COMMUNITY by Lynsey Riach
This month, Mum in Doha lists fun places to stay with the kids and activities to enjoy with the little ones.
H
appy National Day, Qatar! As each year passes, I reflect on how far Qatar has come and in the six years that my family has called Doha home, I can say it simply just gets better and better especially for those of us with small children. There are constantly new things to see and do and I’m guessing I’m not the only one waiting with excitement for the impending opening of KidZania at The Mall of Qatar in 2017! And now that this weather has thankfully turned and we’re all out and about enjoying walks and playtime in the park, we realise just how much we do love our lives here. In fact, my little family recently enjoyed a wonderful weekend staycay at Marsa Malaz Kempinski full of beach fun, pool action and maybe THE cutest kids club I have come across here. It’s well worth a look in if you ever visit the hotel. On the beach they have a bouncy castle for little ones and staff are always so happy to greet you and help, we will definitely be staying there again!
Festive Fun In Doha
But it’s not all just about being outside this month, we also have festive fun to enjoy inside as glittering decorated trees pop up all over town, mouthwatering gingerbread houses deserve some investigation, and other activities invite your participation. Get your skates on and book your afternoon tea at both the St. Regis and Marsa Malaz Kempinski. We took our then-ten-week old baby last year and it was utterly magical, so much so that I am probably the most excited person in our household to return there again! Warm mince pies are among the many special treats that await you. So, if like me, you feel that 2016 has rocketed by, why not find some free time (if you’re lucky!) to reflect and make up some creative photobooks to have and to hold always? I have been all over www.shutterfly.com as my family will welcome a new baby boy in January. I’ve been in full nesting mode which means I’ve been creating photobooks galore, and I have to say they are wonderful mementos to keep in a digital age where we rarely look back on old photo albums. It’s also a guaranteed proud mummy moment when you see just how far your children have come! And whilst my nesting is in full swing, I’ve been decorating both our boys’ rooms with soothing neutral tones and lovely pieces found in Zara Home, IKEA, The One Junior, and from some local sellers, all of which you can find in my Top Ten newborn essentials you simply must have! Most of these are personalized items made here in Doha by other like-minded mummies! Until next time…next year…enjoy all the festivities with your family! n
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