It’s another weekend in Dubai and with much relief from the past weekends, it’s actually already pleasant and bearable outside. These kind of days make you want to lay a mat on the grass and just stare at the sky while the kids run around.

The Westin Mina Seyahi has introduced a fun, family friendly offer called Pik-nik – an English country style picnic at the Westin lawns, enclosed in white picket fences with tartan family rugs spread out over fresh green grass.

The picnic basket is included in the basic package while the below are not, billed separately. 
  
Each family of 4 (2 adults and 2 kids) will get one picnic basket packed with different salads in country style labelled jars, french bread, assorted soft breads, madeleines, muffins, cheeses, cold cuts, a bottle of sweet tea and water. The basket also includes plates and cutleries so you won’t have to do anything else but just lay the food on the picnic mat and enjoy.

There was entertainment for the kids as well. With plenty of space to run around, a little jungle gym of sorts with face painting and because of this juggler, we seldom see the kids at our picnic mat!

The picnic starts at around 11:30 but we got there at 12:30 pm. Good thing there were still so many vacant spots – TIP: if you want the table setting rather than the picnic mat on the ground, you must come early.

We chose to sit on the mat with big comfy bean bags. Pristine and I went to get the picnic basket along with the beverages and made sandwiches from the breads, cold cuts and cheeses and were happy with this light lunch. I guess when you’re expecting Dubai’s over the top weekend brunches, this might not be for you but this is actually a break from those lavish brunches. It’s simple, it was filling for us and we’re happy with our picnic time – the most appealing factor is that we didn’t have to prepare any of the food or clean up afterwards!

The only downside I can point out are the flying insects you have to battle when the food is out of the basket. I suppose it would be better to use the elevated picnic tables otherwise cover the food to prevent such inconvenience or choose a different place, preferably not near the tree? I feel thought that we must be the only ones struggling with the flying insects as the others were just fine. I don’t know.

We had a great day out in the sun, lunging in the mat outdoors and seeing the kids happy. This is something we certainly would like to do again. If you live on the other side of Dubai (like us), The Westin Mina Seyahi is easier to access now with the tram. Get down at Damac Properties (Red line) and take the tram to Al Sufouh direction. Get down at the Mina Seyahi tram station. The hotel is just across the street.

I believe those who want to enjoy the outdoors will love The Westin’s fab new concept – Saturday Piknik. From 11.30am-4pm, Dh390 will get you a rustic picnic basket for two adults and two children (drinks extra) full of traditional goodies such as sandwiches, salads, dips and pastries, as well as a host of fun entertainment for the little ones. To book call 04 511 7139.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary brunch for 2 adults and 2 children for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.