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The Ritz-Carlton Dubai won a Top 10 Getaways award in 2000 for supporting parents with infants and toddlers.

Are you seeking a well-deserved break from the demands of work and baby's care, combined with a desire to relax and enjoy your new family? In 2000, FTF chose the following for a memorable vacation for mom, dad, baby and big siblings. Here's a look at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai today.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
971/4 399-4000

Enjoyed by European and Asian business travelers with families, Dubai is a modern Arab city-state whose fascinating culture flavors all it has to offer, including world-class beaches, desert safaris, sporting opportunities, and shopping at souks, the traditional markets for exotic spices, teas, jewelry and carpets. Dubai's economy has prospered by shifting from oil towards tourism as a cruise line port-of-call, busiest between September and May (summer can be extremely hot.) In keeping with local tradition, visitors are asked to dress modestly and all children are cherished.

"Protect Our Little Ones," a hotel room safety program for guests with children under 5 years originated in Dubai. Childproofing items, installed by a specially trained bellman upon arrival, is now available at all Ritz-Carlton properties. The hotel's Club Floor provides a dedicated children's lounge featuring scaled-down furniture, child-sized china and cutlery, special children's meals, cookies and hot chocolate, books, games and videos.

Newborns through 4-year-olds are cared for in the Ritz-Carlton Kids Room by caregivers specially trained in First Aid and CPR and parents are provided with a pager should baby need them. Children 2-6 years old receive a welcome gift and an invitation to join the complimentary Kids Club and participate in kitchen tours, "my first manicure," tennis, swim and ballet lessons. Activities for kids 6-12 years old can be arranged on request, and are most active during holiday periods.  Private evening babysitters are available.

Located on 1,000 feet of prime Jumeirah beachfront, the stunning Ritz-Carlton, Dubai was designed as "an oasis of luxury" in a combination of Moorish and Islamic styles. Facilities include 138 rooms and suites, all with balconies and views of the Arabian Gulf, three swimming pools (including a kid's pool with water slides), tennis and squash courts, fitness center, aerobics studio, watersports, and a spa providing Oriental and Far Eastern therapeutic techniques. 

We recommend the more exclusive Club Level, with its complimentary adult and unique children's lounges, meals and refreshments from the hotel's restaurants 24 hours a day, and services of a dedicated butler and concierge. Though expensive, the premium above deluxe room rates is good value for families. Rates for double rooms start at US$350/N plus 20% for service charge and taxes.  (Rates vary depending on the season and the currency exchange rate).