Best Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi
Overview
It’s no secret that Abu Dhabi in the UAE can get HOT! With soaring summer temperatures, you’ll find that locals, expats and guests are forever seeking out beach and pool days. After living here for almost 2 years, I’ve had a chance to explore most of them and here is my list of the very best Abu Dhabi beach clubs!
If you’re visiting the capital city of UAE, it’s likely that you’ve ticked off all the essentials such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Presidential Palace (which you can read about more in my post Abu Dhabi highlights in 4 days). Soon enough however, you’ll be seeking out some sun, sand and waves so keep reading for the perfect place to revive and refresh!
For all of my posts on this incredible and unique country, including luxury desert resort stays, highlights of Dubai and exciting travel ideas in the lesser well known other emirates, see my collection of posts on UAE. You’ll also find interesting details regarding UAE history as well as helpful tips such as when to visit and important cultural considerations.
Abu Dhabi’s Best Beach Clubs!
Zaya Nurai Resort
Al Maya Resort
Cafe Del Mar
Yas Beach
Saadiyat Beach Club
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi at Makers District
The Club
Fairmont Hotel
Saadiyat Rotana
The Saadiyat St Regis
Grand Hyatt Saadiyat
Rixos Saadiyat
Soul Beach
Nation Riviera Beach Club
West Bay
Zaya Nurai Resort
The number one spot on this list is definitely reserved for Zaya Nurai Resort. This private boutique island off of the Abu Dhabi coastline is accessed by a 20 minute private boat ride from Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. It was so incredible that I’ve written separately about my Zaya Nurai Island experience here. It’s secluded, tropical, private, pristine, incredibly beautiful and thoroughly relaxing. You’ll feel pampered and refreshed on Zaya Nurai Island and all in a place that most people have never heard of.
Zaya Nurai offers a world-class oceanside spa, a beach club complete with teepees and other modern settings, five restaurant and beverage outlets, fresh seafood, an outdoor cinema and a library of old and new books (with a wine menu). If you fancy a longer stay, then check in to one of the private villas, each with its own infinity pool and private beach access! Other amenities include vintage bicycles for hire, a complementary golf buggy transport service and multiple watersports, including a waverider!
With various beach spots on the island available to guests, my recommendation is to head straight to Smokin’ Pineapple Beach Bar. You’ll find vibing background house beats, delicious cocktails, wood-fired pizza, water swings and hammocks (and naturally the associated instagrammers) and a relaxed lawned area with casual seating and hammocks. It’s truly one of the best beach clubs in all of Abu Dhabi!
Al Maya Resort
Another stellar island a short 20 minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi is Al Maya Island Resort. Al Maya has a large open pool area with a fantastic swim up bar, as well as a separate kids pool. This beach club can get a bit raucous on a weekend (Saturdays is an adults only day) however, the beach itself is usually quite calm and reserved. Buckets of 5 Coronas were recently priced at AED 115 and there are deals on jugs of cocktails also. There is a live DJ most weekends and the loud beats will have you feeling like you’re in Ibiza. An extensive menu is available for when those hunger pangs come knocking!
Cafe Del Mar
Have you been to the Seychelles? Cafe Del Mar is its mini replica! With large granite boulders lining the infinity pool and a swim up bar to die for, this beach club is pounding out massive beach vibes and music beats that will have you lining up for more! Cabanas with private jacuzzis line the premesis and there’s a Mediterranean inspired restaurant on site. Instgrammers beware: you will need to fight for your spot in this popular venue.
Order one of the appetiser degustations, a cocktail to your sunbed and relax under the sun whilst overlooking Yas Bay and the iconic Al Raha Beach area of Abu Dhabi.
Its proximity to the newly opened Yas Bay precinct is also what propels Cafe Del Mar onto the list of the best beach clubs in Abu Dhabi. Just a few steps away, you’ll find fine dining at Asia Asia or delicious pizza and relaxed American fare at the uber trendy Lock, Stock & Barrell.
Yas Beach
One of my favourite places to be on a weekend is Yas Beach Club. A spacious and open beach club on Yas Island with expansive water views , this idyllic space is perfect for a good book and some well timed dips when the heat gets too much. It’s relaxation at its finest without the pretence (although you’ll still find some of this at the pool).
I’ve spent many a day under the sun (and shade) on this spacious beach, where the service is excellent and the sangria is even better! There’s even a pontoon off shore which guests can swim to and climb aboard to spend some time suspended above the water.
Saadiyat Beach Club
Ever been to a pool surrounded by cabanas draped in elaborate chandeleirs? Well your day is about to get fancy! Saadiyat Island is notorious as the most glamorous of the ‘land-based’ islands within Abu Dhabi. It’s home to a chain of high-end hotels and in between these is the Saadiyat Beach Club. With direct access to a private beach, it’s worth forking out for a day pass.
The facilities at Saadiyat Beach Club are a level above, with a private ladies spa and glorious change rooms.
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi at Makers District
Cove Beach on Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, is a lifestyle destination renowned for its picturesque ocean view and magnificent Al Reem island skyline. With daily themed parties and an impeccable seafood menu, this hidden gem is a definite win. Guests have the choice of relaxing on sunbeds at two separate pools and a long stretch of private beach. On weekends, the music is loud!
The Club
The British Club of Abu Dhabi is a members only affair, however guests are welcomed if you know a member. Affectionately known as ‘The Club’ amongst its expat patrons, it has 11 different restaurants and bars and 2 separate private beaches. The smaller one is reserved for adults, set next to the beach bar. Sun loungers and shade greet guests and waiter service means that you’re never far from a light snack or refreshing drink! In the winter months, don’t miss your place in a beach deck chair for the popular movie nights.
Bottom: Adult’s beach bar at The Club
Fairmont Hotel, Bab Al Bahr
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr boasts a pool side Jacuzzi and two outdoor temperature controlled swimming pools. There’s also an Olympic length lap pool with spectacular views of the Abu Dhabi Creek and a covered children’s pool area. However, keep walking past the pools and you’ll find a private beach roughly sectioned into 3 zones: ‘family’, ‘couples’ and ‘singles’. The latter two are much more tranquil and quiet, with waiters delivering fresh cocktails to guests. If you’re feeling active, you can even hire a paddeboard, kayak or jetski.
This hotel is located in the Al Maqta region, which means you can foray later on to one of the nearby glamorous restaurant options within the Venetian Village complex at the Ritz Carlton. These include Barfly by Buddha Bar, Tokyo Grill and La Brasserie.
Saadiyat Rotana
This stretch of pristine beach owned by Saadiyat Rotana will have you swaying on your sunbed under the shade with your nose in the air while the warm wind passes over it. Behind it lies a large pool with undoubtedly one of the coolest bars in the Saadiyat region: Nasma Beach Bar. You won’t be able to resist the swings at this Corona-on-tap Mexican themed beach hut. There’s also a gigantic hotel pool behind this.
The Rotana is also home to Hamilton’s Gastropub: an uber trendy steampunk vibe restaurant with loads of great drink deals and football games on TV for the sports lovers.
The Saadiyat St Regis
The St Regis does luxury quite unlike anyone else. It’s home to a dreamy private beach and the exotic and upmarket Buddha Bar Beach. It’s pool backs out onto a private beach, with guests treated to sunbeds and shade.
Personally I feel the true magic comes alive in the evening, with the likes of its Greek restaurant Mazi and acclaimed floating Asian restaurant Sontaya, surrounded by interconnected pools. For those who like to complete their evening with a cigar, head to the St Regis Cigar Lounge for an exquisite, handmade luxury cigar. (Personally I could not tolerate the intense smell in this lounge).
Grand Hyatt Saadiyat
We had an amazing staycation at Grand Hyatt and I can also vouch that their Saturday brunch is one of the best in the Middle East! However, sticking to theme: their beach is serene, extravagant and luxe from beginning to end. The Grand Hyatt pool is also a sight for sore eyes: raised wooden cabanas that protrude into the water and an array of sunbeds all with glorious views.
The winning edge at this hotel for me is Shala Bar: a rooftop bar with indisputably the most glorious views of the pastel sunsets along the Saadiyat line of hotels. It’s intimate, first-come first-served and seats up to 40 guests. Indeed, it was the site of my first gold-laced cocktail in Abu Dhabi.
Below: Shala rooftop beach bar, Grand Hyatt Hotel
Rixos Saadiyat
Amongst locals, the Rixos is synonymous with opulence and affluence. A weekend away is one to brag about. It’s not overly pretentious however, and exists in the Saadiyat line with its own quiet confidence, without a blaring beach bar (although it does host live-DJ parties on occasion).
Soul Beach
Soul Beach by Namsha Residences is the ‘public beach’ of Saadiyat Island, although entry has a nominal entry fee of 50 AED on week days and 75 AED on weekends. In return, guests have access to a sun lounger and parasol, as well as 1km of pristine beach and a table with a QR code menu, allowing food and refreshments to be delivered to you by buggy.
The other major win of Soul Beach is its thriving foodie and bar scene in the promenade that sits behind it. You’ll find mega beats and tasty Jamaican food at Ting Irie, soul-reviving drinks at Coffee Architecture, the best Lebanese food in the immaculately-decorated Beirut Sur Mer and fancy French at Raclette.
Nation Riviera Beach Club
The beach club offering at the 5-star St Regis Hotel has long been considered one of the best in Abu Dhabi. Cabanas overlook the gorgeous views of the Corniche breakwater as well as the temperature-controlled swimming pool complete with swim-up bar. Guests will also find an open-air jacuzzi and the kids will love the Treasure Island Children’s Club.
When the sun goes down, head next door to Catch, one of my favourite seafood restaurants along the Corniche.
West Bay
Private beach? Check. Breezy sunbeds? Check. Private pools? Check. An uber chic beachfront bar with phenomenal views of the Abu Dhabi skyline? Check!
West Bay has something for the adventure lovers and those who love to relax. With a wave rider, jetskis, zipline and adventure park, as well as a bountiful stretch of uninterrupted beach and an adults and kids pool, there’s definitely something for everyone in this relatively new beach club on the Corniche, housed at Radisson Blu Hotel.
