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The Arabian Nights is full of magical tales, but even the most creative story tellers would have found it a stretch to imagine Dubai’s rapid expansion over the last few decades. On the south-east tip of the Arabian peninsula, it has become one of the world’s most renowned tourist destinations; Dubai hotels are famously luxurious, its malls stock the most desirable designer goods and its attractions draw in well-heeled tourists from all over the world.

To get your bearings and see what a manmade monument to ingenuity the city is, you should head for the recently completed Burj Khalifa. This is the tallest building in the world, soaring 828 metres into the sky. From the observation deck on the 124^th floor, you can see the world stretching out at your feet.

And although the tallest building in Dubai, Burj Kalifa is by no means the most impressive. Often Dubai hotels seem to be regarded as attractions in their own right. The Burj Al Arab is the most famous and luxurious hotel and it is worth stopping by to get a drink, if only for the boasting factor. Built on an artificial island, the self-styled 7-star hotel was designed to evoke a traditional dhow sailing vessel. Its Al Muntaha restaurant, 200 metres up gives you a bird’s eye view while you dine on award-winning dishes.

The sandy beaches are the best place to escape the burning heat. The most famous beach is Jumeirah and this is fringed by the best known Dubai hotels. Since there is public access to the beach, everyone can enjoy its deep cyan, warm waters and its enticingly soft sand – not just hotel guests. Water-sports clubs abound and it is possible to get lessons in water skiing and sailing.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Dubai’s transformation is how this dusty backwater has become the world’s shopping Mecca. And with the girls from Sex and the City rocking up to pick up the latest designer frocks, it’s clear Dubai is at the vanguard of modern fashion. Many of its malls are the size of small towns and some even come complete with their own ice rinks and zoos. Fashionistas will find a veritable catwalk of designer brands to buy and, best of all, it’s tax free. So enjoy the air-conditioning and prepare to shop until you drop!

You’ve decided it’s time to treat the whole family to a holiday, so you’ve made a note to cancel your milk, take your dog to kennels and leave a spare key with a friend. But that’s where things get tricky. With hundreds of hotels all claiming to be the one you want to go to, how do you decide which is best for you and your brood?

Assuming you know which area you wish to visit, you need to prioritise what’s important to you and your family. It’s pointless opting for a hotel with fabulous sports facilities – if you and the kids like spending all your spare time hiking in the hills – unless of course you’re hoping they’ll be inspired by their surroundings.

It’s always important to plan your holiday around your budget, and with kids in tow that budget needs to go much further! So make sure you check out family friendly hotel offers before you check in anywhere. Many hotels offer discounted – or even free – kids rooms and meals. You’ll need to make sure the discounts are recorded when you make your initial booking, but huge savings can be made if you can take advantage of offers like these.
On the subject of location, consider looking on the internet or travel guides for more information on the surrounding area. Is your chosen hotel near a beach or close to visitor attractions? Is there anything in specific that you or your family want to see or do while you’re away?

Lots of hotels state “well behaved children are welcome” – but beware, “well behaved” often means “seen and not heard” and you might find yourself feeling stressed if they even dare open their little mouths and “disrupt” other guests. Better to opt for hotels that offer children little extras to show they’re really welcome – many give younger guests goody bags or colouring sets to keep them entertained. Some even provide complimentary milk and cookies at bedtime. They’re small gestures – but they show the hotel has a commitment to its younger guests (and you could always wait ‘til they’re asleep and eat them yourselves…)

Many hotels are so well equipped to cater for children that it’s a wonder they don’t rename them theme parks, with adventure playgrounds, mini gyms, crèches and holiday clubs on offer. Some hotels even have babysitting / childminding available to give you a break for a while and let you have some grown up time with one another, comfortable in the knowledge that your kids are safe and sound. But for those preferring the middle ground, many hotels have tennis courts where the whole family can enjoy a set or two, or even a designated indoor games room with board games, soft play furniture and comfy settees etc which can be a godsend if you want a safe – and generally sound proofed – room for your children to let off steam whilst you go all sophisticated and enjoy a glass of something chilled in the hotel bar. The kids get time on their own – and so do you – so everyone’s happy. It also gives them a chance to meet new people and make friends, which should always be encouraged.

If your little darlings enjoy swimming it’s worth looking for a hotel with a pool – and specifically a pool with designated swim times for children. It’s another opportunity for them to have time on their own, with other youngsters, and you get to chat to other guests in peace!

If you see a hotel has had many reviews and comments from happy parents and children, you can’t go far wrong. These hotels employ staff who actually like children rather than merely tolerate them and they generally go the distance when it comes to making sure the little ones have a great time.

This advice brought to you by Leeds Hotel ~ Northamptonshire Spa ~ Bristol Spa

Travelers are at all times looking for a fine place to stay in.  A pleasant getaway far from the stress of work is actually irreplaceable.  Clearly, Algarve provides the perfect destinations in the world.  Algarve villas happen to be all over this most southern place in Portugal.  Pleasant climate, spectacular landscapes, luxury golf courses, fine resorts, as well as green fields are the things that attract tourists to this paradise.  As a matter of fact, this particular place is considered by the majority to be the perfect holiday spot, with numerous holiday villas to accommodate you.  Nevertheless spending time in luxury villas involves one more crucial aspect and that is safety.

Villa Fire Safety

Assuming you have arrived at the vacation villa of your preference, the very first thing to do is look into the villa.  Villas are certainly taken cared of even though there are no occupants yet.  Yet a person cannot be sure enough, hence go inside and give it a brief check.  It is impossible to discover electrical wiring troubles which may pose fire hazard, however it is actually advisable to check if you can find fire exits in case there is emergency.  Not that we expect emergencies but it surely is good to practice some caution.  Holiday villas are expected to be equipped with safety equipment such as fire extinguishers.

Apart from checking if fire safety equipments are set up, you must likewise take the time to check potentially dangerous spots.  Even though, Even if these are usually a problem with shabby and old houses you need to go search for very dangerous stuff.

Kids’ Safety

Luxury holiday villas have balconies, and if you’ve kids, it is best to keep an eye of them that they don’t go hovering over the handrails.  Some homes aren’t well designed as outlined by recent safety standards.  Furthermore, look into the stair balusters and handrails.  You never usually think about this, but if you come with elder parents, disabled people, or even small children, you should be sure that the house structure supports safety on top of providing a luxurious appearance.

Since most of these holiday villas have swimming pools, be sure that they won’t go too close to the pools or just go for villas without swimming pools.  Usually, it’s the responsibility of the visitor to take care of themselves as well as their children.

Communication Lines

Internet powered PCs and phones are usually found in luxury holiday villas regardless if you stay in Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago villas.  Phone lines should function, and be sure you copy the contact number of the villa owner as well as the Algarve police in the event of emergencies. Also, always keep emergency hotline phone numbers.

Even if we must not expect accidents to happen, first aids kits are essential.  Try to ask if these are supplied by the home owner or can be fround at the villa.

Altogether, vacationers need to be reminded that apart from asking about the amenities provided by the home owners, inquiring for the safety of the villas is one more vital thing to do, whether you are staying in at central or western Algarve villas.