Lapita Hotel’s daycation brunch: why it’s perfect for families

lapita

Before I continue to write about my huge backlog i.e., blog posts about our travels last summer, let’s take a break and see what we’ve been up to lately. I can’t believe it’s November already. Wasn’t it just yesterday when the new year rung in? It’s scary how fast time flies. One more month and then boom, there goes another year gone.

There were so many changes in our family this year – the husband had quit working in Saudi Arabia since last April (he was in Saudi for one whole year, 3 months each time with a 2-3 weeks break in between) and started working in Abu Dhabi. He still isn’t home everyday but at least we’re in the same country and can be with us on weekends or some days, if his work schedule permits. This past year, the kids and I have gone to places without him and whenever we get a chance, we go back to the awesome places to show to him and to let him experience it too when he is here in Dubai.

One of those places is Lapita Hotel & Resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts. We’ve been to Lapita for the first time in February when they first introduced the Daycation brunch. We thoroughly enjoyed it however, it was too cold to swim in the pool at that time. We wanted to go again – the kids wanted to go again, with their dad this time. And we did!

The Daycation brunch at Lapita was back right after summer and we scheduled to go last week which was perfect because their Halloween celebrations were in full swing. The setup was awesome and scary enough for the little one.

halloween entrance

And before we could start eating at brunch, we went around to appreciate what they have prepared. The hotel’s F&B crew did a really good job with all the spooky food! Look at these works of art.

[envira-gallery id=”78672″]

Honestly, up until we visited, I never realized Halloween was such a big craze here in Dubai. Now, Halloween has passed but know that Lapita could be one of your best bet for Halloween themed brunches next year. 🙂

Also, what’s wonderful with Lapita’s #DaycationBrunch is that it’s buffet brunch + pool access. Swimming is a really great exercise to burn some of those calories away, you know?

Not many people were in the pool though the time we were there from 4pm. Benjamin was overjoyed to have his dad swim with him.

pool time with dad

There’s also a shallower pool for kids with a water play area and a lazy river.

waterplay

lazy river collage

The adult pool.

pool 1

pool 5

There’s a special buffet for kids, too and they can enjoy the Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club between 1pm-5pm. There are hotel staff who can supervise and watch the kids leaving parents some time of peace and quiet while brunching.

Do I recommend the Daycation brunch at Lapita?

YES! Great food with lots of emphasis on fresh ingredients (the only problem you’ll have is how to get a taste of all the varieties in one visit), beautiful setting – where else can you get the laid back tropical Polynesian vibes without ever leaving town?

lapita outside food stand 1
lapita outside food stand 2
Additionally, the hotel is a unique gateway to endless fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is the home of three world-class theme parks and one water park, as well as Riverland Dubai. All guests staying at Lapita Hotel & Resort will enjoy unlimited multi-park access for the duration of their stay, in addition to complimentary Q-fast to all parks.

General Information:

When: Fridays, 1pm-5pm
Price: AED195 with soft drinks; AED295 with house beverages; AED95 for children up to 12.
Contact: +9714 810 9999, website

Easter family picnic at The Address Montgomerie

photo 2 (70)

First of all, Happy Easter to those celebrating! And to those who are celebrating but had to report to work today – may you get twice as much Easter chocolate eggs to compensate.

Erm…that would be me.

I am at work today while all of my Christian friends have taken a special day off. Oh well. I’ve had a wonderful time yesterday at The Address Montgomerie Easter family picnic. See this sight? This was at the Montgomerie – acres of lush green fairways, landscaped gardens and lakes. It makes you feel like you’re not in desert land at all.

Emirates Hills

This is our 8th Easter in Dubai and it’s a shame to say that I’ve not taken the kids to any Easter related function because Sunday is always a work day here. And though there are a few hotels having Friday/Saturday “Easter Sunday” events, it felt weird going to a non-Sunday Easter Sunday, if you know what I mean?

But this year, we were invited to the Easter family picnic event at The Address Montgomerie and though it’s a Saturday and not Easter yet, we decided to check it out. See their excitement!

to the lawn

The setting was outdoors and then Dubai decided to make it a really hot summer day yesterday.

easter picnic

food spread

 Really, really hot that my husband was dead worried about the food getting spoiled as it was exposed under the heat of the sun like this.

food spread

 But the hotel was worrying about the same thing and put up umbrellas!

photo 3 (60)

 The temperature was really crazy yesterday but we’re lucky we sat very near to these huge fans called “porta cool”. That black one that looks like the back of an old CRT TV…

porta cool

The kids were very busy licking the ice lollies before the heat melts it all away? This was the first time Benjamin had an ice lollie all to himself and you can imagine the joy…and the number of tissues I spent cleaning him up!

we love ice lollies

 It was a hot, hot day – did I already mention it was really hot? Oh ok, sorry. But these sweets were just melting in the heat. So sad. And I was told they have to replace the sweets every 30 minutes so diners can enjoy the beautiful form and taste. It’s heartbreaking to think food wasted. 

sweets collage

There were plenty of activities for the kids – bouncy castle, clowns, face painting, balloon bending and of course, Easter egg painting.

Easter egg painting

I wish it wasn’t so hot or they could have held the event indoors. 

easter 2014 me and the kids

Nevertheless, it was a very fun, family friendly event. Picnic outside is something we haven’t done in a while – the place was fantastic (we would love to take the kids again), the food was great (I particularly LOVED the beef cheek pastille – very tender meat, oh my) and plenty of activities for the kids. Great family brunch location.

* We struggled to find the location as we don’t live or frequent this area. There were no sign boards leading up to the hotel so my tip would be to find the entrance to Emirates Hills and ask the guard where it is. We turned one right before the main entrance and got lost – literally drove round and round!

The Address Montgomerie is located in Emirates Hills, you can connect with them via Facebook, Twitter and follow The Address Hotels in Instagram.