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Five Luxury Holidays for Families over the UAE National Day Holidays | Lightfoot Travel Dubai

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For families looking to travel during the upcoming UAE National Day Holidays, our friends at tailor-made travel company, Lightfoot Travel, have picked their top five luxury destinations that are fantastic for families and parents alike!

#Maldives

The Maldives is best known for its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and plethora of luxury hotels – each on its own private island no less (the best ones anyway)! There are activities for kids of all ages available from the moment you step out of your beach or overwater villa – snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, dolphin cruises and fishing, and many properties have their own diving schools for older kids who want to learn to scuba dive. Maldives hotels are also known for their phenomenal Kid’s Clubs, with many having specific facilities for both younger children and teens.

Where to stay: One&Only Reethi Rah

A property with some of the most beautiful villas in the Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah is also known for its family friendliness. There’s a dedicated KidsOnly Club (ages 4 and up) with its own pool, clubhouse and plenty of outdoor activities such as treasure hunts and sports. Older kids can keep busy with a separate roster of activities such as tennis and swimming lessons, sushi-making classes and lifeguarding lessons. Reethi Rah is also a large hotel, giving families ample dining choices and plenty of space to explore, with none of that stuck-on-an-island feeling.

#Sri Lanka

For such a little country, the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka sure packs a big punch when it comes to diversity – from the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle and wildlife-rich safari parks, to colonial hill stations and golden beaches. Properties range from big brand hotels and beachfront resorts to private luxury villas and charming boutique accommodation – there is something to fit everyone! Travelling within Sri Lanka is safe and convenient, there are none of the food safety scares that are widespread in neighbouring India, and Sri Lankans are exceptionally warm, welcoming and love children.

Where to stay: Taylors Hill and Last House

Taylors Hill is a lovely five-room boutique hotel in Sri Lanka’s tea region. Two of the rooms can accommodate extra beds for families with young children, and the chef will happily adapt meals for young palates. There’s an infinity-edge swimming pool with views over the hills, tennis and badminton courts, croquet lawn and a children’s playroom. Sister property, Last House, is a six-bedroom seaside escape set on two acres of grassy lawn that is perfect for picnics and games. The Cinnamon Suite is particularly well suited for families with a large double bedroom upstairs, and two twin bedrooms downstairs for the little ones. Lightfoot Travel has a special Family Offer for combined stays at these two properties during the National Day break. This includes Stay 3 Pay 2 at Taylors Hill with a family lunch on the house, followed by a complimentary cooking class or head massage with three nights spent at The Last House.

#Kenya

With majestic animals, sweeping grasslands, vibrant culture and first-rate lodges and camps, Kenya gives you a safari experience like nowhere else. Cap off your time spent in the bush with a few days on the beach, and you’ve got yourself the perfect combination of safari and sea for the National Day holidays. For something that the children will never forget, an overnight in Nairobi at the beginning or end of the itinerary could mean a stay at the legendary Giraffe Manor, where these peaceful, iconic animals will join you for breakfast!

Where to stay: Sala’s Camp

Sala’s Camp is one of the few places in Africa where children of all ages are welcome. Special safari programs see spotters teaching young guests the secrets of the bush, and children are able to join game drives with their parents and see the animals up close. Parents will enjoy sundowners overlooking the incredible natural scenery that unfolds over the Masai Mara Game Reserve, and dinners served outdoors under the brightly starlit Kenyan skies.

#Phuket, Thailand

While no stranger to tourism, Phuket still tops our list of favourite family beach destinations due to its incredible mix of properties, clear and calm beaches, impeccable service and simple convenience – once you arrive you can literally kick back and not have to lift a finger until you leave. With direct flights from both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this is the ultimate in easy “fly-and-flop” relaxation.

Where to stay: Trisara Phuket

Trisara’s kid’s club, located in a dedicated pavilion for those between the ages of 4 and 16, and is supervised by qualified child minders. Outdoor activities include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and island hopping cruises. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in a couple’s spa treatment, play a round of golf at a nearby course, or head into town for a parent’s night out. The infinity pool villas are also some of the best we’ve seen on the entire island!

#Seychelles

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the resorts in the Seychelles, this island nation is an eco-tourism paradise with lush jungle trails, countless native bird species and world-class diving amongst rainbow-coloured reefs full of marine life. Properties are often situated on larger islands than in the Maldives, which bring added opportunities for hiking amidst the forested interiors. Additionally, being just a 4.5-hour flight from Dubai, it’s incredibly easy for families with even very young children to make the flight over.

Where to stay: Desroches Island Resort

One of the most spectacular properties in the Seychelles, Desroches Island Resort is also one of the best for families. Its Kid’s Haven provides educational activities in a wonderful outdoor setting, and encourages parents to get involved as well. The island is incredibly safe, and parents can rest assured that it is malaria-free, which means no vaccines necessary. There are no dangerous animals, insects or snakes; and you don’t have to worry about cars as there are no tar roads. The whole island is essentially a parent’s dream when it comes to providing a safe and fun-filled environment for kids of all ages. Plus – it is home to an impressive number of giant tortoises, a Seychelles speciality that will enchant children and adults alike!

Lightfoot Travel is a Dubai-based luxury tour operator specialising in tailor-made family holidays, honeymoons, private villas and corporate travel to countries spanning seven continents. Visit lightfoottravel.com or call +971 4 455 8788 for further details.

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Exclusive interview | Tristan Voorspuy, owner and founder of Offbeat Safaris Ltd, tells us all there is to know about Safaris in Africa and his passion in animal conservation and wildlife

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Health & Wellness

When, What and How to wean your baby | by Sophie Tippins, British Dietitian.

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Sophie Tippins is a Dubai-based British Clinical Registered Dietitian who has worked with the NHS Trust in the UK and in the private sector in Abu Dhabi with both adults and children.  She also is co-founder of the Wholesprog, and you can  follow her on Facebook or Instagram for more healthy food ideas for families.

You would assume that as a dietitian, I breezed through weaning my daughter with no trepidation and no rushed trips to the paediatrician. This wasn’t the case. Like most parents the idea of weaning filled me with both welcomed excitement, as well as the inevitable fear & confusion that come with this important stage of your child’s development.

A recent survey by Beechnut confirmed that I am not alone.  A majority of parents, 54% of those they asked, were also confused with weaning.

To help eliminate some of the confusion here is some guidance on weaning your little one from Whole Sprog.

When to wean

It is important not to introduce solids before 17 weeks as before this, little ones bodies’ are not ready. However, if after 17 weeks your baby is showing the development signs listed below then you can happily start weaning.

#can sit upright with little support

#able to hold their head up

#picking up toys and putting them in their mouth

#when you offer your baby food they don’t immediately push it out with their tongue (tongue-thrust reflex)

There is a five-week gestational age range of term babies (born between 37 and 42 weeks gestation) with every baby growing and developing at different rates. This means some infants will be ready to begin weaning at an earlier age than others. So watch your own baby for the above signs and try not to worry what other babies are doing! At 6 months your baby needs more iron and nutrients than milk alone can provide, so babies should start weaning no later than 6 months.

What to wean with

Irrespective of when you introduce solid foods, it is important to start with low allergenic foods (foods least likely to cause an allergic reaction).

First foods

#Root vegetables e.g. carrot, swede, sweet potato, parsnip, potato, yam

#Fruits e.g. apple, pear, banana, plum, peach, apricot, avocado

#Spinach, broccoli, green beans, courgette, cauliflower, butternut squash

After your little one has got used to eating some of these foods, you can combine with pureed lentils or pulses or puréed meats and poultry. These foods are high in the mineral iron which your baby needs to start getting from their diet from 6 months onwards.

These foods can be introduced from 6 months

#Cow’s milk (not as a drink), cheese

#Eggs, wheat, rye barley, soya

#Fish, shellfish

#Peanuts, tree nuts, seeds (avoid whole nuts until 5years)

#Citrus fruits

All new foods should be introduced one at a time, with a gap of 3 days in between each new food.  This makes it easier to identify any foods that may cause a reaction.   Normally reactions in the first instance tend to be minor, such as red blotching on the face or neck.

Foods that should be avoided before 12 months

#Honey

#Soft or uncooked eggs

#Animal milk or alternative milks as a drink (rice milk shouldn’t be introduced until after 5 ½ years)

How to wean 

Baby led or spoon fed? We say both!

In reality most parents will do a bit of both.  It’s also likely the second, third, fourth child tends to do more ‘baby led weaning’ due to the fact that mummy is super busy and can’t give the same undivided attention that baby number 1 gets (guilty mum feeling sets in!).

When your baby is just starting their weaning adventure, offer them tastes about an hour after a milk feed around mid-day.  That way they are not ravenous, but hungry enough to be curious.  This also enables you to access medical help if in the worst case scenario, your little one has a severe allergic reaction.

Some final tips based on the evidence…

#Moving from puree to lumps. Some babies are kept on smooth foods for too long and those who are not offered lumps and finger foods by 9 months are more likely to be fussy eaters. After a couple of weeks on pureed foods you can move to a mashed texture.

#Drinking water. From 6 months when your baby is eating, offer a few sips of water from a free flowing sippy cup. Your baby may not even drink initially. But having the cup out will allow baby to become familiar with it and eventually they will be happily drinking.

#It doesn’t have to be boring. Babies, as we do, will enjoy a variety of flavours. Once you have added a few first tastes into their repertoire be adventurous and add herbs and spices to develop their palette.

#Interesting research shows that babies who are weaned on vegetables and continue to enjoy them are less likely to have a ‘sweet tooth’.

#Don’t take your baby’s facial expressions for not liking a food. Babies make all sorts of funny faces when trying new foods.

For more tips and advice on healthy weaning and food adventures, you can follow the Whole Sprog team on instagram/wholesprog or Facebook.

Sophie has a clinic at Up and Running Sports Integrated Medical Centre, Al Wasl Rd Umm Suqeim 2

Health & Wellness

My sneaky botox trip… | by Zelda Benedetti

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Zelda Benedetti is a British journalist and published author.  She is also a mum of three based in the UK and who has also spent a number of years living in the UAE.  She just attempted her first botox treatment and is telling us the funny side of it. 

“You’re not going to get anything done, are you?” my husband asks as I leave the house. He knows I am going to see Dr Maurizio Viel, a fabulous plastic surgeon I met while living in Dubai who also much to my relief has a practice in London.

Of course I am, but I’m not about to tell him. Partly because I’m still not sure what I want to get done, or what I need to get done. I am relying on Dr Viel to tell me that.

“No, of course not,” I reassure my husband as I kiss him goodbye. I think I may even have meant it at that moment, but the closer I get to the clinic, the less sure I am.

I have not yet made the final leap from noninvasive to invasive treatments, but if I’m honest, I don’t think I can resist the temptation any longer. There are wrinkles appearing on my face that are too prominent to ignore. Every time I look at myself in the mirror I almost reel back in horror. Who is that wrinkly woman staring back at me?

It is a bright, cold, winter’s day in London. Dr Viel sits opposite me in a red leather chair looking suave and wrinkle-free. He studies my face a bit like a portrait painter would study his subject.

“Smile,” he says. I grin. “Frown.” I scowl.

“Have you ever had Botox?” he asks.

“No,” I say. “But I’m willing to try. Only I don’t want to look frozen. Or mad.”

He walks over to me and guides me to a mirror. He stands behind me and asks me to show him what bothers me the most.

“This.” I point at my most offensive wrinkle. “This vast wrinkle between my eyebrows, which makes me look constantly livid. As well as my whole forehead and the myriad lines around my eyes. Shall I go on?”

“The lines you have could be treated with Botox,” he says. I feel my heart skip a beat, like a teenager hearing the name of her secret boyfriend. “And you will not look frozen. It’s a question of knowing where to inject and how deep to go.”

I nod as he works his fingers around my face, asking me to smile and frown in rapid succession. Then I lie down on the treatment bed and Dr Viel gets to work. “Frown for me,” he says, needle in hand. He pinches a piece of my skin. “It’s a tiny needle and only the tip goes in, so it shouldn’t hurt too much.”

My husband’s words, “You need braintox, not Botox”, are echoing in my head as I feel the first pinprick. If it all goes horribly wrong, I’m in deep trouble.

After less than five minutes, all the Botox is done. Amazingly, I hardly feel a thing. And I’m not good with needles.

The effects of Botox take at least three days to show. That is your muscles take three days to be paralysed. I spend most of the following days in front of the mirror, monitoring my wrinkles. On the second day I have a Eureka moment. The most-hated wrinkle is a shadow of its former self. On the third day it has completely vanished. And the crow’s-feet are slowly slipping away. My whole face looks smoother, younger and more relaxed. I look like I’ve had a great night’s sleep. In fact several great nights’ sleep. And I can walk past a mirror without reeling back in horror.

The best of it is that my husband hasn’t noticed a thing….

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