YAS ISLAND Staycations for
FAMILIES
FUN, ADVENTURE and EXCITEMENT await at the UAE’s hottest holiday destination
-Soha on Slither’s Slides
#LiveToTellTheTale yaswaterworld.com
Live the ultimate water adventure. Yas Waterworld brings you 45 rides, slides and attractions worth talking about. So experience the excitement at the UAE’s mega waterpark, then go online and tell your friends you #LiveToTellTheTale Park opens daily from 10AM
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
the
welcome to
CONTENTS
YAS ISLAND
2
An island designed just for fun? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Yas Island. Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure hub is home to some of the UAE’s most exciting attractions, with something for everyone, from toddlers to teens (and big kids, as well). Yas Island also boasts top family-friendly hotels and restaurants, along with a new world-class shopping mall, concert venues and, of course, the famous Yas Marina Circuit, where racing fans, young and old, can get their fill. So what are you waiting for? Grab the family and get set to be blown away by the leisure and entertainment options on offer at Yas Island. Let’s go have some fun!
EVENTS CALENDAR All the Yas Island happenings in 2015
4 72 FAMILY FUN HOURS ON YAS Our guide helps you plan a long weekend
8 10 FAMILY MUST-DOS These are experiences not to miss
14 FAMILY RESTAURANTS There are plenty of dining options
ABOUT THIS GUIDE The Yas Island For Families team are the most experienced travel and entertainment writers in the region. They’ll give your family a holiday you’ll never forget.
19 HOTEL DIRECTORY Choose the perfect place to stay
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
MANAGING DIRECTOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
DEPUTY EDITOR
DESIGNER
Victoria Thatcher
David Wade
Lara Brunt
Emi Dixon
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
EDITOR
SENIOR DESIGNER
PRODUCTION MANAGER
John Thatcher
Richard Jenkins
Andy Knappett
Chalitha Fernando
To contact any of the team, email firstname@hotmediapublishing. com
1
2015 / 2016
EVENTS CALENDAR
Yas Island
IN NUMBERS 24,000
144
The number of airports around the world you can ‘fly’ into at iPILOT flight simulator at Yas Mall
8,500
The amount of bunkers found at Yas Links Golf Course, which also includeds 300,000 cubic metres of capped sand
45
The number of people who registered for last year’s debut Color Run at Yas Marina Circuit (it’s back in 2015)
The number of rides at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, which covers an area the size of 15 football pitches
300
The amount of stores at the new Yas Mall, including loads of great shops and attractions for kids
APRIL
upcoming
EVENTS
There’s no end to the fun events on Yas Island. Here’s what’s in store…
SPRINGTIME FESTIVAL Celebrate springtime on April 4 at Yas Marina with pony rides, eggs hunt, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle and a large Spring Market.
JUNE RAMADAN The holy month of fasting is expected to begin on June 18. Visitors can join a predawn suhoor or evening iftar at one of Yas Island’s hotels. ABU DHABI SUMMER SEASON Every summer, there are three months of entertainment, activities and promotional offers across the emirate, including Yas Island.
2
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
the
ESSENTIALS All you need to know
Getting
Getting
THERE
AROUND
Flying into Abu Dhabi International Airport is a breeze, and it’s The yas express, a complimentary shuttle service, connects all home to over 40 airlines, including the capital’s carrier Etihad the major attractions on the island through designated stops. Airways, serving almost a hundred destinations around the The Blue Route, running 9am to 9pm, takes in Yas Viceroy world. If you’re travelling with babies and young children, look Abu Dhabi, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Central, Ferrari World Abu out for the complimentary strollers that are available at various Dhabi and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Yas Mall; while locations throughout the terminals. There are also babythe Red Route, open 9am to 2am, connects guests from all changing rooms so you can feed and change your little one hotels to Yas Marina, Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Yas Beach. The in comfort and privacy, as well as a paid-for Meet and Assist routes interlink at certain areas of the map like the Yas Plaza Service. Then, Yas Island is just a seven-minute drive away – or Hotels. Or, you could simply get around in your own car, taking if you’re coming from Dubai, it’s an easy hour’s drive. To book advantage of the ample free parking and new roads. Finally, the a flight to Abu Dhabi International Airport, visit dnatatravel. new cycle programme is a great way to get around outside. com or call +971 4 316 6666. Visit yasisland.ae for information.
JULY
NOVEMBER
EID AL FITR As the holy month comes to an end around July 17, celebrate Eid Al Fitr with your family on the capital’s island of leisure.
FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX The F1 takes place at Yas Marina Circuit on 27-29. It includes the Yasalam Festival, with family entertainment.
SEPTEMBER EID AL ADHA As the second Islamic celebration kicks off on September 23, gather up your family and enjoy a whole host of free activities at Yas Marina, enjoying the beautiful autumn sunshine.
OCTOBER TRUFFLE SEASON AT CIPRIANI YAS ISLAND Families will love the chance to try out this magnificent ingredient.
DECEMBER UAE NATIONAL DAY Celebrate the public holiday on December 2 on Yas Island. There are rides, falcon displays and more. WINTER SEASON Yas Marina transforms into a Winter Wonderland throughout December, and even has its own real snow. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi starts its month-long Winter Fest with chilly winter activities galore.
DON’T FORGET! Yas Island is the perfect place to get away together as a family - there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s great for a day trip, but better for a long weekend, a week’s vacation or more! The Island isn’t just fantastic fun, it’s also affordable - look out for great offers at the island’s attractions.
3
2015 / 2016
72 HOURS OF FAMILY FUN
72
hours of
FAMILY FUN O N YA S I S L A N D There’s a lot to pack into your family’s Yas Island getaway. Here’s how to make the most of your long weekend…
4
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
- Day One • MORNING Want to really show the kids the sights? Then take to the skies in a seaplane! Seawings operates scenic flights that take off and land back at Yas Marina, and babies and children are more than welcome. The Abu Dhabi Snapshot tour offers magnificent views of Yas Marina Circuit, Emirates Palace, Mina Zayed Port, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, the Corniche, mangroves and more, from several hundred feet above ground. The 25-minute flight costs AED 760 for children aged 0-12, and AED 895 for adults and children aged 13 and over. Got a large family? No problem; up to four kids are allowed per flight. seawings.ae
1.
2.
• AFTERNOON Back at Yas Marina, grab a picnic-to-go from Café D’Alsace, renowned for its huge variety of freshly baked breads, and set sail in your own eco-donut. Each electric boat can comfortably carry you and five family members and comes with a fixed umbrella to keep everyone cool. Glide along the Yas Island channel and check out Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The eco-donut is safe, silent and easy to steer, so even the smallest crew members can have a go at being captain (optional lifejackets are also on hand). Eco-donuts are available for hire from Belevarie Marine at the Visitor Berth, daily from 10am until 10pm. belevari.com • EVENING Once you’re back on terra firma, steady your sea legs and make a beeline for Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi, a family-friendly, American-style sports restaurant and lounge overlooking the marina that hails from glamorous Monte-Carlo. There’s a large menu featuring all-time favourites like burgers, Tex-Mex, steaks and grills, as well as a kids’ menu with pasta, pizza, hotdogs and bite-sized burgers, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Just make you leave room for the decadent desserts and mega milkshakes. starsnbars.ae 5
2015 / 2016
72 HOURS OF FAMILY FUN
- Day Two • MORNING After such an action-packed day yesterday, it’s time to grab your bucket and spade and head to Yas Beach, the island’s only private beach club. Open from 10am, there are sun-loungers and cabanas for sunbathing and siestas, along with a great beach bar serving snacks, ice-creams, meals and mocktails. Take a dip in the clear, warm waters; gather the gang for a game of beach volleyball; or try out a variety of watersports, such as stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing. The admission price includes a beach towel, umbrella and lounger, plus under-8s get in for free. yasbeach.ae • AFTERNOON Opened last year, Yas Mall is the biggest shopping centre in Abu Dhabi. Spread over three floors, the 2.5 million-squarefoot mall has everything from high-end designer labels and flagship department stores to toy shops and kids’ fashion. There are a number of fantastic family entertainment centres too, including Funworks, iPILOT and Snow City. Our pick though is XTREME ZONE, a twolevel fun-house that includes ten-pin bowling lanes, a 4D theatre, F1 race simulator, bumper cars, climbing walls, archery, video games and karaoke rooms. yasmall.ae • EVENING While Yas Mall has a direct link to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you’ll find plenty there to keep the troops happy, long after the sun goes down. For a casual dinner, try one of the many European street-style cafés or the multi-cuisine food court. There are some great restaurants to choose from too, including Carluccio’s and PF Changs. Once all tummies are full, head to the 20-screen Vox Cinemas to catch a film. Sink into a luxury leather seat at a Vox Gold cinema, which comes with butler service; head to the dedicated kids’ cinema with brightly coloured seats; or experience the capital’s first 4DX screen, which takes your favourite high-octane movies and adds moving seats, lighting, water, smell and air effects. uae.voxcinemas.com 6
3.
4.
5.
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
1. Seawings 2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 3. iPilot 4. Eco-donut boats 5. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 6. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi 7. Yas Marina play area 8. Cafe D’Alsace
7.
6.
8.
- Day Three • MORNING Of course, no visit to Yas Island is complete without visiting two of its most famous attractions, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The latter doesn’t open until 11am, so make the waterpark your first stop (gates open at 10am). Got thrill-seekers and little tikes in tow? With 45 rides, slides and attractions, designated as four thrill levels (from adrenaline rush to young fun), everyone is well catered for. There are even five unique rides never before seen in a waterpark, like the Liwa Loop – a mind-blowing loop-the-loop slide. After working up an appetite, head to Dana’s Diner for burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts. yaswaterworld.com
• AFTERNOON Everyone pooped yet? Well, there’s still more to explore! Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is like dreamland for petrolheads, with classic cars on display, virtual tours of the famous Maranello factory and fiery red merchandise for sale in the Ferrari Store. Older kids will love the Formula Rossa, one of the world’s fastest rides that travels up to speeds of 240kph, while youngsters will enjoy getting behind the wheel of a mini 430 GT Spider at the Junior GT driving school. Children 3 years and under are admitted free of charge. Plus, the park’s new Go Kart track is perfect for families to have a high-speed duel. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
• EVENING Open until 8pm, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi also makes a good dinner pitstop. Mamma Rossella is an open-air trattoria serving fresh pasta and pizza, fired in a traditional wood-burning oven, along with delicious salads and grills. The restaurant has even been given the seal of approval from the True Neapolitan Pizza Association, so you can be sure of an authentic slice. Or how about a final meal to remember at Cipriani Yas Island? With the kids it’s great fun, without it’s a romantic escape. As one of the world’s most famous Italian restaurant brands, it’s a guaranteed winner. Whatever you choose, your family’s memories of Yas Island are sure to last a lifetime. 7
2015 / 2016
MUST DO’S
10 family
MUST DO’S O N YA S I S L A N D Planning your trip to Yas? You won’t want to miss any of these incredible experiences
8
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
10.
10. Where did Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton begin his career? In a go-kart, that’s where. Emulate the British racer by taking a spin around Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s incredible Karting Academy. The 290m-long track is inspired by the Yas Marina Circuit, and families are invited to buckle up and compete against each other. Younger racers will love the Junior GT (pictured).
9
2015 / 2016
MUST DO’S
9.
8.
7.
6.
Kids and parents alike will love spending time at Yas Mall, the incredible new shopping experience that’s the toast of Yas Island. Beyond the shops, there’s plenty to keep families occupied. Let kids get one over on mum and dad at Softair Battlezone, a shooting range that’s a bit like paintball, but uses Airsoft guns that shoot plastic pellets. And how about Rogo Restaurant, which delivers food to diners on rollercoaster tracks?
We’ve already told you how great Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is for families, now it’s time to put it to the test in a race with a unique twist! Sebang is in the Exciting Adventure list, and lets friends and family compete to see who can reach the bottom the fastest. What’s even better, right now if you book three tickets online to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, the fourth is free – a great offer for families.
Don’t miss Yas Marina’s fun and friendly Saturday Market, every week from 1pm-6pm. Families will find local vendors selling handicrafts and unique goods that can’t be found in the shopping malls, and a relaxed vibe that’s great for strolling through. For families with imminent new arrivals, Baby Bazaar appears on the first Saturday of every month, giving parents-to-be the chance to buy new and preloved baby items.
Think golf is just a game for grown-ups? Guess again. The professional instructors at Yas Links Golf Course are on hand to provide lessons to mums, dads, and kids as young as four. The course is open for lessons and matches from morning ‘til nightfall and beyond, thanks to the fully floodlit par 3 Academy Course. Once you’ve had a few lessons, a day on the course is a brilliant way to enjoy the outdoors as a family.
10
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES 8.
8.
7.
7.
6.
9.
11
2015 / 2016
MUST DO’S
10.
3.
5.
4.
3.
Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry and Tyrese Gibson come to Yas Marina Circuit around F1 time. Now you get the chance to try your drifting skills with Yas Drift Night on the North Circuit. Families can either ride as passengers in the drifting car, or watch from the special viewing areas as the family vehicle gets put through its paces on the track.
From dusk every Friday evening, Yas Marina turns into a magical wonderland of film. Starting at 7pm on the Yas Marina Promenade is the new Kids Film Fridays initiative, where Disney movies and other kids classics are played to the delight of the audience. There’s also a fun musical water fountain and playground for intermission entertainment.
Visiting Yas Island over the weekend? You won’t want to miss Family Days at Stars ‘N’ Bars. Parents can enjoy the blissful views of the Yas Marina while the kids are kept busy with loads of fun activities in the Stars ‘N’ Bars atrium. Face painting, balloon animals, magicians, games and a host of arts and crafts are just some of the fun activities your little ones will love.
12
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
1.
8.
3.
4.
2.
2.
1.
Got a family full of petrolheads? You’ll all love the factory tour, Made in Maranello, at the magical Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Take a break from the thrilling rollercoasters and learn exactly what goes into the making of one of these exclusive supercars, from the design sketches to the final hand assembly and testing on Ferrari’s Fiorano Circuit.
Join the party at Du Arena. This April, international superstar Robbie Williams brings his epic Let Me Entertain You tour to Yas Island, which promises a journey through the British singer’s extensive catalogue of hits. New events are being revealed at the fantastic Du Arena all the time, so music-loving families are in for plenty of great nights out. 13
2015 / 2016
RESTAURANTS
family
DINING O N YA S I S L A N D Brilliant brunches, lazy lunches and delicious dinners can all be found on Yas. The only hard part is deciding on which great venue to choose
14
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
2.
1.
3.
A
ny parent will tell you that a family runs on its stomach. Hungry kids make for grumpy grownups, which is why there are over a hundred places to eat on Yas Island. If your family has a taste for spice, Rangoli at Yas Island Rotana is decked out with flamboyant pink and green furniture that the kids will love. It serves contemporary Indian food, and its spicy pickles are a delicious addition to any family feast. The aptly-named Choices describes itself as a “total food experience” that has fun theme nights scheduled weekly, with delicious cuisine and entertainment. Inside the sleek and prestigious Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi are a handful of really fabulous places to eat. Origins offers an outstanding international buffet that suits bigger families with a range of tastes, and the contemporary Noodle Box infuses Chinese
classics with modern twists. At the Radisson Blu, kids will love eating at the Italian restaurant Filini. Fresh flavours and seasonal ingredients go into the venue’s kid-pleasing favourite – pizza. During the daytime while splashing around in the pool, tasty snacks are just moments away at Shams Pool Bar. Let the kids get stuck into some delicious pommes frites at the
“Amerigos appeals due to colourful fingerfood, nibbles and small portions” famous Belgian Café while Dad enjoys some hops, in a buzzing and vibrant European atmosphere. The Park Inn is home to to Amerigos, one of Yas Island’s most-loved restaurants that appeals due to its colourful finger-food, nibbles and small portions for younger diners. Got a kid’s party to plan? Amerigos will make sure it’s 15
2015 / 2016
RESTAURANTS
4. 1. Cavallino 2. Diablito 3. Iris Yas Island 4. Amerigos 5. Filini 6. Diablito 7. Mint 8. Cavallino 9. Amerigos
5.
one to remember. Mint is a great place to relax with a large family, overlooking the hotel’s swimming pool and the Arabian Sea. The international buffet will have something for everyone.
families with young kids – the C.Deli is open 24 hours a day, so little ones that can’t sleep can have great food and drinks whenever they need it. On the weekends, a special package combines a fantastic family brunch at international “Stars ‘N’ Bars prides restaurant C.Taste with a itself on looking after night’s stay – great for a quick younger members getaway. of the family with Apart from the hotels, there entertainment” are seven terrific restaurants Kids will love swimming up and bars around Yas Marina to the bar at Crowne Plaza’s to tempt family tastebuds. Sundowner Pool Bar for a Stars ‘N’ Bars prides itself refreshing juice or a light on looking after the younger snack, and the whole family members of the family by will get a kick out of Jing Asia providing entertainment and and its delicious Asian cuisine a special menu designed to prepared at live cooking appeal to the younger palate. stations. They also cater for birthday The hip and trendy Centro parties, workshops, exciting Yas Island is a real lifesaver for animation themed events,
16
Halloween Parties, Easter Egg Hunts and even visits by Santa (during the festive season). Plus, every Monday from 8pm Stars ‘N’ Bars puts on a fun quiz night, sure to bring families together – or split them into competing teams. Mediterranean food with a twist is dished up at Diablito, a cool two-storey rooftop venue. Diablito is all about music while you eat, and almost every night there’s a DJ or live music playing to get families salsa-ings. From 6-8pm, Mondays to Saturdays, families can enjoy an early dining experience at the sleek Iris Yas Island, and get a taste for the menu with three signature dishes for the price of two. Arguably Yas Marina’s most iconic
restaurant is the fabulous Cipriani, which is perfect for families or couples. Don’t forget that during a day of fun at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, there’s plenty of dining options to enjoy – most with an Italian twist. Take your pick from Mamma Rossella, an open-air trattoria in the heart of the action; Ristorante Cavallino which is based on the first restaurant that opened next to the Ferrari factory in the 1940s, or the mindblowing Il Podio, which reflects the staff refectory at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, and has a host of interactive stations and theatrical food preparation to make the dining experience, like your whole Yas Island trip, truly memorable.
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
7.
6.
8.
9.
17
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
Where to stay
CENTRO YAS ISLAND
+971 2 656 4444 | rotana.com SO WHAT’S ON OFFER HERE? Great value, first and foremost. The hotel has a young, funky vibe and caters to those seeking finesse and functionality – rooms here are modern and well designed with all the facilities you’d need. As such it’s perfect for those on the lookout for somewhere to base themselves when coming to enjoy Yas Island’s attractions. WHAT ARE THE HOTEL FACILITIES LIKE? Good. There’s a great pool if you want to soak up some sun and a gym and tennis court
if you’d rather stay active. A complimentary drop-off and pick-up service will allow you to visit each of the island’s attractions hassle free. HOW ABOUT THE OPTIONS FOR FOOD? The good thing about this hotel is that it caters just as much to those who want something light as those who want a three-course meal. A hugely convenient, 24-hour deli is on hand should the kids get hungry at irregular hours, and a full-on, all-day dining restaurant lays on buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Yas Links golf course
THE KIDS WILL LOVE…
OFFER!
Playing in their own swimming pool, choosing food from a tailored menu, and, every Friday, heading to the Kids’ Room for games and entertainment until 6pm.
Rotana Yas Island, Centro Yas Island offers Discovery Escapes so families can enjoy discounted tickets to the great theme parks on Yas Island. 19
2015 / 2016
WHERE TO STAY
Where to stay
CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND 800 4642 | ihg.com/crowneplaza
WILL THERE BE ROOM FOR MY FAMILY AND ME? Almost certainly. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island might be an undiscovered jewel of the island, but that doesn’t mean it’s a tiny hideaway. The hotel contains 428 rooms and suites that offer views of the Abu Dhabi Skyline, Yas Marina Circuit or the Yas Links Golf Course next door.
family-style sharing platters. Youngsters can burn off the calories on the outdoor jungle gym, featuring slides and a large grassy area to play.
SOUNDS GOOD. WHAT’S NEW FOR 2015? Debuting later this year is the hotel’s CPK Kids Club, which includes a host of goodies, gifts and activities and is suitable for youngsters. The final programme is WE LOVE GREAT VIEWS! currently under development, WE ALSO LOVE TO EAT… and will debut in mid-summer. If you want to keep your kids You’re in luck. The hotel’s happy and active, this is a restaurants all have specially designed kids’ menus as well as guaranteed winner.
20
THE KIDS WILL LOVE…
OFFER!
Before the new CPK Club opens, the hotel’s complimentary Kids Club is just as much fun. Youngsters are also welcome to use the kids-only pool and huge playground.
The Family Focus package lets you enjoy quality time at your own pace. The package includes complimentary buffet breakfast and access to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
Where to stay
PARK INN BY RADISSON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND
+971 (2) 656 2222 | parkinn.com/hotel-abudhabi MY FAMILY PREFERS RESORTS TO HOTELS… Then Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi is right up your street. Ideally located in the upscale Yas Plaza area, this hotel is welcoming of leisure travellers who want to kick back and relax by the pool or the beach. WHERE’S BEST FOR SPENDING THE LAZY DAYS? Yas Beach is just a few minutes’ walk away, which has amazing views of the Arabian gulf. The beautiful golden sand and turquoise sea is what Instagram dreams are made of, and there are always plenty of activities like beach volleyball for kids to enjoy.
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
WHAT ARE THE EATING OPTIONS LIKE? There’s plenty for a hungry family to enjoy here. Filini is a fabulous Italian eatery, the Mexican restaurant Amerigos has its terrific Taco Tuesdays and Arabic cuisine is provided at Assymetri. Plus, the room service staff are happy to whip you up any delicacies you might get a taste for.
THE KIDS WILL LOVE…
OFFER!
Being able to use the fun pool at Park Inn by Radisson as well as the pool at the Radisson Blu next door – a stay at either allows access to both great locations.
Book early and you can make some great savings. Book 21 or 28 days in advance and save 20% on your stay, or book 10 or 14 days early and save yourselves 10%. 21
2015 / 2016
WHERE TO STAY
Where to stay
RADISSON BLU HOTEL ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND +971 2 656 2000 | radissonblu.com
ARE THE ROOMS BIG ENOUGH HERE FOR MY FAMILY OF FOUR TO SHARE A ROOM, OR DO WE NEED TO BOOK A SUITE? Yes, even the Standard Room here can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, provided they are aged twelve or below. What’s more, you can choose a view of the sparkling sea, the famous Yas Marina Circuit or the lush fairways on the Yas Links course. THAT’S GOOD TO KNOW. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT’S JUST AS HELPFUL? The fact that you can
22
request a late check-out – complimentary when available - should you wish to pack even more fun into your stay on Yas Island is a real bonus. Also, if you’re flying into Abu Dhabi to visit the island the hotel can arrange an airport pick-up for AED85 and an airport dropoff for only AED50. ARE THE HOTEL FACILITIES GOOD? They are indeed. Outdoor facilities include a pool and tennis courts, while inside stressed out parents can take it in turn to treat themselves to a massage at the hotel’s Abu Dhabi Spa. There’s also a great choice of places to eat.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
THE KIDS WILL LOVE…
OFFER!
Having a swimming pool to themselves and also a playground, should they have any energy left from a full day’s fun at Yas Island’s attractions.
Using one of the hotel’s packages, stay in a standard room at the Radisson Blu Hotel and receive an adult ticket to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.
2015 / 2016
World Traveller | YAS ISLAND FOR FAMILIES
Where to stay
YAS ISLAND ROTANA YAS PLAZA
+971 (2) 656 4000 | rotana.com/rotanahotelsandresorts WE’RE LOOKING FOR A PLACE WHERE THE FAMILY CAN BOND. Yas Island Rotana is the perfect place for that. Sana and Noor, sisters aged 11 and 9, said it best in a letter to the hotel, writing: “We love spending our day in the pool or in Yas Waterworld, but we also really like it when we just stay in the room, order pizza and watch TV with our Dad and Mom.” ARE THERE ANY OTHER GREAT FAMILY OFFERS? Absolutely. Right now, families get totally spoiled at Rangoli, the modern Indian restaurant. The Family
Menu is just AED 149*, and includes soft drinks. Plus, children under 12 dine for free. *Subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fees, not available on Tuesdays. WHAT ELSE IS GREAT FOR FAMILIES AT YAS ISLAND ROTANA? Well, unlike sister hotel Centro Yas Island, the Rotana has interconnected rooms so that parents can sleep close to your children. The staff are also standouts, who’ll take care of things like tumble drying trainers after a day’s play in the fountains or mangroves.
THE KIDS WILL LOVE…
OFFER!
Being able to use the awesome kids pool, and the freedom to explore away from Mum and Dad – albeit under the watchful eye of the babysitting/childcare services.
Rotana Yas Island has terrific family offers like the Discovery Escapes, which include a full breakfast and tickets to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. 23
2015 / 2016
WHERE TO STAY
Where to stay
YAS VICEROY ABU DHABI
+971 (2) 656 0000 | viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi I WANT THE VERY BEST FOR MY FAMILY! You won’t find better than Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. It’s Abu Dhabi’s premier hotel, and sets the standard for exceptional service and amenities. Even the outside is enough to wow families, as the marvellous LED canopy emits a concert of colours. SOUNDS LIKE IT’S PRETTY POPULAR – WILL IT BE FULLY BOOKED? Even with such incredible facilities, you’re sure to find a space in one of the 499 impeccable rooms and suites. The Family Room package is ideal because when a family books a Deluxe Suite, they’ll enjoy a 50% discount on a connecting Deluxe Room. WE’VE HEARD THAT YAS VICEROY IS A PRETTY HIGH-TECH PLACE. You’ve heard right. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is one of the most state-of-the-art hotels in the world, let alone on Yas Island. Complimentary wi-fi is found throughout the hotel, and the temperature-controlled family pool on the ninth floor is always a favourite.
24
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
THE KIDS WILL LOVE…
OFFER!
Thanks to the aforementioned high-tech angle of the hotel, Sony Playstations can be ordered to guests’ rooms for extended gaming sessions.
Stay in a suite and receive a daily 200 AED credit which can be used to indulge in room service, experience the hotel’s amazing restaurants or try the spa.