Life’s a Beach: The Hottest New Club Openings Promising Barefoot Luxury in the Chicest Spots
Just in time for the scorching summer, there are nine incredible new beach clubs opening in Dubai.
The Insider remembers the days back in darkest 2008 when there were no beach clubs in the UAE, and such wild outdoor entertainment was not the DXB standard. Nowadays however, a venue is considered sorely lacking if it doesn’t have a pristine private sandy beachfront venue featuring the hottest DJs, on trend food menu, and live entertainers. Joining the current multitudes are nine newcomers – check out our write ups below.
The 305 Dubai, Palm West Beach
Californian vibes with a fresh white aesthetic, tons of swaying palm trees, and outdoor dining, this soon-to-launch beach club is ultra cool and will no doubt attract the city’s glitterati. Diners can laze by the pool or head into the restaurant area and munch on a Florida-inspired all-day menu.
Bâoli Beach, La Mer
Inspired by none other than the stylish French shores of Cannes, Bâoli promises high end Japanese dining and an A-list crowd worthy of their European influence. As La Mer goes through a major makeover, this club will be managed by Neat Food, as the first extension of theirs into the Middle East. “Bâoli is a retreat-styled space inspired by the beautiful stepwell baolis in India and which will offer a unique experience for visitors to J1 Beach,” says Sanjeev Nanda, Founder of Neat Food. Sadly, you’ll have to wait until the end of 2023 to pay a visit to this new hotspot.
BCH:CLB, The Palm Jumeirah
The W Hotel is already known as a party destination with its Wet Deck pool, brunches, afterparties and rooftop parties. All we know for now is that BCH:CLB will become the hotel’s new signature beach club when it opens towards the end of 2023. Featuring a dedicated restaurant space – perfect for wine drenched lunches with your squad – plus a sandy bar, a pool with a cabana, a retail area for trendy beachwear, plus one of the best spots on the Palm to watch the sunset.
Gigi Rigolatto, La Mer
The third beach club at the new J1 Beach, Merex will be teaming up with Paris Society International and bringing the renowned Gigi Rigolatto to the region for the first time. Taking inspo from yet another glorious French destination – this time St. Tropez – the venue will be perfect for full days of sun bathing, long lunches, and epic parties, with an Italian menu, two terraces, a garden, an indoor restaurant for when things get too hot, plus a dedicated Bellini bar. There’s even a kids circus and a wellness area, meaning guests can stay the whole day as there’s plenty of things to enjoy. Described by Brian Bendix, CEO of Paris Society International, as setting “a new standard for ultra-premium hospitality and lifestyle beach offering.” Also due to open at the end of this year.
Credit: Romain Ricard, Gigi Ramatuelle, St Tropez
La Vita, Palm West Beach
At the farthest South point of West Palm Beach, La Vita is under construction (near FIVE Palm Jumeirah). With its prime location in front of one the city’s most prestigious (and pricey) locations, One at Palm Jumeirah by Dorchester Collection, but as the concept is being devised and managed by Mine & Yours Group, we have high hopes of it being absolutely spectacular when it launches.
Maison La Plage, Palm West Beach
Apparently there are no other places to build beach clubs, as this is yet another addition to the already well-stocked location. Created by homegrown Dubai company Fundamental Hospitality, this beachclub slash eatery is also inspired by the South of France (there’s a definite theme here). Expect culinary adventures from the Med, as the cuisine is headed up by chef Izu Ani.
Sirene Beach by Gaia, La Mer
DIFC restaurant Gaia has been one of the city’s most popular haunts for many years, and now the founders are introducing Sirene Beach by Gaia, described as ‘coastal evolution of Dubai’s home-grown, Greek-Mediterranean concept, Gaia.’ Operated by the ubiquitous Bulldozer Group, popular chef, Izu Ani, will once again steer the culinary direction with his signature style of dishes – perfectly suited for barefoot luxury dining. Expect modern furnishings, lashings of style, and an elegant yet high energy entertainment selection when it opens later this year.
Tapasake, One&Only Za’abeel
Tapasake is already most notably prominent in the Maldives and Montenegro, and homegrown by the One&Only themselves, their refined experience brings intriguing Nikkei dining to you at the poolside. Situated on The Link it also offers access to the UAE’s longest infinity pool. Guests can indulge in the stunning sights and sounds, Peruvian-Japanese fare, whilst reclining in lush cabanas.
W Beach Club, Mina Seyahi
Mina Seyahi is working on a brand spanking new outlet called W Beach Club. Set amongst an already thriving music and drinking scene, the latest offering will be set over 8,000 square metres and transform the original Horizon pool into an ultimate beach destination, including a 50-metre-long pool and private beach. You can check it out near the end of 2023.
