|
50 things to do outdoors (November 2009)
It can be tricky fi nding yourself a pony to ride in Dubai, particularly if you’re not willing to fork out for a year’s worth of expensive lessons. But, there are one or two places available. The stables at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa cater for riders of all levels and offers trekking, trail riding and lessons, either at the paddock or outside in the golf course ground (not on the greens, of course) or in the desert. Young kids aged four to seven years can get close to Merrylegs, the Shetland pony and enjoy a 25-minute ride for Dhs 50. Lessons cost from Dhs 150 for 30 minutes, one-hour outdoor rides cost Dhs 200. The stables are open daily except Mondays from 7am to noon and again from 4pm to 7pm. 04 883 6000; jagrs@ jaihotels.com. Padi-approved Bubblemaker courses introduce kids to the art of scuba diving in a safe, controlled environment and are fantastic for building kids’ confi dence – both socially and in the water. A great place to try this, or the more intensive and educational Padi Seal Team course is at the Al Boom Centre at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, where the sea-water pool adds to the experience. 04 883 2322, Dhs 275 for Bubblemaker, Dhs 1,750 for Padi seal team. Getaway (November 2009)
GOOD FOR KIDS BECAUSE... it’s a fabulous family resort, with three pools, a diving centre, camel rides, horse riding, a long stretch of beach and more water sports than you can fl ing a rubber ring at. The Peaco kids’ club keeps nippers aged four to 14 entertained, with evening movies for teens and tweens so mum and dad can relax with a cocktail. Twenty minutes down the road, you’ll feel like you’ve had a real holiday. NITTY GRITTY: Dhs 888 per person per night in a junior suite with breakfast and either lunch or dinner. Two kids under 12 stay and eat for free, valid November 26th-28th. 04 883 600. www.jebelali-international.com There’s plenty to keep them occupied, from two rock pools to crazy golf, archery, tennis and the resident camel (famed for his cancrushing capabilities). Take a hike in the Hajar mountains or learn about Arabian With yet more school holidays looming, we solve your long-weekend woes life in days gone by at the Heritage Village. NITTY GRITTY: Dhs900 per person per night with breakfast and dinner. Two kids under six stay and eat for free, valid November 26-28. 04 852 3211; www.hat taforthotel.com Sport - Wet and Wild (November 2009)
Imagine riding off into the desert, cantering over dunes, the sun setting in the distance, before trotting into the waves of the Arabian Gulf for a swim with your mount. It may sound like the stuff or romantic movies but, believe it or not, if you and your kids know one end of a horse from the other, you can do just that down the road at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. We simply had to learn more, and horse-mad Ana, 13, who rides there three times a week, was only too willing to enlighten us. Read More >>
|