Dubai's Best Beach Clubs

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Dubai's Best Beach Clubs

8 Nov 2024

Photo: Gigi Rigolatto Dubai

Dubai’s intense work weeks, filled with meetings and deadlines, make weekends feel like mini-vacations with plenty of sun, pools in every building, and sunscreen as a must. And nothing enhances that weekend vibe like a relaxing day at the beach. But here is the thing: the perfect beach is not the one that is crowded with towels and long lines for changing rooms; quite the opposite — it is the place with soft white sand, great food, and freshly laid-out towels, so you can simply relax and enjoy. That is where Dubai’s beach clubs come in.

Beach clubs are getting a lot of popularity in the UAE. Every spot tries to create its own unique feature to stand out and attract guests.

The team at Sandy Times has their own favorites — places that, beyond comfortable sunbeds and easy beach access, have something extra to offer. Here are they:

Gigi Rigolatto

This place is like a mini Italy in the middle of Dubai — with lace umbrellas, a lot of greenery, red-striped towels, and yellow lemons.

Besides the beach club, Gigi also has a restaurant right by the beach with two spacious terraces that together can host more than 300 guests. Despite the Italian vibe, the space is roomy enough so it never feels crowded. The restaurant serves incredible Italian dishes, and their most famous one is the crab. (Trust me, if you order it, it will be the star of your photos — not only because it is delicious, but also because of the serving, which is amazing). Even though the whole place has an Italian vibe, Gigi also offers French, Spanish, Japanese, and Middle Eastern dishes, so there is something for everyone. The staff is really friendly, and for me, that is key to fully disconnecting from everyday stress.

When it comes to the beach club, you can choose your sunbed by the pool or by the sea— whatever suits your vibe best. Just a little tip: it is abetter to book your spot in advance, as Gigi is already on many Dubai residents’ must-visit lists!

Photos: Gigi Rigolatto Dubai

Nikki Beach

If Gigi Beach Club feels like a slice of Italy, then Nikki Beach has a Greek vibe, with its classic white and blue decor.

One thing that really stands out is how clean the beach is with its white sand and crystal-clear water. The sunbeds are spaced well apart, creating a nice sense of privacy, so it almost feels like you have the whole beach to yourself. In addition to the beach, there are two pools and a jacuzzi (the jacuzzi might not be top of mind during the day, but in the evening, especially near the sea, it is perfect as the temperature cools down a bit).

The food is light and delicious, mostly consisting of salads and easy-to-eat bites like Caesar salad, Carpaccio, or BBQ bites — perfect for enjoying right from your sun bed. But if you would rather sit at a table, there is also a nice cafe just behind the beach area.

Instagram: @nikkibeachdubai

Casa Amor

This is the place everyone has been waiting for! If you are into a bit of a grunge vibe, Casa de Amor is definitely for you. Since I am comparing the places to vibes from different countries, I would say this spot offers the perfect mix of Latin America (and not just because of their delicious tacos). What really enhances that vibe is the music! During the day, it plays softly in the background, creating a relaxed atmosphere. But after sunset, it shifts to a party vibe, and it might even tempt you to dance a little.

The menu is varied, offering a little bit of everything, though the focus is on Southern French cuisine. I recommend coming with friends, as the dishes are perfect for sharing.

And the last thing that makes this place truly unique is its style! It is relaxed, free, and creative with a mix of wood, natural textures, casual touches, and pops of red accents.

Instagram: @casaamordubai

Beach by FIVE

What makes this spot unique is the beach gym — perfect for those who cannot just lie down and relax under the sun and need some activity to truly unwind. The workout space is right behind the sun beds, so if you are here just to chill, it is better to choose a spot closer to the sea.

The place brands itself as beach clubs with the most Instagramable beach gym, and for good reason — palm trees, a white wooden stage, all types of workout equipment, and white sand all around! The music is lively too, ensuring you will feel the urge to join in on the active side of the beach. By the way, for music lovers, Beach by FIVE also creates playlists on their website, so you can use them for your own personal workouts. There are also calmer activities available, for example, sunset yoga sessions.

BCH:CLB

This place stands out from the others with its completely unique visual vibe. While the previous spots might remind you of the atmosphere of a specific country, this one is something else entirely. The design looks like colorful jellies and cotton candy. The furniture is arranged in a weird way — some tables and chairs are even placed right in the water, so you can eat and swim (sort of) at the same time.

The beach club is divided into several zones — some sun beds seem to float in the air, while other areas feel like cubes, even lower than the main pool. On Saturdays, BCH CLB usually hosts parties with well-known artists, but honestly, the party vibe is always there! So, be ready for loud music, dancing, and refreshing drinks in every color of the rainbow.

Instagram: @bchclbdxb

Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.

The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.

Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Barbara Yakimchuk