Whether she’s a domestic goddess or Wonder Woman in disguise, with Mother’s Day coming up on 21st March it’s time to show your mum you’re grateful
Thanks: it’s a little word, but to mothers this month, that one word could mean a lot.
On 21st March, it’s your chance to do something for the person in your life that does everything for you.
So whether you want to say thanks for doing your laundry, making the best roast potatoes or for just being her, here’s our pick of the top ways to tell your mum she’s the best this Mother’s Day.
Ladies who lunch
Tea for two
Head to the beautiful Saadiyat Island for an afternoon tea getaway. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is offering a two-for-one deal from 6th to 20th March for some luxury eats. From AED 140++. Saadiyat Island. 2pm-6pm. Contact: 02 498 8443, restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com
Bored of the usual tea and cake? Jumeirah at Etihad Tower’s Arabic afternoon tea on 21st March is a tasty twist on an old classic. Featuring fine pastries, cakes and Arabic coffee, you can also get complimentary access to the Observation Deck at 300. From AED 165++. Lobby Lounge, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West. 2pm-5pm. Contact: 02 811 5666, jadrestaurants@jumeirah.com
Eric Lanlard’s unique take on afternoon tea at Stratos will definitely impress. The menu is a sweet and savoury tribute to Arabia, with saffron, rose water, dates and cardamom to complement the usual flavours. From AED 195++. Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street. 3pm-6pm. Contact: 800 101 101, restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com
Brunches and more
Aqua’s themed brunch for Mother’s Day on 18th March should hit the spot for US moms. From seafood chowder to gumbo and pecan pie, plus the usual line-up, you can indulge in some Stateside favourites. From AED 250++. Rosewood, Al Maryah Island. 12.30pm-4pm. Contact: 02 813 5550, rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi
If you’re looking for a good deal, mums dine for free at homely Italian restuarant Villa Toscana if accompanied by a child. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West. Available throughout March. Daily noon-3pm and 7pm-11pm. Contact: 02 694 4444, stregisabudhabi.com
For a spot of picnicking al fresco with beautiful views, head to Iris on Yas Island. With a barbecue and live cooking stations on offer, you can relax on the lawn and enjoy the day. From AED 200. Yas Marina, Yas Island. Noon-4pm. Contact: 055 160 5636, irisabudhabi.com
Mums on the move
If she can’t sit still long enough for that massage or mani/pedi or is more at home in beachwear than dressed up for dinner, then take a look at some of our alternative Mother’s Day options.
Cast away
Jump onboard for a whistlestop tour of the city from a ferry with the Jalboot water taxi service, which has routes from Yas Marina to Abu Dhabi Mall. Mums get a free trip on 21st March when sailing with another paying adult. Wait until sunset for the best views. 10am-10.15pm. From AED 45 for single trip ticket. Various locations. Contact: 600 575 756, jalboot.ae
You might think you’ve seen all there is to see in the capital, but you can see it from a new perspective with The Yellow Boats. This sightseeing tour offers trips around the Grand Mosque and Lulu Island for a unique day out. From AED 200. Emirates Palace Marina. Times vary. Contact: 800 892, theyellowboats.com
Art at heart
Mums and kids can take advantage of a sweet activity on 19th March with Bloomsbury’s. The event is the icing on the cake, literally, as mums can bond with their babies and pipe their own cupcake designs before taking it home for a tasty treat. Cupcake and designing free. Various locations, including Al Wahda Mall. 10am-noon. Contact: 02 643 8610, ilovebloomsburys.com
Get creative in an art session for mothers and kids at Art Beat. This mixed media art workshop on 18th March will see you working together and to create some Mother’s Day-themed art. PRICE ON SUNDAY. Art Beat, Muroor Road, behind Mushrif Mall. 4pm-7pm. Contact: 02 444 5135, artbeatad.com
The great outdoors
Grab a blanket and catch a movie under the stars on 21st March. Munch on strawberries, chocolates and canapés with a glass of bubbly and Jack Nicholson rom-com Something’s Gotta Give, AED 99++. The Beachcomber, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Corniche East. From 7pm. Contact: 02 677 3333, sheratonabudhabihotel.com
If white sands and the blue gulf waters are more her thing, head to the Nation Riviera Beach Club, where beach-bum mums get in for free throughout March when accompanied by one paying guest. Once you’ve had enough sun, there’s afternoon tea at Crystal Lounge to treat her. From AED 150 for beach access, AED 160++ for afternoon tea. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West. Beach access, 6am-9pm. Afternoon tea 2pm-6pm. Contact: 02 694 4444, stregisabudhabi.com
Spa date
What mum couldn’t do with a bit of her-time to be waited on hand and food? Here’s the best spa deals for some much-needed pampering.
Just for mum
Mums can get the whole pampering package from head-to-toe at Curls and Colors from 15th to 31st March with a deluxe mani/pedi, a blowdry and eyebrow waxing. AED 250. Al Maqta’a Village, next to Khalifa Park. Sat-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri 10am-7pm. Contact: 02 449 6010, curlsandcolors.com
Anahata Spa is offering a variety of themed packages from 12th to 22nd March. Choose from Beautiful Mom, which includes a colour therapy consultation and back massage, plus a mani/pedi, or The Pampered Mother, which offers head-to-toe relaxation. From AED 250. 35th Street, corner of 62nd Street, Khalifa City A. 9am-9pm. Contact: 02 557 7722, anahataspa.ae
The Park Rotana is offering a family package from 20th to 23rd March that leaves dads at a loose end with something to do. While the ladies get a 60-minute massage at the Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club, dad and the kids can enjoy some poolside fun. From AED 399++. Next to Khalifa Park. 10am-10pm. Contact: 02 657 3333, rotanatimes.com/parkrotana
Treatments for twoDaughters can enjoy some quality time with the lady of the day at Namm Spa throughout March, with two Thai Harmony massages for the price of one. AED 650. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street, opposite Al Jazira Club. 10am-10pm. Contact: 02 698 8888, dusit.com/dusitthani/abudhabi
Even your belly gets a treat at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara. Mothers and daughters get a choice of specialist facials, followed by either a foot or back, neck and shoulder massage. After all the pampering, you can feast on afternoon tea for two. AED 1,199++, available throughout March. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street. 10am-10pm. Contact: 02 656 1146, easternmangroves_spa@anantara.com
Win, win, win!
Is your mum a Tom Jones fan? The music legend will be landing in the capital on 15th April for a one-night-only affair. The Welsh crooner, who has released 41 studio albums, will be showing off his powerful voice in his most-loved hits from ‘It’s Not Unusual’ to ‘Delilah’. One reader will win a pair of tickets to attend the gig on 15th April at du Forum, so you can spoil your mum with a night of live music.
To enter, click here before 16th March and answer the question
WORDS Camille Hogg