Calling all parents.... holiday advice needed

b0redom · 26-12-2007, 08:51 PM

Hi All,
I'm interested in taking Mrs B0redom and baby B0redom (10 months old on Xmas day) on holiday in January. We're after some sunshine, so were thinking of somewhere like the Carribean or Dubai. Ideally we want a nice hotel resort with a spa.

We've never taken baby B0redom further than Spain before, and ideally we'd like somewhere we can get a babysitter onsite for the night if we fancy a night off.

Can anyone recommend anywhere?

Cheers...

santa claus · 26-12-2007, 10:44 PM

Originally Posted by b0redom

Hi All,
I'm interested in taking Mrs B0redom and baby B0redom (10 months old on Xmas day) on holiday in January. We're after some sunshine, so were thinking of somewhere like the Carribean or Dubai. Ideally we want a nice hotel resort with a spa.

We've never taken baby B0redom further than Spain before, and ideally we'd like somewhere we can get a babysitter onsite for the night if we fancy a night off.

Can anyone recommend anywhere?

Cheers...

You're planning to go away and leave a 10 month old baby with a total stranger so's you can go out and have fun?

dave87 · 26-12-2007, 10:51 PM

If its a reputable hotel and they offer a baby sitting service, then I can't see a major problem - after all we all need our downtime.

Either that or see if theres a kids activities club which will give you an the misses an hours or so peace.

As to where to go - the caribbean is fantastic, never been to Dubai as the longer flight has put me off. If you want somewhere closer yet exotic how about Cyprus? Be warned though (and this is from personal experience) luxury costs - so if you are looking for a cheaper 5 star holiday, Cyprus is not for you. (35 Cypriot Pounds for an ok bottle of wine and two mixers anyone?)

Feel free to ignore all the above, as I'm not a parent (yet or as far as I know)

b0redom · 27-12-2007, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by santa claus

You're planning to go away and leave a 10 month old baby with a total stranger so's you can go out and have fun?

I'm not talking about dumping the boy in reception and then buggering off. I'm talking about being able to go for dinner or a drink in the restaurant in the knowledge that the baby is being looked after.

Presumably babysitting services in a decent hotel will be vetted properly. That being the case I don't really see how it's any different to us leaving the baby at nursery whilst we go to work.

In any case I was asking for recommendations of places people have gone before.

Sinizter · 27-12-2007, 10:12 AM

Do you really want to go on a 7 hour flight (Dubai) with a 11 month old baby ?

b0redom · 27-12-2007, 10:29 AM

Don't see why not, he's done car journeys that long. In any case, it's better than a 24 hour flight to Oz.....

Blitzen · 27-12-2007, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by b0redom

Hi All,
I'm interested in taking Mrs B0redom and baby B0redom (10 months old on Xmas day) on holiday in January. We're after some sunshine, so were thinking of somewhere like the Carribean or Dubai. Ideally we want a nice hotel resort with a spa.

We've never taken baby B0redom further than Spain before, and ideally we'd like somewhere we can get a babysitter onsite for the night if we fancy a night off.

Can anyone recommend anywhere?

Cheers...

Take a look here: First Choice - Holiday Villages - Book your Holiday Village holiday today with exclusive online discounts

I take my family to these once a year and they are fantastic for both adults and kids.
I can receommend the resorts in:
Majorca (i know you dont want Spain)
Cyprus
Lanzarote
Egypt

They are basically all 4 or 5 star resorts so none of your typical british '£200 all in mob' which makes for a peaceful holiday as everyone that goes knows how to behave themselves.

Everyone at the resorts are english, both reps (permanently on site) and the other guests and they cant do enough for you.
The entertainment is great.
The food is excellent.
The hotels are top class.
The rooms are the biggest i have EVER stayed in.

The thing that would really swing it for you though is the Creche facilities. They are amazing. In fact, the nannies (all British and work for First Choice) will even Baby Sit in your room for you if you wish.

Egypt was very very good and is a resort that only opened at the beginning of '07, althouh it is completely finished.
As for Dubai, i personally wouldnt take my children to ANY ARABIC country as the culture isnt geared for them and the locals tend to drool over small children. Egypt however was the exception (Tunisia/Morocco/Kenya were terrible for that).
Me and the Mrs get away for a week on our own once a year somewhere else aswell but these Holiday Villages are THE ONLY place i would take my whole family now.

b0redom · 27-12-2007, 11:06 AM

Cheers for that Blitzen, but....

Originally Posted by Blitzen

As for Dubai, i personally would take my children to ANY ARABIC country as the culture isnt geared for them and the locals tend to drool over small children.

Just to clarify, you mean wouldn't right?

Sinizter · 27-12-2007, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by b0redom

Don't see why not, he's done car journeys that long. In any case, it's better than a 24 hour flight to Oz.....

Car journey = you and your family

Flight = lots of people, pressure changes, unfamiliar environment

b0redom · 27-12-2007, 01:06 PM

He's already flown too.

shadowmaster · 27-12-2007, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by Blitzen

As for Dubai, i personally would take my children to ANY ARABIC country as the culture isnt geared for them and the locals tend to drool over small children. Egypt however was the exception (Tunisia/Morocco/Kenya were terrible for that).

Dubai is fine for the family. I dont know about other 'arabic countries' but when I went I did not notice any 'drooling over small children' .

I have been there a couple of times and its been very enjoyable. Hotels are great (the ones that I have been to) and it has some of nicest beaches I have seen. It is very tourist friendly.

Blitzen · 27-12-2007, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by b0redom

Cheers for that Blitzen, but....

Just to clarify, you mean wouldn't right?

Yep...i wouldnt

Sorry bout that.

Sinizter · 27-12-2007, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by b0redom

He's already flown too.

All good then. Dubai is fine for family or as a couple.

Just had my wedding reception there last month.

santa claus · 27-12-2007, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by b0redom

I'm not talking about dumping the boy in reception and then buggering off. I'm talking about being able to go for dinner or a drink in the restaurant in the knowledge that the baby is being looked after.

Presumably babysitting services in a decent hotel will be vetted properly. That being the case I don't really see how it's any different to us leaving the baby at nursery whilst we go to work.

In any case I was asking for recommendations of places people have gone before.

Alright, alright keep yer 'air on - he's your baby not mine. At home, you have checked out your nursery and there are standards that must be achieved; abroad, I don't know what the deal is. A presumption that sitters are qualified and vetted wouldn't be enough for me. I guess I'm paranoid

Blitzen · 28-12-2007, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by santa claus

Alright, alright keep yer 'air on - he's your baby not mine. At home, you have checked out your nursery and there are standards that must be achieved; abroad, I don't know what the deal is. A presumption that sitters are qualified and vetted wouldn't be enough for me. I guess I'm paranoid

On the Holiday Villages they are as they are under the same rules as the ones in the UK.

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