Top places to lounge before the humidity hits
We’ll say it in a whisper because putting a damper on the party just isn’t our thing, but this glorious (and bearable) weather isn’t going to last forever.
In fact, days are numbered before the heat of the summer really starts to kick in. With exactly that in mind, here are some of the best beach clubs to make those last-gasp days really count.
Bla Bla
When beach day equals party day, Bla Bla beach club is a no-brainer. Set within the sprawling mini resort that is Bla Bla on JBR’s beachfront (there are 20 bars and three restaurants, no less). Delivering exuberant Ibiza-inspired vibes, lots of live entertainment, a fancy pool complete with in-water sun loungers, four-poster cabanas, sumptuous day beds and picturesque views of Ain Dubai.
You’ll also be able to catch the monthly day-to-night pool party, a weekly Sunday brunch by the pool and Miami Beats ladies’ day on Tuesdays. Preening and partying by the pool opportunities don’t get much better than this (if that’s your bag).
Dhs200 with Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverages, Mon- Fri. From Dhs300 with Dhs150 redeemable on food and beverages, Weekends. Open daily, 10am-sunset. The Beach opposite JBR, blabladubai.ae (058 606 3535).
DRIFT Beach
Super sleek and ever so elegant (the alluring no kids allowed rule plays a big part), DRIFT at the One&Only Royal Mirage is one of the classiest beach clubs of them all. The island bed-flanked pool is a beaut, the sun-dappled, Provencal-inspired restaurant is lovely and the bar is a fabulous spot for sundowners, with pink grape and holiday feels aplenty.
Treat yourself to a day at this chic spot when you want to unwind in laid back yet luxurious style.
Dhs200 Mon-Thu, Dhs250 Fri-Sun. 10am-7pm. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh. driftbeachdubai.com (04 315 2200).
Fluid Beach Club
If impressive views are an essential accompaniment to your pool-side bathing and lazing (in addition to a chilled drink, of course), Fluid Beach Club at the trendy beachfront hotel Th8 Palm is the spot for you. A sleek, streamlined infinity pool area complete with chic white sunbeds and pops of colours courtesy of bright red parasols offers up views of the Ain Dubai, Marina skyline and the Palm itself (there are private and group cabana options too).
The vibe is here is chic-yet-chilled throughout the day, with the music getting louder and the atmosphere more hedonistic as early evening transitions into night.
Dhs150 with Dhs50 redeemable on food and beverages Mon-Fri, Dhs200 with Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverages Sat&Sun. Th8 Palm, Palm Jumeirah. th8palmdubai.com/fluid-beach-club/ (04 525 8888).
Nammos
Nammos, the UAE-incarnation of the Mykonos beach hotspot spot of the same name is as trendy as it is Instagrammable as it is stylish.
Thanks to a greenery-surrounded private terrace, deliberately understated yet chic restaurant (think distressed exposed wood, plush linens, sandstone tones) and the focal point for today, a pristine stretch of silky sand resplendent with reclining beds ably shaded by striped turquoise-blue parasols this is a fabulous place to while away the day.
Open daily 12.30pm-2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah 1. nammos.gr/nammos-dubai (04 340 1002).
Soulbeach Dubai
This recent addition to the Dubai beach club scene has plenty of promise. Set away from the crowds in the Jebel Ali JA, The Resort, the restaurant area and outdoor terrace gives way to a 26-metre-long sunbed (group selfie gold) which surrounds a shimmering infinity pool, with cabanas strung with fairy lights and marina vistas to one side and a long stretch of sand flecked with loungers and colourful umbrellas out in front.
The 3,000sqm venue is billed as a day-to-night destination and given the extensive Mediterranean-inspired menu, rooftop event space, duo of bean bag-surrounded beach bars, it’s a concept we can certainly get on board with.
Spend your day lounging, tanning and grazing, then get the party started as resident DJ Shehzad K hits the decks at sunset and the fire dancing and live entertainment begins.
Dhs150 with Dhs100 redeemable on food & beverages on Mon-Fri, Dhs200 with Dhs150 redeemable on food & beverages Sat&Sun. Monday to Friday, 10am-10pm, Weekends10am-midnight. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali Freezone. soulbeachdxb.com (04 814 5126).
Twiggy by La Cantine
You’ve got to give it to them: the Park Hyatt Dubai does refined, beachside luxe very well indeed. French Riviera-style Twiggy by La Cantine, the latest spot to grace the resorts serene Dubai Creek-facing shores, is an absolute case in point. The loungers are plush, the cabanas swanky, the beachy-boho décor is effortlessly cool and the atmosphere elegant yet playful.
The white sand sparkles, the idyllic infinity pool glitters, the food is excellent (a real rarity for a beach club) and the views are ‘pinch me’ good, particularly at sunset. Spend the day here and while you certainly won’t want to leave, you will feel like you’ve been on holiday.
Open daily noon-1am. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105).
