Located inside Le Meridien & The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Jungle Bay is conveniently situated on the shores of Mina Sehayi, boasting incredible sea views.
Whitewashed walls, lush greenery, and beautiful hues of blue. No, you’re not in the Mediterranean or Santorini, but looking at the aesthetics and colour palette, you could be. One of the most picturesque waterparks, Jungle Bay, was designed with minimalism and the architecture of the Cycladic in mind.
Once inside the park, lockers and towels are immediately available, while the towering nautical lighthouse at the entrance announces you have arrived.
Buzzing with excitement, my seven and 10-year-olds were keen to hit the slides immediately.
Splash, Slip and Slide!
The park boasts several slides, splash and play areas, and a 6-metre wave pool, all with minimal height and age restrictions, ensuring that all years and comfort zones are catered for.
The light House Slide Tower is where it’s at if you’re looking for thrills and spills. Choose from the three coloured slides offering different speeds, heights, and bends.
Or, tackle the Whizzard Mat Racer, featuring three 130 metre-long, high-speed aqua tubes that spiral alongside each other, twisting and turning until a 360-degree loop and a surprise drop. “Just epic!” says my enthused 10-year-old.
For something gentler, try the ramp slides that interlink the various splash pools. There is also a fun children’s aqua play area in the centre with smaller slides, splash fountains and a tipping bucket. The park also has a rain tree and a pneumatic wave pool for the entire family.
I’ll be honest, we didn’t see the children for most of the afternoon as they vanished into aqua heaven. The park is big enough to keep the kids entertained but small enough (and enclosed) that you can’t lose them. There are also fully qualified lifeguards to keep an eye out while adults can relax in the cabanas or on the loungers.
Another benefit of a smaller waterpark is that even though we were there on the weekend, it didn’t feel overcrowded, and there was almost zero queuing for slides. Situated in a hotel overlooking the beach, it also has a holiday feel.
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Bussola, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
“I’m hungry!” a chant familiar to all parents of young ones, and the location of Jungle Bay means there are plenty of fantastic dining options. Deciding we needed to dry off, we headed to Bussola. Known for its three concepts in one restaurant, the downstairs offers an elegant yet unfussy Italian restaurant with a great terrace boasting magnificent sea views. Upstairs is the upper deck pizzeria, and the newest eatery, Mare by Bussola, is for those wanting a pool and beach experience.
As the weather was so glorious, we opted for the downstairs terrace, perfect for al fresco dining. The menu and kids’ menu have something to keep everyone happy, including the freshest seafood, pasta, meat and risotto. Try the stuffed giant calamari, tuna tartare, beef tenderloin with mustard crust, or pan-fried black cod. Polish this off with the hazelnut parfait or traditional tiramisu; neither will disappoint. The food was truly delicious and there was also a live saxophonist lending a holiday vibe.
When you’re done at the waterpark and lunch, catch the sunset on Mina Seyahi Beach to finish off the day. A brilliant trip out and fun for all the family.
Entry to the waterpark is free when you stay at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, and W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, as well as for those who buy a day beach pass at the hotels.
For more information, visit clubminadubai.com
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Image source Jungle Bay Dubai
