites - there’s something here for everyone.

Bright and airy, rooms here feature all the latest tech that makes a family holiday easier. There is also the option of 24-hour room service bringing Middle Eastern, Thai, and global favourites, including child-friendly dishes, to your door.

The dining options

This resort has no fewer than seven different enticing dining venues, among them Suan Bua with its Thai and other Asian favourites, Uno Mas with its juicy Argentinian charcoal grills and impressive wine cellar, and Sheesh rooftop restaurant, bar and shisha lounge with its mezze menu. Sheesh’s sea-view terrace – converted into an Arabian tent for summer shade – is a great place to get a taste of local culture.

Sands grill and Waves Beach Bar both offer laidback light bites accompanied by gulf views, while Vistas Lobby Bar and the colourful Mirage Family Lounge offer both refreshments and concierge services, including activities for younger guests.

The destination

This resort is wonderfully located for discovering the rest of Dubai, from its world-class theme parks to its unique desert adventures, including dune-bashing by 4x4. We love this region of the United Arab Emirates for families: it’s lively, ever-changing (there are always new things to do, no matter how many times you return), bathed in sunshine, and offers a compelling mix of beaches, water sports and water parks, shopping malls and souks, theme-parks, and desert fun.

From 2023, Dubai has been home to the world’s longest urban zip wire (over the marina) and a zombie theme park. That’s in addition to other amazing theme parks here: Dubai Parks and Resorts, including LEGOLAND Dubai, and IMG Worlds of Adventure.

And despite its modernity, its Arab culture remains strong – including in the atmospheric, aromatic spice market and glittering gold souk beside the historic creek, which you can cross in an abra (wooden taxi-boat) for great views of the old wind towers. You can also see Arabic traditions in the desert, at a performance of Bedouin music and dancing.

To book your family holiday in Dubai at the Centara Mirage, call your Travel Counsellor today.

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