ALPINE VIBES IN THE DESERT
It might be scorching outside, but not at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, where it’s a year-round winter wonderland – particularly if you’re staying in one of the hotel’s Aspen Ski Chalets. Overlooking the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai, these chalets are just the ticket to quell that Alpine craving, though even those staying in a Grand Deluxe Room or above can get a ski-and-build-a-snowman fix with the hotel’s Family Package. Simply book a stay of three nights or more to avail free daily access for four people (two adults, two children) to Ski Dubai and Magic Planet per room, per night. This special package also includes breakfast for four people daily.
MINI MOVIE STARS
Do they know the script to their favourite film off by heart? Are they begging to go to stage school? If their sights are firmly set on the silver screen, why not treat your little star to a once-in-a-lifetime “World Premiere Experience”? The Peninsula Beverly Hills and NYC-based Red Carpet Kids have dreamed up a fantasy come to life for your movie-mad youngster, who will have the chance to live a day in the life of a Hollywood mega star. Once arriving to the hotel, situated in the eminently glamorous celebrity haunt of Beverly Hills, VIP Security Personnel will usher your little star onto a film set where make-up artists and stylists await. Then it’s onto the green room and over to the set, where a crew and director will film a live-action feature complete with special effects and props. Later that evening, your celebrity kidlet will be whisked off to the world premiere at The Paley Center For Media – with a red carpet complete with paparazzi and interviews – to watch the screening with family and friends. Available exclusively at The Peninsula Beverly Hills (for ages four and up), with packages priced from US$8,500.
www.beverlyhills.peninsula.com/en/discover/peninsula-academy
GO WILD IN THE WEST
If getting out there amid nature is what your family loves best, The Resort at Paws Up is calling. With a name inspired by “the welcome of a wiggling ranch dog and its unaffected charm” (we love!) and a mix of converted barns, rustic houses and riverside safari-style tented camps, this luxurious working ranch spans 37,000 acres in Montana, including a 16-kilometre sweep of the legendary Blackfoot River (fun fact: where Robert Redford filmed A River Runs Through It). Kids can run wild exploring some 160-kilometres of riding and walking trails, never once bleating “I’m bored” with around 60 activities from abseiling and white-water rafting to fishing for cutthroat trout, or – ideal for your little cowboy wannabe – spending the day with a wrangler herding cattle or trail riding. Steppes Travel is offering a four-night, full-board stay in one of the brand-new, three-bedroom family tented suites from £5,225 (US$6,739) per person, based on two adults and two children, including return economy flights from Dubai and an interchangeable “starter pack” of activities, such as a Blackfoot River float trip, two-hour horseback ride, archery, sporting clays for two adults and one half-day Kid’s Camp for two children. Can we get a yee-haw?
GET YOUR GLOW ON IN ABU DHABI
As the last vestiges of the summer heat linger, opportunities to cool off with the family are still very welcome, so it's great timing that Yas Waterworld is getting its glow on this month, staying open until 10pm every Friday with music, performances and light shows, glow-in-the-dark drinks and snacks and a live DJ set and LED hydrojet show at Amwaj Wave Pool. With the park being open for an additional four hours for Neon Nights, day-pass holders can enjoy the additional night experience at no extra cost. Guests can book their tickets online through Yas Waterworld’s website or at the gate – regular admissions apply. Neon Nights are available at Yas Waterworld every Friday starting 25th August until 29th September, excluding Friday 15th September
www.yaswaterworld.com/events/neon-nights