Desert Palm hotel, Dubai

We booked Desert Palm very last minute from Australia. Desert Palm, part of Per Aquum Resorts, may not have a kids club, something we are not too bothered about for our little boys – Charlie, four and two year old Bertie – but we found it the perfect family accommodation: low rise, architecturally pleasing villa style accommodation, bougainvillea creeper over the door and a lovely children's park built on sand for the children to play in.
 
Our two bedroom villa was superbly equipped with a huge fridge, latest designer coffee machine, great big TVs, perfect for DVD nights, fabulous bathrooms with good-sized baths for the children and very comfy beds. Sliding doors on to a private garden and a number of the villas have private swimming pools, all warmed to a beautiful 31°. The boys adored swimming. In fact the warm, bath temperature swimming pool proved so popular that we could not get Charlie out of the pool and within two days he had dismissed his armbands and was swimming unaided! Result!
 
The Epicure restaurant at Desert Palm proved a big hit with the children for breakfast each morning. We were welcomed by friendly staff all of whom had a natural bond with the children. The juices, smoothies, home-made yoghurts and health drinks were supremely popular with the children. There was not a buffet in sight, every dish was made fresh to order, something we prefer and can whole-heartedly recommend.

The most exciting find for us about Desert Palm was the equestrian centre.  We are not "horsey types" but we came to love our afternoons at the stables because the boys adored riding. Pony rides, horse riding lessons, dressage, show jumping, polo lessons – you name it Desert Palm can provide any tot with a pony to suit.

The stables are stunning, very clean and all the equipment new and shiny. The staff were hugely efficient and confident. The boys, on varying sized ponies, happily trotted off with them as we proud parents waved and watched. Desert Palm Equestrian Centre has a new British General Manager, Annabel Shepherd, who is keen to introduce new courses, lessons and keep the stables in tip top condition so I imagine it will only go from strength to strength.

Desert Palm is a brilliant place for families with children.

Nightly rates at Desert Palm, Dubai start from USD$300 (£190) per night, in a Palm Suite, including breakfast, service charge and municipality fee.

For more information and booking call +971 (0) 4 323 8888, email destinations@desertpalm.ae or book online at www.desertpalm.ae

Riding lessons for all ages and abilities can be organised at Desert Palm from 200AED (£35) pp for a track ride (max six people). Private lessons are also available on request.