Apart from endless sun and easy travel (less than 7 hours from the UK and no jet lag) there’s now another good reason for families to think about Dubai holidays. Plum Guide has landed in the emirate with a collection of over 300 holiday homes to rent. So if you’ve ever wondered what those glossy Dubai buildings looked like inside, now you can find out.
Try a fresh take on Dubai holidays with the new Plum Guide collection
Luxury Dubai holidays for independent thinkers
Think Dubai holidays and you automatically think luxury resorts. It’s a given, the emirate has some of the world’s most spectacular hotels, and they don’t limit their attractions to opulent accommodation. You’ll find everything from record breaking waterparks to phenomenal aquariums at home in Dubai’s splashiest resorts, as well as beaches and enough to restaurants to fill a small UK town from end to end. Good news is, most of these ‘extras’ are available to non-guests too. So when it comes to choosing somewhere to stay, you can let your imagination go wild.
Al Mamzar Beach, Dubai
Large families rejoice, you’ve all the space you need
That’s certainly what Plum Guide are encouraging families to do. Not only do they have some of the most stunning properties available to rent for Dubai holidays, they’ve been thinking big. Great news for larger than average families normally forced to do the connecting room dance or dig deep for outsize resort suites. Although, having your own personal space is a pretty good idea even for smaller families, especially if you’re travelling with younger kids or babies. Yes, we all know high thread count bed linen and marble bathrooms are wonderful, but nothing beats the luxury of being able to sleepily whip up breakfast for a toddler in your own kitchen at 5 in the morning!
With all that in mind, jump on the new Plum Guide Dubai rental collection and have a long look around. To add to the temptation, we’ve also given you an inside take on our favourite districts for Dubai holidays with kids.
Dubai Fountains, Downtown Dubai
Downtown, the heart of Dubai holidays
You can’t miss the legendary Dubai skyline, but stay Downtown and you’re right in the thick of the glamour. Soaring Burj Khalifa is here, as is enormous Dubai Mall. However, you might be a bit more surprised to find cute parks, charming water features and quite a lot of green space here too. And as far as restaurants go, although a lot of other areas are running strong competition these days, Downtown still has some of the city’s best places to eat, even with kids.
What stands out in Downtown Dubai
- You’ll find 828 metres high Burj Khalifa – world’s tallest tower – in Downtown Dubai.
- Dubai Fountain is another Downtown icon. Top tip: avoid crowds and book dinner at one its neighbouring restaurants.
- Vast Dubai Mall dominates Downtown east. It’s another record breaker and home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Reception area, Downtown Dubai apartment
Pick of Plum Guide for Downtown Dubai holidays
Just 5 minutes from Downtown and with views you won’t believe, this apartment is perfect for families. Apart from several private balconies and gorgeous living space, it has two seriously decadent bathrooms. Plus, there’s a large swimming pool in the complex, for days when you don’t want to do the beach.
Bedroom with wraparound views of Downtown Dubai
What works for families
- Three bedrooms, two double and one twin. Sleeps up to 6 guests.
- Three bathrooms, two with baths and showers.
- Spacious living/dining room with balcony and Downtown Dubai views.
- Great kitchen, again with a balcony and more views.
- 24-hour concierge service and room service.
- Continental breakfast every morning.
- Swimming pool with sun terraces.
- Baby equipment available on request.
Find out more and book here
Promenade, Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina we love you and our kids do too!
Home to non-stop-fun JBR Beach, Dubai Marina is kid heaven. Although, even if it didn’t have the beachy bit we’d still be smitten by its gleaming towers and super-yacht seascape. Rooftop restaurants are the thing here and if you like to be in-the-know this area is where you’ll find the motherlode of new launches.
Why families love Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai might argue, but the Marina really is one of the best places to eat out in the city right now. Chefs vie for a spot here and you get incredible restaurants as a result.
- Entire Dubai holidays have been spent on JBR Beach with good reason. There’s practically nothing you can’t do here from sports and swimming to camel rides on the sand.
- No surprise the sailing is good here too and you don’t need to own a superyacht. Just voyage away on a traditional dhow or rent a kayak for a few hours.
Living room with view over Dubai Marina
Pick of Plum Guide for Dubai Marina
If you want an eyeful of the Marina morning and night, this is your apartment as it has views from almost every room and balcony. Added extras like fridge-fills and airport pick-up are nice touches for families. And the apartment building features a large pool and a great playroom for kids, as well as a rooftop terrace, cinema room and games room.
Dubai Marina apartment kitchen
What works for families
- Two bedrooms. Sleeps up to 4 guests – extra guests can be accommodated by arrangement.
- Two bathrooms, with baths, and a separate toilet.
- Huge, light and bright open plan living/dining/kitchen space.
- Superb kitchen, plus washing machine and dryer.
- Swimming pool, kids’ playroom, cinema, games room, roof terrace.
- A few minutes’ walk from JBR Beach.
- Women-only gym and spa.
- Baby equipment available on request.
Find out more and book here
JBR Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai
Slice of island life on Palm Jumeirah
We’re going to stick our neck out and say there probably isn’t a manmade island on earth as famous as Palm Jumeirah. It’s the heartland of luxury resorts, but also ‘the’ place to live if you live in Dubai and now’s your chance to do just that, at least for a little while.
What Palm Jumeirah adds to Dubai holidays
- You can’t miss Atlantis The Palm on Palm Jumeirah, but you don’t need to stay there to take advantage of the iconic resort. Everything from its fabulous waterpark to The Lost Chambers Aquarium are open to non-guests.
- If you want water sports, most of Dubai’s main operators are at home on Palm Jumeirah.
- You can drive everywhere in Dubai, but the Palm Jumeirah monorail is great fun and gets you to JBR Beach in no time.
Entrance to FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Pick of Plum Guide for Palm Jumeirah
When it comes to exclusive addresses, we’re thinking 6th Floor, FIVE Palm Jumeirah must be right up there. But this apartment doesn’t seem to have a cut off point when it comes to lux. Your private balcony features super-soft daybeds and the views are stunning. Plus, if you feel like company, you’ve access to a private beach as well as a palm tree trimmed swimming pool and spectacular wrap-around sun terrace.
Private sun terrace off master bedroom
What works for families
- Two bedrooms, sleeps up to 5 guests. Master bedroom with sun terrace.
- Two bathrooms, one with bath.
- Large living room with private sun terrace.
- Large kitchen. Washing machine and dryer.
- Swimming pool, private beach, wraparound communal sun terrace.
- Private parking garage.
- Baby equipment available on request.
Find out more and book here
Bur Dubai historic district
Dubai holidays do heritage too
If you imagine Dubai is all shimmering towers and malls by the acre, then just go a little north of Downtown for a different story. Close neighbour to the Business Bay and Downtown, Bur Dubai is by far and away the city’s oldest quarter. It sits on the west bank of Dubai Creek and for authenticity, there’s nowhere like it. Go for traditional restaurants, independent art galleries and heaps of atmosphere. The local shops here act like a palate cleanser when you’ve had enough of international brands and older kids will love the lively streets. Expect endless ‘did you see that?’ moments.
What not to miss in Bur Dubai
- Dubai Museum set in magnificent 18th century Al Fahidi Fort – go in the morning to miss the crowds.
- Fabulous textiles at Bur Dubai Souk.
- The ancient Shindagha quarter on Dubai Creek. Look out for the lovely coral houses and go hungry, this is the best area for local food.
- Make time to visit the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum residence.
- Since you’re in Bur Dubai, visit historic Deira as well. It’s a near neighbour and the district for the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Perfume Souk.
Pool with cabanas, Business Bay district apartment
Pick of Plum Guide for Bur Dubai holidays
Although it’s in the Business Bay district, this large family apartment is perfectly placed for exploring Bur Dubai, right next to Downtown and only a short distance from Jumeirah beaches. Best of all worlds? We think so. Plus, it’s an aparthotel so you get all the independence of your own space and easy-life extras too.
Master bedroom with Downtown Dubai views
What works for families
- Four bedrooms, sleeps up to 9 guests.
- Four bathrooms, one with bath.
- Bright open plan living/dining/kitchen with great city views.
- Private balconies.
- Washing machine and dryer.
- 24-hour reception desk.
- Large shared swimming pool, private parking, gym and spa.
Find out more and book here
If your dream Dubai apartment isn’t here, take a look at the full Plum Guide collection of over 300 family holiday homes in Dubai.
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