Westin AD ‘Super Camp’ Review – Time well spent for Kids.

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THE WESTIN SUPER CAMP

In the past many expat families used the long summer break to escape the heat and spend two months in cooler climes visiting friends and family.  However, today more and more families have both parents working like my case, which limits the amount of time we can spend away from UAE to back home in our countries. But on other hand summer in the sand and dunes emirates can be fairly tricky at times; how do I entertain my full of life & handful (mashaAllah) kids, that are storming the house as not much of street / outdoor activities due to hot climate in UAE!

Well, perhaps a summer camp will be an unlikely break for both of them communally and emotionally. As a trend here in UAE, majority of children in Dubai soon after saying goodbye to exams say hello to summer holidays! Likewise I wanted to Plan my family’s best summer yet with impressive summer camps for kids in and near our very own residence!

 

The Westin Super Camp for Kids is a great venture from the 19^th July to 27^th August, and designed to promote the pillars of Westin: Eat Well, Move Well and Play Well. Indeed my kids really had an amazing time over the weeks enjoying the camp, they did a lot of fun activities and had completely enjoyed the fun-filled week. They loved their swimming sessions especially which was supervised by professional staff Sofia and her team. She an amazing trainer and really helped strengthening the breath exercises and swim coaching in kids.

 

All of the activities have been selected carefully with the ultimate focus of Feel Well, allowing kids that come to the camp to be nurtured both physically and emotionally, as well as with greater awareness of self and of well-being. It’s lovely to see them enjoying their swimming hours, golf talents as well as making their fort and camps in the free play hours, what I love personally is how my boy (Wisam) mingled with the group of kids, interacted well and been an active candidate in all the activities, who is generally appear to be a reserved one when and being along with the masses.

On another note it’s great to know how well my daughter Misha is holding on to her breath while exercising her control activities in swimming classes.

WOW Factors:

• I love the fact how the instructor and supervisors are giving individual attention to each kid and trying to focus on their fear and capabilities bringing out the best in them.

 

• To expand the range of activities they have made partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and the Fit’n’Flex Gym.

• What made it extra special for my daughter is her Birthday celebration at the camp, where they have made special arrangements along with big piñata and a delicious birthday cake. She loved the birthday surprise along with colorful balloons and a very fancy birthday candle flower.

• Interaction and bonding between Camp Coach“Ana Rita” and kids is indeed remarkable, She is a professional staff who takes care of kids making sure to nourish their intellectual and physical training and bring so much diversity to the schedule of the camp to make it interesting and fun-loving for the kids. It in indeed a great source on interest for kids when they can well explained and enjoy their summer camp activities at their fullest and I strongly believe for that the credit goes to Rita and her team for pulling such a successful Super Camp at Westin Abu Dhabi, which we will definitely recommend to all parents out there.

Ever-smiling & devoted coach ‘Ano Rita’ with Misha ❤

Timings are from Sunday to Thursday (9am to 2pm, Early Drop Off and Late Pick Up available) .

The fun and memories are as to cherish for the life time for my kids. My daughter has taken the best of birthday and playdate memories from Westin and talks about it each day. All in all it was great experience. My 2 munchkins simply loved escaping to Westin cool super camp, where they learnt everything from how to decorate their own perfect desserts to swimming and diving. So whether your child’s passion is in the sports or arts there will be the opportunity (lessons of Golf, Swimming, Dance and Yoga, Cooking as SuperChefs etc) for them to be busy and entertained throughout the whole summer holidays here in UAE at Westin Super Camp.

Cupcakes / Muffins decor was one of the favorite activity for kids in Super Camp

The reflection of wellness and Food quality is also visible in their Spa facility and F&B related to property. Click to see our review of ” Heavenly Spa”  “SACCI” & “FAIRWAYS”.

Price: Weekly package is AED 750 and for a Daily package AED 170, lunch included

Early Drop Off (AED 30) and Late Pick Up (AED 20) of 30 min available

Dates: 19^th July to 27^th August 2015

Mahi Blog would rate it 4.8 out of 5 !

You may directly land onto their direct page for Super CAMP here.

For more details on ‘Westin Abu Dhabi’ or any other packages, please visit their website

Disclaimer & Notes: A huge Thank you to The Westin Abu Dhabi Management, Ana Rita and all the instructors in different activities at Super Camp . Please note that above thoughts and review, and opinions content are our own. You can not use any pics without prior permission. We used the content with prior permission from Westin Abu Dhabi.

 

WINNERS Announced: Holiday Inn AlBarsha Review & Giveaway, Indeed ‘’The 4Star Hotel with a 5Star Look’’

CONGRATULATIONS – And the 2 lucky Winners are

1- Karen Ajka

2- Mehwish Fatima

Please email your full name, contact details from the email ID by which you are subscribed on the Blog to mahiblog.ae@gmail.com to collect your voucher latest by Saturday June 6th, 2015.

*Incase you fail to provide same id / not registered via that email id you will be disqualified and another winner will be chosen.

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I was so enthused with the weekend stay at Holiday Inn AlBarsha that I have decided to blog to highlight my experience.

After I tell you about my familiarity of the recent stay, I would like to test my readership with a quiz, that will enable the readers / followers to win a meal voucher from HIAB at The Royal Budha (Dim Sum for 2) & Gharana (Street Food Night for 2).

 

Located in the pivot of Dubai, Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha is a perfect fuse of fashionable design and archetypal grace. Hotel is equipped with the latest facilities, discerningly festooned to congregate each guest’s requests and ease, it has 309 rooms including 54 suites. It is also 5-minute walk from the Ski Dubai Resort. Dubai Media & Internet City, the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Knowledge Village are also nearby. Al Barsha is a great choice for travelers interested in Shopping, Clothes Shopping and Luxury Brand Shopping.

 

Arrival:

We arrived at this hotel at 6.00 pm, after a long drive from Abu Dhabi. On arrival, we were warmly greeted by every one of the hotel staff and when we checked in, we were been asked to sit and rest in lobby which was much appreciated. My family and I stayed in this wonderful hotel for 2 nights in a 2 Bed Room Suite. Check in was prompt. The suite was spacious for our family of 2 adults and 2 kids. The bathrooms were also clean and also prepared with all essential toiletries.

Hotel Staff & Management:

The most laudable factor during our stay was the staff of the hotel. From the moment we entered the hotel until we leave, staff are very convivial. They always genuinely greet you with your name and carry a smile. I must praise them for particular attention to the kids especially at concierge being so courteous and bell boy being so attentive and telling us bits about the direction and quick access to the lift area and other amenities.

This is the first time we stayed in any IHG hotel and we’ve started to love it from here, stay which offers you great comfort in reasonable price, it is not so cheap yet not very expensive. Shopping can be done close to the hotel with Mall of the Emirates within few kilometers only, I personally loved the accessibility of the Metro Stations.

Room & Hotel Amenities:

Our room (Suite) was at the rear and was very spacious and calm, the view was not of Sheikh Zayed Road, but it’s still very bright. In-room amenities include Iron and Stand, Hair dryer making your life even more at ease. Bathrooms were small but well fitted with bathtub and shower for your convenience. Bed furnishings, curtains and carpeting is well sanitized and were smelling great adding to the room’s placate. The lobby and floor passages in the Hotel always smell so great and this is one thing I loved about the hotel (they must be having efficient House-keeping staff).

We were even happier to see a Writing desk, and a small in wall rack giving a counter kitchenette look-alike area next to the mini bar compartments. It was much convenient for kids to finish their coloring and assembling book activity from the “KIDs Welcome Pack” which they were joyfully offered at our check-in and was actually been topped-up by rewards in form on cookies when they showed finish version to concierge desk! What a lovely surprise for kids I must say and really kept them busy and give us some time to freshen up while they were busy finishing it up while we got ready for the dinner at The Gem Garden . Internet access is available for guests’ convenience. Internet connectivity comes with each guestroom as an additional convenience. Room service was swift, they supplied bottled water each day and room cleaning staffs were excellent.

The most interesting part is although the hotel is located on a very busy street, and also during the Stay some mega hosted event was going-on at the venue however we were not affected by any noise or interruption and distracted services.

Parking is available at this hotel for guests arriving in cars. Sharaf DG Station is the closest metro station to the hotel for easy access around the area. Dubai International Airport is also not far away. You can certainly stay fit at the hotel’s fitness centre well stocked with all the required equipments. If you want to use their beauty salon and massages, you should book them in advance and they cost extra. Although it has 4 stars, but can expect all kind of extravagant overhaul offered.

Pool & Terrace:

Kids have enjoyed in their pool.

Night view of the Rooftop Pool.

We used the impressive pool area on the roof  having two pools (adult/kids pool), though it’s small though but enough sun beds, and also gives you splendid views over Burj Al Arab. If it’s not dusty weather you can even see Burj Khalifa and hotel Atlantis from hotel’s rooftop terrace while enjoying shisha.

Food:

Completing the Holiday Inn experience are award winning outlets The Royal Budha (Thai), Gharana (Indian), The Gem Garden (All Day Dining) , The Q (Sports Bar), Lounge@Barsha (Coffee Shop) , The Q Underground (Retro Venue), Dolphin Bar (Rooftop Bar) and Xennya Terrace as well as banquet facilities and immaculate service.

Live Entertainment at their famous Gharana Restaurant

 

The breakfast was included in package & Dinner buffet we had at The Gem Garden it was indeed above average with a wide selection of dishes to choose having a combination of generous buffets and classic a la carte dishes including a live station for eggs and omelettes in buffet, must to appraise in such set-up. It is basically all-day dining with a difference, I adore their minimalist Zen styling making it ideal place any time of day or night.

 

I really enjoyed my Ala carte menu orders there too, Jumbo Prawns and sea-chowder soup being my favorite. Kids had enjoyed their custom ordered pasta and shakes and fresh juices.

  

The Dim-Sum Fridays at the “Royal Budha” is very scrumptious Thai variation and I must say indeed a different and great experience as well. Award winning creative cuisine is delivered in a stylish setting under the watchful eye of a towering Buddha makes this a royal treat. Situated on the ground floor, this contemporary Thai restaurant is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

 

We enjoyed a mix-platter starter with various items and variety of dim-sum in their homemade sauces. Their flavored and Chamomile tea is also an interesting factor to finish off the meal but the highlight of  the menu was desert Fried Banana with Ice-cream.

  

Another Plus:

The hotel offers a free shuttle twice a day to Kite beach, including pickup., and guess what you can carry along with you Picnic pack (Inform them before in time and they shall keep it ready for you in minimal rates).

We also take a quick tour to The Club Lounge, dedicated exclusively for Club Floor guests with private check-in and check-out services will be opening soon. Business houses have access to a wide variety of conference venues equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

All in all it was a great experience in a Stylish Hotel which is well-equipped with the most up-to-date amenities and is decked in good taste. The room rates are good and I would recommend. Completing the full experience are 3 fabulous dining outlets and buzzing bars, outstanding banqueting facilities and impeccable 5-Star service accorded at 4-Star prices.

Ideally Located on Sheikh Zayed Road next to Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, the hotel is in close proximity to Dubai’s most prominent Business Districts and other leisure venues. I will definitely come back at the Holiday Inn Albarsha as its ideal #staycation spot and would also recommend this hotel to anyone going to Dubai for business or Leisure I am heading back there very soon.

Check their Stay Together Package, it’s ideal for Summer Holidays !!

Awards and Decorations:

• Best Waste Management Practices – 4 Star Category – Dubai Green Tourism Awards  2014, Winner:HIAB
• Favourite Thai Restaurant below Dhs400 category – What’s On Awards, 2014 : Winner The Royal Budha
• Best 4Star Business/Corporate, Silver Award: MENA Travel Awards 2012,  2013 and 2014
• Silver Best Fine Dining Restaurant– MENA Awards, 2013 : The Royal Budha
• Time- Out Top Ten Restaurant, 2012, South Asian Category: The Royal Budha
• Top three nominated Best Asian Restaurant – Masala Awards , 2012: Gharana
• Best Decorated 4Star Hotel in the UAE: “Spirit of the Nation”, 2011
• Quality Excellence Award:IHG EMEA 2010

Ramadan June Offers  2015

The Gem Garden

Daily: Iftar Buffet

• Event : Iftar Buffet
• Brief Description : An extensive Oriental & Continental Buffet with live cooking station
• Time : Sunset  to  10pm
• Price : AED 109/- per person with special Ramadan beverages

Daily: Sohour set menu

• Event                 : Sohour Set Menu
• Brief description : Oriental set menu
• Time : 12 midnight to 4am
• Price : AED 75/- per person
• Venue              : The Gem Garden & Room service,  Lobby level

The Royal Budha

Daily: Dish of the week prepared by Chef Sanya who will be very pleased to prepare your favorites dishes too or you can simply take his recommendations from the A la carte menu.

Every Friday

• Event : Dim Sum on Friday’s
• Brief Description : Homemade Dim Sum served fresh from the trolley
• Time : 12pm to 12midnight
• Price : AED 78/- per person (all you can eat Dim Sum with                                                                                       unlimited specialty tea.)                           

Gharana (No Live Entertainment during Ramadan)

Daily    :  talented Chef will be very pleased to prepare your favorite dishes.

Every Saturday

• Event : Street Food Night
• Brief Description : The finest pick of Indian street eats
• Time : From sunset
• Price : AED 95/- per person

Outdoor Catering

Specialized Catering

They undertake catering on any scale, corporate clients, high-end house parties, get togethers, weddings and concerts etc, An experienced team who carries valid occupational health cards, basic food hygiene certificate and trained on HACCP standards.Offer multi cuisines to suit all requirements be it Indian, Thai, Arabic, Italian, Mexican, Spanish etc and the option of a customized menu

Functions & Events Catering

You need a buffet for your monthly meeting, get together, product launch? Require catering services for an educational institution? Daily meal/meals to your staff at the office? Require a hassle free birthday party at your house? Invited friends and families and need to offer them their favorite dishes? Holiday Inn AlBarsha’s Outdoor Catering will take care of your catering requirements

• Price: As per menu selected
• Time: 24 hours

Overall Rating by Mahi Blog to HIAB : 4 out of 5

For more Information regarding Holiday Inn AlBarsha: www.hialbarshadubai.com

Tel: +971 4 3234333 www.facebook.com/hidubai

GIVEAWAY / COMPETITION:

Mahi Blog and Holiday Inn – Al Barsha have teamed up to offer Mahi Blog readers 2 vouchers for Dine-In at Hotel in the award winning restaurants The Royal Budha (Dim Sum for 2) & Gharana (Street Food Night for 2).

How to win: 

For your chance to win simply do the following:

1- Answer the following question in comments; What is the tagline of Holiday Inn AlBarsha Hotel?

2- Subscribe (via email id) on this Blog, Share this post on as many social widgets AND tag along ur friends. (Use buttons below of FB, Twitter, IG etc)

3- Like, Follow, Share us on following:

• Facebook (facebook.com/mahiblog)
• Twitter (twitter.com/mahiblog)
• Instagram (instagram.com/mahiblog)

To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on MAY 31st, 2015. The more you share this post & Mahi Blog on social widgets, better the chance to win! All UAE fans can take part.

Scrumptiously yours,

Mahi.

Disclaimer & Notes: A huge Thank you to those who made this trip extra special: HIAB &Staff , very elegant Roxana Jaffer, CEO of Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha, Ever smiling & humble Kezia Da Rocha, Director of Marketing & Quality Assurance, F&B team at the property and of course Kaby Klick.

We were guests at HIAB but it did not influence our thoughts and reviews,  all opinions are our own. You can not use any pics without prior permission.