How to do Dubai with kids: a guide to having it all

Families love vacations in Dubai with good reason, but planning a trip somewhere with so much choice isn’t always easy, until now. Andrew Dent discovers the best of all worlds at Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai on Dubai’s legendary Palm Jumeirah.

Iconic Dubai skyline

Dubai is an incredible city with an iconic urban landscape that’s ever-changing, as well as a mind boggling choice of hotels and attractions. That’s a big part of its appeal, of course, but can also lead to holiday planning headaches. With new resorts opening weekly and even new beaches suddenly appearing, it’s often hard to know where to begin.

Should you opt for all-inclusive or half-board? Are family rooms better than adjoining suites? Is a villa the best option of all? Which district should you choose for holidays in Dubai with kids?

Room with a view, Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai

Luxurious Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai simplifies holidays

Well, we think we may have found an easy answer to all those questions. Recently opened Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai is an all-apartment luxury property set at the base of Palm Jumeirah: a location that puts it close to most major attractions, and also just 30-minutes from Dubai airport. In fact, you can actually have your ride pull into Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai’s lobby, where staff will unload your luggage and transport it up to your apartment, effortlessly.

Nakheel Mall is only a short walk away too, if you want to pop into Waitrose. Yes, really. Although this local Waitrose might be the fanciest you’ve come across. And, as Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai is also self-catering, a handy supermarket gives you a cost-effective alternative to eating out all the time on holidays in Dubai.

Rooftop pool, Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai

Kids love the swim-size rooftop pool

So to the main event, the apartments themselves. You’ve the choice of one, two or three bedrooms, and each apartment features a large living/dining room, kitchen and utility room. The design is smart and minimalist, with plenty of gadgets, plus there’s daily room service to clean, and top up the fridge with water, tea and coffee. It’s a rare joy to come back to such an immaculate family home after a day out.

As this is Dubai, there’s a rooftop pool too, of course. But unlike most, this one is no mere plunge pool, instead it’s a proper swim-size which kids will love. Then, because no family holiday in the sun is complete without some time by the sea, Palm Beach West is also within walking distance of Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai.

There’s a strong Miami South Beach vibe here, with a boardwalk of beach clubs and restaurants, as well as influencers hanging out on sun beds. Like most Dubai beaches, this one’s reclaimed, although the sand is super-soft and the not-too-deep water features a gradual, child-friendly entry. Understandably, it’s a big favourite with families, and especially lively at the weekends, so there’s plenty of opportunity for your kids to make holiday friends.

Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

You can’t miss the rest of Dubai, it’s so close to home

Apart from the beach, you’ll find plenty of other popular Dubai attractions nearby, including Atlantis, The Palm; the iconic pink resort which lords it over the top fronds of Palm Jumeirah. As home to Aquaventure Waterpark – the largest in the UAE – Atlantis makes a great family day out. Plus, right next door, there’s now another resort which has to be seen to be believed, The Atlantis Royal. I suggest taking kids here in the early evening to watch the water fountains. Then an Uber can have you back at your Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai apartment in under 10 minutes, just in time for dinner.

Other unmissable Dubai family attractions include the fabulous Museum of the Future, and soaring Burj Khalifa. You should definitely make time to explore Bastakiya – the historic quarter. And you can’t leave the city without dropping in on its famous Gold Souk, at least once.

Thanks to relatively short flights and year-round sun, Dubai remains a perennial favourite with UK families. Now, with the arrival of the Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai, you just have one less thing to think about when planning your trip.