From the moment we arrived and were dropped off at our hotel room by boat (something the kids were fascinated by and adored!) we realised this was a fairytale holiday. Mina a Salam feels like Arabian Nights, with a little of the hustle and bustle of Arabian adventures – watching belly dancing, trying shisha once the kids were in bed with the lovely babysitter, and exploring the souk. This is a luxury resort, however, so you feel thoroughly relaxed adventuring with the whole family. The kids can even get mendhi and henna tattoos, to really get into the spirit of their Aladdin-like holiday!
Meals are equally a breeze as there is so much delicious food of all different kinds on offer, suited to all tastes. The buffet style breakfasts, brunches and lunches mean everyone can feel like they’ve enjoyed their own special tailor-made feast, in sumptuous surroundings. The hotel is all traditional cool stone and beautiful marble, with stylish and tasteful decoration. This makes the atmosphere just one of complete peace and relaxation, but also with the excitement of being on holiday in Dubai. For the blend of activity and relaxation I can’t recommend the Mina a Salam highly enough.
The large pools are quiet and surrounded by well-tended, lush gardens, which makes it seem like you’re swimming in little oases of cool bliss, with the hot Dubai sun infusing everything with warmth. Sun worshippers should know, this kind of holiday makes for an effortless, beautiful tan! No need to fill the suitcase with towels as two or three of the softest are ready and waiting for you on your lounger every morning, along with bottles of chilled spritzer – the perfect way to cool down with a touch of luxury, if you can’t make it to the pool, or the sea a few steps away is a step too far. Given the amazing range of activities on offer, which the concierge is more than happy to help you organise so you don’t have to spend precious holiday time on it, I have to say the hotel has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. As such I would thoroughly recommend it for families if you’re looking for a perfect blend of peace and quiet, and fun. I guess this is what anyone would ask of a break in perfect sun and luxury!
A final word has to go to the beach, which is just a water taxi or gentle stroll through palms away. The sea is tantalisingly blue and the sand pure white. Everything you would expect of Dubai. The luxury doesn’t end back inside the fabulous hotel, as beach attendants carry out cool drinks and delicious snacks, and there is plenty going on in the marquees and gazebos. This is a beach holiday to die for, and so much more. We had the holiday of a lifetime.
