Finding a hotel to suit everyone in the family isn’t always an easy feat. Dad wants a golf course, Mom’s looking for some much-needed spa time, and the kids? They’re counting on waterslides, waffles at breakfast, and a kids’ club that turns into a disco at night. Thankfully, many of the MICHELIN Guide’s recommended hotels across the Gulf go the extra mile to cater to all ages and interests, without compromising on quality or comfort.
Think sizable suites with adjoining rooms or private pools that offer both seclusion and space. Perhaps on-demand babysitting is high on your list, or a pool that rivals a waterpark to keep the children splashing for hours. These MICHELIN-selected stays have all that to choose from, plus serene spas onsite, to prove that a family holiday can be equally relaxing, exciting, and most importantly, stress-free for everyone.
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Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Dubai, UAE
On the crescent of Dubai’s Palm, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray delivers full-scale glamor with plenty of thoughtful touches for families. Spacious rooms include family and interconnecting options, and kids under 12 even stay and dine free for limited periods throughout the year. For certain bookings, you’ll also get unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark (complete with transfer) which is a no-brainer for a fun day out as a family.Children are kept thoroughly entertained at Sinbad’s Kids’ Club with arts, crafts, and supervised play, while teens have their own hangout space. Parents can make the most of the award-winning Talise Ottoman Spa or relax by the private beach or pool. With 10 different restaurants, there’s bound to be a dish for everyone’s taste, too. This is a luxury resort that delivers for the whole crew.
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Alila Hinu Bay
Salalah, Oman
Tucked between the Arabian Sea and the Dhofar Mountains, Alila Hinu Bay offers a slower, more soulful kind of luxury for a place where families can reconnect. The architecture nods to Omani heritage but feels fresh and contemporary, with clean lines, earthy tones, and wide, open spaces designed for calm days. Families are well catered to, with spacious villas — some featuring private plunge pools and outdoor baths — and menus that span Middle Eastern, Asian, and European flavors, including child-friendly options and baby meals on request.The Play Alila Kids’ Club is a hub of creativity for ages 2–12, with daily activities ranging from arts and crafts to treasure hunts. Babysitting is even available if parents want to sneak off to the spa or enjoy a quiet dinner. Days here can be as active or relaxed as you like; explore the coastline by kayak, cycle through the landscape, or simply unwind with a book while the kids make a splash.
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Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara
Doha, Qatar
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Doha delivers guests to Banana Island, where tropical colors, overwater villas, and a calm lagoon set the scene for a family holiday with serious potential to be the best. There’s plenty to keep every generation happy, from spa suites and open-water dive courses to padel courts and miniature golf.For younger guests, the Cool Mint Kids’ Club (ages 4–12) offers a full schedule of crafts, games, and cooking classes, while teens can hang out at Peppermint, which comes with foosball, billiards, a bowling alley, and more. There’s also a surf pool, a mini water park, a boutique cinema, and babysitting available for children one and up, ideal when parents want a quiet dinner. Add in multiple dining options, including a family-friendly American diner, and you’ve got a resort that makes quality time feel effortless. The hardest part might be fitting it all in.
ALSO FEATURED IN: The Best MICHELIN Guide Hotel Spas in Doha
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Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Don’t let the grand marble halls and butler service fool you, this palace knows how to have fun with families. Behind the gilded façade of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental lies a surprisingly playful spirit, with options for guests of all ages. Connecting rooms and spacious suites make traveling with children a breeze, while the resort itself is complete with a private beach, two family-friendly pools (one with mega kids’ slides), and a wide choice of dining, including two One-MICHELIN-Star restaurants, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida, and MICHELIN-selected restaurants, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi and Broadway.Young guests are treated like little royalty at the Kids Palace, a purpose-built wonderland offering activities themed around sustainability, wellbeing, creativity, and more. There’s sensory play for toddlers, culinary classes, and adventure quests for older children, plus a mini restaurant just for them. With bee farm tours, arts and crafts, and a kids’ spa menu, there’s more than enough to keep little ones enchanted while parents enjoy the spa or just soak up the majestic surroundings.
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InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort & Spa
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Just outside Riyadh, this sprawling village-style resort wraps around a lagoon and offers a welcome sense of seclusion from the city. Families will find plenty to keep everyone entertained: an 18-hole miniature golf course, tennis and padel courts, and a circus-style kids’ club packed with toy horses, ball pits, slides, and daily activities, including a kid-friendly disco by night.While little ones are supervised at the club, adults can book in for a hammam or holistic treatment at the Middle East’s first HARNN Heritage Spa with prestigious Thai wellness, hit the gym, or unwind at one of seven restaurants. Rooms are spacious and designed with nods to local tradition, and practical extras, like dry cleaning, make traveling with children that much easier.
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The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
Manama, Bahrain
Tucked along the turquoise coastline of Manama, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain offers a polished yet playful setting for families. The Ritz Kids program (ages 4–12) runs daily and includes cooking classes, painting, and immersive activities centered around nature, culture, and sustainability. Kids are encouraged to explore everything from coral reefs to Bahraini storytelling traditions — while parents can rest easy at the beachfront spa or book a game of tennis or squash.Fancy a day out of the hotel? Book a family boat ride the whole family can enjoy before heading back when hunger strikes. The resort offers a variety of global cuisines including Italian, Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern, ensuring there’s something to please even the pickiest eaters.
Both kids and adults have their own pools to enjoy, and the Royal Beach Club is open to all ages. Best of all, keep an eye out for seasonal ‘kids stay and eat free’ offers making this resort almost irresistible.
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