Keeping cool by the pool (or beach) is a popular past time for UAE residents and visitors. Here are the best hotel pool and beach days in the UAE for a five-star day on the sand.
DUBAI
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Price: AED 200 weekdays with AED 150 redeemable, AED 300 weekends with AED 200 redeemable
Set amongst 400,000 square feet of landscaped gardens in the heart of JBR, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is opening its expansive pool and beach for guests to lap up the sun throughout summer. As well as a number of temperature-controlled swimming pools, the family-friendly resort is perched on the beachfront of JBR, offering guests a golden stretch of private sand that gazes out towards the Arabian Gulf.
00971-4-399 4000, ritzcarlton.com/dubai
La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk
Price: AED 100 weekdays with AED 50 redeemable, AED 150 weekends with AED 100 redeemable
Pull up a lounger and retreat to La Ville Hotel & Suites this summer for a day of tan-topping at their boutique rooftop infinity pool. The urban poolside escape offers some of the best views of Downtown, with the dramatic city skyline serving as a picture-perfect backdrop. Throughout the day, guests can fuel up with gourmet light bites from neighbouring LookUp rooftop bar.
00971 4 403 3111, livelaville.com/promotions
Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
Price: AED 200 adults, AED 75 children, fully redeemable
This family-friendly resort is another beachfront property in JBR that’s been especially designed with families in mind: there’s a number of swimming pools laced through the landscaped grounds, and plenty of grassy areas for little travellers to race around. The golden sandy beachfront is an added bonus, with rustic parasols serving as shady spots to enjoy a day by the Arabian Gulf.
00971-4-399 5555, marriott.com
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Price: AED 250, fully redeemable
One of a number of five star pool days on the ivory beachfront on the Palm Jumeirah, guests can enjoy a relaxing day poolside or on the ivory beachfront at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah for AED 250 per person. The full amount can then be redeemed on dining at the resort. It’s family-friendly too – with entry complimentary for children under 12.
00971-4-818 2222, waldorfastoria.com
Bulgari Yacht Club
Price: AED 200 weekdays, AED 350 weekends
At one of the most exclusive addresses in the city, guests can enjoy a pool day at the world’s first Bulgari Yacht Club. Wooden cabanas with plush white loungers line the azure waters of the swimming pool, bringing Mediterranean vibes to the private island resort. As well as enjoying the outdoor pool and bar, guests can feast on an array of authentic Italian delights served in a delightfully nautical setting.
00971-4-777 5555, bulgarihotels.com
Raffles Dubai
Price: AED 175 with AED 100 redeemable
For a urban pool day this summer, Raffles Dubai has reopened its fourth floor pool for day-long access. As well as AED 100 to spend on food and drink, guests can enjoy endless city skyline views.
00971-4-314 9870, raffles.com/dubai
WHITE Beach
Price: AED 150 weekdays, AED 300 weekends fully redeemable
Adding to the impressive plethora of existing beach clubs and hotel pools on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is WHITE Beach at Atlantis The Palm. As well as a neutral-toned Mediterranean restaurant, there’s a bohemian lounge of whitewashed furniture, nautical soft furnishings and island fauna littering a wooden deck. The highlight? A crystal blue, city-facing infinity pool complete with in-water loungers and a picture-perfect cityscape backdrop.
00971-4-426 2000, atlantis.com/dubai
FIVE Beach
Price: AED 150 ladies fully redeemable, AED 250 guys with AED 150 redeemable
Spanning 150 metres of pristine private beach,FIVE Beach boasts double-width sun loungers for ultimate relaxation, cabanas for a VIP experience and a glass-walled swimming pool and jacuzzi’s lit by a super-sized chandelier. This is Dubai, after all.
00971-4-455 9999, fivehotelsandresorts.com
Cove Beach Dubai
Price: AED 200 daily, fully redeemable
Nestled between the two Caesars hotels on Bluewaters island, Cove Beach is set on a private stretch of sandy beach. The beach is lined with plush loungers, three swimming pools are dotted with cabanas and there’s a Rose lounge and restaurant for those looking for a retreat from the sun.
00971 50 454 6920, covebeach.com
Summersalt
Price: AED 200 single, AED 350 couple
Few Dubai beach clubs offer the impressive views that come with a day at Summersalt. Under the sail of the Burj Al Arab, there’s an airy restaurant serving experimental fusion dishes, a temperature-controlled swimming pool and plush sun loungers on the beachfront that gaze straight at the looming seven-star hotel.
jumeirah.com
Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai
Price: AED 150 weekdays with AED 100 redeemable, AED 245 weekends with AED 150 redeemable
On the beachfront of Bluewaters Island, a slice of Las Vegas opulence resides in Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai. Here, guests can select between soaking up the sun on the 450 metre stretch of private beach or keeping cool by the pool with a waterside lounger at Neptune Pool.
00971-4-556 6666, caesars.com/dubai
FIVE Jumeirah Village
Price: AED 100 weekdays fully redeemable, AED 150 weekends with AED 100 redeemable
Retreat to the lively poolside at party-centric FIVE Jumeirah Village, the urban sister property to FIVE Palm Jumeirah from AED 100. Reservations aren’t required, but guests are advised to arrive early to bag the best beds, which line the pool and expand across the terrace. The central pool is one of 269 in the hotel.
00971-4-455 9989 jumeirahvillage.fivehotelsandresorts.com
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Price: AED 200 weekdays, AED 250 weekends with AED 100 redeemable
At the expansive pool and beach between Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and The Westin Mina Seyahi, guests have an impressive array of facilities to enjoy including a lap pool, generously-sized swimming pool and 500 metre stretch of private beach.
00971-4-399 3333, marriott.com
Azure Beach
Price: AED 100 weekdays, AED 200 weekends, fully redeemable
On the ever-popular JBR beachfront, Azure Beach is split between a pool, beach and lounge, all facing towards the Arabian Gulf and striking Ain Dubai. An eclectic soundtrack and extensive menu serve to transport guests to a glittering beach club in the Mediterranean.
00971-52-777 9472, azure-beach.com
DRIFT Beach Dubai
Price: AED 150 weekdays, AED 200 weekends
Adjacent to classic favourite One&Only Royal Mirage (it’s steps from Eauzone), is picture-perfect DRIFT Beach. Suitable for those seeking an adults-only environment – all the better to enjoy bubbles from your luxury cabana – guests under the age of 16 aren’t admitted. Set on a kilometre of private beach, lunch at the innovative Provençal restaurant rounds out an indulgent day.
00971-4-315 2200, driftbeachdubai.com
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Price: AED270, fully redeemable (Available Sunday to Wednesday only)
Flowing around the resort’s Thai-style architecture, lagoon pools with intimate little nooks and an artificial beach give the feel of taking a lap at an Asian hideaway with a pool day at Anantara The Palm. Beach lovers can also pull up a shaded lounger on the 400-metre private beach and enjoy a front row seat to the blissful waters of the Arabian Gulf.
00971-4-567 8888, dubai-palm.anantara.com
Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Price: AED 400 for two adults, AED 495 for two adults and two children (inclusive of daytime access to hotel room)
Find a slice of tropicalia at this Polynesia-inspired resort. Verdant palms sway in the breeze and there are explosions of bright bougainvillea and cascading waterfalls near the pools and by the 500m of private beach. It’s an ideal spot for families with a variety of pool options and Maui Beach restaurant, which will deliver a smoothie right to your sun lounger.
00971-4-455 6677, sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com
Riva Beach
Price: AED 75 weekdays, AED 100 weekends
The family-friendly Riva Beach is one of the longest-serving beach clubs in Dubai. Popular with Palm Jumeirah residents, it’s welcoming guests every day from 7am to 7pm to soak up the sun on its private stretch of beach or to take advantage of a generously-sized swimming pool as well as a children’s pool.
00971 4 430 9466, riva-beach.com/
ABU DHABI
Note: Currently pools in Abu Dhabi are closed
Saadiyat Beach Club
Price: AED 250 weekdays, AED 375 weekends
On one of the best beaches in the UAE, Saadiyat Beach Club is a premium address for a day of soaking up the sun in the capital. It’s got a rustic feel, although plush shaded cabanas and and an elevated menu of Mediterranean dishes ensure it draws an exclusive crowd.
00971-2-656 3500, saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers
Price: AED 350 weekdays, AED 450 weekends for two adults inclusive of hotel room access
On the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers stands out for its breathtaking, contemporary architecture. With a beach day here, guests can enjoy a golden private beach as well as day-long access to a hotel room.
00971-2-811 5555, jumeirah.com
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Price: AED 149 fully redeemable
At the gateway to the UAE capital is Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, a five star beachfront hotel located within close proximity the the architectural marvel of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
00971-2-654 3333, fairmont.com/abu-dhabi
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
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Price: AED 550 adults, AED 275 children inclusive of breakfast, lunch and selected beverages, weekdays only
While the opulent all-inclusive Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island has typically only opened its luxe facilities for in-house guests, it’s extending use of its pristine white sandy beach with a new all-inclusive daycation. Priced at AED 550 for adults and with a 50% discount for children, it includes breakfast and lunch at Turquoise and People’s restaurant, unlimited beverages and beach access from 10am to 6pm.
00971-2-492 2222, saadiyatisland.rixos.com
Zaya Nurai Island
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Price: AED 480 with AED 420 redeemable
Hop on a boat to this stylish resort where the entry fee is put toward various indulgences throughout the day: food, drinks, spa, activities. You’ll likely want to set up at Smokin’ Pineapple Beach Club, which has a swing bar, a hammock jungle and is right next to the surf pool and water-sports centre. On the other side of the island at the pool, Ginger Mermaid has cocktails and sushi, and the verdant Oasis vaunts activities and an outdoor cinema.
00971-2-506 6222, zayanuraiisland.com
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort
Price: AED 299 for two, AED 195 for one
With Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s new daycation, two adults can enjoy a day on the sandy lagoon with access to a room for the day for AED 299. There is also an option for singles, for AED 195. Both packages include an AED 150 credit to spend on food and drink and kids under the age of 12 go free.
00971-2-677 3333, marriott.com
Ras Al Khaimah
Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah
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Price: AED 200, fully redeemable, Thursday to Saturday
At the palatial Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, guests can enjoy a day pass for AED 200, which grants access to the pristine private beach and adult-only pool from 9am to 6pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The full rate is fully redeemable on delectale dishes served up to chilled beats at Fayrouz Lounge.
00971-7-203 5555, waldorfastoria.com
Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
Price: AED 250 with AED 150 redeemable or AED 500 with AED 300 redeemable (Sunday to Wednesday)
While many head to Ras Al Khaimah for weekend staycations, UAE residents can now also enjoy a daycation at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa. Book a room for the day for AED 250 and enjoy a credit of AED 150 to spend on food and drink or upgrade to day access to a plush villa for AED 500 and guests will get a credit of AED 300 back to spend. Daycationers can pick between whiling away the day on the beachfront or pulling up a lounger at one of the landscaped swimming pools.
Source: Conde Nast Traveller