Tag Archives: One and Only Palm Jumeirah

Scott Dunn for luxury travel especially for families

Scott Dunn – the number one name in luxury travel.

Cost centre number 3 and number 4 definitely changed our travel plans forever.  However, my husband and I decided we don’t want this to stop us travelling as a family.  We feel strongly that travel, as much as we can, should be a part of the children’s childhood memories  and overall education.

We looked into Scott Dunn, a UK based luxury travel company, that has won many travel awards over the last 20 years of business as it remains a firm favourite with many travel magazines like Conde Naste Traveller. The agency also works with  great hotel brands that are well-established in the luxury travel market like the Mandarin Oriental, Six Senses, Four Seasons, The One and Only Group and many others.

Scott Dunn is expanding out of the UK, and they want to provide their unique service to newer markets, namely Dubai.  Package prices booked from Dubai and London will still be the same price you will be assured to know, and if there is a large enough booking, Scott Dunn will fly over a travel consultant to Dubai to help you make a more personal booking for large group bookings.  They have specialists which cover all the major regions like Africa, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Whilst they admit that they are not the cheapest travel choice on the market, they do have a reputation of providing the old adage of ‘value for money’, and they aim to take away the stress of travelling especially with multiple children in my family’s case. Scott Dunn works in a number of ways including organising holidays at luxury ski chalets in the Alps and villas in the South of France and Mallorca where they provide a private chef,host, and UK qualified and trained nanny during your stay.  If you child has a birthday party during that time they can organise anything from their favourite chocolate cake to a Harry Potter themed tea party if your child so wishes at no additional cost.  The price you pay includes the private staff, food and drink.

Scott Dunn can also organise couple retreats or honeymoons, and more importantly the occasional ‘great escape’ from the children.  They can plan bespoke trips to New Zealand for wine tours or book you into some of the world’s best restaurants; this is ideal if you are looking to do something unique over the upcoming Valentine’s weekend or more commonly a big 40th or 50thbirthday celebration for just the two of you.

Scott Dunn’s reputation has been built on family bookings with 60% of its business being derived from their unique ability to plan well for families especially those with as many cost centres as we do.   When the children are older it would ideal to do a safari in malaria free zones, or take a trip to New Zealand to explore but for the moment ski chalets would be ideal or a family holiday in a resort in Sicily.

Our family is excited about their service called Explorers kids clubs, where Scott Dunn run kids clubs at various luxury hotels around the world including NIYAMA in the Maldives. The Explorers kids clubs look after children from 4 years to 13 years, and Scott Dunn, themselves, organise UK trained and qualified nannies at the resort, with a ratio of one nanny to every two children under 2 years.  NIYAMA in the Maldives is the first kids club in the Maldives look after children below three years so that’s where we will be planning our next holiday with the children if time allows.

For more information go to www.scottdunn.com

Her Little Black Book | Dubai | Lauren Ferrand shares her top recommendations and contacts

Fun loving, Australian born and raised, Lauren Ferrand, lives in Dubai with her British husband, Thomas, and their two beautiful children Tiffany and Monty, aged 9 and 5. She has now lived in Dubai for over 5 years, and she tells us some of the discoveries she has made and she advises who are her preferred doctors, places to shop and places to escape to.

Pediatrician

Dr Loubser at the Infinity Clinic  on Al Wasl Road

Dentist for the kids

Dr Kathrin Tynes Trelles at Vila Fortuny next door to Infinity Clinic

Best handyman

Jim Will Fix It

Best place to buy clothes for the kids

Okaidi for everyday and Bonpoint for something special

Best place for designer clothes in Dubai

Boutique 1

Best place for a manicure and pedicure, and a quick blow dry

Jetset at Grosvernor House Hotel

Best place for a massage

One and Only Spa Palm Jumeirah (the private suites are amazing)

Best activity centre for the children

Kidzania and Sega Republic for the older ones

Best gym 

Talise Fitness at Jumeirah Beach Hotel