There’s a new kid on the Brunch block ready to win over both the Abu Dhabi and Dubai family audience
Lapita Resort, the latest addition to Dubai Parks and Resorts complex in Jebel Ali has launched a brand new family entertainment concept – the Daycation!
Why just go to Friday Brunch to eat when you can have family entertainment and the world’s newest theme park complex on your doorstep?
Conveniently located between Dubai & Abu Dhabi, we were lucky to attend their opening Daycation experience this past weekend, here’s what we thought.
This post is part of our review series – Discover the UAE – everything you need to know to explore the United Arab Emirates as a family.
Polynesian themed brunch
After navigating your way from the freeway into the Dubai Parks & Resorts complex, the presentation from entry through to table detail was spot on at Lapita.
We arrived during final set up and it was clear to see the pride all the staff were taking in their creations. From the hummus veggie patch through to the chocolate treasure, it was certainly one of the most beautiful layouts we’ve seen!
The main restaurant takes over the whole lower ground floor of the reception complex and with our lovely cool weather at present, spills onto the outdoor terrace and lawn. We are immediately welcomed with tropical mocktails and a big afternoon ahead of us!
Kids entertainment at Lapita
The kids meanwhile, wanted little to do with us from the second they arrived they were enchanted by the Luna & Nova Kids Club.
With the cooler weather currently being on side, they had a large covered outdoor area fully set up ready for kids games and the Globetrotters didn’t hesitate to jump straight into it. Far from just plonking them in the kid’s room as it can sometimes feel, there were structured activities and games all afternoon and staff on hand to assist – in fact, at one stage it looked like staff outnumbered the children!
If kids wanted to dine here rather than with their parents there was a separate kids buffet complete with colourfully laid out plastic wear. I was pleased to see fruit juices and fruit platter featured as prominently as the potato smiles and sweets!
Kids could also choose from classic unadventurous favourites like jam sandwich and spaghetti bolognese, burgers. The Globetrotters were in heaven!!
It was a space you really felt free to let the kids come and go from. If they were ever upset or needed help, encouragement to join in, the staff were on hand for reassurance of guiding them back to your table. I can honestly say this is the happiest I think I have seen the Globetrotters at a brunch!! And of course face paint!!! This is the UAE….
The food and beverage
That’s right we were here for a meal too. Everything stuck pretty well to the Polynesian theme, with seafood and fresh ingredients featuring prominently.
Outdoors you could get curries, soups, noodles and a carvery – a lot of emphasis on fresh food prepared for you with your choice of ingredients (and controlling your spiciness!).
Inside there was a huge range of seafood, some Arabic selections, salads, some amazing naan bread cooked live, a bread station, cheeses and of course an amazing selection of desserts including “KandyKool” popcorn (mine weren’t feeling brave enough to try!!)
Also in keeping with the theme, were the mocktails and cocktails – think carved pineapples vodka & pineapple drinks, rum-filled coconuts, even a rum-infused watermelon?! Standard house drinks and spirits were also on hand.
Entertainment
Not just the kids entertainment, a live duet played all afternoon which added a great mood and atmosphere, by mid-afternoon they had a great crowd of kids dancing along.
With full bellies, many families then retreated to the swimming pools and lazy river, only a very short walk away and included in your Daycation entry.
If you wish to move on and explore the rest of Riverland (the entertainment complex that connects all the Dubai Parks & Resorts theme parks) this is easily done from Lapita’s transit stop.
Finally, to finish the day if you wish to keep the party going, the Luna & Nova kids club moves inside for movies and games (must be signed in for this); adults can retreat to the Hewa after Brunch on the Lani Rooftop bar – 50% discount on selected beverages from 5.30pm-6.30pm.
Globetrotters recommend
All up, a refreshing new concept on the UAE food and family scene. It really is an all-rounder for family entertainment, not just beautifully presented food, but you really get the feeling they want you to feel relaxed and at home in the resort itself for the afternoon.
Many others you feel very confined just to a restaurant area and the focus is on getting your fill before the clock runs out. Oh and talking of relaxing, I think I forgot to mention the spa staff in attendance with free head and shoulder massages…
An obvious con for many may be the hotel’s location. Yes, it’s conveniently located halfway between the UAE’s two big cities, but even for us living on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, it was a 40 min trip home (I’m disallowing 10 minutes for the fact we got lost with the rubbish signposting inside Dubai Parks and Resorts every b****y time!).
That makes it a very long day for the kids and a relatively costly taxi (lucky we had an obliging relative chauffeur us home!) I also question a little what will happen once the warmer months hit. Undoubtedly easy enough to move the outside food stalls into the main restaurant but the outdoor party atmosphere is what really made the occasion.
Other facts and information on Lapita Resort Daycation
Pricing as at February 2017 (these prices are now likely higher due to VAT)
- Adults (incl. kids from 12+): 195dhs
- Adults with house beverage package: 295dhs
- Kids under 12: 95dhs
- Entry includes kids club, entertainment and pool
Note Dubai prices are quoted inclusive of taxes. * Adults eat free with one paying child under 12 charged at 95dhs – additional drinks package 150dhs. See Lapita’s FB page for more details or email lapita.restaurantreservations@autographhotels.com
Have you seen our 5 Best Brunches in Abu Dhabi for Families?
Free valet parking at the hotel; When arriving at Dubai Parks and Resorts DO NOT go straight ahead to the car parking (it’s very badly signposted still!!). Follow the signs for VIP Parking and the Outlet Mall. Keep following these signs and you will see Lapita signposted to the right just before the Outlet Mall.
Want to stay at Lapita Resort & Spa for a whole weekend? Check prices with Booking.com | Hotels.Com
Disclosure: We attended as part of their launch weekend without charge. This is not a sponsored post and all opinions, as always are our own. This page contains accommodation affiliate links, if you made a booking we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you.
© Our Globetrotters