[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="From Desert Star-Spotting in Abu Dhabi, to Cruising the Nile in Cairo or Dolphin Watching in Muscat" ids="78420,78419,78418"] Families and young explorers may feed their imaginations this summer at The Ritz-Carlton, with each of the Middle East and Africa's nine hotels and resorts offering a specially curated package that blends immersive Ritz Kids activities, unique to the destination, with inspiring experiences, created with the family traveler at the core. Away from the city lights, the United Arab Emirates has a landscape rich with nature, which the country's three properties are keen to share with guests throughout the summer period. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is encouraging Ritz Kids to explore the desert skies with ‘My Lucky Star', an activity that invites children to discover the universe and learn the names of the brightest stars and the major constellations, whilst a kayak through the Eastern Mangroves Nature Reserve is a must for all families. Crossing over to the neighboring Emirate, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and the city's revered promenade, ‘The Walk', Jumeirah Beach Residence, children can experience the life of a desert dweller, with activities centered around the themes of ‘land' and ‘water' including ‘Living Desert', a fun yet educational activity about desert life. For an urban vacation experience in Downtown Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC is encouraging kids to get creative with nature-themed arts and crafts, while parents may explore the modern art collection of over 130 pieces displayed around the hotel. Cooler climes are available courtesy of Cairo's pleasant summer temperatures, home to The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. Set between the iconic Nile River and Tahrir Square, guests may explore the Great Pyramids or cruise along the Nile in a traditional Felucca, enjoying the summer breeze at sunset. Refreshing temperatures may also be found in the spectacular Al Hajar Mountain Range, Oman, that dramatically frames and affords a great day trip from Al Bustan Palace, Muscat. Further opportunities to explore including dolphin watching from a catamaran cruise along the rugged coastline, whilst inside the palatial hotel's walls, families can enjoy Omani coffee served in a traditional majlis by the resident ‘coffee man', whilst Ritz Kids embrace the local culture with coffee cup painting. Perched along the Persian Gulf, the cities of Doha and Bahrain are fantastic avenues to the crystal clear waters of the Gulf. The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain affords families the chance to embrace their inner Robinson Crusoe, with a refreshing swim or kayak across a picturesque bay to a private island, whilst spacious three-bedroom villas come complete with individual pools and access to an exclusive beach, providing the perfect option for larger families. Set along Doha's Gulf Bay, Sharq Village & Spa provides an alluring fusion of traditional Arabian architecture and contemporary experiences, including the Six Senses Spa; the largest in the region, and a bucket-list must for parents seeking some respite. For a more cosmopolitan city experience, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is well positioned to both explore the sites or sail the seas, whilst Ritz Kids can embark on an adventure within the luxury of their room or suite, by sleeping in a fun desert safari-style teepee tent. For families looking to be immersed in local customs and traditions, activities from Arabian calligraphy and henna, to storytelling, poetry, and craft making taught by local artisans are on offer from the majestic grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. Guests can uncover the mystique of the palace with a private guided tour, and at the weekends, the Concierge will organize a bespoke Arabian souk tour, providing a peek behind the curtain at life in the ancient city. Named ‘Better Together', the summer package offers a complimentary night's stay for every two nights booked. In addition, families enjoy complimentary accommodation and dining for children under 12 years, as well as significant savings on spa treatments and select dining experiences, along with complimentary Wi-Fi. ‘Better Together' is available for stays at The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Middle East & Africa, between May 15, 2016 and September 17, 2016. For reservations visit HYPERLINK "http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east-summer-2016" www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east-summer
